6stringTom Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 Hi folks. I'm new to the forum and I'm hoping someone will be able to help me clarify which J-45 I have. It seems all the makers these days have multiple models of their key styles. I've got a 1995 Gibson J-45, which I got used from an estate sale. It has a couple features which i understand are usually signs of a J-45 True Vintage: orange label and an "only a Gibson is good enough" banner. However, the label does not say "true vintage," and it has an undersaddle pickup (no battery on the pickup). I understand from other postings that the "true vintage" models come without pickups, but that could have been added. Part of what I am wondering is whether all the model variations even existed in 1995. I've enjoyed reading the forum for a while and hope to have a useful comment now and then. Thanks.
Rambler Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 Most likely you have your hands on a J45 Western. Giveaway--banner with a block logo, not script. A non-vintage feature, that, but otherwise, more or less 50s vintage specs, but not a dead on copy. PU is probably aftermarket. Approx market price aroudn 1.5 bills +/-. The TV series arrived in 06 and features a different bracing pattern.
6stringTom Posted November 30, 2008 Author Posted November 30, 2008 Yep, it's got block lettering on the banner. Thanks for the information.
ponty Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 Yes, This is indeed the J-45 Western. The model you have came out the year before as a centenary model. I have two 1993 models, differing only in the headstock decal, ie there is no banner on it. Also, one of them is a natural finish, like what is available on the current rosewood models.
6stringTom Posted December 8, 2008 Author Posted December 8, 2008 Thanks, Ponty. Apparently this specific J-45 is no longer made. it's interesting that there are so many variations on factory-made guitars. Of course that is not unique to Gibson.
powerpopper Posted December 8, 2008 Posted December 8, 2008 Rather than start a new question, can someone explain to me what the colors of the inside labels mean? I think my Southern Jumbo is white (maybe?), my Pete Townshend is orange (I think?). Have to check...
Modac Posted December 9, 2008 Posted December 9, 2008 I think the Orange label means that they've run out of White labels. And the White label means that they've run out of Orange labels....and vice versa, of course.
geelinus Posted December 9, 2008 Posted December 9, 2008 Does your guitar look like the one in this ad? http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140440
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