Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue Acoustic/Electric Guitar - Vintage Sunburst with Hardshell Case

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This brand new Epiphone will ship insured, fully set up, and inspected from Rapid City, SD.

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Few acoustic guitars carry a legacy as deep as the J-45. Originally introduced in 1942, the model quickly earned its “Workhorse” reputation for its unfussy design, warm tone, and exceptional reliability in studios and on stages. Early Banner-era J-45s — distinguished by the now-famous “Only a Gibson Is Good Enough” headstock slogan — are considered some of the most soulful acoustics ever built, prized for their responsive dynamics and unmistakably woody character. With the 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue, Epiphone, in partnership with Gibson Custom, brings that heritage to a wider audience, offering an instrument that stays remarkably true to the tone, feel, and craftsmanship of the originals.

This reissue pairs a thermally aged solid spruce top with solid mahogany back and sides, recreating the dry, seasoned resonance players love about vintage instruments. The scalloped X-bracing enhances low-end warmth and midrange punch, while preserving the focused projection that made the J-45 a songwriter’s staple. The one-piece mahogany neck sports a period-correct V profile for an authentic vintage feel, and the Indian rosewood fingerboard — with its classic dot inlays — provides inviting playability across all 19 frets. Even the tear-drop pickguard, open-back tuners, ivory binding, and vintage gloss finish echo the aesthetic of early ’40s originals.

Modern performance needs are met with L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC electronics, delivering a natural, articulate plugged-in sound whether you’re on stage, in the studio, or tracking ideas at home. For players seeking the warmth, personality, and vintage vibe of a Banner-era J-45, this reissue stands as one of the most compelling ways to access that history without the price tag of a museum-piece original. Available now at Haggerty’s Music, this guitar ships with a sturdy hardshell case for convenient transport and premium protection.

Features / Specs

Highlights

• Orientation: Right-Handed
• Electronics: L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC
• Bracing: Scalloped X-Bracing
• Cutaway: None

Body

• Body Shape: J-45 (Round Shoulder Jumbo)
• Top Material: Thermally Aged Solid Spruce
• Top Finish: Vintage Gloss
• Top Color: Vintage Sunburst
• Back & Sides Material: Solid Mahogany
• Back Configuration: 2-Piece Solid
• Back & Sides Finish: Vintage Gloss
• Bracing: Scalloped X-Bracing
• Binding Material: Single-Ply Ivory (Top & Back)
• Rosette: Multi-Stripe

Neck

• Neck Profile: Standard V
• Neck Material: One-Piece Mahogany
• Neck Taper: Standard
• Neck Depth: 0.892" at 1st Fret, 0.950" at 9th Fret
• Scale Length: 24.75" (628.65 mm)
• Fingerboard Material: Indian Rosewood
• Fingerboard Inlay: Mother-of-Pearl Dots
• Fingerboard Binding: None
• Fingerboard Radius: 12" (304.8 mm)
• Fingerboard Spacing: Standard
• Neck Finish: Vintage Gloss
• Neck Joint: Compound Dovetail
• Headstock: Gibson Open Book with Inspired by Gibson Custom Logo
• Headstock Binding: None
• Headplate Inlay: Gold Silkscreen Epiphone Logo + Banner Art
• Headplate Finish: Gloss

Hardware

• Bridge Style: Rectangle, Closed Slot
• Bridge Material: Rosewood
• Bridge Pins: Bone
• Saddle: Compensated Bone
• Nut Material: Bone
• Nut Width: 1.73" (44.0 mm)
• Tuners: Open-Back Three-on-a-Plate with Cream Buttons
• Pickguard: Tear Drop Tortoise Shell

Miscellaneous

• Electronics: L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC (Volume/Tone at Soundhole)
• Strings: .012–.053
• Case/Gig Bag: Hardshell Case with Inspired by Gibson Custom Graphics
• Serial Number: 25011500722
• Manufacture Date: 2025