Gibson Custom J-45 Keb' Mo' "3.0" 12-fret Vintage Sunburst Signature CS MC #23003008

A Contemporary Tribute to the Iconic "Slope-Shoulder" J-45

Designed with Keb' Mo', this "3.0" version reinterprets the legendary J-45 in a 12-fret neck joint format. It carries the DNA of great Gibson acoustics - thermally roasted Sitka spruce top, mahogany body, refined purflings, and nitro finish - serving an artist's guitar built for studio/stage reliability and authentic expression of roots music.

For Whom and Which Styles?

Ideal for intermediate to expert guitarists seeking an expressive acoustic. Its Keb' Mo' neck profile and 25" / 635 mm scale length favor fingerstyle, blues, folk, Americana, and country, while offering enough reserve for strumming and vocal accompaniment.

Sound

The thermally aged Sitka spruce top delivers quick attack, clarity, and harmonic richness, while the mahogany back and sides provide singing mids and woody bass. The 12th fret neck joint positions the bridge more centrally on the top, enhancing roundness, sustain, and projection. The traditional hand-scalloped X bracing breathes freely under the nitro finish, and bone hardware (nuts) maximizes vibration transfer. Plugged in, the L.R. Baggs VTC naturally reproduces this tone with simple control.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

Phosphor bronze acoustic strings gauge 12-53 to match the original setup, acoustic strap, acoustic capo suited for a 12" radius, 6.35 mm / 1/4 in jack cable for output on the strap button, and a case humidifier to protect the top in dry environments.

Technical specifications

Format	J-45	Body/neck joint	12th fret composite dovetail joint
Body material	Mahogany	Bridge	Rosewood "Belly Down" type with closed slots
Top	Thermally aged Sitka spruce	Saddle	Bone
Back	Mahogany	Tuners	Open-back Grover
Sides	Mahogany	Pickguard	None
Bracing	Traditional hand-scalloped X bracing	Truss rod	Adjustable
Purflings	Multi-ply top, single-ply back and fingerboard	Truss rod cover	Black/white 2-ply "Bell"
Finish	Glossy nitrocellulose lacquer	Bridge pins	Black plastic
Neck material	Mahogany	System	L.R. Baggs VTC
Profile	Keb' Mo' Neck	Pickup	Piezo under saddle
Scale length	25" / 635 mm	Controls	Volume and tone mounted in the soundhole
Fingerboard	Rosewood	Output	6.35 mm / 1/4 in jack integrated into the strap button
Radius	12" / 304.8 mm	Preamp	L.R. Baggs VTC
Number of frets	19 (Standard type)	String gauge	.012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053
Nut	Bone	Case	Hard case included
Nut width	1.805" / 45.847 mm	Weight	1,800 g / 1.8 kg
Inlays	Mother-of-pearl "dot" markers	Serial number	23003008