Known as The Workhorse, the Gibson J-45 body style is among Gibson's most beloved. This particular workhorse features a superb blend of tonewoods, giving you rich, strong sound with well-balanced tonality. The '50s J-45 Original features a solid Sitka spruce top for presence, while premium mahogany adorns its back and sides. Other touches include traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing, a compound dovetail neck joint, and multi-ply top and single-ply back body binding. The Gibson '50s J-45 Original's fretboard comprises high-grade rosewood, which is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson experts before it enters the Gibson factories. It's a resilient and durable wood, making way for a balanced and stable fretboard, and giving each chord and note enhanced clarity and bite. The dot inlays on the J-45 are made of genuine mother-of-pearl and are added to the fretboard using a special Gibson process that eliminates gaps and doesn't require fillers. What's more, the '50s J-45 Original's fretboard boasts a rolled edge that's lightly beveled, which enhances the instrument's smooth playability. The Gibson Acoustic '50s J-45 Original comes with LR Baggs's popular VTC acoustic pickup system, a popular choice among acoustic guitarists. This system features a low-profile under-saddle transducer that enhances the coupling between the pickup and the guitar for a robust, lively, and natural acoustic sound with excellent dynamics and delicate high end. Combined with an onboard preamplifier with unobtrusive and removable volume control, mounted just inside the soundhole, the VTC gives your '50s J-45 Original the amplification you need, with zero compromises for tone or convenience.
Known as The Workhorse, the Gibson J-45 body style is among Gibson's most beloved. This particular workhorse features a superb blend of tonewoods, giving you rich, strong sound with well-balanced tonality. The '50s J-45 Original features a solid Sitka spruce top for presence, while premium mahogany adorns its back and sides. Other touches include traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing, a compound dovetail neck joint, and multi-ply top and single-ply back body binding. The Gibson '50s J-45 Original's fretboard comprises high-grade rosewood, which is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson experts before it enters the Gibson factories. It's a resilient and durable wood, making way for a balanced and stable fretboard, and giving each chord and note enhanced clarity and bite. The dot inlays on the J-45 are made of genuine mother-of-pearl and are added to the fretboard using a special Gibson process that eliminates gaps and doesn't require fillers. What's more, the '50s J-45 Original's fretboard boasts a rolled edge that's lightly beveled, which enhances the instrument's smooth playability. The Gibson Acoustic '50s J-45 Original comes with LR Baggs's popular VTC acoustic pickup system, a popular choice among acoustic guitarists. This system features a low-profile under-saddle transducer that enhances the coupling between the pickup and the guitar for a robust, lively, and natural acoustic sound with excellent dynamics and delicate high end. Combined with an onboard preamplifier with unobtrusive and removable volume control, mounted just inside the soundhole, the VTC gives your '50s J-45 Original the amplification you need, with zero compromises for tone or convenience.
in 22 offers
last seen 5 Oct 2026
Gibson '50s J-45 Original Ebony
Known as The Workhorse, the Gibson J-45 body style is among Gibson's most beloved. This particular workhorse features a superb blend of tonewoods, giving you rich, strong sound with well-balanced tonality. The '50s J-45 Original features a solid Sitka spruce top for presence, while premium mahogany adorns its back and sides. Other touches include traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing, a compound dovetail neck joint, and multi-ply top and single-ply back body binding. The Gibson '50s J-45 Original's fretboard comprises high-grade rosewood, which is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson experts before it enters the Gibson factories. It's a resilient and durable wood, making way for a balanced and stable fretboard, and giving each chord and note enhanced clarity and bite. The dot inlays on the J-45 are made of genuine mother-of-pearl and are added to the fretboard using a special Gibson process that eliminates gaps and doesn't require fillers. What's more, the '50s J-45 Original's fretboard boasts a rolled edge that's lightly beveled, which enhances the instrument's smooth playability. The Gibson Acoustic '50s J-45 Original comes with LR Baggs's popular VTC acoustic pickup system, a popular choice among acoustic guitarists. This system features a low-profile under-saddle transducer that enhances the coupling between the pickup and the guitar for a robust, lively, and natural acoustic sound with excellent dynamics and delicate high end. Combined with an onboard preamplifier with unobtrusive and removable volume control, mounted just inside the soundhole, the VTC gives your '50s J-45 Original the amplification you need, with zero compromises for tone or convenience.
