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New Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 Acoustic-electric Guitar - Vintage Sunburst VOS

6-string Acoustic-electric Guitar with Spruce Top, Mahogany Back and Sides, Mahogany Neck, and Laurel Fingerboard - Vintage Sunburst VOS
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Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 Acoustic-electric Guitar - Vintage Sunburst VOS
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Epiphone Revives Gibson's Legendary Banner Dreadnought

A headliner of the Gibson stockpile for decades, the J-45 is a must-have instrumental companion for several contemporary artists, professional recordings, and discerning acoustic hobbyists. Constructed by Epiphone in tandem with Gibson Custom, the 1942 Banner J-45 is an astute reproduction of Gibson's esteemed original model — complete with traditional tonewoods, scalloped X-bracing, vintage-inspired hardware, and a built-in LR Baggs VTC pickup system. Both spruce and mahogany shape the Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 into Gibson's esteemed dreadnought body style, supplying a recognizable tone with plenty of power and articulation. Ensuring playability and structural integrity are premium vintage-inspired fittings, as well as a historic "Red Line" hardshell case for protected travel from gig to gig. Take it from Sweetwater's Gibson gurus: with the Epiphone 1942 J-45 Banner in hand, you'll have no hard time coaxing time-tested tones out of every strum.

Thermally aged construction supplies traditional tone

A collaborative effort between Epiphone and Gibson Custom, the Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 bears the very same structural background as its older sibling, complete with a thermally aged red spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The result? A one-to-one facsimile of traditional acoustic tone, with plenty of warmth, sustain, and response. Thanks to additional scalloped X-bracing and a proprietary slope shoulder dreadnought shape, the Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 is full of projective potential, ensuring it's plenty ready for performing at home, onstage, or in the studio.

A paragon of vintage Gibson design

One look at the Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 yields no argument that the iconic Gibson model of the same name played a role in its design. Up top, a traditional Gibson J-45 Banner headstock supplies recognizable visual appeal — complete with screened Epiphone inlays and a gorgeous black finish. Further down, a deluxe, inlaid laurel fingerboard rests on a solid one-piece mahogany neck, equipped with a set neck joint and "V" shape profile for comfortable control over every inch of the fretboard. Topped off with high-performing appointments, including a bone nut and saddle combo, open-back tuning machines, and nickel hardware, the Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 is just as remarkable in looks as is found in it's traditional sonics.

Onboard LR Baggs active electronics system

The Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45's onboard LR Baggs VTC preamp system supplies more than enough versatility to tackle stage and studio alike. By utilizing a carefully placed under-saddle pickup, the VTC system ensures a clear capture of your instrument's subtleties for an authentic sonic representation in any playing situation. Furthermore, the VTC's built-in dynamic EQ compression system and saturation corral tones match that of the guitar's natural warmth and resonance while expanding the dynamic range with minimal pickup feedback. Finally, the VTC's equipped volume and tone soundhole controls make managing your output a cinch wherever you decide to play.

Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 Acoustic-electric Guitar Features:

  • A classic re-creation of Gibson’s iconic Jumbo acoustic at an approachable value
  • Thermally aged red spruce top and mahogany back and sides offer an expansive dynamic range with iconic warmth and sustain
  • Proprietary Gibson slope shoulder dreadnought design enhances comfort, output, and sustain
  • Scalloped X-bracing boosts projection and ensures efficient vibration transfer
  • Solid mahogany neck with set neck joint and “V” shape profile allots controllable, comfortable movement around the fretboard
  • Supple 12-inch-radius laurel fingerboard with mother-of-pearl dog inlays and side markers
  • Built-in LR Baggs VTC preamp system for authentic on-stage projection
  • Bone nut and compensated saddle provide consistent string support
  • Onboard plate open-back tuning machines with cream buttons
  • Sightly nickel hardware

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Tech Specs

  • String Type: Steel
  • Number of Strings: 6
  • Left-/Right-handed: Right-handed
  • Body Shape: 1942 Banner J-45 Slope Shoulder Dreadnought
  • Back & Sides Wood: Mahogany
  • Top Wood: Thermally aged Red Spruce
  • Top Finish: Vintage Original Sheen
  • Color: Vintage Sunburst
  • Body Bracing: Scalloped X-bracing
  • Binding: Ivory
  • Neck Wood: 1-piece Mahogany
  • Neck Shape: V
  • Radius: 12"
  • Fingerboard Material: Laurel
  • Fingerboard Inlay: Dots
  • Number of Frets: 19
  • Scale Length: 24.75"
  • Nut Width: 1.722"
  • Nut/Saddle Material: Bone/Compensated Bone
  • Bridge Material: Laurel
  • Tuning Machines: open-back
  • Electronics: LR Baggs VTC (preamp), Undersaddle (pickup)
  • Strings: Gibson, .012-.053
  • Case/Gig Bag: Hardshell Case
  • Manufacturer Part Number: ECJ4542VSVNH1

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Pretty Amazing !

Epiphone continues to improve on their guitars. This is like the Slash version on steroids!! It sounds amazing and the workmanship is spot on. Upgraded wood top, open gear tuners. They even slotted the bridge, so the rake angle is increased across the saddle. That makes the sustain crazy. The whole guitar resonates playing notes and chords. Super impressed with this guitar.
Music background: intermediate
Rated 5/5

As close as it gets.

It sounds amazing and feels great to play. As close as you can get to a Gibson j45.
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