When the Gibson J-45 was first introduced in 1942, it was championed as "The Workhorse"—an ultrareliable instrument for the everyday player. Now, the Epiphone J-45 Studio acoustic-electric guitar returns to those roots, delivering the legendary craftsmanship, timeless tone and exceptional value that made the J-45 one of the bestselling acoustics ever. Part of the all-new Studio Acoustic Collection, the J-45 Studio distills the spirit of Gibson’s iconic sloped-shoulder design into an instrument that’s as approachable as it is inspiring. A solid spruce top and layered mahogany body produce the J-45’s signature warmth and balance, while the Rounded C mahogany neck and smooth rosewood fingerboard ensure effortless playability. With onboard Fishman electronics delivering clear, natural amplification, the J-45 Studio is a modern-day classic built to meet the needs of today's musicians.
Solid Spruce Top and Sloped-Shoulder Design: The Classic J-45 Formula
With its solid spruce top and layered mahogany back and sides, this instrument delivers the warmth and balance that have long made the J-45 a favorite of singer-songwriters, strummers and flatpickers alike. The timeless sloped-shoulder design enhances low-end response while maintaining articulate highs and mids, producing a sound that’s both bold and intimate. Multi-ply ivory and black binding on the top and single-ply ivory on the back add a touch of understated elegance. This tonewood pairing ensures the J-45 Studio resonates with exceptional clarity, dynamic range and harmonic depth that improves as the guitar naturally opens up over time.
Comfortable Mahogany Neck and Smooth Rosewood Fingerboard
The mahogany neck on the J-45 Studio is shaped to Epiphone’s Rounded C profile for a comfortable, familiar feel that accommodates both fingerstyle and flatpicking techniques. It’s joined to the body with a traditional glued-in dovetail joint for superior sustain and tonal transfer. The rosewood fretboard provides a smooth, natural playing surface with 20 frets and simple pearloid dot inlays that nod to classic Gibson style. Combined with its shorter 24.75" scale length, this neck offers an easy, relaxed tension that makes chord transitions effortless and long playing sessions more enjoyable for players at any level.
Fishman Electronics for Seamless Stage and Studio Performance
Whether you’re recording or performing live, the J-45 Studio is equipped to deliver consistent, natural tone through its Fishman Presys VT system. The S-Core undersaddle pickup accurately captures the guitar’s warm acoustic character, while the discreet soundhole-mounted controls offer quick access to volume and tone adjustments without cluttering the guitar’s appearance. This setup ensures players can dial in their ideal sound on the fly while maintaining the guitar’s elegant, vintage-inspired aesthetic. With its reliable electronics and classic tonewoods, the J-45 Studio transitions seamlessly from the living room to the stage or studio.
Vintage-Inspired Appointments and Time-Tested Hardware
Every detail of the J-45 Studio pays homage to Gibson’s timeless acoustic craftsmanship. From its dark tortoiseshell teardrop pickguard to the three-on-a-plate tuners with ivory-colored buttons, each feature evokes a familiar sense of vintage authenticity. The belly-up rosewood bridge with ivory pins ensures stable tuning and excellent string resonance, while the gloss finish highlights the guitar’s natural wood grain. A 1960s Kalamazoo-style headstock, adorned with the Epiphone logo in gold silkscreen, completes the classic aesthetic. It’s a refined yet approachable instrument that looks as inspiring as it sounds.
The J-45 Studio: Modern Versatility, Classic Inspiration
The Epiphone J-45 Studio acoustic-electric guitar embodies the spirit of the "Workhorse"—a reliable, expressive acoustic built to perform day after day. It delivers the tonal warmth and resonance of the Gibson original in a guitar that’s more accessible to modern musicians. With its Fishman electronics, comfortable playability and timeless appointments, it’s ready to accompany you from coffeehouse gigs to studio sessions and beyond. Shipped with a standard gig bag, the J-45 Studio offers enduring tone, elegant design and authentic heritage for the modern acoustic player.