Known as The Workhorse, the Gibson J-45 body style is among Gibson's most beloved. This particular workhorse features a superb blend of tonewoods, giving you rich, strong sound with well-balanced tonality. The '50s J-45 Original features a solid Sitka spruce top for presence, while premium mahogany adorns its back and sides. Other touches include traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing, a compound dovetail neck joint, and multi-ply top and single-ply back body binding. The Gibson '50s J-45 Original's fretboard comprises high-grade rosewood, which is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson experts before it enters the Gibson factories. It's a resilient and durable wood, making way for a balanced and stable fretboard, and giving each chord and note enhanced clarity and bite. The dot inlays on the J-45 are made of genuine mother-of-pearl and are added to the fretboard using a special Gibson process that eliminates gaps and doesn't require fillers. What's more, the '50s J-45 Original's fretboard boasts a rolled edge that's lightly beveled, which enhances the instrument's smooth playability. The Gibson Acoustic '50s J-45 Original comes with LR Baggs's popular VTC acoustic pickup system, a popular choice among acoustic guitarists. This system features a low-profile under-saddle transducer that enhances the coupling between the pickup and the guitar for a robust, lively, and natural acoustic sound with excellent dynamics and delicate high end. Combined with an onboard preamplifier with unobtrusive and removable volume control, mounted just inside the soundhole, the VTC gives your '50s J-45 Original the amplification you need, with zero compromises for tone or convenience.
The lowest price we last saw for Gibson '50s J-45 Original Ebony was $3,941.90 at eBay.com.au, compared across 13 retailers (last seen 5 Oct 2026). Prices may have changed since.
The all-time low we recorded was $1,348.97 on 16 June 2024.
Prices last updated 5 Oct 2026.
Last updated at 05/10/2026 00:59:56
Gibson Second Item 50s J-45 Original Ebony 20795005 Acoustic Guitar
Delivery $273.32
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Gibson '50s J-45 Original Ebony
Delivery $573.08
Gibson '50s J-45 Original Ebony
Delivery between 9–13 Oct $257.20
Gibson 50s J-45 Original w/Case - Ebony
Free delivery between 7–13 Oct
Open Box: Gibson 50's J-45 Original (Ebony) w/ Pickup inc Hard Case
Free delivery between 7–12 Oct
Gibson 50'S J45 Original Ebony Acoustic Guitar
Delivery $55
Gibson 50's J-45 Original (Ebony) w/ Pickup inc Hard Case
Free delivery between 7–12 Oct
Gibson 50s J-45 Original Acoustic Guitar Ebony w/ Pickup & Hardcase - OCRS4550EB
Free delivery
Gibson 50's J45 Original Ebony
Free delivery
Gibson '50s J45 Original Acoustic Guitar in Ebony
Delivery $62.13
originally posted on mannys.com.au
A beautiful-sounding instrument, as you might expect, but not anywhere near set-up, which you would not expect at this price.Gibson supplies a blank truss rod cover in case you don't want to use the Slash one, but the blank cover is cheap 1-ply plastic and already has scratches on it though it has never been fitted or handled.The hard case is good quality and holds the guitar very well.If you can, play this guitar before you decide to buy. It is a little different than the standard J-45, and those differences may matter to you.
originally posted on sweetwater.com
Folks, it is very important to note the "Inspired by Gibson" orange sticker in this guitar. That separates it from a Epiphone J-45. This was made in the custom shop in Indonesia and it is quite a guitar for the money. It does not sound like a Gibson J-45, which is a different experience from the Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird, as it sounds very close to a Gibson Hummingbird. That said, the IBG J-45 sounds like a mini cannon. It is solidly in that mid section of sound. It's not too deep and not too bright. Mine almost sounds like an Adirondack spruce top. It is quite powerful. For the money, you better believe it is worth it. The pickguard for mine was replaced with something smaller and the electronics were taken out and the saddle was shimmed with bone. It is ... MoreFolks, it is very important to note the "Inspired by Gibson" orange sticker in this guitar. That separates it from a Epiphone J-45. This was made in the custom shop in Indonesia and it is quite a guitar for the money. It does not sound like a Gibson J-45, which is a different experience from the Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird, as it sounds very close to a Gibson Hummingbird. That said, the IBG J-45 sounds like a mini cannon. It is solidly in that mid section of sound. It's not too deep and not too bright. Mine almost sounds like an Adirondack spruce top. It is quite powerful. For the money, you better believe it is worth it. The pickguard for mine was replaced with something smaller and the electronics were taken out and the saddle was shimmed with bone. It is pretty amazing and I suspect pulling the pickguard helped that, since the one that comes with it takes up a lot of real estate. I don't like active pickups, because the way they have to mount it really interferes wit the sound, in my opinion. A great buy for the money, but I would recommend pulling the pickguard and removing the electronics. If you have to have a pickup, install a K&K or something passive like that.
