The Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue Acoustic Guitar in Vintage Sunburst is an incredibly authentic recreation of the legendary Gibson “Workhorse” introduced in 1942. Revered for its rich, balanced tone and stage-ready performance, the J-45 quickly became the best-selling Gibson acoustic model of all time. Epiphone, in partnership with Gibson Custom, has faithfully reproduced the original design, giving players an exceptional vintage experience paired with modern playability and reliability. Available now at Sky Music Australia.
This reissue features a thermally aged solid spruce top reinforced with scalloped X-bracing, combined with solid mahogany back and sides to deliver warm, resonant tones with clarity across the full frequency spectrum. Single-ply ivory-colored top and back binding accentuates the classic aesthetic. The one-piece mahogany neck has a traditional V-shaped profile and is capped with an Indian rosewood fretboard equipped with 19 standard frets and mother-of-pearl dot inlays. The iconic Gibson “open book” headstock features the double diamond Inspired by Gibson Custom logo on the back, and a gold silkscreen Epiphone logo with “Epiphone Inspired by Gibson” banner on the front.
The 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue is stage- and studio-ready thanks to the built-in L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC preamp and under-saddle piezo pickup system. Other authentic vintage touches include three-on-a-plate open-back tuners with cream buttons, a tear-drop tortoise shell pickguard, a rectangular rosewood bridge with compensated bone saddle, bone nut and bridge pins, and a dual-action truss rod for precise neck adjustment. The included Red Line-inspired hardshell case ensures your instrument is protected while traveling or performing. Every detail celebrates the J-45’s legacy while giving modern players a premium acoustic experience.
Features
Authentic 1942 Gibson J-45 Workhorse recreation
Thermally aged solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing
Solid mahogany back and sides for balanced tone
One-piece mahogany neck with V-shaped profile
Indian rosewood fretboard with 19 frets and mother-of-pearl dot inlays
Gibson “open book” headstock with Epiphone Inspired by Gibson banner
L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC preamp and under-saddle pickup
Rectangular rosewood bridge with compensated bone saddle
Bone nut and bridge pins for superior tonal transfer
Three-on-a-plate open-back tuners with cream buttons
Tear-drop tortoise shell pickguard
Single-ply ivory binding on top and back
Red Line-inspired hardshell case with Inspired by Gibson Custom graphics
Specs
Body Shape
J-45 Round Shoulder
Top Wood
Thermally Aged Solid Spruce
Back & Sides
Solid Mahogany
Body Binding
Single-ply Ivory
Body Finish
Vintage Gloss
Neck Material
One-piece Mahogany
Neck Profile
V-Shape
Fingerboard Material
Indian Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius
304.8mm / 12.0"
Fret Count
19
Inlays
Mother-of-Pearl Dot
Scale Length
24.75"
Nut Material
Bone
Bridge
Rosewood Rectangle, Compensated Bone Saddle
Bridge Pins
Bone
Pickguard
Tear Drop, Tortoise Shell
Truss Rod
Dual Action
Tuners
Open Back Three-on-a-Plate, Cream Buttons
Electronics
L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC (Soundhole Mounted Volume & Tone)
Output Jack
1/4" Endpin
Strings Gauge
.012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053
Case
Red Line-inspired Hardshell with Inspired by Gibson Custom graphics
Brand:EpiphoneCategory:Acoustic GuitarsSKU:8500801Tags:Body Shape:Dreadnought, Case:Hardcase Included, Category:Acoustic/Electric, Colour:Sunburst, GIBSONEPIPHONECASHBACK2026, Number of Strings:6, Orientation:Right Handed, Pricefy:Epiphone, Skill:Intermediate