National 1155 (Gibson J45)

[Dave Paetow]

When was the last time you saw one of these?
It's a 1958 National 1155 acoustic that used a Gibson J45 body. Gibson sold National bodies for a few years and National put their own necks and bridges on them. So basically it is a poor mans '50's J45.
The body marking indicate it was made in 1957, but the National neck dates to 1958. The neck is bolt on and adjustable for angle. It has this nifty bakelite cover where the neck heel should be. The National bridge is bolted to the body instead of glued.
It plays great and sounds fabulous.

 

[moonpie]

That's neato :yay

 

[Tom Wittrock]

I have never played one that I thought was as good as the real Gibson model.

 

[Dave Paetow]

Neck definitely has a different feel than a Gibson, but it sure sounds good.