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Thanks - that pretty much nails this guitar. Headed over to GC and played two J45-Standards; 1969 is holding up so far. I didn't have them side-by-side, but still I didn't feel like it was giving up a lot in play-ability or sound... further into the rabbit hole... guess I will have to find out more about the pricing on the vintage... 1969 J45 -- dream guitars... Both sound kinda sweet to me...

1/ Surprises me it is loud - good for you, I guess. It's all relative. I had never played a Gibson prior. Remember it doesn't have the original bridge - it's got a big piece of bone in there... The reason it caught my attention was the volume. It sounds very 'bold' and 'forward' to me... but I am no expert. I have to go find another J45 for comparison...

Additional wrinkle. Could there be bracing differences WITHIN the 1969 year of manufacturing? Here is a link to an advert suggesting some Square Shoulder have different bracing than others? Is this just marketing? "1969 Gibson J-45 Very early Square Shoulder Version Same bridge, bracing and specs as '69 Round Shoulder" 1969 J45 Square Shoulder, $1875.

So sounds like there was some bracing change starting in 1968. And then more in 1970 and later? Is there a more detailed discussion of bracing somewhere? Is the move from shorter to longer scale generally consider positive or negative? Any thoughts on the big saddle versus a wood plug and smaller/typical saddle (as a replacement for the adjustible)? Thanks for all the comments, i am learning a lot.

So is the 9101XX serial number of no value a putting it at early 1968? The missing 'Made in America' is also confusing for 1969. But I understand there are inconsistencies... Here is what I read: 897000 to 898999 1967 or 1969 899000 to 899999 1968 900000 to 901999 1970 910000 to 999999 1968

This has been helpful. The good news is I think the '69 sounds pretty damn good - but I have very limited experience with J45's. If the earlier 60's and Post 80's sound even better then it will be fun to check out more versions! Will go check out some more locally and report back. Good times.

Fair point.. More correct to say whatever year has to be good value for it's year. A $500 '69 might make more sense than a $5,000 1962. But fair point.

Thanks so much for the reply. No volute. What is the last year of the 'good bracing' that is not accompanied by an overly thin neck? I am over 6' with properly proportioned hands, so thicker is better within reason. Do you have to get to 61-62 to get thick neck, thin braces? Yes it is local to me, I can see it whenever I want, just need to know what I am looking at - which is why I asked for possible sites with images for comparison. Thanks again. And the pricing tips are helpful and in line with my initial reaction. I know it should be at the lower end of the range versus, for example here is an earlier one on Reverb now... 1961 J-45, $3500.. But if the 1961 is going to keep going up in value, rather pay up now and have a better long-term "investment", especially if that comes with noticeable better sound.

New to the Gibson world so a bit of help appreciated. I have come across a J45 that is very interesting. After reading around the web, I have the following information: Argument for being 1969: > Square shoulder > Belly "down" bridge Argument for being a 1968: > Serial number is marked as early 1968 - 9101XX > "Made in America" is missing from the headstock Other miscellaneous > No label inside sound hole, no other markings I can find inside the guitar, but I may need help knowing where to look. > "Inlaid" modern Gibson headstock > "j-45" inscribed on TRC > Tear-drop pick guard > Tuners look original and work well-enough. > I think it is long-scale, but I am not exactly sure how to measure that. > Adjustable bridge replaced with a BIG bone saddle rather than wood fill and small saddle - anything wrong with that approach? > Old case is trashed and probably not original Looks exactly like this guitar Reverb Gibson J45 - except for Cherry burst versus whatever this one has. Reverb guitar serial number is 9088XX as near as I can tell. This guitar is labelled a 1969. Guitar plays great. Compared to the Martins (016NY), Guilds (D35, D50, Orpheum), Taylors (410CE) I have played is it VERY loud and clear with a distinct voice. Overall condition is very good - a few small nicks here and there, only one that is through the finish as seen in the picture. No cracks that I have found, need to check more closely and check for loose braces. Neck set seem great with lots of saddle left for future adjustment. Based on sound alone, I am pretty interested. Neck is a bit thin, but not terrible. Based on some web site I saw, it looks like 3000+/- of these were made; it doesn't seem like a *rare* guitar. Here are my questions: 1) Any way to confirm which year it is or is this just part of the loose record-keeping at Gibson? 2) Compared to early in the 1960's there are changes to the bracing in 1968 or 1969 that made the guitar less desirable. Since I have a sample size of one, would I be better off pursuing a earlier example? 3) Looks like the price range is $1500-$2500 for these guitars. I also see earlier guitars overlapping the higher end of the range, so a mid-60's could be available in the same price range? 4) What is the burst color called. Presume it is tobacco? Not cherry for sure. 5) Is the bridge original. I originally thought no, but after looking at lots of J45's on the web, it looks like maybe yes. 6) Is there a online site to show the differences in bracing between 1968-69 if there is a change? I am not very concerned about collectibility, but I do want to try to be able to sell in a few years if necessary near the price where I bought presuming I maintain/improve the condition of the guitar. Thoughts??? IMG_4168 by JW, on Flickr