Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1943 Gibson Banner J-45

It's #FlatTopFriday! Guitar of the Day: 1943 Gibson Banner J-45 with Rare Mahogany top in Original Sunburst finish. Store manager, Mark Agnesi, showing you how this #Gibson #Banner #J45 sounds like here at #NormansRareGuitars. For any questions you may have or price inquires please give us a call at 818-344-8300. So what do you guys think?

[@jimbonacum8917]

About a month ago I had a chance to play a 1945 J 45 and it was just as you described. The neck was HUGE! I have never felt anything like it. But the sound is what really stunned me. Just strumming an open G chord on it almost brought me to tears. What you don't realize unless you have played one of these is that you can feel the entire instrument vibrarting, the back, the sides, the top and the neck all at once. And the vibration is transferred directly to your body while you are playing it. It is truly indescribable. Note how you can hear the sound of Mark's voice change after he opens the case. The timbre of his speech is altered because the guitar body is so sensitive to vibration that it is responding to his voice. I know this is true because I experienced it as well. These are the most spectacular flat top guitars in the world and even if you can't afford one I hope that every guitar player will someday get a chance to play one. If you would like to know more about them read "Kalamazoo Gals" by John Thomas (available at Amazon and fine booksellers everywhere). Thanks again Mark and Jen for sharing such a great guitar with the world.

[@pavanatanaya]

Amazingly, as Mark spoke, you could hear that body resonating

[@mikeymojo8299]

#FlatTopFriday #1943GibsonJ45 1) Silent Nite (traditional) 2) Hey Hey What Can I Do/Zeppelin 🤘🏻 Banner Year Delight, sounds beautiful great demo as always @markagnesi Silent Nite wow 👍🏼 Hello’s to Jen ☺️🎥🎸

[@fenderjazz6213]

Mike M. That was a very beautiful , booming acoustic, wasn't it Mike. No rushing you my friend, but you think you're going to get one more out before Monday.🎁🎄

[@mikeymojo8299]

Fender jazz 62 that banner ribbon sounded fantastic. Marks version of Silent Nite was beautiful. As for me, the Korina V is back in the MikeyMo man-cave, got a cool vid in the hopper for tomorrow 🎸🔥🎄

[@michaelrussell146]

Mike M. THE V IS BACK BABY! see you guys tomorrow same bat time, same bat channel

[@michaelrussell146]

FJ what did you think about yesterday's bass. Pretty weird

[@NiqScott]

Hey Mikey, Saturday is the professional wrestler Jamie Noble's birthday. Can you ask Mark if he'll choke out Frank Stallone as a special request. Failing that, a Willie Nelson will suffice, which I believe is a more painful version of a Full Nelson.

[@larryburrough3024]

Such a beautiful sound and playing. It warms the heart, especially with the history explained.

[@StevenAlwine]

I watch every day, and I still love hearing Banner Gibsons being talked about. One, they are spectacular guitars. Two, it's a wonderful story. They're my true dream acoustic guitar, and they're always pleasant to hear. Thanks for a great year of acoustic playing, Mark.

[@Geronimo122]

That Silent Night was sublime-- just beautiful!

[@Lookup2Wakeup]

Amazing playing by Mark I agree

[@jon.wilson]

Silent Night and Hey, Hey What Can I Do! Excellent song choices today, Waldo. Especially beautiful Silent Night.

[@photopicker]

Mark you are a walking historian. I started watching over a year ago now. Not only do we get to see some outrageous guitars the education that comes with them is priceless. And rockin' tunes to boot. What's not to like? Every guitar class should include this series as a history guide on great guitars. You and Jen have done a fabulous job and many thanks to Norm for making this happen in his crib. Have a great holiday season. See you next year.

[@6stringsandthetruth]

Thanks for all the great shows guys. Merry Christmas from Merry Olde England.

[@philipboug]

Made me cry with Silent night Mark. I was born in 1943 :-) Happy Christmas to you and yours, and of course to Jen and to Norm.

[@johnfrederick6164]

Couldn’t have played two songs better! Guitar sounded amazing! Thanks mark and Jen merry Christmas!

[@BCdrummerFT]

Bringing out the feels with that thing! That is a soulful sounding guitar, oh my...

[@jonathanboss131]

Such a beautiful and special guitar playing the most special story of all time! Memorizing.... love my '49 J45!

[@torontolarrivee7965]

Happy holidays Mark - you've earned it. Have learned a ton from your videos and gotten a lot of enjoyment from your incredible & versatile playing.

[@joshsong6981]

Such a sweet soothing CLASSIC tune! So appropriate to play on that original Banner J-45. Mark, I watch flattop Friday’s over and over again everyday, absolutely love your little clips man, you got mad flavor, and I must say, I DIG it! Big time. Keep the vintage Gibson’s and Martin’s coming please

[@michaelaiello9525]

What a pleasure to tune in to. One hell of a guitar and 2 sweet tunes. Thanks. (someday a J 45)

[@onm3rcur7]

Oh man, this show is so beautiful :) Regards from Scotland

[@maxwellfan55]

JE Well said. We love it too down South!!

