Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,795

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$200

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Unleash your musical creativity with the Gibson J-45 Avant Garde (Walnut), a perfect blend of tradition and innovation that elevates the iconic J-45 series. This acoustic-electric guitar embodies the rich legacy of Gibson's craftsmanship, offering a classic round-shoulder dreadnought shape with a modern cutaway for unparalleled access to higher frets. At its heart lies a Sitka spruce top, paired with solid American walnut back and sides, offering a captivating tonal palette that ranges from bright and crisp to warm and resonant.

The J-45 Avant Garde is not only about remarkable acoustic performance; it also boasts a smooth-playing, advanced-response neck profile with a 12"-radius Richlite fingerboard, allowing for effortless transitions between chords and solos. Whether you're playing unplugged or taking the stage, its LR Baggs Element electronics ensure your sound is always clear and true, with an intuitive volume control discreetly placed within the soundhole for easy access.

With its striking abalone appointments and nickel hardware, the Gibson J-45 Avant Garde is as visually stunning as it is sonically impressive—a perfect choice for the discerning musician seeking both style and substance in their instrument.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top and American walnut back and sides
  • Advanced-response neck profile with 12" radius Richlite fingerboard
  • LR Baggs Element electronics for natural amplified sound
  • Traditional round-shoulder dreadnought shape with modern cutaway
  • Abalone appointments and nickel hardware for elegant aesthetics

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model J-45 Walnut M (Avant Garde AG)
Finish Antique Natural, Walnut Burst
Year 2018 - 2019
Made In United States
Categories Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Walnut
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Composite
Model Family Gibson J-45
Model Sub-Family Gibson J-45 M / Avant Garde AG
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Montana Factory Era
Sides Material Walnut
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What is the body shape of the Gibson J-45 Avant Garde (Walnut)?

The Gibson J-45 Avant Garde (Walnut) features a dreadnought body shape, known for its balanced sound and versatility across various music genres.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson J-45 Avant Garde (Walnut)?

This guitar is constructed with a spruce top, walnut back and sides, and a maple neck, providing a rich and warm tonal quality.

Does the Gibson J-45 Avant Garde (Walnut) have an active preamp?

Yes, the Gibson J-45 Avant Garde (Walnut) is equipped with an active preamp, enhancing its amplified performance for live settings.

How many frets does the Gibson J-45 Avant Garde (Walnut) have?

The Gibson J-45 Avant Garde (Walnut) features 20 frets, offering a comfortable playing experience for both rhythm and lead parts.

Is the Gibson J-45 Avant Garde (Walnut) suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its undersaddle piezo pickup and active preamp, the Gibson J-45 Avant Garde (Walnut) is well-suited for live performances, delivering clear and dynamic sound.

Ian Meadows

Ian Meadows

Gibson J45 Walnut Avant Garde : Classic Slope D with a Modern Flair!

Video thumbnail for Gibson J45 Walnut Avant Garde : Classic Slope D with a Modern Flair! by Ian Meadows

Gibson J45 Walnut Avant Garde : Classic Slope D with a Modern Flair!

Ian Meadows

Ian Meadows

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique tonal blend between mahogany and rosewood with excellent sustain

  • Neck design with 1 23/32” nut width is very comfortable

  • Cutaway allows high fretboard access without sacrificing volume or tone

  • Balanced, open sound suitable for both studio and live performances

  • Increasing in value due to limited production

  • Clear and bright tone for fingerpicking; warm and full for strumming

  • Beautiful appearance with excellent craftsmanship

  • Excellent projection unplugged and amplified through LR Baggs Element pickup

CONS

  • Some users find walnut construction a bit thin/trebly

  • Bridge plate craftsmanship perceived as roughly hewn by some

  • Back binding perceived as unusual by some users

  • Walnut fingerboard not preferred by all; some prefer ebony

  • Sensitive to percussive playing, potentially causing feedback issues

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson J-45 Avant Garde (Walnut).

Features and functionality

  • The LR Baggs Element piezo comes pre-installed, but owners often replace it with the Anthem system or MagMic for improved sound quality due to their integrated microphones.

    Source
  • The guitar features a walnut back and sides, walnut fretboard, a 2-piece maple neck, and a Sitka spruce top, offering a unique combination of materials.

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Comparisons

  • The J-45 Avant Garde offers a thinner body than the traditional J-45, yet it maintains the classic tonal balance, making it distinct from the Hummingbird model.

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  • Owners prefer the J-45 Avant Garde's bright, crisp, and clear sound over the excessive resonance of Taylor's V series, which some find creates a distracting hum.

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User experience

  • Owners note the guitar's loud projection, which can require mic adjustments during recording to avoid a thin sound capture.

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  • Players enjoy the way the J-45 Avant Garde's body vibrates when strummed, providing a tactile experience that enhances playability.

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Use cases and applications

  • The J-45 Avant Garde is appreciated for its balance in tone, suitable for rehearsals and breaking in over time.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Nickel wound strings are recommended for optimizing sound quality on this guitar, as they pair well with the Gibson's tonal characteristics.

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Value and pricing

  • A lightly used J-45 Avant Garde can be a compelling purchase when compared to new prices, offering significant savings without sacrificing quality.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ella Langley uses Gibson J-45 Avant Garde (Walnut)

Ella Langley

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

On Ella's official Instagram, you can see her playing a Gibson J-45 Avant Garde Walnut.

Genre Usage

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

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