Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)

Play a piece of history when you pick up a Gibson J-45 Standard. This workhorse dreadnought acoustic delivers great tone with an LR Baggs Element pickup.

Overall User Ratings (based on 10 ratings)
  • Overall:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(10) (see rating details)
Submitted October 16, 2013 by Nick F in Asheville, NC

"Great guitar!!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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First off, when you open the case its like Christmas every time you look at the guitar. Excellent tone and when you drop it down it really starts to sound good. I would recommend taking it and getting it professionally setup. The action is a little high right out of the box. Also I was disappointed that the nut is plastic. For the money, you would think it would be a bone nut. Same for the pins, they are plastic. The finish is beautiful and has the wow factor. However, if you don't want to see finger prints, every little fine scratch, or are just OCD, this is probably not the finish you want. Other than that I would recommend this to anyone if you are wanting a very playable guitar that has a great tone. I've played several Martin and Taylor guitars before purchasing my J45 and you could not get me to switch to anything else other than another Gibson.

Musical Background:

Freelance

Musical Style:

rock, country,
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Submitted March 7, 2012 by a customer from yahoo.com

"Purely Amazing"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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This is the one guitar to rule all guitars its that simple. If you are one of those people that say you can get the same tone from a 100 Ibanez you obviously need to stop playing music all together.
Sound
In standard tuning this beauty is stellar. Nice warmth and mids. Drop it in D and its a tone Beast! Dark sonorous tones come out!
Features
The wood that is used and the under saddle pickup placement makes this guitar just progressively sound better with age since there is no cut into the wood for a preamp. It is kind of a chore to have to back off the strings to get to the battery and the lack of a second strap button but seriously thats it.
Ease of Use
There is no learning curve. Although just being the type of person i am i didnt go after this guitar until i thought i deserved to play it. This guitar will bring out the best in someone. the neck is chunky and smooth. The only surprise i had was how light it was. A very head heavy guitar.
Quality
Its a Gibson made product. For all the reviews ive read and people being a little down on the quality coming out of the factory these days i didnt see one cosmetic thing wrong with it.
Value
Well i hold three guitars in the highest standards and this is one of them. The price is a bit much but to be honest but it is one of the best guitars going and well worth it as this shoud be the only guitar you will ever have to own.
Manufacturer Support
I havent ever had to deal with them.
The Wow Factor
When you open the case for the first time and see it thats WOW factor enough really. The gloss on this guitar looks like a mirror. Like your looking into a still lake and seeing your reflection back. Plus the added padded blue case that it comes in just makes for an all around remarkable product.

Musical Background:

been playing for 7 years.

Musical Style:

Rock, Country
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Submitted September 18, 2014 by Adam M in St. Louis, MO

"Gorgeous Guitar"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I was hesitant to buy a $2000 guitar, but I had been wanting the J45 for a long time so I took the plunge. Very happy that I did. Opening up the case for the first time was great. The guitar is truly a masterpiece. I've never seen a guitar that was so beautiful and well crafted. The sunburst, mahogany, rosewood and the finish are truly something to see. It also fits perfectly in the case that's lined with a blue velvet that makes it look even more professional. Sounds just like a $2000 guitar should; excellent. Only problem is with on such a pricey guitar they used plastic for the head nut instead of bone. Beside that, it's wonderful.
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Submitted July 25, 2013 by dan herring in lenoir, NC

"J 45 GIBSON"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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this is the best gibson i have ever bought myself, ive played martins and wow when i open the box took it out it was so nice with the sound and playing it was just great and there payment plans you cant beat, i would buy from them all the time from now on,i give it a 5 stars the only thing i found wrong with this amount for it i belive it should have had bone head nut and bridge instead if plastic but besides this nothing wrong its a great work house

Musical Background:

i been playing for 44 years guitar

Musical Style:

i play christain music and sometimes pick other like bluegrass
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Submitted March 8, 2012 by Christopher Munro in Taylor, MI

"The Tone Search is Over !!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I love this guitar ! I was debating on whether to spend such a large amount on a guitar but this was MORE THAN WORTH IT!! I have owned several lower end Taylors, Martins, Breedloves, and also a couple $2000 level guitars of these brands but nothing compared to this !! Great for strumming, finger-picking, any style. The look is stunning and craftsmanship second to none. I definitely see why they call it the Workhorse. I don't see needing another acoustic !!

Musical Background:

7 years. I play guitar and sing. Play weekly as a worship leader at church.

Musical Style:

I play Contemporary Christian, Acoustic rock, etc.
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Submitted June 19, 2013 by Kenny D in Phenix City, AL

"Gibson J-45 Wine Red"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Awesome looking and playing guitar...fantastic sound right out of the box...I own 3 acoustic guitars including a Martin...This guitar is the easily the best playing and best sounding of the 3 ....I cant imagine how good it will sound as it ages...

Musical Background:

I have been playing for 30 yearts...Acoustic Guitar only right now......a little of both....work a Gig now and then..Jam regular

Musical Style:

Blues...Classic rock...Country....Folk...Classic R & B
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Submitted April 16, 2014 by E T in atlanta, GA

"Dream Gutar"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I swear I think this is the best sounding guitar I have ever heard. Maybe just because it costs triple what any other guitar I've owned cost but I love this guitar. The Value rating is only because it is hard to call a $2000 guitar a value.

Musical Background:

30 years off and on

Musical Style:

Rock, country, folk
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Submitted May 25, 2012 by Bob Hardison in Columbia, TN

"I like the quality , sound and features"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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This guitar has the Gibson sound, loud and clear with full tone. I've oinly had my J45 about 2 yrs now. but I enjoy playing it so much.

Musical Background:

I've played as lead guitarist for 60 years. Retired now at 80. I have about 15 guitars.

Musical Style:

Mostly country, but for about 7 yrs. played the older popular type like Lawrence Welk, Perry Coma type. Mostly with my Gibson LP
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Submitted March 19, 2014 by Coy W in Weatherford, OK

"Gibson J-45"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Great

Musical Background:

Just a jammer at the moment

Musical Style:

Rock. Blues. Country
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Submitted April 5, 2010

"Legendary guitar, legendary tone."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I trade guitars often, I plan on hanging on to this one. A good guitar only gets better, and this is one that is a keeper.
Sound
Deep, sonorous sound, a low growl, beautiful sustain. The highs are somewhat subtle. It is great to sing with. Finger picking and flat picking, this guitar can do it all.
Features
The only gripe I have is the cheap plastic bridge pins, and the tusq saddle. I would think a high end guitar deserves bone nut and saddles and ebony bridge pins. Beautiful finish, great sunburst, and the Gotoh tuners are smoothe as glass. The rolled fingerboard edges and set up were great, the guitar intonated correctly. A very well built guitar.
Quality
This guitar is made very well made, the finish is great. All seems are clean, no glue showing, kerfing is cut clean. There are many examples of old J45's out there, I expect this one to last my lifetime, and that's all I care about. Good guitars are tools and friends, and are good on the road and on the porch. I use mine for everything. Take care of it and its gonna last.
Value
I think you get a little more guitar than with MArtins at similar prices, in my opinion.
Manufacturer Support
Yes, their warranty leaves a little to be desired, I have dealt with Collings guitars and am spoiled by their perfect cutomer service. Gibson is a little beauracratic.
The Wow Factor
On stage this guitar has that cool mojo. Ray Willie Hubbard and a lot of other cool artists that I admire use these. It does have a real coolness about it, looks great under the stage lights.

Musical Background:

Active gigging musician

Musical Style:

Americana
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