Gibson launches four Original Collection acoustics with Baggs HiFi DNA pickups

Gibson has announced four new models in its Original Collection of acoustic guitars: the J-45 Original, J-45 60s Original Fixed Bridge, Southern Jumbo 40s Original and Country Western 60s Original. All are handcrafted at the Gibson Acoustic Craftory in Bozeman, Montana, and fitted with the new Gibson-exclusive Baggs HiFi DNA pickup system.

The system, unveiled in September and developed with pickup maker LR Baggs, is active: two lightweight sensors are mounted on the internal bridge plate, each paired with its own preamp. According to Premier Guitar, it offers feedback resistance comparable to an under-saddle pickup, while discreet volume and tone controls sit inside the soundhole. Gibson calls the result its "most natural" amplified tone, Guitar World reports.

The four guitars share a solid Sitka spruce top, a dovetail neck joint set with hot hide glue, a rosewood fretboard and bridge, and a bone nut and saddle. The J-45 Original, with 1930s Jumbo-inspired appointments, has mahogany back and sides, a SlimTaper neck and Autumn Burst or Vintage Sunburst finishes; Guitar World lists it at $3,299. The J-45 60s Original Fixed Bridge brings 60s styling, a fixed belly-up bridge and a 24.75-inch scale, in Vintage Sunburst and Vintage Cherry Sunburst.

The Southern Jumbo 40s Original, based on a model first introduced in 1942, pairs solid rosewood back and sides with mother-of-pearl split parallelogram inlays. The Country Western 60s Original returns to the core lineup in response to player demand, with mahogany back and sides. Each guitar ships with a Gibson hardshell case.