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Striker6

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    SPECS Assistance for 2007 J-45 True Vintage (TV) acoustic

    in Gibson Acoustic

    Posted

    5 minutes ago, j45nick said:

    Somebody here correct me if I am wrong, but that bridgeplate appears to say "adj 45 50" on it. It also appears to be plugged in approximately the locations where you would find the adjustable saddle barrel bolts on an adj bridge.

    While that doesn't make an particular difference as far as the guitar goes, it is a real curiosity.

    Yes...  This particular J-45 is a 2007 reissue with an adjustable saddle.  I had the adjustable bridge/saddle removed and replaced with a fixed bridge/saddle not too long ago since the guitar has sentimental value.  I did not want to part with it but I also now much prefer fixed saddles.  Brothers in Wind Gap, PA did the work (neck reset was also needed) and this J-45 is my number 1!.  I have a comment above that describes the guitar in more detail.  I appreciate the knowledge of this group.  

    SPECS Assistance for 2007 J-45 True Vintage (TV) acoustic

    in Gibson Acoustic

    Posted

    19 hours ago, Red 333 said:

    If memory serves, when the True Vintage line was introduced in 2007, the J-45 had a sitka top as a standard feature. They also released a special run that year with adirondack tops tops, however, so your 2007 could have either. In 2008, Adirondack tops became standard (while the Southern Jumbo retained Sitka as the standard).

    Besides the bracing. other features that distinguish the J-45 TV from  the J-45 Standard of that era include the script logo and Banner decal on the True Vintage; the Standard had a peal inlay modern block logo.

    The True Vintage had strip or single white button tuners; the J-45 Standard  had  Grovers .

    The True Vintage had an orange label (some said True Vintage, some TV, and some simply J45); the J-45 Standard has a white label.

    The True Vintage had no serial number or "Made In The USA" impressed on the back of the headstock; the J-45 Standard did.  The serial number is on the orange label and the neck block on the TV.

    The True Vintage may have had a Custom Shop decal on the back of the neck.

    The True Vintage headstock is the more slender vintage shape; The J-45 Standard had the modern shape.

    The True Vintage had bone nut and saddle; the J-45 Standard had Tusq.

    I  believe both The True Vintage and Standard of that era had Honduran Mahogany sides and back. The neck profiles were both slim taper.

    Red 333

     

     

     

    Interesting... I am the original owner of a 2007 J-45 I purchased at CME in July of '08.  The orange label says STYLE: J-45, next line GIBSON: SPECIAL.  I believe it was a limited reissue of a late '50's J-45 with adjustable bridge, batwing pickguard, 3-on-plate-tuners with white buttons, gold silk screen block headstock logo, bone nut, fret dots only up to 14th fret, 20 fret neck, no stamp (or CS logo) on back of headstock, serial number on neck block and sound hole label, Tri-burst finish.  It also has the Banner logo.  I was always curious if this guitar was a 'True Vintage' ADJ model since it has pretty much all the aesthetics.  Perhaps this was a one-off from a Japanese run.  I believe the ADJ is popular there.  

    Was the banner only used for TV in '07?  Are there any other characteristics that might determine True Vintage status?  I have checked with Gibson and CME before but they couldn't verify.  

    Nonetheless, the guitar sounds wonderful.  I had all the ADJ hardware removed a few years back with a fixed bridge and bone saddle. Brothers Music in PA did a superb job.  I even compared mine side-by-side with a 1949 J-45 that I was considering and it held it's own.  The only thing is the neck carve is fairly shallow.  It's comfortable but not at all chunky.  

    Any thoughts are appreciated.   

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