[@jamesjohnson5333]

Merry Christmas Mark what a beautiful job you did on silent night my wife and I both loved it thank you and God bless you and yours

[@mrpitiful27368]

Beautiful guitar! What am I going to do without you for a week, Mark & Jen?!

[@dougwintin1375]

Long time watcher, first time commenter. What a great end to Flat-Top-Friday for the year! Silent Night was gorgeous and Zep was very cool too. The Kalamazoo Gals killed it when they built that banner! Thanks Mark and Jen! Have a Merry Christmas!

[@eggy68]

That's a beauty. Such rich, warm tone!

[@peterjohnson724]

Oh wow. Just happened to have my banjo in my hand when I watched this - and tuned perfectly to play along with Silent Night. Never thought I'd get to play a duet with Mark!!!

[@brianbianco7316]

Thanks, Mark and Jen for providing interesting, fascinating, and informative content on your Guitar-Of-The-Day program! The very nice playing by Mark introduces a lot of music genres to us fans. Looking forward to 2018, and maybe a prominent spot for you folks on Norman's new guitar channel. Peace!

[@davidcampbell4174]

Wow, that sounded great on both songs. Thanks for the info and demo.

[@bengtthulin6026]

Silent Night is the first song my mother taught me to play on her Hamond Organ in the living room when I was 5 years old.

[@minder4u1]

20 minutes after I turned my computer off it was still sustaining

[@kevinoverson8321]

And of course, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to Jen for being behind the camera for the daily "Guitar of the Day" and other videos from Norms Rare Guitars....Kev (UK)

[@guydude6546]

My absolute dream guitar...Beautiful!

[@imannonymous7707]

ugh im addicted to this show...im gonna miss yall .......and so this is xmas

[@LetArtsLive]

The best part is the tickle and a giggle LOL Merry Christmas Christmas and a happy new beer

[@kikobarros76]

This was reaaly awsome! thanks for this year! a great 2018!! and merry xtmas!!

[@DrCowinabox]

Wow. What a Christmas! One of my all time favorite zep songs on a cool ass guitar

[@leehunter1246]

I remember seeing a lot of Marks videos but this was the video the got me to eventually subscribe.

[@1961vargas]

Mark.jen and all the rest..peace and have a great week. Greetings from the netherlands. And what a great guitar this one..

[@angryheb1]

I can hear the loudness in those banners, omg so awesome!! WHERE'S CARLOS?!! Merry xmas everybody!!

[@smiaaron]

I have the exact twin of this guitar. Fantastic instrument and better than 90% of the Banners I've played. Breaks all preconceived notions about what mahogany tops are supposed to sound like.

[@rickysafer2895]

Great playing, great sounding guitar.

[@wardcheryldarcie]

beautiful playing!!!!

[@markgroenwald3849]

Nice job Mark, sounding good!!!

[@kevinegan1400]

Mark you are the best of the best showing us the best of the best.

[@StephenNaveed]

I really like that banner more than most others. Great playing mark

[@timmyers4723]

Sir, that Silent Night was the sweetest thing I've heard in a long time. Best to you and yours this season,

[@copierguy1961A]

It’s great to see Jen as her filmography gets better and better. 🎥🎥🎥

[@bradenmiddleton3508]

I don’t know how but the songs mark decides to play always line up with an old band that I’m listening to and it’s pretty sweet

[@RRW276]

It sounds amazing! Love the 1 piece mahogany top.

[@MarkFagan.]

Beautiful sounding acoustics

[@tbeau6663]

Outstanding tone

[@nickkravatz7523]

#ALLCAPSFORCARLOS

[@kennystaples8551]

by and far my favorite episode

[@troybagby4902]

Very pretty. Merry Christmas to all of you guys out there yet norms

[@troybagby4902]

Merry Christmas to all you guys at norms

[@deepwoodskentuckian]

Beautiful!

[@sanyatyr]

A great sounding instrument!

[@matthewpaluch777]

Happy Flat-Top Friday everyone! Once again Mark, #ROBINTROWERSTRATURDAY!

[@rodder6]

Merry Christmas Mark and Jen

[@TheChromaDrone]

That J45 is a beast! Love it!

[@Nipstersongs1]

Your "Silent Night" gave me chills. Thank you for your appreciation of those masterpiece guitars that were built 45 minutes away from where I am sitting right now. The history that you share with us is so very interesting. Thank you and Merry Christmas! Jim

[@sesa2984]

Miss Mark so much.

[@darrellstaples7011]

Beautiful Awesome happy holidays. 👍🎅✌Hi jen.😊.

[@rpmathis]

Silent Night was absolutely amazing Mark!

[@Arrowtothekneeteehe]

This guitar community is so close together I love everyone here

[@joebodynobody764]

I never get tired of these. Goya Rangemaster

[@dennisrisk6063]

Great job guy's TY.

