A few days ago I was contacted by a major concert promoter - “I hear you have a great sounding J-45. I’m producing the Aspen Labor Day concert, and the contract rider calls for us to provide Grace Potter a Gibson J-45 to play on stage - might we borrow yours?”
“Cool” I say.
“We’ll come check it out and then come pick it up the day before the show”
Etc etc etc. They loved the J-45 (2009 TV model), and also loved my J-35 Vintage (2018 issue). They wanted both for the artist to be able to have a choice.
J-45 is equipped with a Lyric, the 35 has a Trance Audio. Both are stunningly great sounding guitars. There are only 2 guitars I’ve ever played that sounded better - one being Hogeye’s Banner J-45 that looks like it was dragged behind a horse, but sounded angelic - the other being JTs minty 42 SJ. Both of which I offered to buy, only to have my offers kicked to the curb (oh well).
Hearing horror stories of lost guitars, I dropped an Apple AirTag into each case.
I have pictures of Grace Potter playing the J-45 on stage for almost her entire show. No idea if any other acts used the J-35 or not - I didn’t go to the 3 day event.
I did witness the Airtags going around backstage and on stage for three days.
Got the guitars back this morning.
The J-35 is tuned in open “G” and strung with Curt Mangan lights. 10s
The J-45 is in standard tuning, also strung with 10s
To me they both sound like shite. 10s ? Really ? But, I guess “the artist” loved them. Elevens maybe, but tens?
The guitar tech was kind enough to coil up and put the round core Thomaasik 12 gauge strings, that were on the J45 ,back in the case pocket, and include a brand new set of Curt Mangan 10s. Did the same on the 35 - and included someones strange black strap, and a bit of brand new buckle rash on the back.
Anyone want a couple sets of Curt Mangan 10 gauge strings, and a black guitar strap that might have Grace Potter’s or Dave Grohl’s DNA on it? You pay the shipping, and they’re yours.
Happy end of summer folks.
Strum on, Smile Fierce!!!
https://imgur.com/a/kLsnpCm