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Gibson 1939 J-55 Reissue, Left-Handed, Faded Vintage Sunburst vs Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst

Gibson 1939 J-55 Reissue, Left-Handed, Faded Vintage Sunburst
Acoustic$4,999
No ratings yet
73Overall / 100
Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst
Acoustic$3,199
No ratings yet
74Overall / 100

The verdict

The Gibson 1939 J-55 Reissue, Left-Handed, Faded Vintage Sunburst and Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst are closely matched overall — 73 to 74 on our estimated score.

Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.

Gibson 1939 J-55 Reissue, Left-Handed, Faded Vintage Sunburst wins on

No standout advantage.

Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst wins on
  • Lower price ($3,199 vs $4,999)

Scorecard

Estimated scores
Metric1939 J-55 Reissue, Left-Handed, Faded Vintage SunburstJ-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst
Overall7374
Build9191
Playability7275
Sound6060
Value6263

Full specifications

Specification comparison
Spec1939 J-55 Reissue, Left-Handed, Faded Vintage SunburstJ-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst
BrandGibsonGibson
TypeAcousticAcoustic
Years——
CountryUSUS
Body woodMahoganyMahogany
Neck woodMahoganyMahogany
FretboardEbonyRosewood
Strings66
Frets1920
Scale25.5"24.75"
PickupsNoneLR Baggs VTC
Rating——
Price$4,999$3,199
AccessoriesIncludes Gibson Accessory KitIncludes Gibson Accessory Kit
BackMahoganyMahogany
BindingSingle-ply Top, Single-ply BackMulti-ply top, single-ply back
Body FinishThin Finish Nitrocellulose, VOSGloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shapeJ-55J-45
Body StylesRound ShoulderRound Shoulder
BracingTraditional hand-scalloped Advanced X-bracing, red spruce braces with hide glueTraditional hand scalloped X-bracing
BridgeMoustache, no inlayTraditional belly up
Bridge PinsBoneTusq
CasePeriod Correct CaseHardshell Case
Fretboard inlayMother-of-pearl DotsMother-of-pearl dots
Fretboard radius304.8mm / 12.0in304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count1920
JointCompound Dovetail Neck-to-bodyCompound Dovetail Neck-to-body
ModelCSRS5539VSLOCRS4550VS
NutBoneBone
Nut width44.95mm / 1.77in43.81mm / 1.72in
PickguardStair Step50's, Tortoise
ProfileHistoric AJRounded
Saddle MaterialBoneBone
Scale length647.7mm / 25.5in628.65mm / 24.75in
SideMahoganyMahogany
String gauges0.053, 0.042, 0.032, 0.024, 0.016, 0.0120.053, 0.042, 0.032, 0.024, 0.016, 0.012
Top woodThermally Aged Red SpruceSitka Spruce
Truss Rod CoverBlackBlack
Tuner PlatingNickelNickel
TunersOpen back cream buttonGrover Strap Cream Button
Under Saddle PickupNoneLR Baggs VTC
Controls—Volume and Tone Controls
Finish—Nickel

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