Gibson J45 2008

Smith Sound
Gibson J45 2008

The Gibson J-45 (2008) is a classic acoustic guitar from Gibson’s renowned “Round Shoulder” series. Known as the “Workhorse” for its balanced tone and versatility, the 2008 model features:

  • Body: Traditional square-shouldered dreadnought with a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back/sides.

  • Tone: Warm, well-balanced sound with strong midrange—ideal for strumming, fingerpicking, and recording.

  • Neck: Mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard and a comfortable rounded profile.

  • Finish: Vintage sunburst (common for this era) with aging lacquer for a slightly worn-in look.

  • Hardware: Iconic Gibson headstock with chrome Grover tuners and an adjustable rosewood bridge.

The 2008 J-45 maintains Gibson’s legacy of craftsmanship, offering a rich, resonant tone favored by singer-songwriters and folk/rock players. Its understated aesthetics and reliable performance make it a timeless choice.

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Description

The 2008 Gibson J-45 is a quintessential American-made acoustic guitar, representing Gibson’s flagship dreadnought model. Known as the “Workhorse” for its balanced tone and rugged dependability, this guitar is favored by singer-songwriters, folk artists, and rock musicians alike. The 2008 model retains the classic J-45 design with subtle refinements in craftsmanship and materials.

Specifications:

Body & Construction

  • Body Shape: Round-shoulder dreadnought

  • Top: Solid Sitka spruce (aged for enhanced resonance)

  • Back & Sides: Solid mahogany (warm, mid-focused tone)

  • Bracing: Traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing (optimized for balance)

  • Finish: Vintage Sunburst (most common), Natural, or Walnut options

  • Binding: Single-ply cream body binding

Neck & Fingerboard

  • Neck Material: Mahogany (comfortable rounded “C” profile)

  • Fingerboard: Rosewood with trapezoid pearl inlays

  • Scale Length: 24.75″ (shorter than Martin-style dreadnoughts)

  • Nut Width: 1.725″ (43mm) – standard Gibson spacing

  • Nut & Saddle: Bone (enhances sustain and clarity)

Hardware

  • Bridge: Rosewood belly-up style with drop-in saddle

  • Tuners: Chrome Grover Rotomatic (18:1 ratio, reliable tuning stability)

  • Pickguard: Tortoiseshell (classic J-45 look)

  • Strings: Factory-equipped with Gibson Masterbuilt Premium Phosphor Bronze (.012–.053)

Sound & Playability

  • Tone: Warm, balanced, with strong midrange and articulate bass

  • Dynamic Range: Excellent for both strumming and fingerstyle

  • Volume & Projection: Loud enough for live performance, yet refined for studio work

Additional Features

  • Logo: Mother-of-pearl Gibson headstock inlay

  • Heavy Duty Road Case Included

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