Hello all,
Long time lurker, first time poster. The info I’ve gained from this forum has been invaluable in the past; but I am in a bit of a decision-making dilemma and was hoping for feedback/advice/opinion.
I recently purchased a 2018 Advanced Jumbo RI and a 2018 Hummingbird from the same dealer. He was nice enough to tell me to try both and return one. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to keep both. Therein lies my dilemma! I love them both, they’re just different.
The AJ is powerful, loud, raw and has endless sustain. It also finger picks well. It is a beautiful vintage sunburst. I like the look of it better than the Bird.
The Bird is more mellow, softer, but its voice is richer and more enchanting (to me). It is short scale so a little easier to play. The Bird also has a LL Baggs VtC pickup which I don’t see myself using. It is colored in a heritage cherry burst which isn’t my favorite.
By way of background, I am no pro or performer. I will not quit my day job LoL. I just jam (and record) in my studio with some buddies, one of which is a very light handed drummer. A lot of times I will simply play and sing to/with my children. I play lots of Beatles, Johnny Cash, CCR, John Denver, Neil Young, Stones, Zeppelin, Simon and Garfunkel and some modern rock.
Also by way of background, I have (and still love) a 2015 Martin D18 (pictured) which has been my go-to acoustic since 2015. I recently got the itch for a Gibson sounding acoustic and therefore the purchase of the AJ and Bird. I also have a Fender Strat and a Godin 5th Avenue arch top (both of those are not pictured).
So...I love both the AJ and the Bird for different reasons listed above. I cannot decide which to keep, and unfortunately cannot keep both. I know that the guitar has to speak to me, but the problem is that they both do! Which would you keep?
Thanks in advance