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Vintage 1940's Gibson Banner J-45 Sunburst Owned by Ry Cooder

Vintage 1940's Gibson Banner J-45 Sunburst Owned by Ry Cooder

SKU 84GIB023
by Gibson
Sold out
$ 5000 - $ 5000
$ 5000
$ 5000 - $ 5000
$ 5000

Legendary musician, songwriter, composer and producer Ry Cooder is known across the guitar world as not only being one of the great guitarists of all time, but also a prolific collector of instruments. Whether it be vintage Gibson acoustics, funky Teisco electrics from the 1960's, or modern customs by Danny Ferrington, these instruments have a pedigree like few others. Never one to be afraid to tinker, Ry's instruments often have modifications and customized work done to them. Some of his guitars have even become categories themselves - just look up "Coodercaster".


Over the years, Ry has amassed a massive collection. After he recently relocated to a new home, he knew it was time to part with some of it. Not only to make space, but also to allow others to enjoy the instruments and make new music with them. Beckerco Music is proud to partner with him on this special project. Together, we present the Ry Cooder Collection.

All of the instruments have been vetted and worked on by Paul Flynn, co-owner of Truetone, head luthier and Ry's personal guitar tech. Each comes with an official Certificate of Authenticity signed by Paul and Ry. We have done our best to research and determine models, years and other information about each instrument - keep in mind that each is a unique piece and may have been modified over the years, and is sold as is. This is an opportunity to own a piece of music history, and to add a special instrument to your own collection.

Here we have one of the most interesting pieces from the collection: an early 1940's Gibson J-45, looking every bit of it's approximiately 80 years in age.  The serial number has long since disappeared, so we don't have a way to determine the exact year, but we know that's from the "Banner" era of the early 1940's.  
As seen in the photos, this guitar has some serious aging and wear - which we see as character, and something that just can't be replicated.  It's not "relic'ed", it's "weathered".  While we don't have the entire backstory of this guitar, we can tell that it's been through a lot!  But, it has withstood the test of time and who knows what else....wars, trips around the world, countless gigs, recording sessions and an insane amount of music played on it, including by Ry Cooder.
The guitar has a mahogany top, back & sides, a maple neck with rosewood fretboard, a non-original rosewood bridge; and what appears to be original hardware.  There are cracks on body but those have been repaired; it's fully stable and seems ready to last for another 80 years.  It plays great too - the neck is noticably thinner than other vintage J-45's from that same era. 
A non-original case is included, as is a signed Certificate of Authenticity.  To obtain any vintage guitar that was owned and played by Ry Cooder is a rare opportunity - but this one is a spectacularly unique event.