[Looking for a replacement J45 Saddle]

Hi All,

 

I have a 2020 Gibson J45 standard.  Simply amazing guitar.  I need to replace the saddle.  I would like to replace with the exact compensated tusq saddle that was installed from the factory.  Does anyone know where I could find this?

 

Thanks in advance!

[Which guitar for me?]

Hi there, I want to buy a new Gibson, maybe either an SG or a 335.  But here's my problem--I really like the sound of '57 classics, and kind of that PAF sound.  Looking a versatile guitar that can do nice jazzy cleans.  It seems the 335 is equipped with t-types which are brighter and SG's have the 61r/t or the 490.  The only thing I can find that has the '57 classics is the 339.  

I know I could swap pickups, but I'd prefer not to go down that road.  Any suggestions?

[Gibson Songwriter History?]

Hi All,

Looking at Gibson's website, it says this model is titled the Gibson Songwriter Standard. However I see the Songwriter Studio and Songwriter Deluxe in the used market and on youtube, etc...

What is the difference between the past studio, deluxe, and now standard versions?

Is one of these past iterations of the model basically the current Songwriter Standard? Just trying to figure out its history here. Thanks in advance if you have any info...

[Slight Rattling Noise in J-45]

I think I finally figured it out! The little screw on strap button where you plug in was too tight! That's right, too tight, not loose. When I first got the guitar, I noticed that the strap button was loose so I tightened it, but too much. I've experimented with it at this point and have found that it causes this slight rattle if it is too tight OR too loose. Thanks everyone for your theories!!!!

[Slight Rattling Noise in J-45]

47 minutes ago, 62burst said:

That's a pretty deep pluck you're getting into there, Figgy. Do you get anything similar when you get your fingers into any other guitars like that? Open strings only, or when fretting, or using a capo, too?

We tend to be more critical of things real or imagined when still at the getting-to-know-you stage with a new guitar. Was the sound there before installing the D'Addarios? Everything looks fine with the ball ends in your photo, but the electricals running around inside are always  suspect, and just another reason for my preferring acoustic guitars without them. Even though I'm not hearing anything in the clip that couldn't be attributed to how those strings were plucked, ALD had good info/reminders of some classic culprits in causing fret buzz. You could check with a Fret Rocker (a StewMac tool), or maybe measure your string action height. Also- make sure any wires aren't too close to the top where they could rattle, and check that the adhesive wire stays are still where they should be.

 

Thanks for the reply!  I just kind of dug in to illustrate the point as much as possible.  In normal playing it is very subtle and only sometimes occurs...but enough for me to wonder...it actually happens almost more when using a capo, which might be an interesting point.  It's happened with open strings and while fretting.

Unfortunately, I can't remember if it happened before the string change--I didn't have the old strings on long.

[Slight Rattling Noise in J-45]

Hi All,

I bought a new J-45 about a month ago. It plays great but I have noticed something and can't tell if it's just my OCD or something that could be fixed. I have noticed that when I play the guitar in certain positions, particularly kind of slouched on the couch, or with the guitar at a 45 degree angle, the D and G strings will "rattle". It's not fret buzz, it is inside the guitar. I checked to make sure the strings are all seated against the bridge plate and they are, here is a picture of the bridge pins before I tightened the strings.   Right now I am thinking it is the pickup wiring or something (LR Baggs Element VTC) rattling around inside or something with the way the strings are seated. I'm thinking of taking it for a setup and to get this looked at but I am a little concerned they won't be able to hear the buzz as it seems to only happen every so often. Does anyone have any ideas? Is it normal for acoustic guitars with pickups to rattle occasionally/slightly? 

Here is a recording of the sound that I made. Thanks!

 

[Newb Question on Removing Pickup from J45]

Hey everyone, seems popular to remove the Baggs VTC from Gibson acoustics.  Is it necessary to replace the saddle or anything else on the guitar after removing the pickup, or is that just personal preference?  Thanks!

[Future J45 purchase...would this be silly?]

