Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab 1942 Banner J-45 Light Aged Preowned 2023

The Gibson Murphy Lab 1942 Banner J-45 pays tribute to one of the most legendary acoustic guitars ever made, meticulously recreated by Gibson’s master luthiers in Montana. Featuring a thermally aged Adirondack red spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides, this model delivers the rich, dynamic tone and warmth that made the original “Workhorse” a timeless classic. The top is braced with hot hide glue for maximum resonance and response, while the Murphy Lab Light Aged nitrocellulose finish gives it the look and feel of a well-loved vintage instrument.

From its authentic round-shoulder dreadnought body to the bone nut and saddle, rosewood fretboard, and period-correct open-back tuners, every detail evokes the golden era of Gibson acoustics. The 1942 Banner J-45 combines the soulful tone of a pre-war classic with the playability and craftsmanship of a modern masterpiece — a true heirloom instrument for serious players and collectors alike.

This 2023-built J-45 is incredible in every possible way - it sounds, looks and feels like a cared-for but well-played vintage J-45, with an open, resonant and rich voice that make sit hard to put down. It's got a perfect medium action, and aside from the factory aging it's in perfect condition. The neck is a full C shape that feels genuinely worn in, and it sounds instantly familar - the classic tone that you've heard on thousands of records. If you're after a great J-45 with modern build quality and vintage vibe, you simply cannot go past the Murphy Lab series! Includes original hardshell case.

• Body Shape J-45 (Round Shoulder)

• Top Thermally Aged Adirondack Red Spruce

• Back & Sides Mahogany

• Body Finish Murphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer

• Color Vintage Sunburst Light Aged

• Neck Material Mahogany

• Neck Shape Historic

• Fretboard Rosewood

• Fretboard Radius 12" (304.8 mm)

• Frets 19, Legend Wire

• Nut Bone, Width 1.724" (43.81 mm)

• Inlays Mother of Pearl Dots

• Bridge Rosewood Rectangle, Open Slot with Bone Saddle

• Pickguard Tear Drop Tortoise, Aged

• Tuners Strap Style, Open Back, Cream Buttons (Aged)

• Strings .012 – .053

• Case Period-Correct Hardshell Case

• Orientation Right-Handed

• Country of Origin USA