Gibson J-45 Deluxe Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1995)
Gibson J-45 Deluxe Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1995), made in Bozeman, Montana, serial # 90035019, sunburst finish, Indian rosewood back and sides, spruce top; laminated mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This early 1995 Gibson J-45 Deluxe was a special Bozeman, Montana shop model built as part of the commemoration of 100 years of Gibson (they used 1894 as a start date). Special features of this model include beautifully figured Indian rosewood back and sides, a major departure from the model's traditional mahogany construction. The Martin-like abalone rosette and top purfling really stand out against the dark sunburst top, giving the guitar a very flashy and somewhat unique look. The back is triple bound and finished in natural to highlight the rosewood grain.
The guitar is further adorned with Bela Voce banjo-style shaped pearl inlay on the multi-bound rosewood fingerboard, with a multi-bound larger headstock sporting a pearl Gibson logo and engraved pearl "Only a Gibson is good enough" banner. The fairly slim laminated neck has more of a "V" profile than most Gibsons since the late 1930s, an interesting if slightly quixotic design choice as this was never a J-45 feature. The tuners are Gold Grovers. The scale is the standard Gibson 24 3/4" with a 1 11/16" nut; the rosewood belly bridge is similar to the early post-WWII SJ pattern.
This guitar first appeared on Gibson's price list in 1994 retailing at a stiff $2,999. The price jumped to $3,199.00 in 1995; here are no further listings after that though a some stragglers continued to ship later. This somewhat unusual guitar is sort of like a J-45 mated with a Martin D-41, a very deluxe instrument and very nice showcase for the design and craftsmanship of Gibson's Bozeman, Montana operation. It has a unique sound: a little Gibson, a little Martin, powerful but smooth and a very striking look that sets it apart from just about any other flat top.
Overall length is 41 in. (104.1 cm.), 16 3/16 in. (41.1 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 5/8 in. (11.7 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
This is a relatively clean guitar overall, just about 30 years old showing some play time with light wear and some age-oriented finish marks. There are scattered random dings and dents to the top, back and sides but no heavy wear. The center laminate on the neck has shrunken up just a bit, with some light flaking to the finish in a couple of spots. This is more pronounced on the backstrip, where there is more noticeable flaking along the center line.
A simple contact pickup has been attached under the bridgeplate, wired to an endpin jack. There is a gold Gibson strap button on the heelcap, likely added as well. There are no other repairs or alterations. The guitar plays very well with a fairly low action for a jumbo and has a smooth, versatile sound. It includes the original hardshell case. Excellent - Condition.
This early 1995 Gibson J-45 Deluxe was a special Bozeman, Montana shop model built as part of the commemoration of 100 years of Gibson (they used 1894 as a start date). Special features of this model include beautifully figured Indian rosewood back and sides, a major departure from the model's traditional mahogany construction. The Martin-like abalone rosette and top purfling really stand out against the dark sunburst top, giving the guitar a very flashy and somewhat unique look. The back is triple bound and finished in natural to highlight the rosewood grain.
The guitar is further adorned with Bela Voce banjo-style shaped pearl inlay on the multi-bound rosewood fingerboard, with a multi-bound larger headstock sporting a pearl Gibson logo and engraved pearl "Only a Gibson is good enough" banner. The fairly slim laminated neck has more of a "V" profile than most Gibsons since the late 1930s, an interesting if slightly quixotic design choice as this was never a J-45 feature. The tuners are Gold Grovers. The scale is the standard Gibson 24 3/4" with a 1 11/16" nut; the rosewood belly bridge is similar to the early post-WWII SJ pattern.
This guitar first appeared on Gibson's price list in 1994 retailing at a stiff $2,999. The price jumped to $3,199.00 in 1995; here are no further listings after that though a some stragglers continued to ship later. This somewhat unusual guitar is sort of like a J-45 mated with a Martin D-41, a very deluxe instrument and very nice showcase for the design and craftsmanship of Gibson's Bozeman, Montana operation. It has a unique sound: a little Gibson, a little Martin, powerful but smooth and a very striking look that sets it apart from just about any other flat top.
Overall length is 41 in. (104.1 cm.), 16 3/16 in. (41.1 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 5/8 in. (11.7 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
This is a relatively clean guitar overall, just about 30 years old showing some play time with light wear and some age-oriented finish marks. There are scattered random dings and dents to the top, back and sides but no heavy wear. The center laminate on the neck has shrunken up just a bit, with some light flaking to the finish in a couple of spots. This is more pronounced on the backstrip, where there is more noticeable flaking along the center line.
A simple contact pickup has been attached under the bridgeplate, wired to an endpin jack. There is a gold Gibson strap button on the heelcap, likely added as well. There are no other repairs or alterations. The guitar plays very well with a fairly low action for a jumbo and has a smooth, versatile sound. It includes the original hardshell case. Excellent - Condition.