Gibson 1955 J-45 Light Aged Vintage Sunburst

Gibson 1955 J-45 Light Aged Vintage Sunburst

The rebirth of “The Workhorse”

The Gibson 1955 J-45 Light Aged Vintage Sunburst is a masterfully crafted recreation of the iconic model from 1955 — the year Gibson extended the fingerboard to 20 frets and introduced the larger 1950s-style pickguard. Handbuilt by Gibson Custom Shop luthiers in Bozeman, Montana, it embodies the sound and spirit of Gibson’s Golden Era.

Construction and materials

Featuring a round-shouldered mahogany body and a thermally aged Sitka spruce top with traditional hide-glued X-bracing, this J-45 delivers a rich, balanced tone with mature warmth and excellent projection. Multi-ply top binding and single-ply back binding replicate the original vintage detailing.

Neck and playability

The mahogany neck has a comfortable Round profile and a rosewood fingerboard with 20 frets and mother-of-pearl dot inlays. A compound dovetail neck joint, set with hide glue, ensures strength and resonance, while the 24.75" scale offers classic J-45 feel.

Hardware and finish

Equipped with Grover Strap tuners with cream buttons, a rosewood belly-up bridge, and bone nut, saddle, and pins. The Murphy Lab Light Aged finish gives the instrument a naturally worn look and the feel of a well-preserved 1950s original. Includes a period-correct Lifton™ hardshell case.

Specifications:

• Body shape: J-45 (Round Shoulder)

• Top: Thermally aged Sitka spruce

• Back & sides: Mahogany

• Neck: Mahogany, Round profile

• Fingerboard: Rosewood

• Scale length: 24.75" / 628.65 mm

• Frets: 20

• Nut width: 1.725" / 43.8 mm (bone)

• Inlays: Mother-of-pearl dots

• Bridge: Belly-up, rosewood

• Tuners: Grover Strap, cream buttons

• Finish: Vintage Sunburst, Murphy Lab Light Aged

• Case: Lifton 1950s-style hardshell