Limited to 30 pieces, this masterpiece elevates the J-45 to a new level
The Gibson Custom J-45™ Orville Artisan 130th Anniversary Limited Edition is a tribute to 130 years of luthiery, celebrating the craftsmanship and ingenuity of Gibson founder Orville Gibson. This limited-edition model, featuring an Ebony-finished top and Unitone-finished back and sides, captures the essence of Gibson’s historic legacy while incorporating some of the most intricate details inspired by early harp guitars. Designed as a work of art, this guitar blends a timeless sound with remarkable artistry, making it a fitting homage to Gibson’s 130-year history.
First introduced in 1942, the J-45 became an iconic model known for its versatility and enduring appeal. Nicknamed the “workhorse” of acoustic guitars, it remains a favorite among musicians in every genre, from country and folk to modern rock. With a history as rich as its sound, it was only fitting to choose the J-45 as the model for this special edition guitar, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship for which Gibson Custom is known.
Image: Ornate inlay work adorns the peghead and fingerboard
A celebration of Gibson craftsmanship—the story behind the J-45 Orville Artisan
Orville Gibson began crafting guitars and mandolins in the late 19th century, and his innovative designs soon earned him a reputation as one of the finest instrument-makers of his time. His use of the “open-book” headstock style began in the 1890s and the design continues to be used by Gibson to this day.
This 130th Anniversary J-45 celebrates Orville Gibson’s legacy with an elegant, one-of-a-kind tribute to the “Harp Lady”—an homage to the intricate inlays on some of Orville’s earliest harp guitars. The fingerboard features over 100 pieces of mother-of-pearl and abalone, meticulously inlaid to create a stunning visual representation of the harp guitar heritage.
The headstock continues this theme with further inlay work, including an abalone Gibson logo. The abalone accents carry through to the rosette and the multi-ply top and back binding, elevating this guitar into a true collector’s piece.
Image: The original “Harp Lady” design, with mother-of-pearl specially made for Orville Gibson by a local manufacturer
This particular inlay design was recognized early on as being extraordinary. Keith Howard of the Kalamazoo Public Library notes, “The [harp guitar] had been around since the 1700s in various forms, but one could easily argue that Gibson took the style to an elegant new level. The instrument he made for Bistolfi was the eighth such harp guitar that Gibson had designed, but according to the [Kalamazoo] Gazette, none were ‘so pretentious as this.’
“The body of the instrument was made of dark Brazilian walnut, and the top of fine-grained Western red cedar from the Pacific Northwest with a lustrous hand-rubbed ebony finish. According to Gibson musicologist Louis Bellson, Orville used only varnish on his instruments, never stain, which allowed the rich color and grain of the natural wood to shine through. The fingerboard and soundhole were both elaborately inlaid with mother-of-pearl, specially made for Gibson by a Turkish manufacturer in Grand Rapids.”
Speaking of this same instrument and the elaborate inlay, a report in The Kalamazoo Telegraph on June 7, 1901, stated that “O.H. Gibson has outdone himself in the manufacture of a harp-guitar for Prof. Bastolfi of New York.”
Attention to detail—a blend of history and innovation
The J-45 Orville Artisan celebrates Gibson’s history and incorporates modern craftsmanship to ensure every aspect of the guitar is both beautiful and functional. The Ebony-finished solid Sitka spruce top provides a warm, rich tone, while the natural Unitone-finished solid mahogany back and sides contribute to its well-balanced sound. These finishes, inspired by historic models crafted by Orville Gibson himself, bring an additional layer of authenticity to the guitar’s design.
Image: 130 years on from Orville Gibson’s earliest creations, his artistry is still celebrated
Limited edition craftsmanship—a once-in-a-lifetime piece
Each J-45 Orville Artisan 130th Anniversary is a limited edition piece, with only 30 individually numbered guitars set to be produced. Inside the soundhole, a specially numbered label marks each guitar, providing a unique connection to Gibson history.
No detail has been overlooked, from the 130th Anniversary abalone and mother-of-pearl inlays on the ebony bridge wings to the mother-of-pearl truss rod cover engraved with the word “Anniversary” in an elegant script. Even the gold Waverly open-back tuners and Agoya shell pickguard are inlaid with abalone, with a special “130” marking the pickguard, further setting this instrument apart as a true collector’s item.
Specifications—built to last and inspire
The J-45 Orville Artisan blends traditional design elements with modern craftsmanship seamlessly, resulting in a guitar that is visually stunning and highly functional. Its body features a classic round-shoulder J-45 design adorned with multi-ply top and back binding accented with abalone. Traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing ensures durability and tonal quality. The neck is made from mahogany and shaped with a SlimTaper™ profile for comfortable playability. It is joined to the body using a compound dovetail neck-to-body joint, and the ebony fretboard features 20 frets.
This limited-edition guitar also comes with a deluxe Gibson Custom hardshell case featuring a black exterior and purple velvet interior. Inside, you’ll find a Certificate of Authenticity, a Gibson keyring, and an additional gold strap button.
Image: The Agoya shell tear-drop pickguard is just one of many stunning features of this instrument
What are the key features of the J-45 Orville Artisan?
- Limited edition of 30: Each guitar is individually numbered inside the soundhole, making this a truly unique piece of Gibson history
- “Harp Lady” inlays: Over 100 individual pieces of mother-of-pearl and abalone are inlaid across the fretboard and headstock, paying tribute to Orville Gibson’s early harp guitars
- Ebony and Unitone finish: The solid Sitka spruce top features an ebony nitrocellulose lacquer finish, while the solid mahogany back and sides are finished in a natural Unitone lacquer
- Abalone rosette and binding: The abalone accents around the rosette and binding enhance the guitar’s luxurious design
- 130th anniversary label and certificate: Each guitar is individually numbered and comes with a Gibson 130th Anniversary Certificate of Authenticity and is presented in a deluxe hardshell case