originally posted on guitarcenter.com
This sounds better than my J-45 studio as far as a true to the original J-45 sound (they both sound great). It's basically a Gibson J45 but with a better neck carve than the advanced response or slim carve Gibson, larger frets (which I prefer), cheap tuners (which are still great and I like, I won't be changing them out, they feel like actual 50's tuners), and a non-traditional fretboard/bridge wood. I noticed one in stock was cracked and the one I purchased has a small chip in the bridge, but they come with no case and Colorado is extremely dry, so that kind of thing happens. Overall I'm very happy and I don't think I'd choose a Gibson J45 over this. It's barebones, I'm an active musician, I'm not ready for expensive wall art quite yet. The satin finish is great, ... MoreThis sounds better than my J-45 studio as far as a true to the original J-45 sound (they both sound great). It's basically a Gibson J45 but with a better neck carve than the advanced response or slim carve Gibson, larger frets (which I prefer), cheap tuners (which are still great and I like, I won't be changing them out, they feel like actual 50's tuners), and a non-traditional fretboard/bridge wood. I noticed one in stock was cracked and the one I purchased has a small chip in the bridge, but they come with no case and Colorado is extremely dry, so that kind of thing happens. Overall I'm very happy and I don't think I'd choose a Gibson J45 over this. It's barebones, I'm an active musician, I'm not ready for expensive wall art quite yet. The satin finish is great, more durable than nitro, but doesn't have a dipped in plastic look or feel. The pickup is trash, but so is the LR BAGGS in the Gibson and both will work if you're not ready to install a K&K just yet. It'll just quack quack quack you until you're ears can't stand it. It's an unplugged masterpiece. Hope this review helps.
| Handedness | Right-handed |
| Instrument Type | Guitar |
| Sub Type | Acoustic |
| Nut Width | 43.81 mm / 1.72 in |
| Nut Material | Bone |
Gibson Second Item 50s J-45 Original Ebony 20795005 Acoustic Guitar
Delivery $273.32
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Gibson '50s J-45 Original Ebony
Delivery $573.08
Gibson '50s J-45 Original Ebony
Delivery between 9–13 Oct $257.20
Gibson 50s J-45 Original w/Case - Ebony
Free delivery between 7–13 Oct
Open Box: Gibson 50's J-45 Original (Ebony) w/ Pickup inc Hard Case
Free delivery between 7–12 Oct
A beautiful-sounding instrument, as you might expect, but not anywhere near set-up, which you would not expect at this price.Gibson supplies a blank truss rod cover in case you don't want to use the Slash one, but the blank cover is cheap 1-ply plastic and already has scratches on it though it has never been fitted or handled.The hard case is good quality and holds the guitar very well.If you can, play this guitar before you decide to buy. It is a little different than the standard J-45, and those differences may matter to you.
Folks, it is very important to note the "Inspired by Gibson" orange sticker in this guitar. That separates it from a Epiphone J-45. This was made in the custom shop in Indonesia and it is quite a guitar for the money. It does not sound like a Gibson J-45, which is a different experience from the Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird, as it sounds very close to a Gibson Hummingbird. That said, the IBG J-45 sounds like a mini cannon. It is solidly in that mid section of sound. It's not too deep and not too bright. Mine almost sounds like an Adirondack spruce top. It is quite powerful. For the money, you better believe it is worth it. The pickguard for mine was replaced with something smaller and the electronics were taken out and the saddle was shimmed with bone. It is ... MoreFolks, it is very important to note the "Inspired by Gibson" orange sticker in this guitar. That separates it from a Epiphone J-45. This was made in the custom shop in Indonesia and it is quite a guitar for the money. It does not sound like a Gibson J-45, which is a different experience from the Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird, as it sounds very close to a Gibson Hummingbird. That said, the IBG J-45 sounds like a mini cannon. It is solidly in that mid section of sound. It's not too deep and not too bright. Mine almost sounds like an Adirondack spruce top. It is quite powerful. For the money, you better believe it is worth it. The pickguard for mine was replaced with something smaller and the electronics were taken out and the saddle was shimmed with bone. It is pretty amazing and I suspect pulling the pickguard helped that, since the one that comes with it takes up a lot of real estate. I don't like active pickups, because the way they have to mount it really interferes wit the sound, in my opinion. A great buy for the money, but I would recommend pulling the pickguard and removing the electronics. If you have to have a pickup, install a K&K or something passive like that.
