Josee Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 Hello all, A few months ago, I stumbled on the J-15 from Gibson's Product website. I then searched for demos in music stores near me. I fell in love head over heels with all three I tried in 3 different music stores, except for one which had blemishes and something that looked like an ink transfer caused by a stamp on the face of the guitar (it seemed to have gone through the gloss). I was able to sell two guitars of mine rather quickly so now I have the needed funds to buy my dream Gibson. My favorite music store confirmed that I can order from their actual inventory, which would allow me to choose from the 2014, 2015 and 2016 model. All 3 years are the same price and no discounts whatsoever. I've seen a few pictures of J-15 on here with figured walnut backs (which seemed to be 2014 and 2015 models), although rumors are that there are less figured but more "sap" wood for 2016. This is where I'd like your opinion and comments on which year I should be targeting. Furthermore, I like the wood selection (I love the color of walnut as well as its sound); although most acoustic guitars we find on the market have rosewood, ebony or richlite fingerboards... I'm wondering if Walnut is durable enough or is this application too recent to tell if time will be beneficial or detrimental as a Walnut fingerboard? To sum up both questions: 1- Should I purchase a 2014, a 2015 or a 2016 model? 2- Is a Walnut fingerboard up to par with Rosewood, Ebony or Richlite fingerboards? Thank you in advance for comments and suggestions. Josee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorrisrownSal Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 You don't have a sound preference for those three that you tried? Kind of hard for us to weigh in... Walnut is fine for longevity. I don't think it's significantly less hard than ebony or rosewood? Richlite is... An either "it doesn't bother you" or a deal breaker... It's a composite material that includes rubber, plastic, petroleum, viagra, and kitten tears. If I were not trying the guitars in person, I suppose I'd pick the newer one... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jalex Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 I would go with the 2016 model. I havent seen any models with sapwood but most of them have some figuring. They are great guitars I love mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avery Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 Hello and Welcome Josee, I own a J-15. So far, it is my first and only Gibson and I really am enjoying it. Personally, I think it is very hard to make generalizations for all the guitars made in one year. It's not like buying a car. Each guitar is different. Is there any way you can look or play each of these models? Or at least see a picture? I think that's very important. I'm sure your music store can work that out for you? Something I would mention is that if grain run-out on the natural top bothers you (mine has run-out, but I don't mind) make sure you can get a good look and avoid that. Run-out is only cosmetic (I think) but it bothers some people. Yeah, I've read on this forum that walnut fingerboards aren't as hard as some of those other woods, but I guess no one knows how these fingerboards will hold up. The early 2014 J-15s have thinner non-"flubber" pickguards too...The later 2014 ones have the thicker "flubber". That doesn't bother me either...but it's something to know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josee Posted July 27, 2016 Author Share Posted July 27, 2016 You don't have a sound preference for those three that you tried? Kind of hard for us to weigh in... Walnut is fine for longevity. I don't think it's significantly less hard than ebony or rosewood? Richlite is... An either "it doesn't bother you" or a deal breaker... It's a composite material that includes rubber, plastic, petroleum, viagra, and kitten tears. If I were not trying the guitars in person, I suppose I'd pick the newer one... Thank you ThemisSal, My bad as I didn't mention that all "3" guitars were "J-15"; I loved the J-15 sound compared to the J-29, J-35 and standard J-45. Although all 3 guitars I've tried were strummed in different showroom settings, the projection was consistent from one store to another; the J-15 was the one I was always coming back to for its ease to play and for its amazing sound. Beautiful when fingerpicked...and just as good when strummed with a 1.0mm pick. On the fingerboard side, all my actual and former acoustic and electric guitars fingerboards are/were made of Indian Rosewood. So I'm mostly curious about the care and maintenance of a Walnut fingerboard. I didn't know what "richlite" was made of, and I'm against animal cruelty, so richlite is out of the way to not make any kittens...cry! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jalex Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 I use gibson fretboard conditioner on my guitars. I have no reason to believe that walnut will not hold up just aswell as a rosewood fretboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duluthdan Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 according to data I have read, the hardness rating of Rosewood is slightly higher than Black Walnut. But both are very durable, and make great component material for guitars, at least according to the former Master Luthier there. We conversed quite a bit about Walnut, and its use in the Jackson Browne models. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly campbell Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 I Love mine, it is the walnut version. I am not a fan of the richlite at all..it really disappoints me that Gibson is using it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
