sfab16a2 Posted August 19, 2011 Share Posted August 19, 2011 Hey guys I need some help identifying a year on this Gibson J-45 ADJ. It has a first letter of "S" followed by "8774_32". Also it has a case with green lining? Is the the original case? Thanks so much. Justin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted August 19, 2011 Share Posted August 19, 2011 . FON preceded with an "S" should be a 1959. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfab16a2 Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share Posted August 19, 2011 Thanks for your reply! This was something that was passed down to me. What is something like this worth? It looks like it has been played alot. By no means mint condition. Justin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted August 19, 2011 Share Posted August 19, 2011 . The top is worn, and the what's going on with the headstock - cigarette burns? . . No back pics. Still, if it plays well and sounds good, it's worth some money, to the right buyer maybe $1,200 or more, "as is". A bit of reasonable restoration might jack that up quite a bit. I'm sure members better versed in the J-45 market will chime in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfab16a2 Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share Posted August 19, 2011 Yeah those are cigarette burns on the headstock...looks like original finish. Someone played the hell outta it! Justin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuestionMark Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 Yeah those are cigarette burns on the headstock...looks like original finish. Someone played the hell outta it! Justin. The fact someone played the h... out of it is a sign it is a great playing guitar. BTW, the 2010 Vintage Guitar guide says a 1959 Sunburst J-45 is worth $3700-4100. I wouldn't be too worried about the worn finish...like I said, it sends the message this guitar is one to be played. Someone would possible tell you the finish condition wears down the price, but not necessarily. Rather, refinishing it would bring down the price in the vintage guitar collectible market. That guitar is broken in for sure and the real deal. A real keeper if you ask me. QM aka Jazzman Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfox14 Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 I really didn't think they made the ADJ bridge as early as 1959, but the serial # doesn't lie. Wonder if it's the first year for that bridge on the J-45? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Reggae Posted June 6, 2016 Share Posted June 6, 2016 Hello there, I have had this fine cherry red sunburst Gibson J45 ADJ for 25 years now. It came from New York City and I remember the seller (now deceased) said it was from 1961 but there is NO serial number whatsoever. An ink stamp does say 'J45 ADJ' inside the body but this is the only information I have got. Another unusual feature is that the bridge is the wrong way around. Other than that it sound warm and fine. Does anyone have any idea what year it might be? Thanks Doc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldCowboy Posted June 6, 2016 Share Posted June 6, 2016 I really didn't think they made the ADJ bridge as early as 1959, but the serial # doesn't lie. Wonder if it's the first year for that bridge on the J-45? Available as an option late '55, first catalogued '56, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliasphobias Posted June 6, 2016 Share Posted June 6, 2016 Hi Doc. The thicker pickguard says mid '60s, and the down bridge '68 if they are original. The serial number during that period would have been stamped in the back of the headstock. Edit. My brother has a '68 without any serial number as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted June 6, 2016 Share Posted June 6, 2016 Hello good newbies, hello - a couple highly exciting J-45's there. I have a 1959, but would like to trade it for an early 60's adj. ceramic saddled cherry. The 2 64'ers I've played were sublime - my particular 59'er is far more down to earth. Doc - you hereby receive an imaginary hurrah for the Ono-box behind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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