This sounds better than my J-45 studio as far as a true to the original J-45 sound (they both sound great). It's basically a Gibson J45 but with a better neck carve than the advanced response or slim carve Gibson, larger frets (which I prefer), cheap tuners (which are still great and I like, I won't be changing them out, they feel like actual 50's tuners), and a non-traditional fretboard/bridge wood. I noticed one in stock was cracked and the one I purchased has a small chip in the bridge, but they come with no case and Colorado is extremely dry, so that kind of thing happens. Overall I'm very happy and I don't think I'd choose a Gibson J45 over this. It's barebones, I'm an active musician, I'm not ready for expensive wall art quite yet. The satin finish is great, ... MoreThis sounds better than my J-45 studio as far as a true to the original J-45 sound (they both sound great). It's basically a Gibson J45 but with a better neck carve than the advanced response or slim carve Gibson, larger frets (which I prefer), cheap tuners (which are still great and I like, I won't be changing them out, they feel like actual 50's tuners), and a non-traditional fretboard/bridge wood. I noticed one in stock was cracked and the one I purchased has a small chip in the bridge, but they come with no case and Colorado is extremely dry, so that kind of thing happens. Overall I'm very happy and I don't think I'd choose a Gibson J45 over this. It's barebones, I'm an active musician, I'm not ready for expensive wall art quite yet. The satin finish is great, more durable than nitro, but doesn't have a dipped in plastic look or feel. The pickup is trash, but so is the LR BAGGS in the Gibson and both will work if you're not ready to install a K&K just yet. It'll just quack quack quack you until you're ears can't stand it. It's an unplugged masterpiece. Hope this review helps.
You're either in the market for a $3k guitar or a more reasonably priced guitar. If you're in the market for the prior, then by all means, check out the Gibson J45 (I would). But.... I'd suggest you look at this Epiphone J45 first. I own a Martin HD 28 and love it. It will never leave me. But it's not the guitar that I just want to knock around everywhere. And I decided I wanted a gibson strummer for when I sit out on deck in the high heat/summer humidity and tool around on. Then I decided I did not want to have $6k invested in two guitars for which neither should be exposed to extreme elements. So I decided to look at the epiphone strictly bc of price. Wow...what a secret weapon this guitar is. It just sounds amazing. The all solid wood construction is apparent ... MoreYou're either in the market for a $3k guitar or a more reasonably priced guitar. If you're in the market for the prior, then by all means, check out the Gibson J45 (I would). But.... I'd suggest you look at this Epiphone J45 first. I own a Martin HD 28 and love it. It will never leave me. But it's not the guitar that I just want to knock around everywhere. And I decided I wanted a gibson strummer for when I sit out on deck in the high heat/summer humidity and tool around on. Then I decided I did not want to have $6k invested in two guitars for which neither should be exposed to extreme elements. So I decided to look at the epiphone strictly bc of price. Wow...what a secret weapon this guitar is. It just sounds amazing. The all solid wood construction is apparent from feel and sound. The aged finish (although poly) looks great and gives an immediate mojo look. But the real deal is that I find myself playing this guitar much more than my martin. Just bc I spend most good weather outside. And it sounds every bit as good to me. And I'm not worried about one single scratch or dent. And out of the box, the action was perfect, neck was perfect. Flawless finish. Anybody who tests this blind against a gibson j45 and says that they know it's not the true feel of a gibson is already biased bc they will know immediately what they are holding bc of the poly vs nitro finish. That's all nonsense. This epiphone holds up to not only its gibson counterpart, but other American manufacturers like Martin and Taylor (own a Taylor as well). This epiphone J45 is my most played guitar, although I did not intend it to be. And I have 12 guitars.
