1965 Gibson B45-12 Cherry Sunburst

Gibson B-45 12-String 1965 | $2125 | (v2412) In the early 1960s Gibson joined in on the 'folk music' trend that had enthralled many teen baby-boomers by adding 12-string guitars into their line up. The B-45-12 model was based on the J-45 acoustic 6-string shape and was first offered in 1961; the model had a run of over 15 years. This example dates to 1965 and features the more desirable solid wood bridge as opposed to the trapeze tailpiece versions. The rich cherry 'burst adds an attractive visual component.

The body is mahogany with a bright cherry-sunburst, spruce top, X-braced. Top, back and sound hole are bound with white/black celluloid. The bridge is the string-through variety and made from Brazilian rosewood. The radiused finger board is Brazilian rosewood. The neck is mahogany with the 'Gibson' in gold block on the black-painted head stock, and features an adjustable truss rod. Tuners are enclosed Kluson.

The body measures a hair under 16". Scale length is 24 7/8". The fingerboard measures 1 15/16" across at the nut with string spacing 2 1/4" across at the saddle.

The guitar appears to be excellent, original condition with no evident prior repairs. A previous owner had a 'bridge belly reducer' installed, the work done neatly. We recently leveled and dressed the frets. There is a bit of 'case burn' on the neck finish behind the ninth fret, and the typical checking and signs of use on the finish. The guitar is strung with medium 11-52 bronze strings with action set at ~ 6/64".

The guitar plays well and produces a big 12-string sound with lots of chime. Overall, a fine playing and sounding vintage 12-string, Leo Kottke approved!

Comes with a newer hard case.