The Gibson J-45 Standard acoustic-electric guitar is the modern evolution of "The Workhorse," a true icon of dreadnought design and Gibson’s bestselling acoustic since its 1942 debut. Revered for its balance of warmth, clarity and projection, the J-45 has long been the go-to choice for musicians across genres. This acoustic-electric model carries that tradition forward with a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides and a comfortable SlimTaper mahogany neck for effortless playability. Outfitted with LR Baggs VTC electronics for natural-sounding amplification and detailed with timeless appointments like a teardrop pickguard and multi-ply binding, the J-45 Standard blends heritage craftsmanship with stage-ready performance in a single, enduring design.
Sitka Spruce Top and Mahogany Body for a Timeless Voice
At the heart of the J-45 Standard’s sound is its tried-and-true tonewood pairing of Sitka spruce and mahogany. The solid Sitka spruce top provides clarity and dynamic responsiveness, while the solid mahogany back and sides add warmth, depth and focus to every note. Traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing enhances resonance and projection, allowing the guitar to deliver both the booming low end needed for strumming and the nuanced detail required for fingerstyle playing. Multi-ply top binding and single-ply back binding highlight its craftsmanship, completing a body design that balances power with elegance.
Comfortable SlimTaper Neck and Smooth Rosewood Fingerboard
The J-45 Standard features a mahogany neck carved to Gibson’s SlimTaper profile, offering a smooth, fast-playing feel that suits a wide variety of playing styles. Its 24.75" scale length and 1.725" nut width offer a familiar feel with plenty of room to move, making complex chords and lead runs equally approachable. A rosewood fingerboard fitted with 20 frets and adorned with understated mother-of-pearl dot inlays adds a classic touch, while the compound dovetail neck joint ensures excellent tonal transfer and sustain. From the first strum, the neck feels broken in and ready to play.
LR Baggs Electronics for Natural Amplified Tone
Equipped with an LR Baggs VTC pickup and preamp system, the J-45 Standard is built to shine in both live and studio environments. The undersaddle pickup accurately captures the guitar’s natural acoustic voice, preserving its rich lows, balanced mids and shimmering highs. Convenient soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls let you make quick adjustments without disrupting your performance, while the active preamp delivers a clear, dynamic signal to any PA or recording interface. Whether you’re playing an intimate acoustic set or headlining a full-band show, the J-45 Standard adapts effortlessly.
Iconic J-45 Style and Time-Tested Hardware
The J-45 Standard remains instantly recognizable with its teardrop pickguard, multi-ply body binding and round-shoulder dreadnought silhouette. A traditional belly-up rosewood bridge fitted with a TUSQ saddle and bridge pins enhances resonance and sustain, while the TUSQ nut and Grover Rotomatic tuners ensure rock-solid tuning stability. Nickel hardware adds durability and a timeless look, completing an instrument that’s as visually striking as it is sonically inspiring. Every detail reinforces why the J-45 has remained one of Gibson’s most enduring acoustic designs.
A Classic Dreadnought Built to Endure
The Gibson J-45 Standard acoustic-electric guitar is more than an instrument—it’s a continuation of a legacy that has shaped popular music for over 80 years. Its blend of classic tonewoods, comfortable playability and stage-ready electronics ensures it meets the demands of today’s musicians while staying true to its historic roots. Complete with a protective hardshell case, this modern "Workhorse" is ready to accompany you wherever your music takes you. Few guitars balance tradition and versatility so seamlessly, making the J-45 Standard a worthy addition to any serious player’s collection.