Pre-War Slope-Shoulder Authority: The Collings CJ-45 T Traditional
The Guitar Sanctuary is proud to present the Collings CJ-45 T—a complete re-imagining of the classic 1940s slope-shoulder Dreadnought from the master luthiers in Austin, Texas. Built as part of the esteemed Collings Traditional (T-Series) line, the CJ-45T captures the raw power, woody response, and mid-range dryness of the iconic wartime acoustic designs, elevated by modern precision engineering and exceptional playability.
This particular model features the highly requested traditional drop-in bone saddle, offering effortless setup adjustments and intonation fine-tuning while retaining maximum vibrational energy transfer into the soundboard.
Why We Love It (Sanctuary Expert Note)
"The CJ-45T isn't just another slope-shoulder clone—it has an attitude all its own. The custom C-shape neck carve combined with lightened pre-war scalloped bracing gives you a fast, immediate response. Flatpickers get incredible bass thump without the mud, while fingerstyle players get incredible separation. It’s a true centerpiece for the discriminating player."
Tone Profile & Intent Alignment
- Tone Profile: Bold, woody, and dry with a tight, focused low-end, punchy midrange, and clear, sweet top-end articulation. Highly responsive to dynamic picking nuance.
- Best For: Americana, Bluegrass flatpicking, Singer-Songwriter accompaniment, Vintage Blues, and Studio/Session recording.
- Compared To: Vintage 1940s Gibson J-45s and Banner-era slope-shoulders, but with vastly superior intonation stability, build consistency, and dynamic headroom.
Key Architectural & Traditional Series Features
- Sitka Spruce Top & Mahogany Back/Sides: Premium tonewood selection yielding maximum resonance, quick attack, and classic acoustic voice.
- Traditional Series Bracing: Custom pre-war scalloped X-bracing configured for enhanced fundamental projection and open, airy breathability.
- Custom CJ-45 Neck Profile: Ergonomic C-shape neck carve modeled after beloved vintage profiles for fatigue-free playing during long sessions.
- Drop-In Bone Saddle: Modern maintenance convenience paired with a traditional straight bridge layout for optimal string transfer and setup flexibility.
- Ultra-Thin Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish: Hand-applied, thin-sanded finish that allows the tonewoods to vibrate uninhibited.
Photos are of the actual guitar for sale, SN 36467.
- Top Wood: Select Sitka Spruce
- Back & Sides: Honduran Mahogany
- Neck Wood: Honduran Mahogany
- Neck Profile: Custom CJ-45 C-Shape
- Fretboard Wood: Rosewood with mother-of-pearl dot inlays
- Bridge: Rosewood straight bridge with drop-in bone saddle
- Nut Material: Bone (1 3/4" Nut Width)
- Scale Length: 24 7/8" (Short Scale)
- Bracing: Pre-War Scalloped X-Bracing (Traditional Series)
- Body Binding: Ivoroid binding with vintage-style purfling
- Finish: High-Gloss Ultra-Thin Nitrocellulose Lacquer (Full Body & Neck)
- Tuners: Waverly Nickel Open-Gear with Ivoroid Buttons
- Case: Collings Traditional Handmade Hardshell Case Included
- Origin: Handcrafted in Austin, Texas, USA
We are open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am until 6pm CDT.
Any order placed before 3pm CDT Tuesday through Saturday is processed for shipment the same day. Orders placed Sunday-Monday will be processed for shipment the following Tuesday.
For Free Shipping items, Effects pedals and small goods items are generally shipped via USPS Priority Mail, and Guitars and Amplifiers are generally shipped via UPS Ground.
Due to our central location in the middle of the US, most orders will be delivered within 1-3 days delivery time.
Other shipping methods are available (at an additional cost), including next day air.
Please call us directly at (972)540-6420 if you have any questions regarding shipping for your order.
