1947 Gibson J-45

$4,599.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jun 23, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 23, 2026.

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5.0 (6)

$4,599.00 22 available Used

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Average Price: $4,599

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

In the Steel-string Acoustic Guitars category, 1947 Gibson J-45 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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The 1947 Gibson J-45 is a vintage treasure that resonates with the soul of American music history. Revered for its distinctive sloped shoulder design and warm, mellow tone, this steel-string acoustic guitar has graced stages and studios with its timeless sound. Whether in the hands of a folk legend or an aspiring singer-songwriter, the J-45's iconic voice is as relevant today as it was over seven decades ago. Crafted with a solid mahogany back and sides and a spruce top, it offers a balanced sound that appeals to both rhythm and lead players. The 1947 model, in particular, is a coveted piece for collectors and musicians alike, delivering a unique combination of vintage charm and practical playability. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt across genres while maintaining its signature tonal depth and warmth.

Key Features:

Year: 1947
Body Type: Slope Shoulder Dreadnought
Top Wood: Spruce
Back & Sides Wood: Mahogany
Fretboard: Rosewood
Finish: Vintage Sunburst
Known for: Warm, mellow tone with excellent projection
Ideal for: Collectors, recording artists, and live performers

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	J-45
Finish	Sunburst
Year	1946 - 1954
Made In	United States
Categories	Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp	No
Back Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Dreadnought
Color Family	Brown
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Gibson J-45
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup	None
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era
Sides Material	Mahogany
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Spruce

FAQs

What makes the 1947 Gibson J-45 unique compared to other acoustic guitars?: The 1947 Gibson J-45 is renowned for its rich, warm tone and exceptional playability, attributed to its mahogany body and spruce top. Its iconic sunburst finish and historical significance as a post-war model add to its allure for collectors and musicians alike.
How would you describe the sound profile of the 1947 Gibson J-45?: The 1947 Gibson J-45 offers a balanced sound with pronounced midrange, clear highs, and controlled lows, making it ideal for various music styles. Its dreadnought body shape enhances volume and projection, perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking.
Is the 1947 Gibson J-45 suitable for professional recording?: Yes, the 1947 Gibson J-45 is highly regarded for studio use due to its versatile tonal qualities and dynamic response, which capture well in recordings. Its vintage sound character adds depth and warmth to any recording session.
What materials are used in the construction of the 1947 Gibson J-45?: The 1947 Gibson J-45 features a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, contributing to its warm, resonant sound. The fretboard is made of rosewood, providing smooth playability and durability.
Does the 1947 Gibson J-45 include any electronics or pickups?: No, the 1947 Gibson J-45 is an acoustic-only guitar without built-in electronics or pickups, staying true to its traditional design and sound.

Videos

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twoodfrd

1947 J-45

twoodfrd

“Amazing Grace” - flatpicking country style on a vintage 1947 Gibson J-45

Peter Picker

1947 Gibson J-45 "Midnight on the Water" Apollo Twin X and Earthworks SR78

Peter Picker

1947 Gibson J-45

Rick Falkiner

Gibson J-45 (1947) Blue-G & Tetsuro Toyama

bluegguitar

Gibson J45 Sunburst 1947 played by Maurice van Hoek | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics

TFOA Demos

1947 Gibson J-45

Peter Picker

Reviews

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PROS

Smooth, buttery playability enhances every strum
Depth and warmth of sound are exceptional
Guitar feels perfectly balanced and inviting
Soft, smooth tone likened to southern whiskey
Vintage character adds a unique charm
Inspires creativity, almost writing songs on its own
Originality with matching serial numbers adds authenticity

CONS

Chunky neck may require adjustment for some players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1947 Gibson J-45.

Setup and maintenance

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It's common for tuner buttons on early J-45s to disintegrate; owners recommend replacing them with vintage-looking replicas to preserve originality.
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It's advised to use humipaks for humidity control and only consult reputable vintage luthiers for maintenance, as improper repairs can damage the instrument.
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Features and functionality

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The 1947 J-45 is noted for its rich, resonant tone, particularly excelling in solo fingerstyle playing due to its unique bass and midrange.
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Value and pricing

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Owners mention that despite the guitar's age, it can be valued between $8k to $10k, highlighting its collectibility and investment potential.
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Build quality

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Attention should be paid to the bridge and braces, as these components may lift over time and require professional assessment.
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Comparisons

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The J-45 is described as bassier and less cutting compared to Martin guitars of the same era, offering a distinct tonal richness.
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Aaron Lewis

Singer, Guitarist

Staind

Verified via Photo

"One of the oldest Gibson acoustics that I have and it’s probably in the best condition out of all of them. I don’t know, but if it did get played, it was played by someone with baby hands. Well, you know what, it did get played because the fretboard is worn out from fingernails, but the guitar looks almost brand-new. It’s amazing and sounds unbelievable. Obviously, somebody took good care of it and it got played, it got the dirt played right off of it, because the fretboard itself underneath those cowboy chord positions is totally scalloped and worn out." Taken from a discussion with Aaron Lewis in a Gibson article.

Jonny Two Bags Wickersham

Singer, Guitarist

Social Distortion

Verified via Premierguitar

http://www.premierguitar.com/ext/resources/images/content/2015-09/martin-WEB.jpg

In typical fashion, Jonny travels with drool-worthy acoustics, too—this is his 1947 Gibson J-45 with a LR Baggs Anthem pickup.

Jeffrey Foucault

Singer, Guitarist

Blood on the Tracks

Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

“I bring both on the road. I have a Gibson J-45 from the 40s – it’s either a ’46 or ’47. That’s my road acoustic and I bring one of my electrics, too."