6 minutes ago, Larsongs said:

They make at least a dozen different J-45's.. Since you have the time research them all.. They come Acoustic & Acoustic Electric. With the variety they offer I would buy the one that most suits my wants & needs. Taking it apart, selling Parts & then Modding with other stuff? Personally, I would prefer the model that has everything I want to begin with..

Me too!  Only problem is I can't find one that doesn't come with the baggs vtc/tusq...

[Future J45 purchase...would this be silly?]

Hey all,

With all the time I have on my hands now I am researching the guitar that I am going to buy myself when I complete my masters degree in spring '22.  Like I said I have some time on my hands right now lol.  I'm looking into a new J45.  I love their sound and versatility for my purposes (singer songwriter stuff), and also since I can only really afford to have one really nice acoustic.  However, I've perused this forum and others and pretty much acknowledged that upon getting it, I would want to...

1. Remove the Baggs VTC and sell it.

2. Have the nut/saddle/bridge pins changed to bone.

3. Install non-invasive pickup such as K&K pure mini.

Now, does any of this seem silly?  It would be interesting buying a new guitar and then putting like 300-400 dollars into it right away.  Also could any of this be potentially damaging to the guitar?  I also read that the tusq is there because it's better with UST's, but I'm assuming anything's fine with the K&K?

Thanks for your knowledge in advance!

[Which string gauge for my new SG?]

Hey all, looking to get my Gibson SG set up with heavier string gauges. The .9s on it right now are way too slinky especially with the Gibson short scale. I play mostly in standard, but I like to mess around with random alternate tunings and I also like a big thick sound so I know I want a higher gauge. I’m also used to playing .13s on my acoustic and don’t care about bending that much so I wouldn’t mind a similar gauge in my electric.

I want to get my guitar set up for the either .12s or .13s , but I’m a bit overwhelmed at how almost every set of strings has different combinations of gauges, unlike how with acoustic there seems to pretty much be more standard combinations. Maybe it’s just because I’m new to this. I would like to get it set up for a heavier gauge set that is more common if possible so I could always switch strings later on.

I see D’Addario has the NYXL1254 or 1356. Does anyone have any suggestions for me, out of these two or something else?

I would assume .11s or .10s would not fit the bill but I could be wrong?

[String Gauge Question...Just bought my first electric guitar....a 2019 SG Standard (used)!]

3 hours ago, merciful-evans said:

There are a couple of things to consider before using a heavier gauge set.

1/ the nut: the slots may not readily accommodate thicker strings. They may bind in the nut and necessitate widening of the slots (Gibson fit 10's as standard).

2/ additional string tension, especially on an SG, could affect the set up. The neck may give; resulting in more relief than you want. Therefore you may need to adjust the truss rod to compensate.

 

1 hour ago, Filbert said:

Unless you are planning on emulating Stevie Ray Vaughan, I wouldn't personally recommend going for heavier gauge strings. You will need to adjust your setup, adjust truss rod and things like that as heavier gauge strings are under more tension and therefore change the neck bend. The truss rod will need adjusting to counter this and unless you are confident in what you are doing, it will need someone competent to carry it out. I have never adjusted the truss rod on any of my guitars a) because I don't use any other than Hybrid slinkys and b) I haven't got a clue what I am doing.

 

Thanks everyone!  If I get a professional setup these won't be issues though right?  Like it's not going to damage the guitar?  I also don't know what I'm doing LOL but I would assume a luthier would do a good job.

1 hour ago, Filbert said:

Not only that but heavier strings will hurt your fingers more at least until you get used to it. The advantages? Well, thicker strings sound better as simply put, there is more metal vibrating over the magnets in the pickups. Not only that, you can downtune heavier gauge strings more easily so if you are into 'dunga, dunga, squee' type music in weird down step tunings, then you will need heavier gauge strings to accommodate this. The afore mentioned SRV used heavier gauge strings than normal but he also tuned half a step or more down.

