1944 Gibson “Banner” J-45 – All-Mahogany – Fully Restored
Up for sale is a rare 1944 Gibson J-45 “Banner” model featuring an all-mahogany top and body—an uncommon and highly desirable wartime configuration.
This instrument has undergone a comprehensive, professional restoration to bring it back to excellent playing condition while preserving its vintage character.
Work completed includes:
Complete refinish in period-correct shaded nitrocellulose lacquer (tastefully aged)
Multiple top cracks professionally repaired and cleated
Lower section of X-brace re-glued
New, accurately sized maple bridge plate installed
Back bracing cleaned and re-glued
New maple center spine (original was damaged beyond repair)
Neck reset to correct geometry
Full refret
New bone nut and saddle
Replacement Brazilian rosewood bridge (period-correct style)
The guitar retains its original tuners and comes with its original hardshell case.
Condition:
As expected for an instrument of this age, there are various cosmetic imperfections—nicks, dings, and surface wear throughout. These do not affect playability or tone.
Tone & Playability:
This J-45 plays beautifully with excellent action and delivers a rich, warm, and responsive tone—truly what you’d hope for from a well-sorted Banner-era Gibson.
Notes:
The guitar was previously stripped and in poor condition, which necessitated the refinish and structural work.
All restoration has been carried out with respect to vintage specifications and materials.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or for additional photos.
1944 Gibson “Banner” J-45 – All-Mahogany – Fully Restored
Up for sale is a rare 1944 Gibson J-45 “Banner” model featuring an all-mahogany top and body—an uncommon and highly desirable wartime configuration.
This instrument has undergone a comprehensive, professional restoration to bring it back to excellent playing condition while preserving its vintage character.
Work completed includes:
Complete refinish in period-correct shaded nitrocellulose lacquer (tastefully aged)
Multiple top cracks professionally repaired and cleated
Lower section of X-brace re-glued
New, accurately sized maple bridge plate installed
Back bracing cleaned and re-glued
New maple center spine (original was damaged beyond repair)
Neck reset to correct geometry
Full refret
New bone nut and saddle
Replacement Brazilian rosewood bridge (period-correct style)
The guitar retains its original tuners and comes with its original hardshell case.
Condition:
As expected for an instrument of this age, there are various cosmetic imperfections—nicks, dings, and surface wear throughout. These do not affect playability or tone.
Tone & Playability:
This J-45 plays beautifully with excellent action and delivers a rich, warm, and responsive tone—truly what you’d hope for from a well-sorted Banner-era Gibson.
Notes:
The guitar was previously stripped and in poor condition, which necessitated the refinish and structural work.
All restoration has been carried out with respect to vintage specifications and materials.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or for additional photos.
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