A new Inspired by Custom model based on Tamio Okuda’s 1945 J-45

Tamio Okuda is a Japanese singer, songwriter, and producer. He first came to national prominence with the band Unicorn and has also enjoyed a successful career as a writer for other artists and as a solo artist, as well as being a member of the supergroup the Curling Sitones. The Tamio Okuda J-45, his second Epiphone signature model, is based on his 1945 Banner J-45. The new Epiphone Tamio Okuda J-45 features a solid mahogany back and sides, with a center stripe down the center of the back. The body has single-ply binding on the top and back. The thermally aged Sitka spruce top with scalloped X-bracing gives this guitar a deep, vintage sound. The one-piece mahogany neck has a neck profile that is based on Tamio Okudas cherished vintage 1945 J-45, with the thicker depth that those models are known for, delivering an authentic vintage playing feel. The neck is fitted to the body with a compound dovetail joint. The rosewood fretboard is equipped with 19 medium frets and adorned with simple mother-of-pearl dot position marker inlays. The headstock is outfitted with three-on-a-plate closed-back tuners with white buttons and features a script Epiphone logo and vintage-style banner. The closed slot rosewood rectangle bridge plate has a compensated bone saddle, and the nut and bridge pins are also bone. The pickguard features the classic tear drop shape and is tortoise shell colored and made from a celluloid/acrylic sandwich. The Tamio Okuda J-45 has a Washed Vintage Sunburst finish in Vintage Gloss that gives it a vintage yet unworn appearance. It is equipped with an L.R. Baggs under-saddle pickup and active preamp for plug-and-play use on-stage and in the studio, and comes with a Red Line-inspired hardshell case with Inspired by Custom graphics. This exceptional guitar delivers authentic vintage-inspired sound and feel at a much more accessible price.