The legendary Workhorse is back. First introduced in 1942, the Gibson J-45 quickly became one of the most iconic slope-shouldered dreadnoughts ever made—known for its warm, balanced tone and unmatched versatility. Now, Epiphone has partnered with Gibson™ Custom to faithfully recreate this wartime classic with the Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45, bringing its timeless sound and style to a new generation of players.

This exceptional reissue features a thermally aged solid spruce top paired with solid mahogany back and sides for rich, resonant tone. The one-piece mahogany neck has a comfortable V-shaped profile and a smooth laurel fretboard with mother-of-pearl dot inlays. Vintage-correct details include the Gibson “open book” headstock shape with an Epiphone Inspired by Gibson banner on the front and an Inspired by Gibson Custom double diamond logo etched on the back.

Modern performance features include the L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC preamp and under-saddle L.R. Baggs Bronze piezo pickup, with discreet soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls for plug-and-play stage or studio use. Each guitar comes with a hardshell case featuring the Inspired by Gibson Custom logo.

Key Specs:

• Body: Solid Mahogany Back & Sides, Thermally Aged Solid Spruce Top
• Neck: One-Piece Mahogany, V Profile
• Fingerboard: Laurel, 19 Frets, MOP Dot Inlays
• Scale Length: 24.75” | Nut Width: 44mm
• Hardware: 3-on-a-Plate Open-Back Tuners w/ Cream Buttons, Bone Nut & Saddle
• Electronics: L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC Pickup System
• Finish: Vintage Sunburst