Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,930
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gibson B-45-12". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.
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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
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What kind of sound can I expect from the Gibson B-45-12?
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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.
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Is the Gibson B-45-12 suitable for beginners?
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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.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson B-45-12 like?
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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.
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Does the Gibson B-45-12 have built-in electronics?
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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.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson B-45-12?
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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
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Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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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.
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."
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.
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
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."
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.
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