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Epiphone J-45 Acoustic Guitar - Aged Vintage Sunburst Gloss

6-string Acoustic-electric Guitar with Sitka Spruce Top, Mahogany Back and Sides, Mahogany Neck, and Laurel Fingerboard - Aged Vintage Sunburst Gloss
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Epiphone J-45 Acoustic Guitar - Aged Vintage Sunburst Gloss
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A Faithful Homage to a Classic Acoustic Guitar

Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson J-45 Acoustic Guitar pays faithful homage to an absolute legend. Debuting in 1942, the J-45 is considered by many to be the dreadnought that set the standard for those that would follow. The J-45 immediately established itself as a favorite among wartime musicians like Woody Guthrie for its balanced, robust low end and rugged midrange, which perfectly complemented the voices of the growing folk music scene. The J-45 would go on to become a widely popular instrument, earning the nickname "The Workhorse." The J-45 features the same solid Sitka spruce top of the original, paired with a solid mahogany back and sides for that signature J-45 tone. The mahogany neck with Indian laurel fingerboard is instantly comfortable and responsive. And when you need to plug in, onboard Fishman electronics deliver pristine amplified acoustic sound.

Classic design and details

The design of the Epiphone J-45 stays true to its inspiration with the same sloped-shoulder cut and one-of-a kind vintage sunburst. Yes, there are countless acoustics that feature a sunburst top. But none is quite as immediately recognizable as the one you'll find on the J-45. And the Epiphone J-45 captures the original faithfully, leaving you and your audience transfixed by its signature muted gold center and dark brown fade. In addition, a classic burgundy, tortoise-shell pickguard and ivory binding are added true-to-the-original appointments that J-45 fans here at Sweetwater really love.

Versatile, comfortable neck

The rounded “C” profile mahogany neck on the Epiphone J-45 features an ultra-comfortable 24-3/4-inch scale that brings out a springy action in the strings, as well as a warm overall tone. Its sound projection and unique action make the J-45 neck ideal for both flatpicking and fingerpicking, especially for folk, country, and bluegrass. But for the rockers out there, the Epiphone J-45 also delivers plenty of punch for more aggressive styles.

Stellar amplified tone

The Fishman S-Core pickup in this outstanding acoustic features an under-saddle piezo wired to translate the tone of the Epiphone J-45 in a pure fashion. Meanwhile, the preamp offers rotary controls for Volume, Bass, and Treble, along with a phase switch. This gives you incredibly easy access to tweaking your tone.

Epiphone J-45 Acoustic Guitar Features:

  • Part of the "Inspired by Gibson" series
  • Classic dreadnought designed for vintage tone, playability, and visual delight
  • Solid Sitka spruce top with solid mahogany back and sides for balanced, robust low end and rugged midrange
  • Mahogany neck with Indian laurel fingerboard is instantly comfortable and responsive
  • Ultra-comfortable 24-3/4-inch scale that brings out a springy action in the strings, as well as a warm overall tone
  • Onboard Fishman electronics deliver pristine amplified acoustic tone
  • Aged gloss finish over signature muted gold center and dark brown fade for instantly recognizable top

Why Buy Your Guitar from Sweetwater?

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Tech Specs

  • String Type: Steel
  • Number of Strings: 6
  • Left-/Right-handed: Right-handed
  • Body Shape: Dreadnought
  • Back & Sides Wood: Mahogany
  • Top Wood: Sitka Spruce
  • Finish: Gloss
  • Color: Aged Vintage Sunburst
  • Body Bracing: Quartersawn Spruce
  • Binding: Ivory/Black Multi-ply Top
  • Neck Wood: Mahogany
  • Neck Shape: Rounded C
  • Radius: 12"
  • Fingerboard Material: Indian Laurel
  • Fingerboard Inlay: Mother-of-Pearl Dots
  • Number of Frets: 20, Medium Jumbo
  • Scale Length: 24.724"
  • Nut Width: 1.693"
  • Nut/Saddle Material: Bone/Bone
  • Bridge Material: Indian Laurel
  • Tuning Machines: Wilkinson Deluxe with 3+3 Plate
  • Electronics: Fishman Preamp with Sonicore Undersaddle Pickup
  • Strings: Gibson, .012-.053
  • Case Included: Sold Separately
  • Manufacturer Part Number: IGMTJ455AVSNH1

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Really solid value (the IBG version)

The j-45 "inspired by Gibson" Epiphone is an unreal value. All solid wood and quality construction yields a guitar with a great voice. I played countless guitars in this price range before settling on the ISG J-45.
Music background: Picking and grinning for 30+ years
Rated 5/5

Fanatastic!

