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The Gibson '50s J-45 Original acoustic-electric guitar beautifully channels the revered aesthetics and tone from the golden era of Gibson flattops. Its classic tonewood combination of a spruce top and mahogany back and sides delivers the warm, balanced sound guitarists have prized for generations. With its vintage-inspired appointments and an updated pickup system, the '50s J-45 Original captures the magic of a well-loved vintage while providing modern versatility.  

Vintage Vibe From the Golden Era

Vintage Vibe From the Golden Era  

As you take the '50s J-45 Original in your hands, you're instantly transported back to the glory days of Gibson acoustics. The nitrocellulose lacquer finish has a light antiqued patina, while the multi-ply top binding and single-ply back binding feature subtle aging for an authentic vintage look. A '50s-era tortoise pickguard and cream button tuners complete the retro aesthetic, making this guitar look like it has been a loyal stage companion for decades. Yet the pristine construction and playability reveal it's a brand-new instrument.  

Warm, Balanced Tone From Beloved Tonewoods

Warm, Balanced Tone From Beloved Tonewoods  

The '50s J-45 Original's solid Sitka spruce top provides plenty of headroom and articulation, allowing each note to ring out clearly. Its solid, select mahogany back and sides impart a rich, resonant warmth that flatters any genre. This classic tonewood pairing has been the backbone of iconic Gibson acoustics for nearly a century, delivering a versatile, well-balanced tone that feels immediately familiar. Whether you're fingerpicking delicate melodies or strumming rhythmically, the '50s J-45 Original responds with a sweet, harmonically-rich timbre.  

Effortless Playability With a Vintage-Style Neck

Effortless Playability With a Vintage-Style Neck  

The '50s J-45 Original serves up a playing experience as inspiring as its vintage-infused tone and aesthetic. Its slim taper mahogany neck with a hand-friendly '50s-style profile feels fast and comfortable in the fretting hand. The rosewood fingerboard's rolled edges enhance the silky playability. Vintage tall frets let your strings ring out clearly when bending. Whether crafting intricate fingerstyle passages or strumming first-position chords, the '50s J-45 Original plays as good as it sounds.  

Plug and Play With Natural-Sounding Amplified Tone

Plug and Play With Natural-Sounding Amplified Tone  

Thanks to its integrated LR Baggs VTC pickup system, the '50s J-45 Original sounds as organic plugged in as it does acoustic. This premium under-saddle transducer captures every nuance of the guitar's resonance so you can run directly into a PA or acoustic amp without losing the woody richness of an unamplified Gibson. Feedback-fighting technology ensures your plugged-in tones remain clear even at high volumes. With the VTC system, you can share the '50s J-45 Original's vintage-inspired magic in any environment.  

Recapture the vibe of a cherished golden-era Gibson flattop with the '50s J-45 Original. With its premium construction, vintage-correct appointments and modern pickup, this acoustic-electric transports you back to the heyday of iconic Gibson tone. Let the '50s J-45 Original inspire you with its timeless sound and style.  

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides
  • Round mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard
  • LR Baggs VTC pickup
  • Grover Strap tuning machines with cream buttons, tradtional belly up bridge, nickel plating

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Top wood: Sitka spruce
  • Back & sides: Mahogany
Neck
  • Neck shape: Round
  • Nut width: 1.725"
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood
  • Neck wood: Mahogany
  • Scale length: 24.75"
  • Number of frets: 20
  • Saddle & nut: Bone
Electronics
  • Pickup/preamp: LR Baggs VTC
Other
  • Tuning machines: Grover Strap with cream buttons
  • Orientation: Right Handed
  • Number of strings: 6-string

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