Dave F Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 I picked this up on eBay tonight. http://www.ebay.com/...cvip=true&rt=nc What do you think? Was hard to pass up for the price with the Calton Case and 14-day return. I did see the possible 20% restock fee. I will look it over good and then get it to the luthier I use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dash_Starkiller Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 Wow that seema like a great price for a first year 45. And it's very clean. I always thought those were more in the 10k range? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave F Posted June 2, 2017 Author Share Posted June 2, 2017 They are not really guitar people. They did not list it in the Vintage section and the title may mislead you to think it's one of the modern versions. I've seen basket cases go for that. I'll see. I always feel comfortable using eBay and PayPal in case things are not right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dash_Starkiller Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 They are not really guitar people. They did not list it in the Vintage section and the title may mislead you to think it's one of the modern versions. I've seen basket cases go for that. I'll see. I always feel comfortable using eBay and PayPal in case things are not right. Good on you for snatching it. I am a paypal fan. They have always treated me well with any return or reimbursment issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldCowboy Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 Nice find! 👍👍👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blindboygrunt Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 Wasn't it rod stewart who said 'some guys have all the luck' You lucky bast .... Er I mean , good for you ! Hope we all get to hear it when you get it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
62burst Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 However this turns out, it'll be a great opportunity for you to hear if the contribution to tone of 75 year old wood and cured glue is stronger than the effect of any overspray or repairs under the hood. Let us know if it's the original neck carve; also- that's what a guitar that's had a previous neck set should be expected to look like- lucky you, it's got a truss rod. Divot-free gumwood fretboard looks real nice, pickguard very cool, too. Will be awaiting your report- hopefully, with some natural light photos. And since dreamin' is free, that requested sound clip would always be appreciated ; ). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedzep Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 Yo Dave! Didn't know you were rollin' like that. I'm happy for you. No break-in period, too. Now you get to stare out at the driveway waiting for the truck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lars68 Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 That appears to be a real steal. Congratulations! I'm not so sure the guitar is a 42' though. I have a 1942 J-45 myself (FON is clearly readable so it is easy to date). When I bought it in 2011, I had Willi Henkes of Antique Acoustics do the repairs. I remember him telling me that the early J-45s are distinguished by fancier rosettes and top bindings, as well as a thin center backstrips. He also said they are a little more lightly built than later versions (a feature not easy to distinguish, of course). A mahogany neck with trussrod, as well as a tortoise guard, are also signs of early guitars. With Gibson, of course, anything goes, but to be a little more sure about the year of your guitar, you can compare its features to other J-45s from the period on Willi's Banner registry site here: http://www.bannergibsons.com/html-registry.html For example, here are some good pictures of the backstrip (and a partial rosette picture). http://www.bannergibsons.com/7721H-2J-45MarcWignall.html Can you read the FON on yours? Maybe it is on the registry site already, if not I'm sure Willi would like you to drop him an e-mail... No matter what year your guitar is, it looks like a gem! Please tell us more when you have it in hand. Lars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorrisrownSal Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 What's that square plug near the bridge plate on the inside? And good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 Wow. I like it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave F Posted June 3, 2017 Author Share Posted June 3, 2017 What's that square plug near the bridge plate on the inside? And good luck! Gotta love those old school cleats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly campbell Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 Nice, Congratulations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly campbell Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 Nice, Congratulations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 333 Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 Good on you, Dave F. I hope she plays and sounds great and you enjoy it for years to come. Red 333 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin 1940D28 Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 Nice guitar, seems like a great buy, a steal. Has the right pick guard. Should you decide to return it, please let us know why. It really looks good after I found the listing. I thought those days on E bay were gone forever. Lucky you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave F Posted June 7, 2017 Author Share Posted June 7, 2017 I picked up the guitar late last night. Here's my first impression Calton case is in perfect condition All the cracks were shown in the sellers pictures and all were cleated and seemed secure It had been oversprayed everywhere. Black light showed it was nitrocellulose. The neck had been carved down and was very comfortable. Some hairline cracks in the headstock. No FON number tends to make me think it's a '44 or '45 The guitar is playable but needing a neck reset Neck is straight. Frets look like new. Fret board has been planed and looks good. Older strings but did a sound comparison to a newer SJ and a J45 Legend. It definitely was louder and the bass notes were a lot clearer. Off to the luthier this weekend for a second opinion and a neck reset if it stays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldCowboy Posted June 7, 2017 Share Posted June 