Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (3)
$3,499.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$3,499.00
Reverb
$3,092.56 New
$3,000.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$3,499.00
Thomann
5.0 (5)
$2,899.00 $2,877.00 $22.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£2,499.00

Average Price: $3,244

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 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 J-45 Standard 12-String is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, designed to captivate both the seasoned performer and the aspiring musician. Known as "The Workhorse," this acoustic-electric guitar carries the legacy of Gibson's most cherished round-shoulder dreadnought, now with a vibrant 12-string configuration. Crafted in Bozeman, Montana, by Gibson’s master luthiers, it showcases the finest solid tonewoods—Sitka spruce for the top and mahogany for the back and sides. This combination delivers a rich, balanced tone with a punchy bass and an expansive dynamic range, perfect for any musical style.

Whether you're fingerpicking or strumming, the Plek'd rosewood fingerboard ensures every note is crisp and clear, thanks to its state-of-the-art fret dressing process for precision and comfort. Taking your performance to the next level, the LR Baggs VTC pickup system provides a natural, dynamic amplified sound, making it a reliable choice for both studio and stage.

The Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String isn't just an instrument; it's a piece of history with modern sensibilities, offering unparalleled playability and a sound that resonates with passion. The iconic round-shoulder body, paired with high-quality components like the bone nut and nickel Mini Grover tuners, ensures this guitar not only sounds exceptional but also stands the test of time.

Key Features:

  • Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides
  • Mahogany neck with Compound Dovetail joint
  • Rosewood fingerboard with mother-of-pearl dot inlays
  • Belly up rosewood 12-string bridge
  • LR Baggs VTC electronics
  • Bone nut; nickel Mini Grover tuners
  • Vintage nitrocellulose lacquer finish
  • Handcrafted in Bozeman, Montana
  • Hardshell case included

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model J-45 Standard 12-String
Year 2020 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories 12-String Acoustic Guitars, Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Gibson J-45
Model Sub-Family Gibson J-45 Standard
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 12-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Gibson Montana Factory Era
Sides Material Rosewood
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String?

The Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String offers a rich, full-bodied sound with warm mids and a tight, punchy bass, thanks to its solid mahogany back and sides and Sitka spruce top. This makes it versatile for various musical styles.

Is the Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String is equipped with an active preamp and undersaddle piezo pickup, making it ideal for live performances where amplification is needed.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String affect playability?

The Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String features a slim taper neck profile, which is comfortable and easy to maneuver, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String?

The Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String features a mahogany neck and back, a rosewood fretboard, and a spruce top, all contributing to its robust sound and durability.

Does the Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String typically comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

12-string Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic Guitar

Video thumbnail for 12-string Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic Guitar by Acoustic Letter

12-string Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Gibson J-45 12-String | The Workhorse Classic Brings the Chime by Alamo Music Center

Gibson J-45 12-String | The Workhorse Classic Brings the Chime

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Gibson J 45 Standard 12 String - Vintage Sunburst by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Gibson J 45 Standard 12 String - Vintage Sunburst

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Montana J-45 Standard 12-String Vintage Sunburst by Dirk Witte Music Store

Gibson Montana J-45 Standard 12-String Vintage Sunburst

Dirk Witte Music Store

Dirk Witte Music Store

Video thumbnail for 2022 Gibson J45 Standard 12 String by Bizarre Guitar

2022 Gibson J45 Standard 12 String

Bizarre Guitar

Bizarre Guitar

Video thumbnail for Gibson J-45 Standard 12 String Vintage Sunburst by MooreMusicGuitars

Gibson J-45 Standard 12 String Vintage Sunburst

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Video thumbnail for Dirk Witte - Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String Vintage Sunburst by Dirk Witte Music Store

Dirk Witte - Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String Vintage Sunburst

Dirk Witte Music Store

Dirk Witte Music Store

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String.

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha LL16-12 has narrow nut and string spacing, recommended for players with smaller hands.

    Source
  • A Guild F-512e's sound reportedly surpasses other models like the Taylor 250ce-BLK and 254ce Plus.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A Guild F-512 is considered the gold standard for spruce/rosewood 12-string guitars.

    Source
  • The Gibson J-45 12-string excels in percussive fingerstyle music, with a warm, woody sound and exceptional bass response that impresses players of styles like Andy McKee and Antoine Dufour.

    Source

User experience

  • The Gibson J-45 12-string is described as neck-heavy, similar to some heavy bass guitars.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Gibson J-45 12-string offers a unique sound, which some users find unusual.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners experiment with different string types; 80/20 strings offer a vintage tone, while Phosphor Bronze enhances boom and mids. D'Addario Nickel Bronze and XS are also recommended.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners note slight unevenness in the burst finish, like a lighter area on the lower bout, which adds character and uniqueness to each guitar.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Francisco Durán uses Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String

Francisco Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

Francisco Durán uses the Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String guitar during the acoustic tour with Los Bunkers to promote their MTV Unplugged, starting from the Mexico dates around March-April 2025, when he acquired the guitar. This is evidenced by a photo from the early tour dates at the Teatro Necafé de las Artes in Santiago in April 2025. The original photo can be viewed on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKBA9O7x3Zt/?img_index=2

Album Usage

The Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String 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.

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