Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45

The Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 that embodies the wartime years of the Gibson J-45 with a solid spruce top and the LR Baggs VTC preamp ready for any stage

In 1942, American war production put pressure on the guitar industry. Gibson continued to produce, but had to cut back on materials and finishes. The result was the Banner series: guitars built with pre-war techniques and craftsmanship, but with sober, direct finishes. The 'Only A Gibson Is Good Enough' banner on the headstock became the symbol of that period, and the J-45 built in those years is still considered one of the most beloved acoustic guitars ever made. Epiphone accurately reproduces that specification in the Inspired by Gibson line.

The solid Sitka spruce top is the foundation of the sound: a wide dynamic range, a direct attack and the ability to project the rich, full tone of the slope shoulder dreadnought. The mahogany back and sides give the J-45 its warm mid-tones, making the instrument so suitable for singer-songwriters who want to put their voice and lyrics center stage. The LR Baggs VTC Element preamp is one of the best passive pickup systems for acoustic guitar and preserves the acoustic qualities of the instrument in amplified situations.

Solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard and rosewood belly bridge. Slope shoulder dreadnought body with vintage Banner logo on the headstock. LR Baggs VTC Element preamp included. An instrument that fully lives up to its historical reference.

The 1942 Banner J-45 is for the guitarist who understands that the best acoustic guitars have always been the most honest.