1951 Gibson J45 / National 1155 – £2749

NEW ARRIVALThe National 1155 is a little known vintage gem featuring a Gibson J45 / J50 body, made between 1948 and 1961. These guitars are a result of the intertwining of Gibson and National / Valco with the CMI (Chicago Musical Instrument) empire. CMI owned Gibson outright, but also acted as the exclusive distributor for Valco’s National brand. As Valco did not operate a high-quality wood shop, a deal was struck for them to purchase Gibson-made acoustic guitar bodies “in the white” (unfinished) for their better grade instruments to be fitted out with National necks and hardware. This Model 1155 is built on a Gibson J45 body – there’s actually a Gibson factory order number on the neck block which dates to 1951 – with a bolted-on National “Stylist” heelless neck. The neck joint sports a cream plastic plate covering the empty dovetail joint, there are enclosed Kluson Deluxe tuners, and the famous National Shield headstock plate. The triple bound body features a dark sunburst, rectangular bridge and tortoise celluloid pickguard. The guitar has the feel of a 50’s J45, the neck is chunky, although it flattens out from the 7th fret, and the tone is very familiar. The guitar is in excellent, all original condition, with no cracks or repairs. This has to be the most affordable way of buying a 50’s Gibson J45….. with a National neck. The guitar has a K and K Pure pickup system, which gives great plugged in versatility. It comes in a later tweed hard case.