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1969 Gibson J-45 full width nut hard to find. - $1,725 (Seattle)
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Just before Gibson (under Norlin ownership) made the changes in their acoustic guitar line for the 1970s that turned out so poorly, they made this little gem for about 6 months. The scale is 25.5". This is the first year Gibson switched from 24.75". In the following year, they changed the entire production process and compromised the sound for the entire 1970s on most of their acoustics. When new owners came in 1982, Gibson went back to traditional quality construction methods and also moved the scale back to 24.75"
These transition versions in 1969 represent the only way I know to get better a quality build and also get the longer scale length.
This version of the J45 has a full 11/16" nut, ending the skinny neck variation that makes the mid-60s J-45s so difficult for many people to play. This version has a great neck in the classic Gibson tradition. It is a shallow C and supremely comfortable to play.
There is no volute.
There is no "Made in USA" stamp.
The body has square shoulders, which makes the shape more like the classic upscale "Country and Western" and Hummingbird models.
The bridge is the adjustable version used in the mid-60s with a wood saddle. Some J45s with adjustable saddles sound muted and people customarily remove the saddle, fill in the large slot and add a traditional bone saddle.
This guitar sounds great. It's loud and lively. However you may want to make the upgrade in hopes of improving the sound a little more. That would also allow you to lower the action a little. The guitar plays well but action slightly on the high side.
The neck is clean, frets are full and the finish is unblemished on the back. The tuners are a modern appropriate replacement. The body is free from cracks or wood damage of any kind. The finish on the sides and top is clean, smooth and shiny. The finish on the back has significant crazing but nothing it missing and it needs to attention.
The case is 70s or 80s high quality Datt case made in Canada and in excellent condition.
If you find this interesting, set up a time to listen to the guitar, feel the neck and decide whether this unusual 45 year old Gibson is the right instrument for you.
$1,725