58 Relic Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 Good luck ,My main advice would be to play the guitars before you buy and to plug them in as well into a good quality acoustic amp . All of the guitars will be slightly different to each other , cosmetics , feel and in sound the J15 is a truly wonderful guitar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliasphobias Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 I would go with the 2014 for the reasons previously mentioned. Fingerboard, pickguard. Of course pickguards can be replaced easy enough. Assuming that all cosmetics and sound were equal.And yeah there would be a discount, 2014 still on the floor=discount, IMO. G'luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djw171 Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 The J15 is a great guitar. Gigged mine quite regular and it has got better within the past year of playing it. The 2016 models tend to be more $$ (Gibsons go up every year it seems) and they have or rather state the following 'improvements': New and Improved for 2016 Truss Rod Cover: New 2016 engraved truss rod cover Improved Feel: Fingerboard edge is softened to comfortably fit the contour of the player's hand Enhanced Finish: Finer grit sandpaper and polishing compounds for gloss finish Premium Setup: Utilizing state-of-the-art German engineered Plek technology to create the finest playing surface possible. Hand finished for the world's finest feel and playability Smoother hand rubbed and oiled fingerboard and bridges: New penetrating and finishing oil lasts longer and maximizes wood’s natural vibrancy Its a great value USA made instrument either way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbpark Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 To sum up both questions: 1- Should I purchase a 2014, a 2015 or a 2016 model? 2- Is a Walnut fingerboard up to par with Rosewood, Ebony or Richlite fingerboards? Thank you in advance for comments and suggestions. Josee You can't say that one year is "better" than the other in this example. Without being able to play them, it's a crap shoot to be honest. I personally don't like the "2016" engraved on the headstock and the thick pick guard of the '16's, but that's just me. Still, if the 2016 sounded better than the 2014 and 2015, I'd go with that one. Plain and simple, I don't care what year the guitar was made, I care more about how it sounds. And to be honest all of the so called "improvements" they made on the 2016 aren't worth paying extra for if that guitar sounds no better than the others. I have a 2014 J45 Standard and played it against a 2015 and a new, "improved" 2016 that was more expensive, and still wouldn't give up my '14 for a '16. And really, what are "penetrating and finishing oils that last longer and maximize wood's natural vibrancy?! Maybe they're using snake oil! Sounds gimmicky to me. I just wish they'd make the J14 without the abalone rosette around the sound hole. Sounds nuts to be the only reason I wouldn't own one, but just can't stand that look. As far as walnut "being up to par" with rosewood or other materials used, and being "durable enough", what are you planning to do with the fingerboard, other than play it?! I'll put it this way. I highly doubt you will be able to "wear it out" in your lifetime. If I were to get a J15 the last thing I'd be worrying about would be wearing out the fingerboard. Actually i wouldn't be worrying about anything. Of all the J15's I've come across they are pretty consistent as far as sound and fit and finish, so if buying sight unseen and based on my experience, I'd just buy the one that has the sweetest looking back! Some of the walnut backs on these guitars look incredible. As far as care and maintenance on a walnut fretboard, again, don't over think it. This past weekend I got to play an absolutely beat to hell 50's LG1 that sounded incredible. I doubt that anyone really worried about caring for and oiling the fretboard on that one! Also played a 1938 Martin D-18. Again, had plenty of battle scars and wasn't a closet queen by any standard of the definition. Fretboard was just fine. Dare I say I'd be more worried about over conditioning the fretboard and gumming it up with crap. Personally I'd just let the oils from my fingers condition it, which means just play the guitar, play it often, and be happy! Spend less time stressing insignificant details and more time playing you're (hopefully) soon to be new guitar! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lars68 Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 I think the worst enemy for any fingerboard, regardless of material, is fingernails that are left too long. Personally, I would try to go for the 2014 and haggle for price. Best of luck finding your J-15. Lars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
62burst Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 I think the worst enemy for any fingerboard, regardless of material, is fingernails that are left too long. Exactly, Lars. No real need for fingernails on the fretting hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wghall Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 I am reading this thread with interest. I purchased my 2014 J-15 a few weeks ago - used. Am really loving it - easy playability and great tone. In that I am from Montreal I think I know where you tried the j-15 with the ink mark ( a store in Laval maybe......). I agree with the other folks - make sure you try before buying as there are differences between specific guitars. That being said - I think you're making a great choice. Warren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwalker201 Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 The J15 is a wonderful guitar. You will not regret buying it. Listening to some of Avery's youtube post will let you hear how