Built in Bozeman, Montana in 2005 for Gibson’s legendary Japanese distributor Yamano, this J-45N is basically the acoustic equivalent of a diplomat — born in America, refined in Japan, and far too polite to ever sound bad.
 
The "N" in the model name stands for "Natural" finish. "But all J45 without a sunburst are usually called J50" - you will say! That's right, but the J50 usually come with a "batwing" 1960s style pickguard and not the classic "teardrop". As far as we can tell this is the only difference between the J45N and the J50.
 
It’s got a solid AA Sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, and that timeless natural nitro gloss that ages like fine whisky (or a well-maintained Volvo). Scalloped bracing and a radiused top make it loud, open, and harmonically rich — strum it lightly and it purrs, dig in and it roars with that signature Gibson thump.
 
The C-shape mahogany neck feels instantly familiar — smooth gloss finish, dark rosewood fretboard, bone nut and saddle, and frets that look like they’ve barely seen a cowboy chord. Gold open-gear Gotoh tuners keep things classy and hold tune like they’re paid to. As far as we understand these tuners were only ever used on Gibsons meant for the Japanese market.
 
Electronics? The original Fishman under-saddle pickup and preamp are ready for stage or studio — with EQ and Brilliance controls for when you need just a touch more sparkle to impress the front row (or your cat).
 
There’s a bit of surface wear, but no cracks, no drama, no headstock trauma — just honest miles on a top-tier Gibson. Comes in a solid black hardcase with plush interior (non-original but protective enough to survive bandmates).
 
In short: it’s a rare Yamano-era Gibson — more soulful than a Nashville songwriter and more dependable than a Japanese commuter train.
 
Warning: may cause your other acoustics to develop self-esteem issues.
 
This instrument received a full professional setup with deep body cleaning, body polish, neck deep clean, lemon oil fretboard treatment, full electronics check, truss-rod and action and intonation adjustment. Restringed with D'addario XS 12-53 Phosphor Bronze coated strings.
 
This guitar will be shipped around UK with Parcelforce courier, safely packed into a sturdy guitar cardboard box. 24h courier service provided to UK customers. We also ship to USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and many other places, but at the moment we don't ship to EU or Northern Ireland  - but please drop us a message if you are in the EU as we might be able to deliver in person.