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Haggerty's Music

Gibson Custom Shop 1942 Banner J-45 Acoustic Guitar - Vintage Sunburst with Hardshell Case - Used

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Sale price$4,499.00Regular price $4,607.99

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Pickup available at 2520 W Main St

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14-day returns

Changed your mind? Return it undamaged within 14 days.

Fully insured shipping

Ships from Rapid City, SD. Free on orders over $100.

11,000+ five-star reviews on Reverb

Trusted by players nationwide since 1963.

Ships same or next day

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-YOU ARE VIEWING PHOTOS OF THE ACTUAL GUITAR BEING SOLD!

This used Gibson will ship insured, fully set up, and inspected from Rapid City, SD. This guitar is in excellent condition with some very light surface scratches near the pickguard, and a small chip in the paint on the top of the headstock.

Buy risk free with our 14 day - full refund, less shipping, return policy.  Check out our shop policies for more details.

The Gibson Custom Shop 1942 Banner J-45 is a loving recreation of one of the most celebrated acoustic guitars in Gibson’s history. First introduced during the early 1940s, the original “Banner” J-45 quickly earned its nickname as “The Workhorse” for its balance, projection, and reliability in both professional and everyday playing contexts. Revered by folk, blues, and singer-songwriter icons, its warm midrange, rounded bass, and sweet trebles have made it one of the most recorded and recognized acoustics of all time.

This Custom Historic reissue captures the spirit of the original with era-correct details and historically accurate construction. It features a thermally aged Adirondack red spruce top, hand-sprayed in a vintage sunburst finish, paired with mahogany back and sides for rich, balanced tone. The hot hide glue bracing and compound dovetail neck joint maximize resonance, while the thin nitrocellulose VOS finish enhances both the guitar’s look and tonal response. A historic neck profile, rosewood fingerboard, and mother-of-pearl dot inlays complete the authentic pre-war aesthetic.

Ideal for roots, Americana, folk, blues, and singer-songwriter styles, the 1942 Banner J-45 thrives in both intimate solo settings and ensemble playing. Whether fingerpicking delicate passages or strumming full-bodied chords, it offers expressive range with vintage character. For players seeking the timeless sound and feel of one of Gibson’s greatest acoustics, this Custom Shop reissue delivers an heirloom-quality instrument built to inspire for decades to come. Available now at Haggerty’s Music.

Features / Specs

Highlights

  • Orientation: Right-Handed
  • Electronics: None
  • Bracing: Traditional Hand-Scalloped X, Red Spruce with Hide Glue
  • Cutaway: None

 

Body

  • Body Shape: J-45 (Round Shoulder Dreadnought)
  • Top Material: Thermally Aged Red Spruce
  • Top Finish: Thin Finish Nitrocellulose, VOS
  • Top Color: Vintage Sunburst
  • Back & Sides Material: Mahogany
  • Back Configuration: 2-Piece
  • Back & Sides Finish: Thin Finish Nitrocellulose, VOS
  • Bracing: Traditional Hand-Scalloped X, Red Spruce with Hide Glue
  • Binding Material: Single-Ply (Top and Back)
  • Rosette: Multi-Ring

 

Neck

  • Neck Profile: Historic
  • Neck Material: Mahogany
  • Neck Taper: Standard Taper
  • Scale Length: 24.75" / 628.65mm
  • Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
  • Fingerboard Inlay: Mother-of-Pearl Dots
  • Fingerboard Binding: None
  • Fingerboard Radius: 12" / 304.8mm
  • Fingerboard Spacing: Standard J-45 Spacing
  • Neck Finish: Satin Nitrocellulose (VOS)
  • Neck Joint: Compound Dovetail Neck-to-Body
  • Headstock: Traditional J-45 Style
  • Headstock Binding: None
  • Headplate Inlay: Gibson Logo
  • Headplate Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose

 

Hardware

  • Bridge Style: Rectangle, Open Slot
  • Bridge Material: Rosewood
  • Bridge Pins: Bone
  • Saddle: Bone
  • Nut Material: Bone
  • Nut Width: 1.72" / 43.81mm
  • Tuners: Strap Open-Back with Cream Buttons
  • Pickguard: Tear Drop

 

Miscellaneous

  • Electronics: None
  • Case/Gig Bag: Hardshell Case
  • Serial Number: 23442045
  • Manufacture Date: 2024
used23442045

Customer reviews

11,000+ Five-Star Reviews On Reverb

What players say after the guitar arrives

“The guitar was well packed and is set up to my liking! I would definitely do business with this company again!”

