(SOLD) Gibson 100th Anniversary J-45 Western Sunburst 1994
Gibson 100th Anniversary J-45, sunburst, made in Montana USA 1994. Oh boy, this is really something special. This was released to commemorate a century since the launch of the Gibson brand in 1894... that's a long time! The J-45 launched in 1942 and was soon after dubbed 'The Workhorse': it's easy to understand why; not many guitars strum all night like this one. There's some clouding from exposure to humidity on the headstock and a bunch of checking lines (yum) all over the body, but this is in superb shape for a 26 year old guitar. No headstock breaks, the bridge is firmly attached, the top is flat, there's margin in the truss rod and break angle over the saddle... it ticks all the boxes. The spruce on show under the burst finish features some superb tight grain; it's a gorgeous piece of timber and the aged burst finish makes it pop just right. Tone wise: oh heck, it rules. This is a bright and chiming take on the J-45; it has a sweet definition and sparkle through the top end that lends your notes plenty of pop. The low end is equally satisfying: perfectly balanced, warm and round... there's a thick, juicy fullness that makes all your chords sound magic. It's one of those guitars that you love more and more with each minute it's in your hands. These are hard to get in Australia, even brand new, so scoring a super limited anniversary model for a very reasonable coin is surely a huge win. Basically: you will love it, and one day, your children's children will love it.
Model: Gibson J-45 Western
Made: 1994, Montana USA (serial 92344020)
Finish: vintage sunburst, gloss nitro
Body: solid sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fingerboard, compound dovetail joint, 24.75" scale, 12" radius
Weight: 2.050kg
Mods: rosewood bridge pins installed
Pickup: none
Case: Gibson deluxe choc brown hardcase with purple lining
Bonus: original manual and warranty cards
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some clouding around the low E peg from exposure to humidity, some checking lines on the front and a minor chip on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor scuffs on the back only. The back has some light scuffs around the outside edge, no major marks. The sides are pretty clean, no major marks save for a couple of dimples on the elbow area. The front is nice and clean, just a dimple or two around the back edge, near the guard and on the top shoulder and some play wear on the guard and shoulders. Overall: very good condition (8/10).
Playing condition notes: Low action, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets look nice and even and in pretty good shape, 8/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 13/56 Moonshiners strings.