Gibson Murphy Lab 1942 Banner J-45 Light Aged Vintage Sunburst - Used

The Gibson Murphy Lab 1942 Banner J-45 Light Aged is a highly detailed recreation of one of the most legendary acoustic guitars ever produced. Built by the Gibson Custom Shop in Bozeman, Montana, this model captures the tone, feel and visual character of the iconic wartime J-45, complete with the historic “Only a Gibson Is Good Enough” banner headstock.

This model features a thermally aged Adirondack red spruce top paired with solid mahogany back and sides, delivering the classic J-45 voice—warm, woody lows, focused mids and a smooth, balanced response that works beautifully for both strumming and fingerstyle playing. Traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing with hot hide glue construction enhances resonance and responsiveness, helping recreate the tone of a well-played vintage instrument.

The Murphy Lab Light Aged finish treatment adds subtle vintage wear and character, giving the guitar the look and feel of a lightly played original from the early 1940s.

This used example is in excellent condition, with beautiful Murphy Lab detailing throughout. It has been restrung and professionally setup in-store, ensuring excellent playability. The frets are in great condition with minimal wear, and the truss rod functions perfectly.

Key Features

• Murphy Lab Light Aged Vintage Sunburst finish

• Thermally aged Adirondack red spruce top

• Solid mahogany back and sides

• Traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing

• Mahogany neck with historic profile

• Rosewood fingerboard with mother-of-pearl dot inlays

• Bone nut and saddle

• Scale length: 24.75" (628 mm)

• Nut width: 43.8 mm

• 19 frets