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Guitar World
Guitar World
Entertainment
Daryl Robertson

"With effortless playability, charming good looks, and a distinctive sound, it's no wonder the J-45 is still going strong over 80 years after it was first introduced": Gibson J-45 Standard review

Gibson J-45 on a sofa.

Solid, robust, and effortlessly cool, there are only a handful of acoustic guitars that are as iconic as the Gibson J-45. Whether it's being played by Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Slash, or Billie Joe Armstrong, this legendary round-shouldered dreadnought is instantly recognizable. The "workhorse" model was introduced way back in 1942, and while it has gone through a few minor tweaks and revisions over the years, for the most part, it has remained relatively unchanged. 

The solid mahogany back and sides and a solid Sitka spruce top deliver the famed tight, low-end, and laser-focused mid-range that the J-45 is known for, creating a timeless tone that transcends generations and musical genres. Of course, the body is then wrapped in the now historic sunburst finish, making it unmistakably a J-45.  

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