Mr.Woody

I hear what you're saying. I do love the look of a beat-up guitar, but i'm sure scratches/knicks on the Legend wouldn't bother me much!

This is helpful, as have been all the other comments thus far!! Thanks everyone 🙂 I've been hesitant to talk specifics as i still have a few weeks before i can get back to make the purchase and i don't want anyone to snatch either up lol I tend to talk too much and sometimes it ends up biting me in the butt! 🙂 Yes, the Legend has a torrefied adi top. I'd also like to purchase a Mono gig bag for either. I use one with my Les Paul and really like it! (sorry if that makes you cringe) I know in the end, it will come down to which one speaks more to me on that day, but as this is my first real foray into Gibson land, i thought i should see what i could potentially be getting myself into. Please, i welcome any more thoughts/comments!! Mr.Woody

it for sure is! looks like it was redone a LONG time ago. My sales guy just told me everything is super solid on it and gave me a decent deal....... I have good experience working on guitars, but have never done any fret-work, which would be the first big maintenance thing needed.

I forget to mention that as i assume that goes without saying (but you never know!!). I'll know for sure if it's still there next month. They are both at the same shop, so i'll be able to compare side-by-side. So, assuming they both sound equivalent/great, what would you do?

Hi, all. I'm new here and i'm looking at buying a new guitar. This will be my ONLY acoustic for a long time, so it has to be a good one. Assuming they are both still available at the beginning of August, i have the option to buy either a real 1945 Banner J-45 that is in rough, but seemingly stable shape, or a brand new 1942 Legend J-45 Limited that is super impressive. They are both listed at the same price, although i know i can get the legend for less than the asking price. I've also played that guitar and really like it. I'll have the chance to play the Banner if it's still there in a few weeks. Legend pros Brand new with warranty (after some issues i've had with my Martin, this is rather important to me. Nice case sounds/plays great limited edition (unique factor) super huge neck (super comfortable) i don't mind putting a Baggs Lyric in it Legend cons pricey for a J-45 will go down in value as soon as i purchase it (i always take resale value into account, but I don't let it drive the decision) Real banner pros Freaking cool factor!!!! value should hold or go up it's a real banner..... i don't think i'll mind putting a Baggs Lryic in it since it's had a few mods. looks like a large amount of work has been done, which could be a money saver Banner Cons in pretty rough shape burst has been redone, so it's non-original several cracks that may or may not be open on the back chipboard case (which means an extra cost to get a real one for it) small frets that may need to be replaced in a couple years of regular use who knows what else may be lurking in there...... no warranty (obviously) Anyway, there's the gist of it. What would you do? I know getting s real banner is (usually) a once in a lifetime thing, but it does make me a little nervous. Thanks, Mr.Woody