1942 J-45 Banner Reissue – Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom.

NASHVILLE, TN. For over 150 years, Epiphone has been a leading innovator in instrument design, inspiring some of the most beloved music artists on the planet. By leveraging its iconic past and leaning into the future, Epiphone has set the stage for the next era of sound for present and future generations. The game-changing Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection, developed in close collaboration with the skilled luthiers at Gibson Custom Acoustic in Bozeman, Montana, continues to expand, establishing a new tier of premium Epiphones for every player. Featuring world-renowned Gibson “open book” headstocks, rosewood fretboards, and vintage gloss finishes, the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection brings Gibson Custom designs to the masses, adding to Epiphone’s full array of instruments for all player levels. The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection is available worldwide at authorized Epiphone dealers, the Gibson Garage locations in Nashville and London, and on Epiphone.com.

Epiphone, in collaboration with Gibson Custom, proudly unveils the 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue—an inspired recreation of the iconic “Workhorse” acoustic that defined a generation. Originally introduced in 1942, the J-45™ became Gibson’s best-selling acoustic, celebrated for its warm tone, elegant simplicity, and legendary reliability.

This reissue features a thermally aged solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, solid mahogany back and sides, and vintage-style appointments including a teardrop pickguard, open-back tuners, and the classic Gibson “open book” headstock. The V-shaped mahogany neck is topped with an Indian rosewood fretboard and mother-of-pearl dot inlays.

Modern performance is ensured with an L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC pickup system, making it stage and studio ready. Each guitar ships with a Red Line-inspired hardshell case, proudly bearing the Inspired by Gibson Custom logo.