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Average Price: $900

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$200

$601+

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Description

The Gibson B45-12N takes the rich legacy of Gibson's craftsmanship and channels it into an extraordinary acoustic experience. As a 12-string steel-string acoustic guitar, this instrument is designed to deliver a lush, resonant sound that captivates both performers and audiences alike. A favorite among folk and rock musicians, the B45-12N's sound is as timeless as the artists who have wielded it.

Crafted with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the Gibson B45-12N offers a balanced tone with a warm bass response and clear trebles, ideal for both strumming and fingerpicking styles. The dreadnought body shape enhances its projection, making it an excellent choice for live performances and studio recordings. The rosewood fingerboard ensures smooth playability, while the classic Gibson neck profile provides comfort for long sessions.

This model's construction reflects Gibson's commitment to quality, combining traditional design with modern playability. The nickel hardware adds a touch of elegance, while the adjustable bridge allows for precise action adjustments, ensuring optimal performance. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, the Gibson B45-12N brings a reliable and inspiring acoustic experience.

Key Features:

  • 12-string configuration for a rich, full sound
  • Spruce top and mahogany back and sides for balanced tone
  • Dreadnought body shape for enhanced projection
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Nickel hardware with an adjustable bridge for precise action adjustments

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 B45-12N's 12-string setup?

The Gibson B45-12N offers a rich, full-bodied sound typical of 12-string guitars, with enhanced harmonic overtones and a jangly, resonant quality ideal for folk and rock genres.

Is the Gibson B45-12N suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the Gibson B45-12N provides a beautiful sound, its 12-string configuration might be challenging for beginners due to the additional strings and wider neck, making it more suitable for intermediate to advanced players.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson B45-12N?

The Gibson B45-12N features a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood fretboard, providing a warm, resonant tone with excellent projection.

Does the Gibson B45-12N have any electronics or pickups for amplification?

The Gibson B45-12N is an acoustic-only guitar with no built-in electronics or pickups, making it best suited for unplugged performances.

How does the dreadnought body shape of the Gibson B45-12N affect its sound?

The dreadnought shape of the Gibson B45-12N enhances its volume and bass response, providing a powerful and balanced sound well-suited for strumming and flatpicking.

Retrofret Vintage Guitars

Retrofret Vintage Guitars

1965 Gibson B-45 12n at Retrofret

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson B-45 12n at Retrofret by Retrofret Vintage Guitars

1965 Gibson B-45 12n at Retrofret

Retrofret Vintage Guitars

Retrofret Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1967 Gibson B-45-12-N 12 String Guitar by Lawman Guitars

1967 Gibson B-45-12-N 12 String Guitar

Lawman Guitars

Lawman Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Matches and often exceeds the tone and playability of high-end 12-strings

  • Trapeze design allows for increased vibration and projection

  • Warm, rich tone with plenty of shimmer and brightness

  • Classic Gibson C-shaped neck for comfortable playing

  • Holds tuning better with replica tuning keys

  • Inspirational sound that makes players feel elevated

  • Evokes nostalgic connection for fans of Gordon Lightfoot

  • Capable of maintaining regular pitch tuning

CONS

  • Full 2" wide nut can be challenging for some players

  • Not as bright or bold as some may prefer

  • Requires a proper setup for optimal performance

  • Slightly under perfect for vintage purists due to replica keys

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson B45-12N.

Build quality

  • Early models featured the rare slope shoulder design, later replaced due to structural concerns.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Most early B-45-12 models shipped with a bridge/tailpiece setup; pin bridge versions are extremely rare.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The B-45-12 was Gibson's first production 12-string, paralleling the B series with a dreadnought body.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nick McCarthy uses Gibson B45-12N

Nick McCarthy

Singer, Guitarist

Franz Ferdinand

...
Verified via YouTube

Nick McCarthy plays with a Gibson B45-12N during the Franz Ferdinand "The Fallen" live acoustic session.

See how John Denver uses Gibson B45-12N

John Denver

Singer, Guitarist

The Chad Mitchell Trio

...
Verified via Jdgrs

On this photo we can see John Denver cleaning his B45

See how Jim Croce uses Gibson B45-12N

Jim Croce

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

Jim Croce is documented using a Gibson B45-12N (natural finish one with an adjustable bridge), as seen in a photo included in a Facebook reel captioned, "My grandfather, James Albert Croce...". Additionally, he was photographed playing this guitar at Villanova University, providing further confirmation.

See how Gerry Marsden uses Gibson B45-12N

Gerry Marsden

Singer, Guitarist

Gerry & the Pacemakers

...
Verified via Gettyimages

In this stock photograph with Joe Brown, Gerry Marsden is seen with a Gibson B-45 12-string guitar. He also used this guitar in the film "Ferry Cross the Mersy".

See how John Phillips uses Gibson B45-12N

John Phillips

Guitarist, Singer

The Mamas & the Papas

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video you can see John Phillips playing a Gibson B45-12N.

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 B45-12N, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

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  • Added to Equipboard on by

    michael
    michael

    Gear IQ 42573