Gibson 1962 J-45, made in USA 1999, vintage sunburst. This is an extraordinary guitar. These '62 style J-45s were made briefly in 1999, and to the best of my knowledge, they were sold exclusively to the Japanese market. This model pre-dates the Historic Collection line by a few years, but that series has also been discontinued, so there's not really a current new equivalent outside the Custom Shop category. There's a couple of cosmetic differences from the regular J-45: gold screened logo, larger 60s style pickguard, slightly different bridge shape. It's also got a slightly slimmer neck than other J-45s we've had through, although calling it a skinny neck would be a bit of a stretch; it's a nice comfy profile though, that's for sure. This is 10-20% lighter in weight than most J-45s, and aside from being marginally kinder to your shoulders, that makes a big difference to the tone. This has an enormous, expansive, exceptional bass response... it's such a pleasure to strum big open chords on, everything just sounds so full, fat, and lush. There's plenty of snap and definition through the top end to lend some clarity as well as that gooey, gorgeous mahogany midrange that seems to bond all the notes of your chords together into a satisfying integrous whole. It very much sounds like a 'played in' guitar, which makes a world of difference in high-end all solid acoustics in general, but especially on these as they really need many hours of play on the clock before the tone really opens up. The vintage sunburst on the top is all kinds of awesome, it's got some checking lines and mild play wear to add some streetsmart-style on top of the old world charm. The original case is in good shape and makes for a handy bonus. It'll make a lovely daily player and new family heirloom.

Model: Gibson 1962 J-45
Made: 1999, Montana USA (serial 92059041)
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: 1.890kg
Mods: bridge pins, saddle and nut replaced, locking tuners installed
Pickup: none
Case: Gibson deluxe hardcase

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck has a decent burn mark from a long term relationship with a non-nitro-friendly stand up near the neck joint, so you don't really feel it as it's out of the way. Otherwise, the neck is clean and smooth with minor dimples only. The back has widespread minor dimples and light scuffs, no major marks. The sides have light scuffs and rub wear around the whole body, no major marks. The front has dimples around the whole outside edge, checking lines along the top and scuffs and play wear on the guard and shoulders, again, nothing nasty. Overall: good condition (7/10).

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 12/54 Moonshiners strings.