Gibson Custom Dealer Select 1942 Banner J-45 Sinker Mahogany w/case 20816020

This Dealer Select 1942 Banner J-45 takes Gibson’s most iconic wartime acoustic design and elevates it with one of the most prized tonewoods available today: sinker mahogany. Using old-growth mahogany recovered from riverbeds, the back and sides offer noticeably deeper warmth, enhanced harmonic complexity, and a broken-in sweetness right out of the case. Paired with the classic Adirondack spruce top and period-correct 1942 construction, this build delivers the dry, woody, punchy voice J-45s are famous for — but with an even richer low end and bloom.

Every detail follows the 1942 Banner spec: the traditional slope-shoulder body, hide-glue construction, vintage-correct braces, bone nut and saddle, and the unmistakable “Only a Gibson Is Good Enough” banner on the headstock. The lightly aged finish adds character and gives the guitar the feel of a well-cared-for vintage original. This Dealer Select edition was spec’d exclusively for Tone Shop Guitars and represents the very best of Gibson’s acoustic Custom Shop.

Highlights

• Dealer Select exclusive with sinker mahogany back and sides
• Adirondack spruce top with vintage 1942-spec construction
• Hide-glue dovetail neck joint and period-correct bracing
• “Only a Gibson Is Good Enough” Banner headstock
• Slim early-’40s neck profile with comfortable playability
• Lightly aged finish for a vintage look and feel
• Includes Gibson Custom Shop hardshell case

Specifications

Body

• Body Style: 1942 Slope-Shoulder J-45
• Top: Adirondack Red Spruce
• Back & Sides: Sinker Mahogany
• Bracing: 1942-spec X-bracing (scalloped, hide glue)
• Binding: Multi-ply top, single-ply back
• Finish: Aged nitrocellulose, Vintage Sunburst

Neck

• Neck Profile: Historic 1942 Banner profile
• Neck Material: Mahogany
• Neck Construction: Hide-glued dovetail joint
• Scale Length: 24.75"
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Inlays: Mother-of-pearl dots
• Nut Width: 1.77" (approx., 1942 spec)
• Nut Material: Bone
• Finish: Aged nitrocellulose

Hardware

• Bridge: Rosewood, traditional belly-down
• Saddle: Bone
• Tuners: 3-on-a-plate open-gear tuners (aged)
• Bridge Pins: Traditional black with white dot

Miscellaneous

• Case: Gibson Custom Shop Hardshell Case
• Interior: Period-correct lining
• Strings: Gibson coated phosphor bronze
• Orientation: Right-handed

Why Buy from Tone Shop Guitars?

Our Dealer Select acoustics are built through direct collaboration with Gibson’s Acoustic Custom Shop using hand-selected tonewoods and exacting vintage specifications. Every guitar is photographed, inspected, and professionally set up before it ever hits the showroom, ensuring exceptional playability from day one.