SOLD - Gibson J-45 1955

No sales tax for customers outside California. 

I'm a sucker for 50's Gibson acoustics.  They don't command the prices of guitars from the 40s and earlier, and they're so much better than their 60s equivalents.

This example appears to be a 1955, perhaps a year or two newer.  The factory order number/serial number is illegible, so you have to go by specs.  The larger pickguard, smaller top braces and the fact that it has 20 frets - these are all changes Gibson made in 1955.  The guitar is definitely pre-1959 based upon the color of the sunburst.  

A professional refret has been performed on the guitar.  It plays really well!

The bridge has been changed, as has the bridge plate.  The work under the top is very well done.  The bridge is lifting however, and while it is solid and playable as-is, it will need to be addressed.

The all-original finish has checked heavily throughout, and while the back of the neck looks harsh it has been played enough to smooth the rougher edges of the finish.

The truss rod cover is changed.  When checking the guitar in I noticed that the cover mounting screw closest to the nut was not screwed into the wood.  The tip of the screw is actually ground flat.  Removing the cover I noticed that there was no screw hole between the truss rod and the nut.  It was not possible to set one.  There is no up front evidence that any work has been done to the neck, but it appears that the truss rod has been reinforced   There is no sign of any neck distress or finish changes.  The truss rod works great and the neck relief can be adjusted.  

Non-original hardshell case that isn't in very good shape.

Color: Vintage Sunburst
Weight: 4lbs 10ozs
Body: Spruce Top, Mahogany Back and Sides
Neck: Mahogany
Fretboard: Rosewood
Inlays: MOP Dots
Frets: Replaced w/Medium Jumbo
Fret count: 20
Nut material: Bone
Nut width: 1 11/16"
Scale: 24 3/4"
Radius: 9.5"
Neck thickness at 1st fret: 0.9"
Neck thickness at 10th fret: 1.0"
Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 
Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 
String gauge: .012-.053"
Hardware: Original
Tuners: Original
Case: Not original and worn.
Notes: Has been re-fretted, Bridge has started to lift on the bass side, see pictures.