Gibson "Banner" Guitars

Gibson "Banner" Guitars are historic within the company, representing a specific era of not just guitars, but the world at large. For a brief period during World War II, the brand produced several lines of dreadnought acoustic guitars bearing a particular headstock now synonymous with the 1940s.

Yes, we’re going back over 80 years here, to when the Les Paul and SG proprietor-to-be held the slogan, “Only a Gibson is Good Enough.” Starting around 1942, this tagline began adorning their acoustic headstocks, making sure everyone knew these were definitely up to snuff. Post-war, the practice ceased, with a golden window of around three years where these Banner instruments were all the rage.

The J-50, J-45, LG-2 and Southern Jumbo backed up the likes of Elvis and Bob Dylan before falling out of fashion, only to be resurrected in modern times for enthusiasts of folk, country, and a good, old-fashion sing-song. Now you can find the spirit of the ‘Original Workhorse’ in Gibson’s 1942 Banner J-45.

Why Should I Choose a Gibson "Banner" Guitar?

• One of Gibson’s most tried and tested designs
• Beautiful, full sound
• Definitive instrument of the ‘40s and ‘50s
• Used by American icons such as Elvis Presley and Jeff Tweedy