Gibson J-45 Special Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Rosewood Fingerboard, Satin Ebony

Crafted by the expert lutheries in Bozeman, Montana, we have the Gibson J-45 Special in Satin Ebony finish, a new finish offering for 2026. What makes the J-45 Special so special? Its body features a slightly thinner concert depth for enhanced bass response and performance. Offering players a vintage inspired sound with modern enhancements, lets dig into this version of the J-45.

Crafted using the same tonewoods as its standard counter-part, the J-45 pairs a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides to deliver a warm, balanced tone. Underneath the top, scalloped x-bracing supports the body and tightens up bass response while allowing the top to vibrate more, adding to the deep, loud projection these models are revered for. It's body receives a single ply of cream binding to accent the black top. To amplify its voice, an L.R. Baggs Element Bronze under-saddle piezo pickup offers easy plug and play accessibility and delivers clear, studio grade balanced sound.

Topped with a rosewood fingerboard with mother of pearl dot inlays and 20 standard frets, a utile neck is attached to the body with a compound dovetail joint and is glued in place using hot hide glue. The neck profile features an easy going SlimTaper profile. Strings in are loaded in the rosewood bridge and are capped with TUSQ end pins before making their way to the Grover Rotomatic tuners located on the open book headstock.

Housed in a premium softshell case, the J-45 Special is impressively built and affordably priced, making for a great entry model into Gibson acoustics.