Introduced in 1961, the B-45-12 was Gibson's first cataloged flat-top 12-string, arriving just as the folk boom made the twelve a must-have sound. By 1962 it had moved to a square-shouldered dreadnought body, and through the mid-1960s Gibson fitted it with a trapeze tailpiece to take the load of all twelve strings off the top. These Kalamazoo-built twelves have a full, shimmering, piano-like voice that players like Gordon Lightfoot made famous. The N designates the natural finish.
This one is structurally quite sound, with no cracks, and it sounds and plays great. It is set at shop spec with room to come down, and there is no real fret wear. The neck is adjusted straight, but the truss rod is at the end of its travel, so there is no further relief adjustment available. The finish is glossy and quite nice across most of the guitar, with blems and bubbles in spots and one worn area on the back of the neck. The original Kluson tuners are all in good shape, with none bent, though a few are a little stiff. It appears to be largely original. The original hardshell case is in good shape and has a cool painting on it.
- Make: Gibson
- Model: B-45-12N
- Year: c. 1965-66
- Made In: Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Serial: 520834
- Body: Square-shoulder dreadnought
- Top: Spruce
- Back & Sides: Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard: Rosewood, dot inlays
- Tailpiece: Trapeze
- Tuners: Original Kluson
- Finish: Natural
- Condition: Very Good
- Includes: Original hardshell case (with painting)
- Known Issues: Finish blems and bubbles in spots; worn spot on back of neck; truss rod at end of travel (neck currently straight); tuners slightly stiff
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value. International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
