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What J45 do I have?


ajp1954

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I bought a J45 at Guitar Center that I can't find in any search. It's a Rosewood model with ebony finger board and abalone sound hole. The label says custom shop but it doesn't have the features of other customs I've seen. I suppose it's a special GC version that is a cross between a standard and true custom. I included a picture and appreciate any information folks have. It does sound and play great and I'm very happy with the purchase and price. Thanks,

Tony 

J45.jpg

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Gibson did quite a few different versions of the Rosewood models.   
 

I believe it all started with the Celebrity Rosewood in the 80s     
 

To be honest I have no idea what they called yours. There are  so many different ones with different inlay and herringbone patterns. 
 

looks Nice though. 

Edited by slimt
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If new, you should have gotten a Certificate of Authenticity that would give more info than the label.  Calling would too. The orange label instead of white indicates it is not a 'standard' - so yes, obviously some degree of 'customness' due to the Ebony, Rosewood and Abalone Rosette and fretboard inlays.   I have one similar, koa,  which I absolutely love.  First one I grab.  I think the paperwork calls it a "J45 Custom Koa".    But  "A rose by any other name ..."      Congrats and  Welcome Aboard. 

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Thanks for all of your replies. I have to admit it was a bit of an impulse purchase and GC being GC wasn't very accurate in identifying the exact model. I have since learned that it is very likely one of their new rosewood versions with the Richlite fretboard. At first I was a bit dismayed but it plays great and feels exactly like my other guitars with ebony fretboards. I was looking for rosewood Martin since I already have a mahogany guitar and this J45 caught my eye. Its a great player with a big sound and I definitely preferred it to the Martin D28 and 35 they had available. All in all I am very happy with the purchase. Thanks again to all of you for your replies.  

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12 minutes ago, ajp1954 said:

Thanks for all of your replies. I have to admit it was a bit of an impulse purchase and GC being GC wasn't very accurate in identifying the exact model. I have since learned that it is very likely one of their new rosewood versions with the Richlite fretboard. At first I was a bit dismayed but it plays great and feels exactly like my other guitars with ebony fretboards. I was looking for rosewood Martin since I already have a mahogany guitar and this J45 caught my eye. Its a great player with a big sound and I definitely preferred it to the Martin D28 and 35 they had available. All in all I am very happy with the purchase. Thanks again to all of you for your replies.  

If it’s got a pressed resin and wood pulp board, it’s from the post-raid era, and before JC was seated on the thrown. There have been about over 40 or 50, J-45 variations, maybe more. Some of the old guard say it’s not a J-45 unless it’s hog back n’ sides.

Edited by Sgt. Pepper
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Yes, I have ready many posts asserting a J45 must have mahogany b&s. Personally I'm fine to call it whatever, maybe  call it a J-Ro. I was more concerned about the man made fret board but I'm over it. I have some nice guitars and this holds it own with no problem. It's a fine rosewood dread which was the missing piece for me... until now. 

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55 minutes ago, ajp1954 said:

Yes, I have ready many posts asserting a J45 must have mahogany b&s. Personally I'm fine to call it whatever, maybe  call it a J-Ro. I was more concerned about the man made fret board but I'm over it. I have some nice guitars and this holds it own with no problem. It's a fine rosewood dread which was the missing piece for me... until now. 

I've played, but never owned a guitar with a Richlite board. They look like ebony and feel smooth. I guess in 50 years time we will know how they stand up comparably to a RW, Maple, or Ebony board.

Edited by Sgt. Pepper
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1 hour ago, fortyearspickn said:

"Sarcasm"   (sahr-chasm)  a form of humor often resorted to after midnight in comedy clubs .  Requires  Meta certification if used on Internet. 

I'm pretty sure it can be done at all hours of the day. 

It's always after midnight, unless it is exactly midnight.

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