1962 Gibson J-45

BLUE NOTE MUSIC 

Certified Vintage Evaluation  

1962 Gibson J-45 

Factory Order Number: 56669  

PRIMARY AUTHENTICATION 

Factory Order Number (FON) 

Expected 1962 batch number (no “S” prefix) 

Verify ink stamp on neck block. No “Made In USA” 

Original stamp, correct font, no tampering 

Method: Inspection mirror + angled light 

Reference: Gruhn’s Guide / Gibson FON charts 

Model Verification 

Slope-shoulder dreadnought 

Sunburst finish (NOT natural) 

Correct teardrop pickguard 

Correct early-’60s construction 

No evidence of refinished top or altered specs 

 MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION 

Tonewoods 

Sitka spruce top 

Mahogany back & sides 

Rosewood fingerboard & bridge 

Method: Grain + pore inspection 

Bracing & Internal Structure 

Correct X-bracing pattern for early-1960s Gibson 

No non-original brace work 

No loose braces or reglue evidence 

Method: Internal mirror inspection 

FINISH & ORIGINALITY 

Original Nitrocellulose Finish 

Proper sunburst gradient 

Natural lacquer checking present 

No heavy overspray 

No polyurethane contamination 

Consistent aging across top, neck, and headstock 

Method: Blacklight inspection 

BRIDGE SYSTEM (CRITICAL) 

Bridge Type 

Correct belly-up bridge (1962 spec) 

Bridge Plate 

Original size and material 

No modern glue lines 

No plugged holes 

No oversized replacement plate 

Method: Internal mirror 

NECK & PLAYABILITY 

Neck Angle 

Straightedge hits top of bridge 

Neck Reset 

No neck reset 

No heel gaps 

No disturbed finish at heel 

STRUCTURAL CONDITION 

Top Condition 

No pickguard cracks 

No bellying 

No unstable top distortion 

Bridge Integrity 

No lifting 

No top rotation issues 

Structural Pass 

No repairs identified 

HARDWARE & COMPONENTS 

Tuners 

Period-correct Kluson Strip-style 

Saddle / Nut 

Original in excellent condition 

Pickguard 

Correct teardrop shape/material 

 NECK PROFILE & SPECS 

Nut Width 

Approx. 1 11/16" 

Neck Carve 

Slim early-’60s Gibson profile 

 PROVENANCE 

Case : Original or correct period case -  Broken handle 

Documentation 

☐ No repair history available 

 TONE & RESPONSE 

Tonal Character (check all that apply) 

Fundamental Voice 

Dry woody fundamental 

Warm mahogany compression 

Open and airy top end 

Strong midrange focus 

Balanced across registers 

Projection 

Strong  

Headroom 

Compresses early 

Moderate dynamic ceiling 

Exceptional under flatpick attack 

Response 

Immediate attack 

Fast note bloom 

Long sustain 

Strong harmonic overtones 

Sensitive to light touch 

Vintage-Specific Character 

Mature “played-in” dryness 

Classic Gibson thump 

Smoky low mids 

Woody fundamental separation 

Desirable early-60s J-45 compression 

Tone Rating (1–10) 

Fundamental: 9/10 

Projection: 8/10 

Responsiveness: 9/10 

Vintage Character: 10/10 

BLUE NOTE CERTIFICATION STANDARD 

“BIG 3” (MANDATORY PASS) 

Correct 1962 FON verified (56669) 

Original finish (no heavy overspray/refin) 

Structurally sound (no poor repairs) 

FINAL EVALUATION 

Condition Grade: Near Mint / Excellent 

Very clean, minimal scratches or light pick marks, well cared-for. 

Originality Estimate: 100% 

Notable Repairs / Mods: No mods identified 

CERTIFICATION 

Certified By (Blue Note): Rick Drevet 

Date: 4/22/2026 

✔ BLUE NOTE GUARANTEE 

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

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