Gerald K. – Jun 4th, 2026Reverb
Gibson ES-330

“This is a beautiful guitar…appreciate the free setup and quick ship! Would purchase from this seller again…THANKS!”

Guitar D. – Jun 4th, 2026Reverb
Yamaha RSS02T

“Thank you too for a wonderful experience and an amazing guitar. I appreciate the quick shipment and great customer service.”

Eddie R. – Jun 4th, 2026Reverb
Epiphone 1957 SJ-200

“Very fast shipping, arrived in perfect condition, extremely well set up, no adjustments needed at all! Plays and looks great, exactly as advertised.”

Duncan K. – Jun 3rd, 2026Reverb
PRS SE CE 24

“Fast shipping, and great communication from the seller. Pedal arrived quickly and was packaged really well. Would not hesitate to buy again.”

Mark G. – Jun 3rd, 2026Reverb
JHS The Clover Preamp

Very well packed! Would be happy to do business again! Thanks!

Mark B. – Jun 2nd, 2026Reverb
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“Another masterpiece from Taylor. Great service and communication from Haggerty’s crew. Thanks!!!”

James S. – Jun 2nd, 2026Reverb
Taylor Custom Shop C14ce

“Beautiful guitar, easy txn! Thank you so much! Looking forward to playing this guitar far into the future.”

Josh H. – May 31st, 2026Reverb
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“Fast shipping, great pedal. Buy with confidence these guys are great to work with!”

Carter M. – May 30th, 2026Reverb
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Craig C. – May 30th, 2026Reverb
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you set up every guitar before it ships?

Yes. Every guitar that leaves our store has been professionally inspected, set up, and signed off by the technician who worked on it. You will find a signed checklist inside the box when your order arrives.

How accurate are your condition descriptions?

We treat condition grading as a contractual promise, not an approximation. When we list something as excellent, that reflects a specific, consistent standard we apply across every instrument. We encourage you to call us before purchasing if you want a detailed in-hand description of any specific guitar.

Can I call and speak to someone about a guitar before I buy?

Yes, and we encourage it. Our team are working musicians, not order-takers. Call us at 605-348-6737 and ask about any instrument in our inventory. We will physically pull it off the wall and describe it to you in detail.

What is your return policy?

We offer a 14-day return policy if you change your mind and the item is returned undamaged. You are responsible for return shipping costs.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. Financing options are available at checkout. Monthly payment options are designed to make high-ticket purchases more accessible without requiring full payment upfront.

How do you ship instruments?

Every instrument ships fully insured from our store in Rapid City, South Dakota. We offer free shipping on all website orders over $100. Guitars are packaged to survive transit, properly cased, braced, and protected.

Are you an authorized dealer?

Yes. We are an authorized dealer for Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Fender, and many other brands. We are currently the number one independent Taylor Guitars dealer in the world, an award we have received two years running for 2024 and 2025. We are also a Top 10 premium dealer for Martin, Gibson, and Fender.

Do you sell on Reverb and Amazon as well as your own site?

Yes. We are one of the top 15 resellers globally on Reverb, where we have accumulated over 11,000 five-star reviews. We are also one of the only independent premium dealers in the world authorized to sell Taylor and Martin on Amazon.

How long have you been in business?

Haggerty's Music has been open since 1963. Our store is located at 515 Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City, South Dakota.

Do you offer instrument repair?

Yes. Our certified technicians handle everything from routine setups to full restorations across fretted, orchestral, and band instruments. Our team holds certifications from Taylor Guitars, Yamaha, and other leading brands. Learn more HERE.

What brands do you carry?

Our core guitar brands include Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Fender, PRS, Epiphone, Suhr, Eastman, Gretsch, Luxxtone, Novo, Jackson, Charvel, Legator, and Yamaha among others. These are also the most searched brands on our site, so each has a dedicated collection page.

Do you offer music lessons?

Yes. We offer music lessons. You can find out more HERE.