Okay for the sake of giving some feedback on these, I was looking to get a prop guitar that I would still enjoy playing that could fit the role of both an Elvis and Beatles tribute that I do. Elvis did play this instrument in several movies etc. The Beatles played something similar looking with the Gibson J160e which there is also an Epi version of. Other Epi's I've played in the past really were terrible in comparison to something like a Yamaha FG830 which blew the Epi's I played away, but I can't vouch for the Epi J160e, never played it. But I was curious about how the Inspired by Gibson line would sound and play. Loved the J45 look etc. So I sold a Guild DS240 I had because the color didn't look the same and it was more of J45 faded look. I turned around and bought this used Epi Inspired by Gibson J45 after playing it at a local store. I have to say it beats the Guild in term of sound. Playability is comparable, Guild is probably more nicely finished but its not solid wood back and sides like the Epi is. I like the chunkier neck on the Epi as well. The thing most people don't like about these, is sometimes the neck and bridge plate can look way too pale and they look so much better when they are black, like on a real J45. So I dyed the neck with some Higgins #46030 ink and it came out awesome. Check out the before and after photos. If you can't swing getting the real J45 then man this guitar is a huge value for the money. Super highly impressed. So nice to be able to get that authentic look without breaking the bank and have something so very close to the real thing from a sound and playability aspect. Yes the pickguard is a bit thick but that could be replaced as well if it bothered you. But it certainly doesn't hamper its great sound and boom on the low end. Playability fret work, beautifully finished and Solid Woods! You can't go wrong, buy it!
Music background: Elvis/Beatles Tribute; Praise & Worship Leader
Rated 5/5

Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson" J-45

Folks, it is very important to note the "Inspired by Gibson" orange sticker in this guitar. That separates it from a Epiphone J-45. This was made in the custom shop in Indonesia and it is quite a guitar for the money. It does not sound like a Gibson J-45, which is a different experience from the Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird, as it sounds very close to a Gibson Hummingbird. That said, the IBG J-45 sounds like a mini cannon. It is solidly in that mid section of sound. It's not too deep and not too bright. Mine almost sounds like an Adirondack spruce top. It is quite powerful. For the money, you better believe it is worth it. The pickguard for mine was replaced with something smaller and the electronics were taken out and the saddle was shimmed with bone. It is pretty amazing and I suspect pulling the pickguard helped that, since the one that comes with it takes up a lot of real estate. I don't like active pickups, because the way they have to mount it really interferes wit the sound, in my opinion. A great buy for the money, but I would recommend pulling the pickguard and removing the electronics. If you have to have a pickup, install a K&K or something passive like that.
Music background: Experienced
Rated 5/5

Epiphone J-45 Acoustic Guitar - Aged Vintage Sunburst Gloss

This is my 1st review, so here goes, this is an amazing guitar, compared next to two Gibson J-45's that I tried they were almost identical each having it's own sprinkle on top if you know what I mean. Very comfortable neck, smooth playability, great action, and the balance across the strings just amazing. As you can see I took off that huge bat wing pickguard more vintage looking seems to have a little more resonance maybe it's just me. Also had a custom thrust rod cover made for a cool vibe, I also put pictures of the products I used to get the Indian Laurel neck darken and more Rosewood looking, pic don't do justice it really makes it look nice. Is this guitar one of the Diamonds in the rough I don't know but I would give this guitar a try, a whole lot of guitar for the money. I want to give a big shout out to my guy of 5 years now Dave Brow, amazing guy if you need anything give him a ring he will take care of you.

James
Music background: Musician, songwriter, guitar lover, collector and lover of music.
Rated 4.5/5

This is the modern workhorse.

When Gibson introduced the J-45 in 1942 it sold for $45 USD. Accounting for inflation that's roughly the cost of $ today, which is what the Epiphone IBG J-45 is priced at. The USA built Gibson J-45 is $. Our grand parents and great grand parents could have never afforded what Gibson charges today for the modern J-45. In an age where manufacturing has been sent overseas for everything, with guitar's there's a super premium to manufacturing in the US. The iconic models by Martin, Gibson and others are luxury goods often priced out of reach new for gigging musicians. The Inspired by Gibson J-45 really fills the void... I own a 2001 Gibson USA J-45, so I have something to compare it to and I will say the name "Inspired by" is appropriate. This Epiphone J-45 is its own thing for sure, but it lives up to the J-45 name in that it's a very mid-range focused instrument. A bit more balance and a little less thump on the low E and A strings than the USA J-45b, but it delivers as a songwriters tool. Songs just pop out of this thing! I own four other full size acoustics. Almost all of them cost more than my IBG J-45, yet this Epiphone J-45 has become my go-to guitar. In a quiet room it's just an amazing guitar to play and sing over and super comfortable to play. It's not a loud instruments, the best J-45's aren't that loud. It's about having a richness in its subdued tone. It never will compete with your vocal, but someway always helps make you sound good.... Two problems 1.) mine had scratchy frets at the 10th and 12th string. Easy to polish out using Lizard Spit's fret polishing syste ($.. excellent product... might as well add to cart if you buy this) other issue is with the pickup. I hate the Fishman Sonitone and just wish they would have gone without electronics in these. The case is NOT included, but Epiphone builds an excellent case for this guitar. Talk to your Sweetwater rep and see what kind of deal they can work for you on the case!
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