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2006 Gibson J-45 Koa, 'Maui Wowie'
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SN#: 01946020
Body size at lower bout: 15 3/4" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .82/.87
Materials and Hardware: Solid quartersawn AAAA Koa top, back, and sides; and neck; solid rosewood fingerboard and bridge; mother of pearl dot fingerboard inlays; 3-ply top binding; original gold Gotoh Sta-Tite style tuners, compensated bone saddle, adjustable truss rod; 9Vunder-saddle piezo pickup with thumbwheel volume control and endpin jack.
Notes: Acacia Koa is found nowhere else on the planet than in its home in the Hawaiian Islands, where it is the largest native tree species. Prized for its lustrous beauty and peerless durability, Koa has been known in indigenous tradition as a prized treasure of the Hawaiian royalty.
Gibson's most popular full sized flat top, the legendary J-45 made its debut in 1942, and has remained in the catalog ever since. Its signature slope shouldered design and clear rich tone have made it a standby of Nashville players, and vintage examples have skyrocketed on the collector's market. And if there's been a more striking example of the model ever made than this striking instrument, we'd dearly love to see it.
Crafted with intensely figured AAAA curly Koa, this stunning guitar is one of only 40 produced in its model year, making it one of the rarest version of the model ever issued. Faithful to the specs of the famed wartime banner models, it has all the right stuff: the classic x-braced construction, tall skinny braces, round shoulders, reverse belly bridge, and smooth 15:1 vintage style gold Gotoh butterbean tuners.
A product of Gibson's Bozeman, Montana acoustic specialists, the guitar has 100% original hardware and finish, without apparent playwear, looking much as it did when it left Big Sky Country almost two decades ago. At just 4 lb. 4 oz, the instrument is a delight to hold and play, with a notably elegant gentle D neck profile, fine medium frets and a fresh high precision setup.
A special plus, the guitar is fitted with an active 9V under saddle piezo pickup, complete with soundhole mounted thumbwheel volume control. The action is smooth and low, and the voice is clear as an island breeze, with deeply resonant lows and brilliant, shimmering highs. All ensconced in its original deluxe black Gibson logo plush lined hardshell case.
In the native Hawaiian lexicon, the word Koa also means brave, bold, and fearless. So dither not: seize this regal prize in one decisive stroke. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge phosphor bronze strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings.
