Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Reverb
5.0 (8)
$925.00 15 available Used
Thomann
5.0 (5)
$2,899.00
Gear4Music
£2,499.00
Willcutt Guitars
$1,999.00
The Denver Folklore Center
$1,895.00

Average Price: $1,930

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gibson B-45-12". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Gibson B-45-12 is a harmonious blend of history and craftsmanship, delivering the iconic 12-string chime that has captivated musicians for decades. Revered for its bright and resonant sound, this vintage beauty features a solid Sitka spruce top that promises a rich, full-bodied tone with exceptional projection. Ideal for both live performances and studio recordings, the B-45-12 is a testament to Gibson's legendary build quality, with every curve and contour meticulously crafted.

This model retains its original adjustable bridge, a hallmark of Gibson's innovative design from the era, ensuring precise intonation and playability. While the guitar shows some age-appropriate signs of wear, such as light finish checking, these are badges of honor that only add to its character and story. The tailpiece has been replaced with a visually similar one, preserving the guitar's vintage vibe without compromising on aesthetics or performance.

Perfect for those who appreciate the depth and complexity of a 12-string acoustic, the Gibson B-45-12 stands out as a genuine classic in the world of guitars. Whether you're strumming in a cozy coffeehouse or recording your next hit, this guitar offers a tonal richness that’s hard to find in modern instruments.

Key Features:

  • 12-string acoustic guitar with legendary chime
  • Solid Sitka spruce top for clear, resonant tone
  • Original adjustable bridge for precise intonation
  • Vintage craftsmanship with classic Gibson build quality
  • Replaced tailpiece for maintained aesthetics

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model B-45-12
Finish Natural, Sunburst
Year 1961 - 1979
Made In United States
Categories 12-String Acoustic Guitars, Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson B-45
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 18
Number of Strings 12-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Gibson B-45-12?

The Gibson B-45-12 offers a rich, full-bodied sound typical of 12-string guitars, with enhanced harmonic complexity and resonance due to its mahogany back and sides and spruce top.

Is the Gibson B-45-12 suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson B-45-12 provides a lush sound, its 12-string setup might be challenging for beginners due to the increased string tension and finger strength required. It is better suited for intermediate to advanced players.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson B-45-12 like?

The Gibson B-45-12 features a mahogany neck with a comfortable profile, making it easier to handle despite the wider fretboard needed for 12 strings.

Does the Gibson B-45-12 have built-in electronics?

No, the Gibson B-45-12 does not come with built-in electronics or pickups. It is a purely acoustic guitar designed for natural sound projection.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson B-45-12?

The Gibson B-45-12 is constructed with a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood fretboard, contributing to its warm and resonant tone.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Bowie uses Gibson B-45-12

David Bowie

Singer, Guitarist

David Bowie (band)

...
Verified via Photo

David Bowie used a Gibson B-45-12, a 12-string steel-string acoustic guitar with a sunburst finish, during the 1970s. This is evidenced by a photograph from Myrareguitars.

See how Alex Lifeson uses Gibson B-45-12

Alex Lifeson

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via guitarworld

In this article, Alex states (regarding Rush's Hemispheres):

“By that time I had my ES-355, and my acoustics were a Gibson Dove, J-55 and a B-45 12-string. I had my Marshall in the studio. I had the Twin and two Hiwatts, which I was also using live, but the Marshall was my real workhorse."

See how Paul Weller uses Gibson B-45-12

Paul Weller

Singer, Guitarist

The Style Council

...
Verified via YouTube

Paul Weller - Live In Hyde Park Paul plays a B-45-12 in his Hyde Park concert minute 32:36.

Also... Bitterness Rising acoustic video here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0UK0Pj8f9k

See how Josh Turner uses Gibson B-45-12

Josh Turner

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

According to his video description its a '65 Gibson B-45-12

See how Jim Croce uses Gibson B-45-12

Jim Croce

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video on YouTube, Jim Croce is seen performing "Spin, Spin, Spin" with his wife Ingrid from their second album "Jim & Ingrid Croce," where he is clearly playing a sunburst Gibson B-45-12 acoustic guitar

See how Leo Kottke uses Gibson B-45-12

Leo Kottke

Guitarist

Leo Kottke & Mike Gordon

...
Verified via Guitarmusic

Interview to Leo Kottke by Gil Podolinsky, August 1977 "How many guitars do you own?

I own many, I'm really embarrassed to say. I'm one of those guys who gets really spaced out, goes down the street, and finds a piece of nothing on the wall that in my inflated condition looks like something I can rebuild at home, so I've got a lot of junk.

In addition to the two playable Gibsons, I have eight other B-45s that are my experimental victims that are basically pieces of junk. I also have four Bozos; one 12-string is about six or seven years old, and the other, a cutaway, about three."

See how Gordon Lightfoot uses Gibson B-45-12

Gordon Lightfoot

Singer

...
Verified via Photo

The Gibson B-45 12 String is notably adjacent on the front of the 1974 “Sundown” album by Gordon Lightfoot. Can be seen used for 12 string songs in many concerts during the 70’s 80’s 90’s and 00’s.

See how Peter Asher uses Gibson B-45-12

Peter Asher

Singer, Guitarist

Peter and Gordon

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Peter used Gibson B-45-12.

Album Usage

The Gibson B-45-12 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson B-45-12, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

AKG D112 MkII
AKG D112 MkII Dynamic Microphones
1
Zoom UAC-8
Zoom UAC-8 Audio Interfaces
1
Rode NT5
Rode NT5 Condenser Microphones
1
Squier Jazz
Squier Jazz Electric Basses
1
Bozo Bell Western 12 String Guitar
Bozo Bell Western 12 String Guitar Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Maestro Echoplex EP-2
Maestro Echoplex EP-2 Effects Processors
1
Gibson J-55
Gibson J-55 Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1

More Gibson Steel-string Acoustic Guitars

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    jenniferx
    jenniferx

    Gear IQ 195