While the fit and finish is not at the Gibson J-45 level and the sound may not be exactly that of the Gibson variant, I did find the tone to be within the J-45 range. There is some glue smear at the bottom of the neck near the sound hole. The flatness of the sound board is ever-so-slightly wavy in a couple spots, maybe I'm just being overly picky. The rosette ring around the sound hole looks like it could be a sticker or painted on.I was surprised at how well the IBG J-45 sounded - clear articulate bass with slightly rolled off high frequency and excellent sustain. Many complain about the Fishman pickup, I thought it sounded rather good connected to my Boss Acoustic Singer Live. In playing back to back with my other brand ($3500) guitar, the sound from the IBG ... MoreWhile the fit and finish is not at the Gibson J-45 level and the sound may not be exactly that of the Gibson variant, I did find the tone to be within the J-45 range. There is some glue smear at the bottom of the neck near the sound hole. The flatness of the sound board is ever-so-slightly wavy in a couple spots, maybe I'm just being overly picky. The rosette ring around the sound hole looks like it could be a sticker or painted on.I was surprised at how well the IBG J-45 sounded - clear articulate bass with slightly rolled off high frequency and excellent sustain. Many complain about the Fishman pickup, I thought it sounded rather good connected to my Boss Acoustic Singer Live. In playing back to back with my other brand ($3500) guitar, the sound from the IBG J-45, left me saying, "Hmm..." It sounds that good to me. The only question that may remain is - can one get over the logo on the headstock? You'll have to decide for yourself, but if it's the quality of sound, then rest assured that the IBG Epiphone J-45 delivers. If you don't believe me, swing by your local guitar shop and hear it with your own ears. 5-stars in sound, 3.5 stars in fit and finish. My overall score is a solid 4-stars.
The overall craftsmanship on this guitar is good. That said there is a imperfection on my guitar, more specifically the glue being observable to the naked eye, which is pretty disappointing considering the huge price it retails for. Sound is really great, no complaints here. The guitar looks and feels great, with the exception of the glue like I said. If you have the money to spend it's a great guitar, that said the price is preeety steep, so it comes to personal opinion in regards to Price/Performance. I believe you can find great guitars for half the price of this one. Still I've tested it on a lot of different tracks and genres and it is very malleable. It's a great guitar to have and I have definitely enjoy playing it!
I owned a Gibson j-45 years ago in the 70's with an adjustable bridge. That guitar sounded great, plenty of bass, even response across the strings comfortable to play. I sold it to buy something else. About 10 years ago I bought another one and really didn't like it. Then about five years ago I bought yet another used J-45 that was OK. Ended up selling it also. Often I'd try a J-45 whenever I saw one just never had the sound of the one I had long ago. Enter the 60's J-45 this guitar sounds and plays a lot like the original guitar I owned all those years ago. It might be the adjustable bridge, the woods. Who knows? But it sounds and plays great. Really am enjoying the guitar.Two things I bought one in Black from GC which looks really cool. There are no electronics ... MoreI owned a Gibson j-45 years ago in the 70's with an adjustable bridge. That guitar sounded great, plenty of bass, even response across the strings comfortable to play. I sold it to buy something else. About 10 years ago I bought another one and really didn't like it. Then about five years ago I bought yet another used J-45 that was OK. Ended up selling it also. Often I'd try a J-45 whenever I saw one just never had the sound of the one I had long ago. Enter the 60's J-45 this guitar sounds and plays a lot like the original guitar I owned all those years ago. It might be the adjustable bridge, the woods. Who knows? But it sounds and plays great. Really am enjoying the guitar.Two things I bought one in Black from GC which looks really cool. There are no electronics just like the one I used to own in the 70s. Now can't wait till I can get out a play again. If you are thinking about getting a Gibson acoustic the guitars coming out of Boseman are really good. As always Guitar Center is a great place to do business with. Overall highly recommended.
I've been hearing chatter about a new golden era taking place right now with Gibson guitars. This is in relation to the "reset" by the new CEO, post bankruptcy, and a getting back to their roots and producing quality instruments. I took the bait...and I am not disappointed! I purchased a 2023 50's J-45 in vintage sunburst, wood chips still in the body and the intoxicating smell of nitro curing, and it is flawless cosmetically and, more importantly, the tonality is superb!! A new Golden Era, or not, this thing is amazing. I can't even imagine how this beauty will age...
This guitar sings beautifully and is very comfortable to play. The warm J-45 tone is perfect and sounds vintage out of the case. You will never want to put it down. It is made with all solid wood and the old style neck is actually a comfort in the hand which surprised me. This is the best Gibson I have ever played, and compared to the other standard J-45's, I would never go back. The sunburst style is timeless and beautiful to look at and the pick guard has some character. This is a masterpiece heirloom guitar that I will never part with.
I recieved my guitar yesterday, and it didn't come in a Gibson box or any paperwork that you usually recieve with one , no warranty card or information on how to take care of it. It had no plastic cover over the pickkguard. I'm not sure but I think this was a display. So this is not a new guitar to me. The strings look rusty to me. When you buy a new guitar you should recieve a new guitar. But my rep Jeremy Eggers was great
| Handedness | Right-handed |
| Instrument Type | Guitar |
| Sub Type | Acoustic |
| Nut Width | 43.81 mm / 1.72 in |
| Nut Material | Bone |
