Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 Inspired by Gibson Custom, Vintage Sunburst

Full Description

Vintage-inspired craftsmanship

The Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 is built to honour the legendary “Workhorse” acoustic, delivering an authentic playing experience with vintage aesthetics and craftsmanship. Designed in collaboration with Gibson Custom, this guitar features the renowned Gibson “open book” headstock profile and an Inspired by Gibson Custom double diamond logo etched on the back. The aged Vintage Sunburst finish and period-correct details, such as the tortoise tear-drop pickguard and single-ply binding, make this guitar a true homage to its 1942 counterpart. Every aspect of its design reflects the iconic J-45 legacy, ensuring that you get a guitar with the same character and charm as the original.

Rich, resonant tone

Built with a thermally aged solid spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, this J-45 delivers a warm, balanced tone with plenty of depth and projection. The thermally aged spruce enhances responsiveness, mimicking the broken-in resonance of a vintage acoustic that has been played for decades. Scalloped X-bracing ensures structural integrity while allowing the top to vibrate freely, resulting in rich overtones and a dynamic playing response. From intricate fingerpicking to bold, open-chord strumming, this guitar offers the signature warmth and sustain that have made the J-45 one of the most sought-after acoustic guitars in history.

Comfortable and authentic feel

The one-piece mahogany neck is carved with a classic V-shaped profile, providing an authentic vintage feel that suits both traditional and modern playing styles. The laurel fretboard features mother-of-pearl dot inlays, offering smooth playability and an elegant look. With a 24.75” scale length and a 12” fretboard radius, this guitar is built for effortless fretting and comfortable chording. The compound dovetail neck joint ensures maximum stability, allowing the neck and body to resonate as one. Vintage-style open-gear tuners with cream buttons complete the classic aesthetic while offering precise tuning stability.

Stage and studio-ready performance

Equipped with an L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC pickup system, this guitar is ready for both live performances and studio recordings. The under-saddle piezo pickup captures the natural tone of the instrument, while the soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls allow for quick adjustments without compromising the guitar’s aesthetic. The system ensures dynamic, feedback-resistant amplification with the warmth and clarity needed for any musical setting. A high-quality hardshell case with the Inspired by Gibson Custom logo is included, providing excellent protection for your guitar wherever you take it.

Specifications

• Product Name: Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45 Inspired by Gibson Custom, Vintage Sunburst
• Product Code: ECJ4542VSVNH1

Body

• Body Style: Round Shoulder
• Body Shape: J-45
• Body Material: Solid Mahogany
• Top: Thermally Aged Solid Spruce
• Back: Solid Mahogany
• Side: Solid Mahogany
• Bracing: Scalloped X-bracing
• Binding: Single-ply, Top and Back
• Body Finish: VOS (Vintage Original Sheen) Polyurethane

Neck & fretboard

• Profile: V
• Scale Length: 628.65 mm / 24.75 in
• Fingerboard Material: Laurel
• Fingerboard Radius: 304.8 mm / 12 in
• Neck Material: One Piece Mahogany
• Fret Count: 19
• Frets: Standard
• Nut Material: Bone
• Nut Width: 44.0 mm / 1.732 in
• Inlays: Mother of Pearl Dot
• Joint: Compound Dovetail

Hardware & electronics

• Bridge: Laurel Rectangle
• Saddle Material: Compensated Bone
• Tuning Machines: 3 on a Plate, Open Back with Cream Buttons
• Pickguard: Tortoise Tear Drop
• Truss Rod: Dual Action
• Truss Rod Cover: Single-ply, 3-hole Bell
• Bridge Pins: Bone
• Strap Buttons: Endpin Jack
• Under Saddle Pickup: L.R. Baggs Bronze Piezo
• Controls: Soundhole Mounted Volume and Tone
• Output Jack: 1/4" Endpin
• Preamp: L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC
• Strings Gauge: .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053
• Case: Hardshell with Inspired by Gibson Logo