nice they are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissouriPicker Posted July 28, 2016 Share Posted July 28, 2016 The best scenario is when you can play a guitar before you buy it. If you've played a few and liked a couple, and assuming you're ready-to-buy, I'd likely deal for one of them. On the other hand, I've bought numerous guitars without playing them and the majority have been sweet. The J15 is a real sweet guitar. Be nice to play one first, but I'd have no problem ordering one from a dealer with a good return policy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fullmental Alpinist Posted July 28, 2016 Share Posted July 28, 2016 Probably the only real advantage to a 2016 would be the Plek'd neck. It's about a $300 add-on if you have it done later. But there's a chance that the 2015 might have had it done at the factory if it's a later model. But if it were a trade off between Plek and Richlite and no Plek and no Richlite I'll go with the latter. As everyone has said, however, if at all possible you gotta play 'em 'cause maybe the Plek neck just doesn't work for you or maybe another guitar just shines for you. Besides, the run-up to buying is almost as much fun as having it in your lap at home. Best wishes on your hunt and don't forget to let us know how it went. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbpark Posted July 28, 2016 Share Posted July 28, 2016 Probably the only real advantage to a 2016 would be the Plek'd neck. It's about a $300 add-on if you have it done later. But there's a chance that the 2015 might have had it done at the factory if it's a later model. But if it were a trade off between Plek and Richlite and no Plek and no Richlite I'll go with the latter. As everyone has said, however, if at all possible you gotta play 'em 'cause maybe the Plek neck just doesn't work for you or maybe another guitar just shines for you. Besides, the run-up to buying is almost as much fun as having it in your lap at home. Best wishes on your hunt and don't forget to let us know how it went. The 2016 (and previous years as well) don't use Richlite, they use walnut on the fingerboard. To my knowledge none of the J15's use Richlite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldCowboy Posted July 28, 2016 Share Posted July 28, 2016 How well do the Richlite boards take to a refret? Over the long haul, that would be a greater consideration for me than honest wear on a traditional board - and it's a subject that I haven't heard anything about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jalex Posted July 28, 2016 Share Posted July 28, 2016 Not sure why richlite keeps coming up in this thread. To my knowledge the only Gibson's being produced with richlite fretboards are new High Performance line. The J-15's have only been built with a walnut fretboard and bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josee Posted July 29, 2016 Author Share Posted July 29, 2016 I am reading this thread with interest. I purchased my 2014 J-15 a few weeks ago - used. Am really loving it - easy playability and great tone. In that I am from Montreal I think I know where you tried the j-15 with the ink mark ( a store in Laval maybe......). I agree with the other folks - make sure you try before buying as there are differences between specific guitars. That being said - I think you're making a great choice. Warren Hi Warren, you nailed where the ink marked guitar is located........ :D It is at that same store where this J-15 had an overpriced tag (@ $2099 instead of the advertised price of $1999 CAD from their website). When I addressed the ink mark and the wrong price, I was offered to order one from their "Ontario" based distribution center as per their advertised price on their website, as, and I quote: a "discount" would not be offered for just an "ink" mark as it is only an aesthetic detail. A discount was not to be offered on the 2014 either... No need to be upset, as my plan was to buy from their other store on Lajeunesse since I purchased all my other guitars from that store and because I live nearby. Finally, I've ordered my future J-15 earlier today, which will be an unopened box from their distribution center. I've also requested a "2016" model which is stated on the P.O. The guitar should be received by next Tuesday or Friday. I'll keep you posted for sure. Thank you all for your great input and precious suggestions. You've made a difference in my shopping experience. :) Josee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanHenry Posted July 29, 2016 Share Posted July 29, 2016 I think the J-15's do develop over time. When I was looking for mine I played one in a shop and it was awful, no where near as good as others that I'd tried. A couple of weeks later I was in the store and tried the same guitar again, it was far better, completely different, I was amazed. Didn't buy that one though. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fullmental Alpinist Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 The 2016 (and previous years as well) don't use Richlite, they use walnut on the fingerboard. To my knowledge none of the J15's use Richlite. Just wait.... But seriously, thank you for correcting me, SB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hardycreek1 Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 My 2015 J-15 (built in February 2015) has opened up tremendously and sounds awesome - much richer, fuller and more responsive that it did when I first got it. So my thinking would be, go with the older guitars, as they likely are sounding better than the newer ones simply because the tone woods have had a chance to open up. The J-15 is my first and only Gibson, and it rocks. The harmonics are incredible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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