J-45 Gibson Logo Pick Guards

[PhilNBend]

On a Gibson J-45 ADJ (made between 1966 and 1969) with rosewood bridge, does the Gibson logo pick guard add to, detract from or have no effect on its perceived value as compared to other Gibson J-45 made before or after this time-period?

[PTC Bernie]

They weren't original equipment, but you could add one if the original needs replacement.

If you plan to sell it to a collector it might make a diffence, but to a player it probably wouldn't matter.

What kind of shape is the rest of the guitar in?

[Jim Owen]

Hi Phil,
I'm thinking no difference. You're talking about that Norlin badge, right? I've seen them on some 60s 45s, not on others. Gibson is Gibson--whatever was in the parts drawer would find its way onto whatever guitar happened to be there.

[PhilNBend]

Originally Posted by PTC Bernie

They weren't original equipment, but you could add one if the original needs replacement.

***
What kind of shape is the rest of the guitar in?

Thanks for responding. My mom bought me the guitar in late 1968 or 1969 new. It came with a pick guard with a Gibson logo (with orange dot) splashed just below the sound hole at about 4 o'clock. Everything except strings original. There's some finish checking of course. In 1969, I remember my guitar instructor at Brook Mays said for what my mom paid (about $200), the guitar sounded really good. It still sounds good, but the sustain does seem much longer now than when new.

[PhilNBend]

Originally Posted by Jim Owen

Hi Phil,
I'm thinking no difference. You're talking about that Norlin badge, right? I've seen them on some 60s 45s, not on others. Gibson is Gibson--whatever was in the parts drawer would find its way onto whatever guitar happened to be there.

Thanks for the reply. If Norlin era J-45s are identified by pick guard with Gibson logo, then the guitar I'm talking about is a Norlin era J-45, though it was likely made in 1968 or early 1969.

[zombywoof]

Originally Posted by PhilNBend

Thanks for the reply. If Norlin era J-45s are identified by pick guard with Gibson logo, then the guitar I'm talking about is a Norlin era J-45, though it was likely made in 1968 or early 1969.

The pickguard with the logo has no more to do with Norlin than the adjustable saddle bridge or 1 9/16" nut. An Ecuadorian company ECL purchased a majority stock in CMI (Gibson's parent company) in December 1969. The following year, ECL changed its name to Norlin Industries (the "in" being Arnie Berlin who took over CMI in 1965).

A 1968 J-45 though will have heavier top bracing than a guitar made in 1967. In 1969 the top bracing got even heavier. 1971 is when the now infamous "double X" bracing shows up.

[PhilNBend]

Thanks for this information about the bracing on the J-45 guitar. Until today, I never heard of the Gibson "Norlin" era. These forums are really helpful educating the public of which I am very much a member.

[Jim Owen]

Hi Phil,
Is it slope shouldered? I'm betting it is, and therefore more likely a 68.

Show us a pic.

Zombie woof is right about the history.

[PhilNBend]

Here are some pictures as requested.





Hope this works. It's my first time to post images on this site.

[Jim Owen]

Beautiful slope. That's pre 69.