Gibson J-45 Flattop

by Fred Aufschlager
(Bernardsville, NJ 07924)

Gibson J-45, original in all aspects. Has 19 frets,block script Gibson logo is gold silkscreened with dot of 'i' connected to 'G', and 'b' and'o' are open at top. Has fabric side supports, scalloped interior edge supports, X bracing of interior top, teardrop pick guard tortoise shell, mahogany sides, back and neck, no banner logo. FON 4428 is printed in black ink on head block, followed by sequence number 24 in hand written red pencil. Based on numbers, I would place its production in 1949 or 1950. When I purchased it in 1964, it did not come with a case, so the case I am using is not original. The instrument has some pick scratches from my then young son, some other light scratches here and there, a 1/16th inch dent in the bottom of the neck(revealing mahogany), and no cracks, bulges or bends. Thanks for your assistance.

ANSWER

Hi, Fred--

Here is the Blue Book pricing info:

1958-1960
Excellent $3,500 - 4,250
Average $2,300 - 2,750

From your description, I am thinking that the guitar is in low-excellent to high-average condition, but it would be best to have it evaluated in person.

Lynne