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