Gibson / J-45 / 1944 / Guitar For Sale
Superlative & scarce 1944 Banner J-45 in exceptionally fine condition, rare original maple body and neck with spruce top. Hands down the best J-45 I've had the pleasure of playing, no doubt owing to the maple. Rare for '44, this one's got a truss rod - that's never been turned. Hard to say which is cleaner, the guitar or it's original hard shell case. This one's got it all boys, as good as it gets for a J-45.
The maple back, sides and neck are unusual for Gibson, at least on flat tops. It's really only a few of their best known, top of the line models, like the J-200 ( other than the first 100, which were rosewood ) & Nick Lucas ( other than the less desirable versions ), that used maple for those components. Yup, just those. No others.
Oh yeah - except for all of the greatest Gibson archtops ever made, that is; the L-5, Super 400, Byrdland, Johnny Smith, Citation, & Trini Lopez ( kidding ). But wait - weren't the '20's F-5s made of the same materials, including nearly all of the Loars? Point is, some folks look down on the small number of original Banner J-45s that were maple, which must suck for them; for the same reasons and in the same ways as all of these other Gibson instruments that used these same materials, the maple J-45s are exceptional guitars.
You'll rarely find an early J-45 in this condition (sorry about the reflections), on top of the sound and playability of this one.
Guitar Exchange, USA 
For close to 40 years we've served our local and regional music community, in addition to our world wide clientele of pros and collectors. Collector grade 'bursts, 'bones and D'angelicos pass thru our hands, as well as countless utility instruments for the player, which I'm pretty sure is who it's all about in the first place.
Many well known guitarists have trusted and validated our knowledge and advice, among them Robben Ford, Brian Setzer, Nils Lofgren, Kirk Hammett, Roy Buchanan, J. Geils, Kris Kristofferson and Keith Urban to name a few. You can expect to receive an instrument from us set-up and ready to play, guaranteed to be as represented.
Always buying and trading .... the usual: Gibson, Fender, Martin, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, National, Collings, Guild, PRS, Taylor, etc.
In these economically challenging times, just remember: Guitars will get you thru times of no money better than money will get you thru times of no guitars, unless we're buying your guitars, in which case you should just take the money.
Payment We accept all major credit cards, as well as all of the other usual methods; cash, bank check, money order and wire transfer. *For International sales we accept wire transfer or Paypal only, though you can process credit card payments thru Paypal. A 25% non-refundable deposit will hold an item for 30 days, other layaway terms considered. Layaway sales are final, no returns, 24 hour approval period is forfeited. Shipping Customer is responsible for all shipping, handling and insurance charges, as well as any and all freight claims, but rest assured, we are THE BEST at packing. Worldwide service available via UPS, USPS, FEDEX, BAX GLOBAL, or other carrier of your choice, pending our approval. Customer is responsible for all sales tax where applicable, as well as any and all duties, brokerage fees, etc. on international shipments. Returns All items shipped on 24 hour approval. If not completely satisfied, call within the allotted time for return authorization for full refund, minus shipping. Customer is responsible for any and all taxes, duties, brokerage fees, VAT, etc. and are non-refundable. Guitar must be returned in the same condition you received it in. If you need other terms or arrangements just give a call, we're reasonable people over here. No returns on amps, pedals or keyboards. Buy / Trade / Consign We buy instruments outright, take them in trade and take them in on consignment. Give us a call. bruce@guitarexchangeonline.com phone: 410-747-0122 Guitar Exchange - 740 Frederick Road - Baltimore Maryland, 21228 All Material © 2010 by Guitar Exchange, Inc. ® All Rights Reserved
