2025 Gibson Murphy Lab 1942 Banner J-45 Ultra Light Aged Vintage Sunburst #22855004

The Gibson Murphy Lab 1942 Banner J-45 Ultra Light Aged in Vintage Sunburst is a faithful tribute to one of the most iconic acoustic guitars in Gibson’s storied history. Inspired by the legendary Banner-era instruments of the early 1940s, this exceptional J-45 captures the timeless character, understated elegance, and unmistakable spirit of a vintage American classic. Its beautifully shaded Vintage Sunburst finish, enhanced by the Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged nitrocellulose lacquer treatment, creates the appearance of a treasured instrument that has gracefully weathered the passage of time.

Crafted entirely from mahogany, including the top, back, and sides, this J-45 delivers the warm, woody resonance and rich midrange that have defined its legendary voice. Its distinctive round-shoulder body produces a beautifully balanced and expressive acoustic character, equally suited to delicate fingerpicking, soulful chord work, and confident strumming. Single-ply top and back binding preserves its traditional aesthetic, while the Historic-profile mahogany neck, joined to the body with a traditional dovetail joint, offers a comfortable and authentic playing experience. The 24.75-inch scale length, 43.81 mm nut width, and 12-inch fingerboard radius complement the rosewood fingerboard, appointed with 19 Legend Wire frets and elegant mother-of-pearl dot inlays.

Traditional appointments complete the instrument’s unmistakable vintage character. The rosewood rectangular open-slot bridge is fitted with a bone saddle and bone bridge pins, while the bone nut, aged nickel hardware, and aged open-back strap-style tuning machines with cream buttons reflect the attention to historical detail. An aged teardrop tortoise pickguard adds a particularly beautiful period-correct accent, complemented by the classic black truss rod cover. Weighing just 3 pounds and 14 ounces and fitted with .012 to .053 gauge strings, this J-45 offers a remarkably comfortable and inviting playing experience.

Accompanied by its Gibson Accessory Kit, Certificate of Authenticity, and fitted hardcase, the Gibson Murphy Lab 1942 Banner J-45 Ultra Light Aged is far more than a recreation of a celebrated vintage design. It is an expression of Gibson’s enduring craftsmanship and musical heritage, bringing together the warmth of an all-mahogany construction, the unmistakable silhouette of the original J-45, and the subtle beauty of Murphy Lab aging. A truly evocative instrument, it carries the character of the past with the presence and inspiration of a guitar made to create music for generations to come.

Other specifications include:

• Top Mahogany
• Back Mahogany
• Binding Single-ply Top and Back
• Body Finish Murphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Body Material Mahogany
• Body Shape J-45
• Body Styles Round Shoulder
• Side Mahogany
• Fingerboard Material Rosewood
• Fingerboard Radius 304.8mm / 12.0in
• Fret Count 19
• Frets Legend Wire
• Inlays Mother of Pearl Dot
• Joint Compound Dovetail Neck-to-Body
• Neck Material Mahogany
• Nut Material Bone
• Nut Width 43.81mm / 1.72in
• Profile Historic
• Scale Length 628.65mm / 24.75in
• Bridge Rosewood; Rectangle, Open Slot
• Bridge Pins Bone
• Finish Aged Nickel
• Pickguard Tear Drop Tortoise, Aged
• Saddle Material Bone
• Truss Rod Cover Black
• Tuning Machines Strap Style, Open Back, Cream Buttons, Aged
• Accessories Gibson Accessory Kit, Certificate of Authenticity
• Strings Gauge .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053
• Hardcase
• 3 lbs 14 oz
• #22855004

For more information on this Gibson instrument, please contact us.

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