7, 2017 That appears to be a real steal. Congratulations! I'm not so sure the guitar is a 42' though. I have a 1942 J-45 myself (FON is clearly readable so it is easy to date). When I bought it in 2011, I had Willi Henkes of Antique Acoustics do the repairs. I remember him telling me that the early J-45s are distinguished by fancier rosettes and top bindings, as well as a thin center backstrips. He also said they are a little more lightly built than later versions (a feature not easy to distinguish, of course). A mahogany neck with trussrod, as well as a tortoise guard, are also signs of early guitars. With Gibson, of course, anything goes, but to be a little more sure about the year of your guitar, you can compare its features to other J-45s from the period on Willi's Banner registry site here: http://www.bannergibsons.com/html-registry.html For example, here are some good pictures of the backstrip (and a partial rosette picture). http://www.bannergibsons.com/7721H-2J-45MarcWignall.html Can you read the FON on yours? Maybe it is on the registry site already, if not I'm sure Willi would like you to drop him an e-mail... No matter what year your guitar is, it looks like a gem! Please tell us more when you have it in hand. Lars Comparing w/my '42, all you mention is accurate - rosette, top binding, and backstrip conform to the description, as well as the tortoise guard, hog neck, and t/r. All in all, owning ANY banner is cause for celebration! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldCowboy Posted June 7, 2017 Share Posted June 7, 2017 I picked up the guitar late last night. Here's my first impression Calton case is in perfect condition All the cracks were shown in the sellers pictures and all were cleated and seemed secure It had been oversprayed everywhere. Black light showed it was nitrocellulose. The neck had been carved down and was very comfortable. Some hairline cracks in the headstock. No FON number tends to make me think it's a '44 or '45 The guitar is playable but needing a neck reset Neck is straight. Frets look like new. Fret board has been planed and looks good. Older strings but did a sound comparison to a newer SJ and a J45 Legend. It definitely was louder and the bass notes were a lot clearer. Off to the luthier this weekend for a second opinion and a neck reset if it stays. Can hardly wait for the next installment!😁 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bayoubengal1954 Posted June 7, 2017 Share Posted June 7, 2017 I picked up the guitar late last night. Here's my first impression Calton case is in perfect condition All the cracks were shown in the sellers pictures and all were cleated and seemed secure It had been oversprayed everywhere. Black light showed it was nitrocellulose. The neck had been carved down and was very comfortable. Some hairline cracks in the headstock. No FON number tends to make me think it's a '44 or '45 The guitar is playable but needing a neck reset Neck is straight. Frets look like new. Fret board has been planed and looks good. Older strings but did a sound comparison to a newer SJ and a J45 Legend. It definitely was louder and the bass notes were a lot clearer. Off to the luthier this weekend for a second opinion and a neck reset if it stays. Yeah yuh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted June 8, 2017 Share Posted June 8, 2017 Congrats! I do agree with you and Lars that the J-45 is not a '42. The rosette gives it away. The 1942 version had a seven ply rosette. I believe '42 is the only year with that feature. But a Banner is a very special guitar. They only existed in a certain time and place. Even with the modifications, need for a neck reset and shaved neck I would say you did OK on the price. The Calton case alone sells used in the $800 range. I paid $3200 for my '42 which had lost its finish, had a replaced pickguard and bridge, a broken back brace and several others that were loose, and five open cracks in the back. About the only thing it did not need was a neck reset. Spent a year with the repair guy and set me back $900. Here is a rosette on my 1942 Banner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave F Posted June 8, 2017 Author Share Posted June 8, 2017 Here's some pictures http://s1261.photobucket.com/user/daveferrell/slideshow/Vintage%20Banner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tpbiii Posted June 8, 2017 Share Posted June 8, 2017 I picked up the guitar late last night. Here's my first impression Calton case is in perfect condition All the cracks were shown in the sellers pictures and all were cleated and seemed secure It had been oversprayed everywhere. Black light showed it was nitrocellulose. The neck had been carved down and was very comfortable. Some hairline cracks in the headstock. No FON number tends to make me think it's a '44 or '45 The guitar is playable but needing a neck reset Neck is straight. Frets look like new. Fret board has been planed and looks good. Older strings but did a sound comparison to a newer SJ and a J45 Legend. It definitely was louder and the bass notes were a lot clearer. Off to the luthier this weekend for a second opinion and a neck reset if it stays. It is probably a 43 or even a 42. The tuner placement shows an early model, but the pick guard would late in the early period -- so probably 43. Best, -Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
62burst Posted June 8, 2017 Share Posted June 8, 2017 Good photos. . but you gotta get away from the spam-laden pop up land of photobucket! Was the last pic in the panel showing some evidence of a neck block stamp? A good reminder from tpbiii about tuner placement being, what, further away from the logo on the earlier years? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lars68 Posted June 8, 2017 Share Posted June 8, 2017 Congrats! I do agree with you and Lars that the J-45 is not a '42. The rosette gives it away. The 1942 version had a seven ply rosette. I believe '42 is the only year with that feature. But a Banner is a very special guitar. They only existed in a certain time and place. The rosette on my '42 also has an extra outer ring, in addition to the seven ply. So it seems the design was simplified as time passed. You can see the ring here. Also note, my guitar has a late style J-35 bridge with a short saddle. Gibson did some weird stuff during the war! Lars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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