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