Barstowsongs

So, after much debate I finally brought home a new Historic Southern Jumbo today. Imagine my surprise when I opened the case to find this:

Not to beat a dead horse but it seems like there are two very different conversations going on here. One concerns the choices that Gibson makes when releasing a guitar. I fully agree that Gibson can choose to do whatever they want to do, even when designing a "historic" guitar. Put rosewood on a Southern Jumbo if you think there's a market for it (I love it). The second conversation is whether Gibson chose to put a "non-traditional" neck on this particular Southern Jumbo or whether this was a total screw up. I'm inclined to believe it was a screw up. Gibson just did quite the marketing push at NAMM and with their top-tier dealers on the historic lineup and the Southern Jumbo was often front and center. This is a specific guitar they just released. Sure, there's a small chance that someone from the shop in the youtube video specifically ordered one of these guitars with a different neck but that seems highly unlikely. It's crazy that guitar made it out the door.

Wow, that's crazy. Looks like a J-45 neck was slapped on that "SJ." I wonder if Gibson is working with a skeleton crew trying to get new guitars out to shops during COVID?

I just played one today and not coming home with it will haunt me for a long time. Notes were effortlessly exploding off the top... almost sounded like a 12 string (in a good way). I don't have much (any?) prior SJ-200 experience but the one I played today was an exceptional instrument.

They really do. Colorado. I'd be patient if I thought they were opening back up soon but I'm not optimistic after talking to a few of their guys on the phone.

I'm officially in the market for my next acoustic and have found a way to try out two models. My local shop is a great Gibson dealer but they've decided to keep their showroom closed during the pandemic. After some conversations, they've agreed to let me try out two guitars (and only two) either in the parking lot or during a trial period at home. I know it seems strange to limit me to two options but I'm very grateful to them for going above and beyond their normal operating procedures at this time. I currently own a J-45 TV from 2014 that I love but have some questions about. I hear some people complain of "dead" Gibsons...this one seems unnaturally bright in most circumstances. I also have a Martin CEO-7. So, two Adi tops with hog back and sides with sloped shoulders. I'm ready to branch out. My shop has a number of great models in stock but I need help narrowing down my options. Out of the options listed below, what would be the best two in your opinion to give me different flavors to consider? -Custom Shop 1957 SJ-200 (Aged Sitka, Maple) -2019 SJ-200 Vintage (Aged Adi, Maple) -Custom Shop 1942 Banner Southern Jumbo (Aged Adi, Rosewood) -Custom Shop 1942 Banner J-45 (Aged Adi, Mahogany) My heart is drawn to one of the SJ-200's but I'm also nervous as they seem to let some people down (duds, wrong expectations?). I'm not always drawn to Rosewood but I've never owned a good Rosewood so what do I know? Also, I know I already have a J-45 but I'm curious to hear how they might sound different...sue me, I might be a J-45 enthusiast. So.....which two would you choose if you were me?

Thanks, you've put my curiosity in a J-35 to rest for now. Would a SJ-200 be my best bet for something new and different? I know it's an legend and I've always been drawn to the idea but I have no idea how I'll warm to maple back and sides over time. However, I love my woody and versatile J-45 and the smaller bodied alternative with my CEO-7 so maybe a potentially brighter "strummer" isn't a bad option?

Curious to learn why the J-35 rarely gets a mention, especially the new historic models. Do they have different bracing patterns/tone than the J-45? I currently own a J-45 TV and a Martin CEO-7 and am considering a J-35, J-50 or SJ-200 to add to the arsenal. I'm in a similar position in that I don't want a carbon copy of what I already have but also know what I tend to like... The search is indeed fun!

I've been looking into a number of this year's historic lineup but can't try any out as my local shop's showroom remains closed. I currently have a 2014 J-45 True Vintage that took a while to grow on me but I love it now and will likely keep it forever. I also have a Martin CE0-7 and am looking for my next acoustic. Is it true that the J-45 True Vintages were braced more similarly to a J-35? Anyone know if the 1942 J-45 in the current line would be significantly different than what I have? I've never played an aged top and don't know what to think of them. I'd be sold on the Southern Jumbo but not sure I want rosewood. Are the historic J-35 models going to be "brighter" than the J-45's? I'm trying to find the sweet spot between getting something I know and love and something that's different than what I currently have. Recommendations?