What makes a Standard?
Gibson Acoustic produces no shortage of J-45 offerings, spanning ultra-accurate vintage re-creations to cutaway-equipped showcases of modern performance. So, what makes this J-45 the “Standard”? A potent blend of tried-and-true and new elements that respect the J-45’s illustrious legacy while smoothing over a few vintage quirks. For instance, the J-45 Standard’s mahogany neck sports an easy-playing SlimTaper profile, which is a far cry from the baseball bat J-45 necks of yore. Plus, rock-solid kidney-style Grover Rotomatics facilitate superior tuning stability. Finally — and arguably most importantly — the J-45 Standard comes equipped with LR Baggs VTC electronics, giving you the power to perform with an acoustic-electric voice that retains the J-45’s signature drawl.
American craftsmanship at its finest
While the Gibson Acoustic factory in Bozeman embraces modern construction technologies where necessary, guitars such as the J-45 Standard remain largely handcrafted by a seasoned team of skilled craftspeople. Gibson is rightly celebrated for the sound, style, and performance of its iconic “flat-top” guitars, though the term is something of a misnomer. From the company’s very beginnings, Gibson non-archtop acoustics have featured subtly radiused tops and backs, not truly flat surfaces. To honor that legacy, today’s Gibson acoustics continue the tradition with 28-foot-radius tops and 12-foot-radius backs shaped by carefully curving the hand-scalloped bracing. Why go to such lengths when a true flat-top would be easier to produce? That curvature adds stiffness to the back and sides, marking an integral element of the classic Gibson steel-string sound and contributing to its clarity, resonance, and signature note-to-note definition.
From binding installation and fingerboard fretting to neck setting and the painstaking finishing process, the expert luthiers at Gibson’s Bozeman, Montana workshop oversee every detail of the Gibson Acoustic J-45 Standard with unmatched craftsmanship. Even the sides are bent using traditional presses — a technique passed down through generations. Every step reflects Gibson’s dedication to time-honored construction methods, ensuring each guitar carries the soul of a handcrafted American instrument. This enduring commitment is what built Gibson’s legendary reputation throughout the 20th century — and continues to define it today.
Gibson Acoustic J-45 Standard Features:
The highest-selling acoustic guitar model in Gibson’s history, with a legacy that stretches back to 1942
Handbuilt by Gibson’s veteran team of craftspeople in Bozeman, MT
Iconic slope-shouldered “jumbo” dreadnought body delivers ample acoustic projection and deep, lush bass
Sitka spruce top with hand-scalloped X-bracing offers a remarkably resonant and responsive voice
Mahogany back and sides provide a clear, dry, and midrange-rich tonality
24.75-in. scale length provides a slinkier feel and a crisp decay
Easy-playing mahogany neck in Gibson’s SlimTaper profile
Elegant rosewood fingerboard, planed into a 12-in. radius
Rock-solid Grover Rotomatic nickel tuners
Nitrocellulose lacquer finish will continue to age and develop the more you play, true to a vintage Gibson guitar
Stage-ready LR Baggs VTC electronics
1.725-in. nut width is slim enough for strummers while simultaneously providing fingerpickers enough room to maneuverBack to navigation
Tech Specs
String Type:Steel
Number of Strings:6
Left-/Right-handed:Right-handed
Body Shape:J-45 Standard Slope Shoulder Dreadnought
Back & Sides Wood:Mahogany
Top Wood:Sitka Spruce
Top Finish:Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Color:Cherry
Binding:Multi-ply
Neck Wood:Mahogany
Neck Finish:Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Shape:Slim Taper
Radius:12"
Fingerboard Material:Indian Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay:Dots
Number of Frets:20
Scale Length:24.75"
Nut Width:1.725"
Nut Material:Tusq
Saddle Material:Tusq
Bridge Material:Rosewood Reverse Belly
Tuning Machines:Grover Rotomatics
Electronics:LR Baggs VTC preamp
Strings:Gibson, .012-.053
Case/Gig Bag:Hardshell Case