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Blue Note Music

1959 Gibson J-45

1959 Gibson J-45

$7,000.00 USD
$7,000.00 USD
Sale Sold out

1959 Gibson J-45

Serial / FON: S 8399-23

BLUE NOTE MUSIC

Certified Vintage Evaluation

PRIMARY AUTHENTICATION

Factory Order Number (FON)

  • Expected: “S” prefix (1959 batch)

  • Verify: Ink stamp on neck block

  • Pass Criteria: Original ink, correct font, no tampering

Method: Inspection mirror + angled light
Reference: Gruhn’s Guide / Gibson FON charts

Model Verification

  • Slope-shoulder dreadnought

  • Sunburst finish

  • Tortoise teardrop pickguard

  • Correct late-’50s construction

Pass Criteria: No evidence of refinished top or incorrect spec conversion

MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION

Tonewoods

  • Sitka spruce top

  • Mahogany back & sides

  • Rosewood fingerboard & bridge

Method: Grain + pore inspection

Bracing & Internal Structure

  • X-bracing consistent with late ’50s Gibson

  • No non-original brace work

Method: Internal mirror inspection

FINISH & ORIGINALITY

Original Nitrocellulose Finish

  • Proper sunburst gradient

  • Natural lacquer checking present

  • No overspray or polyurethane

  • Consistent aging

  • Blacklight inspection passed

Method: Blacklight inspection

BRIDGE SYSTEM

Bridge Type

  • Correct belly-up bridge (1959 spec)

Bridge Plate

  • Bridge Plate Size Verified

  • Original small maple plate

  • No modern glue lines

  • No plugged holes

Method: Internal mirror

NECK & PLAYABILITY

Neck Angle

  • Proper geometry (straightedge hits top of bridge)

Neck Reset

  • No Reset

Pass Criteria: No visible heel gaps or sloppy work

STRUCTURAL CONDITION

Top Condition

  • No pickguard cracks (common)

Braces

  • No loose or re-glued braces

Bridge Integrity

  • No lifting

Method: Tap test + internal inspection

Tone & Resonance

  • ☑ Dry

  • ☑ Woody

  • ☑ Warm

  • ☑ Punchy mids

  • ☑ Responsive to light touch

  • ☑ Moderate compression

  • ☑ Opened-up top

Overall Voice Classification

  •  Above Average

  • Volume Projection Strong

HARDWARE & COMPONENTS

Tuners

  • Period-correct Kluson-style

Saddle / Nut

  • Replacement acceptable if properly done

Pickguard

  • Correct tortoise teardrop material

NECK PROFILE & SPECS

Nut Width

  • Approx. 1 11/16"

Neck Carve

  • Rounded late-’50s Gibson profile

PROVENANCE

Case

  • Not the original case. Solid hard shell case rovided

Documentation

  • No Repair history available

BLUE NOTE CERTIFICATION STANDARD

“BIG 4” (MANDATORY PASS)

  • Correct 1959 FON (“S” prefix verified)

  • Bridge plate originality

  • Original finish (no heavy overspray/refin)

  • Structurally sound (no poor repairs)

FINAL EVALUATION

Condition Grade: 

  • Good: Typical for vintage, well-used with visible scratches, dings, buckle rash, or repaired cracks.

Originality Estimate:

  • Tier 1: Fully original

Notable Repairs / Mods:

No repairs or Mods

CERTIFICATION

Certified By (Blue Note): Rick Drevet
Date: 04/22/2026

✔ BLUE NOTE GUARANTEE

This instrument has been evaluated to meet Blue Note Music’s standards for authenticity, structural integrity, and vintage correctness.

“We don’t just sell vintage instruments — we verify, protect, and stand behind them.”

 
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