OldCowboy

Other than a series of 'beater' guitars over the course of time, one of which I still retain, I own only one 'purchased new'. That's a Guild D-35SB from early 1978. 43 years hence, I still consider it new (until I really think about it) and realize I don't regret anything (decal to pearl for the logo/custom headstock inlay) I did to it within its first couple years. Doubtful to become a classic - although I never considered the matter at the time - and not an instrument netting much financial appreciation from then 'til now - I still enjoy playing it without benefit of remorse. It's a good'n☺ However, my older Gibsons aren't likely to be modified any time soon. At my age, if I were disposed to buy a current production high end Gibson or whatever, it's "let the next guy worry" over any aesthetic mods I'd care to make. That's my attitude and I'm stickin' to it😂

You're correct - the Heritage model doesn't get enough credit. Sorry for the (decade wide😱) typo, and thank you for catching it!

Yep.

70's Gibson Heritage - allegedly the last one produced in Kalamazoo.

Gospel, Heritage, and Dove models from the 70's are pretty decent. None of them would scare me too much as an online purchase. Most of the information given so far is spot on - adjustable bridges on J-45's begin to show up around 1955.

That's an eye popper! Don't recall ever seeing an expanse of walnut that nice. Enjoy!

I tend to reserve the "beater" designation for a guitar that, should the environment be hostile, won't constitute a serious loss or be difficult to replace. I, too, am a "care and respect" guy, but would rather not subject vintage stuff to camping and the like.

OUTSTANDING! Oops😨 Didn't mean to yell....

I, too, have noticed variations among vintage slope J's. Most I've really liked favor light strings, and those I haven't were usually strung with mediums. I have tried mediums on all my slopes, and found them dull and thuddy, while lights have brought their potential to the foreground. PB lights kind of help me switch back and forth from flat and finger picking without losing the 'right' sound for each. Then, again, I'm not exactly a virtuoso😂

I was friends with Aaron, and he did a lot of work for me over the years. It's good that his guitars are getting some well-deserved appreciation. His F-5 style mandolins were excellent, as well. He shared a fair amount of Gibson/Kalamazoo lore with me, some of which contradicts the company-generated and otherwise written about material that some folks take as gospel. Altogether, he was a fine gentleman, and I miss him a great deal.

Many install a conventional strap button above the jack plug. Be sure you drill into the end block or you're just putting a hole into your guitar.

You're a class act, Nick! And I'm NOT being sarcastic.

That has a ring to it, but I'm not sure I want credit for the invention 😂

If you want to knock baby boomers, you're going to get better responses elsewhere. This is the only post I've encountered on this site that intentionally disparages people of ANY generation in an effort to defend someone's personal hobbyhorse.

I have to agree. This is not the kind of forum that entertains nasty comments. Matter of fact, it's the kind of forum where guitar fans of SEVERAL generations congregate to avoid that kind of thing.