Epiphone ’42 Banner J-45 Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Vintage Sunburst, w/Hard Case Epiphone

The Epiphone ’42 Banner J-45 Acoustic-Electric Guitar pays homage in affordable fashion, to the legendary original “Workhorse” model from 1942. The original J-45 model made its debut in the summer of ’42, featuring Gibson’s fresh banner on the headstock reading “Only a Gibson is Good Enough.” This banner disappeared shortly after, and this specific year of the guitar has been treasured since.

Although an Epiphone, this ’42 Banner J-45 was made in collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop and we think it’s certainly more than good enough. It boasts a solid, thermally aged top made of red spruce and a body made of solid mahogany featuring a vintage-inspired single-ply binding along the top and back that accentuates the guitar’s Super Jumbo contours.

While necks on the original Banner J-45 were hand-carved and varied from model to model, this solid mahogany neck features a V-shaped profile, which is an era-appropriate take on a vintage style acoustic. Paired with a laurel fingerboard, it’s topped with Mother-of-Pearl dot inlays, 19 frets and a bone nut.

Coming stocked with an L.R. Baggs VTC preamp and under-saddle piezo pickup system, the ’42 Banner J-45 allows exceptional amplified performance. This electronics package features soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls, for a discrete ability to control tone without sacrificing the sleek appearance of the guitar. 

The vintage sunburst finish of the ’42 Banner J-45 drives the point home, and it comes complete with a hardshell case, featuring the “Inspired by Gibson” logo, 

Shop the “Inspired by Gibson” Collection of Epiphones

Shop All Russo Music New Arrivals

• Thermally Aged Red Spruce Top
• Mahogany Body Back/Sides
• One Piece Mahogany Neck with V Profile
• Laurel Fingerboard with Mother of Pearl Dot Inlays
• L.R. Baggs VTC Electronics
• Vintage Sunburst Finish
• Hardshell Case with Inspired by Gibson Logo