 

I am used to playing a 25.5" scale acoustic with .13's, so I would think I would be MORE used to the heavier gauge strings.  I know with the SG's short scale it will be a little slinkier, so maybe I could get it closer to my acoustic with .12's on the SG?  Thanks again.

[String Gauge Question...Just bought my first electric guitar....a 2019 SG Standard (used)!]

Sorry no picture yet, it hasn't come yet but I am so excited.  Just a question for when I get my set up...

I will be playing mainly rhythm type/fingerpicky stuff, I know I want a higher string gauge because:

1. I like to alter tunings from time to time  and wouldn't mind a little more tension with the short scale.

2. I would like to keep the feel somewhat consistent with my acoustic with .13's.

3. I like any added tone/low end I might get as a result of the bigger strings.

 

Has anyone had experience altering tunings on their SG?  What string gauge fits the bill here, .12's or .13's?  Would either be fine for the guitar/the neck?  Thanks everyone!!!

[Thinking about Gibson L-00]

Welcome to the forum!

 

I have a 2011 mahogany b/s L-00 Blues King, which sounds pretty similar to the L-00 standards I've played over the last few years.

 

I play it exactly as you describe - bare fingers for fingerpicking and strumming with nails and I find it the perfect guitar for this style. It's very resonant and 'alive' sounding. You can feel the notes in the neck, if that makes any sense. It's my only guitar.

 

I recently recorded and posted on this forum a couple of pieces in open tunings - 'Going To California' was recorded in double drop D, and 'Bron-Yr-Aur' was done in C6 tuning. Just scroll back a few pages and you'll get a decent impression of this guitar in open tunings.

 

Can't really comment on the availability thing. My local shop up here in Canada has an L-00 standard in now that I played last week. Have rarely used the undersaddle pickup so not much feedback for you there. Best of luck in your search!

 

Thanks for all this info, and for your playing and recordings! Sounds phenomenal and gave me a good idea of the guitar too!

[Thinking about Gibson L-00]

While the L-00 is my preferred size acoustic, and I have the 2007 Gibson Blues King L-00 and a number of other versions of the same size guitar including Martin CEO7, 2 Waterloo WL-14s, Maton 808s which are a deep body version of this size guitar, of different woods....I can't get past your first question...Indie/Folk Rock/Singer-Songwriter.....err, honestly - an L-00 is the wrong guitar for that totally. Hate to say it but you want a Hummingbird, old or used or new, or a J45 and its many sister guitars.

 

 

BluesKing777.

 

Well those genres are just sort of a generalization to give a ballpark idea. I'm looking into this guitar because I already have a larger-bodied guitar and would like a smaller body mainly for finger picking--looking to do more of this than strumming in general. I like the sound so I'm not really sure how it's the "wrong" guitar.

 

If you elaborate maybe I can understand.

[Thinking about Gibson L-00]

Hi Everyone, new to this forum here. First I must confess that I do not own a Gibson! I own one guitar, a Martin D15M, and it is wonderful.

 

I am posting here, however, because recently, I've been researching what I would like to buy for my second guitar (eventual purchase), and without playing, the L-00 has really stuck out to me (specifically the Standard, although I'm not married to a certain model just yet--suggestions welcome!). I'm looking for a smaller guitar that's mainly great for fingerstyle (with flesh) and also some strumming with nails. I also love the sound of mahogany, but would like to have a different soundboard such as spruce instead of all mahogany this time around. I really like the throaty, woody sound and I think it will offer something different to my Martin.

 

My four main questions are:

 

1. What can you all tell me about this guitar? My music preferences are Indie/Folk/Singer-Songwriter if that matters.

 

2. I know this has a slightly short scale, but how does it do with alternate/open tunings? My D15M is great for these and I don't do this THAT much, so not a huge deal, but would like to know nonetheless.

 

3. Why are these models lacking availability? Like I said, there don't seem to be any whatsoever in the area for me to try, and online availability even seems sporadic, whereas Martins are available everywhere.

 

4. I probably won't use it much if at all, but what can you tell me about the LR Baggs VTC pickup it comes with?

 

 

Thanks in advance for your insights!!!