fatpicker Posted November 27, 2014 Share Posted November 27, 2014 Hi everyone, I am new on here. I have played guitar for many years and now I am looking to buy my first Gibson but I don't have a big budget. I have a Martin D18 and lean towards mahogany. I really like the J45s. There's a 2013 J45 60s special run for sale that looks cool but I can't find any info on this model. Do you know much about this guitar? Should I stick it out and get a standard J45? I play mostly bluegrass/flatpicking but also some singer songwriter/country. Thanks in advance for any help. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuitarLight Posted November 27, 2014 Share Posted November 27, 2014 Hi everyone, I am new on here. I have played guitar for many years and now I am looking to buy my first Gibson but I don't have a big budget. I have a Martin D18 and lean towards mahogany. I really like the J45s. There's a 2013 J45 60s special run for sale that looks cool but I can't find any info on this model. Do you know much about this guitar? Should I stick it out and get a standard J45? I play mostly bluegrass/flatpicking but also some singer songwriter/country. Thanks in advance for any help. Jim Many singer and songwriters have cherished the Gibson J45 for decades! It is a wonderful guitar to sing with, It is comfortable in your lap because of its sloped body. It is Mahogany, a stellar wood for complimenting the human singing voice also. If you want a J45, I would say get it if you find a good one..and Best wishes...GL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig_no Posted November 27, 2014 Share Posted November 27, 2014 If you're going to keep it for awhile, I would say find a good J-45. It's got that classic sound and a sunburst that can't be beat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatpicker Posted November 27, 2014 Author Share Posted November 27, 2014 So, are you guys saying wait and get the standard? Is anyone familiar with the 2013 60s special run J45? Also, how does the J45 do in a bluegrass setting? Thanks for all your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlejohnny Posted November 27, 2014 Share Posted November 27, 2014 I may be wrong, but in 2012 the 60s j-45 have an adjustable saddle, the 2013 have a normal bridge, so that'll make the guitar in question pretty much a standard j-45 with different cosmetics. So if you like its looks the only question is: Is it your guitar regarding tone and playability? You are the only one who can answer that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blindboygrunt Posted November 27, 2014 Share Posted November 27, 2014 a j45 will do fine in a bluegrass setting , as will any guitar , within indefinable parameters. There are certain bluegrassers who , rather unfortunately, will show the mean streak and do damnest to drown out a quieter guitar . In some sort of show of musical muscle with their 'cannons'. The volume of a j45 isn't the greatest on the planet . but that shouldn't be a prerequisite for a purchase .... unless you're that guy who busks in times square . so depends on your bluegrass setting I guess. main question you need to answer , and it's only an answer from yourself , is 'does this j45 I have in my hands inspire me to be a better musician. will I have more fun with this guitar than any other .' my j45 is hands down the best guitar I've ever owned. good luck . and keep us posted with your journey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JuanCarlosVejar Posted November 27, 2014 Share Posted November 27, 2014 The 60's J 45's reissues are very nice . I'll look for some youtube demos then post them here for you to see: With a normal bridge : With adj bridge : JC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted November 27, 2014 Share Posted November 27, 2014 Agree that most Gibson Reissues share little DNA with the instruments they are supposedly based on and are pretty much a standard model with different cosmetics and possibly a different neck profile like a slim taper. I do not play bluegrass but would think if I was going to pick a Gibson for the task I might lean toward a Hummingbird. But no way to get around the fact that J-45 is a pretty good all around guitar and can handle anything although it will shine more with some styles than others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JuanCarlosVejar Posted November 27, 2014 Share Posted November 27, 2014 Here's Jeremy Morton product specialist at Gibson talking about a variation on the 1960's J 45 : JC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRC Posted November 28, 2014 Share Posted November 28, 2014 Also, how does the J45 do in a bluegrass setting? Here ya go... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ponty Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 I wish that I had bought my J-45 35 years ago..it would have saved me hundred trying every Japanese guitar, Martin, Guild, Ovation, and 70s Gibsons. I have had my 45s 22 years soon. and they are great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortyearspickn Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 J45 - May Not Be The Only Guitar You'll Ever WANT But It Will Be The Only Guitar You'll Ever NEED ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 I can't argue with any of the good things said here about the J-45. It's one of the most versatile guitars ever built. It doesn't necessarily excel for any single type of playing--but I might question that--but you can use it for practically type of music, and it will hold its own. There is probably no better guitar for accompanying a singer, yet as Sean Watkins shows with his newgrass cross-picking, it will make you sit up and pay attention as a solo instrument in the right hands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 J45 - May Not Be The Only Guitar You'll Ever WANT But It Will Be The Only Guitar You'll Ever NEED ! Indeed. I'm partial, but it's my weapon of choice. My Rosewood/ebony is very loud and bright for some reason. Perhaps it's my attack and the 80/20s? I'm faster with the shorter scale, and it just "fits". Best of luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mking Posted December 10, 2014 Share Posted December 10, 2014 I think if you are this close to getting a J-45 you should certainly play a J-45 True Vintage. The later guitars, post 2007 have the adi tops. My 2007 has a Sitka top. I love everything about it because it has all the characteristics, sound, comfort, and looks everyone on this thread has relayed to you. There are nice used J-45 TV guitars on eBay. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fumblefingers Posted December 10, 2014 Share Posted December 10, 2014 I don't know why, but for some reason every true vintage I have heard sounds tinny for lack of a better term. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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