[@drewleuci]

Hey mark! Long time watcher love these videos! My birthday is on Christmas and as I'm sure you can imagine, it sucks. Was wondering if tomorrow you could play either some foo fighters or some chili peppers. Thanks and happy holidays!

[@steveGee5787]

Never had the chance to play a vintage banner, but I did once try out a gorgeous limited edition Mahogany Special model last year with the banner logo (albeit with a comfier '60s profile neck) and I loved it - I recall it being very warm, soulful and effortless. Shame it was out of my price range!

[@acevent5759]

this one sounds really good!

[@AZWings]

That headstock angle and the break on the strings into the tuners looks jacked. Sounds great, though. Happy Holidays everyone.

[@timlilly]

Yeah they do sound lovely. Sweet

[@tinyb4165]

You sure had a banner year for flattops. Happy Festivus, everyone. Enjoy your airing of grievances.

[@AnonymousNP]

Damn!! That's some sound!

[@Bodyknowledge77]

1. Silent Night 2. Led Zeppelin "Hey What Can I Do" Merry Christmas if that's your thing! And don't keep your twanger or/and mistress near anything flammable..Because then you'll have a crispy mistress...I will accept this guitar donated to me on Frank Stallone's behalf:-)

[@fenderjazz6213]

Bodyknowledge 77 BK, I didn't know if you were going to have another post or not before Christmas, so I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you well and hopes for you to have a most positive and chill holidays, and more thought provoking posts for next year .........peace

[@Bodyknowledge77]

Fender jazz 62 good stuff to you and those you give a toot about in this holiday time! I likely gots sumthnins before The Monday..

[@Bodyknowledge77]

JJ's Reversals backatcha..Wow maybe so! Younevaknow! Perhaps I'll go plateau!

[@nicklevan8058]

that Zeppelin track was tight you slayed it !!🎸

[@biddy7315]

1. Grandmas feather bed/ John Denver 2. Jolene/ Dolly Pardon 3. Tie a yellow ribbon/ Tony Orlando and Dawn Amazing excellent sounds like studio quality...... Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

[@toddflowers8052]

Love it !

[@solidgroundmusic]

Was that Mark's arrangement for Silent Night? If so, excellent. side note: Now my children are subjected to me singing "guitar of the day" karaoke 5 days a week. Poor guys. At least Mark is playing guitar. One can't thank you guys enough for what you do. Merry Christmas, peace and love....

[@greensombrero3641]

beautiful guitar....nice description, great playing and well done video.... mahogany...who knew the irish were so crafty? do an air guitar!

[@josephtimmins1974]

Mark, finger style arrangement is nice!

[@neanderthalsnavel7411]

Sweet guitar. Thanks for the background story. A+ for Led Zep

[@bactareality]

last tickle of the year, Love it

[@WriterMikeMonson]

that sounded very good

[@keithling417]

Wow! Talk about WARM sounding! A DADGAD machine!

[@hittman1222]

Bravo!

[@Chrispy_tV]

Also Mark that shirt makes me feel like I found Waldo 🤣🤣

[@AnonymousNP]

Man id love to get one,I have a 68 j45

[@jamescoughlan8193]

there's a real warmth in mahogany love it

[@gerrys4593]

Oh yeah a Banner 🤘

[@HarryNicNicholas]

i've got a reissue j35 banner and it's the only neck i can barre all over, my hands are small and the creases in my finger joints correspond to the position of the strings on every guitar i play (i have 11 at the moment) except the j35, i call it the magic neck. not as deep as they made in the 40's but just as wide i think. a fantastic guitar for the price, every bit as good as the 66 j45 i have.

[@hulse.y]

I think we need a Weird Ass Week... to kick off the new year.

[@tormado]

I want one so bad

[@jsmitty41]

Maybe the best sounding flattop I have heard on GOTD.

[@philbarrows424]

Hi Jen and Mark, PRETTY PLEASE Wear Santa hats tomorrow!!!! Call it Santa's Strat Saturday;-) 🌲🎅🏻☃️ PS : Nice take on Silent Night😇

[@bradleymerino1531]

What's the tuning for Silent Night? That sounded great.

[@SupernalOne]

nice full rich tone on that one

[@willanderson571]

last straturday tomorrow Mark, I'd love to hear some Hendrix coming out of a pre-CBS strat...

[@davidrando6983]

Will Anderson you won't hear ever Hendrix on this channel, he got a complaint from Hendrix's people..... seriously

[@mortensen1961]

#MORE!!!MORE!!!!MORE!!!!!GibsonBannerGuitars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Valvey789]

What gauge strings do you put on those no-truss rod Banner Gibsons to get the proper neck relief?

[@stinkybojangles4128]

You should do either a 50's Strat or an 80's Strat for Straturday tomorrow!

[@esond]

Holyyyy shit that flatpick sound!

[@poppadukes1273]

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYBODY OUT THERE!!! maybe next year a Kalamazoo or a Stella? (blues, baby)

[@TroubadourJuggernaut]

Incredible guitar !

[@ryanchadwick4432]

Last guitar of the day on strataday, could y’all do a mini shout out to some of the great musicians we sadly lost this year.