egoidealmusic

That's a great suggestion QuestionMark. I've got an Epiphone EL-00 and it's a fantastic guitar. Obviously not the big tone of a Gibson as it's got laminated sides and back but a really playing fun guitar. And you're right, at about $400 (or less if you don't mind a scratch or something) a great starter acoustic. Another option for a lower priced but really nice guitar are the all solid Recording Kings. I got one of their parlor guitars not too long ago (just over $400 when I called Musician's Friend to see if they had a coupon) and it's an absolutely amazing sounding small guitar, and all solid wood. I actually find the neck a little small for my taste, but really enjoy playing it when the J-45 is in the case.

You'd want to think about nut width as well as neck size, and if I'm not mistaken the 60's J-45 or J-50 has the narrowest nut with at 1,68 as opposed to the L-00 (and most other Gibsons) at 1.72. Those are bigger bodied guitars, but if your main concern is neck feel it might just be something to consider.

I believe the studios aren't as deep bodied as the standards, or at least that's the case with the J-45. So you'd get less volume and, from my experience, less bottom end.

This is fantastic--just what I needed to hear today!

Has anyone tried the GHS Americana strings?

Definitely waited to cut the strings unitl after installed and tuned (and stretched and tuned again). Also, have noticed that they are some of the noisiest strings when sliding up or down. I don't do much of that as I'm usually working in cowboy chords (or Dylan chords to make myself feel better), but they are very squeaky. Other than that, really like the sound of them.

That is a beaut, and that grain is fantastic. Maybe the two guitars are sitting at slighly different angles, but is the upper bout rounder than the other?

Thanks, Nick. I prefer the almost dead sound too (particularly with along with my low and scratchy singing voice), and these are moving nicely into that period, so I'd love to have them stay that way.

Haha I didn't mean to start a war! Was just curious as to what folks' range was with these. Mine are still sounding good, but I'm guessing I'm getting close to a change point as I'm really bad about wiping the strings down after playing.

Hi all, After many, many recommendations for Sunbeam strings I've tried them and really dig them. About a month in they're really hitting their stride...mellowing but still lots of punch, well defined for single string picking but have that growl I love of a J-45 when really lit into. The question, though, is what kind of lifespan do most folks find with them? I'm not expecting coated lifespan, but they do seem to be holding up to almost dayly play.

I'll defer to others on the ID, but that is in amazing shape!

This is fantastic, Lars! Great recording and lyrics.

That is one of the biggest sounding adjustable saddle Gibson's I've ever heard. If I weren't paying off back taxes... 😞

Thank you, Red! I'm working on trying some better recordings soon, so I'm hoping to post a number of songs before too long.

Hey, thanks much, Missouri! I'm definitley more of a songwriter than a guitar player (obviously), so that means a lot!

Jinder can you tell me which XTs you're using? I've been using Sunbeams on my J-45 of late and really like them but would like something that last a bit longer if it's worth it.

Or for another comparison:

From what lots of folks here have said the adjustable bridge makes a J-45 sound quiter and brighter. I also find the late 60s necks to small for my taste, but I've got pretty large hands. Here's a pretty interesting comparison video between the 50s reissue and the 60s reissue. Yours is actually from the late 60s so it's not exactly the comparison you're talking about but it does show quite a difference between the two.

Does your 67 have the adjustable bridge? If so, it's going to sound very different from either 1942 or 50s reissue. I've not played the 42 Banner but have seen many a clip with them and they sound fantastic. the 50s reissue has a big chunky neck where I'm guessing yours is much slimmer and narrower.

You're definitely correct, Lars. It was just a quick recording without any testing whatsoever, but I appreciate it! And thanks to you as wel, Danvill!

Hey, thanks, Raul! My J is really loud so it drowns out my voice. Here's the words if you're curious: WHEN I WENT AWAY Were you as surprised As you seemed to be? Because it failed To surprise me. And when you’d scream And throw things at me Did it ever strike you The way that it struck me? When I went away Did you miss me Or was I just to blame? Was love just a term A space to fill Just a word? Does it hurt like hell To know That I’d rather Drive around than come home? When we’d sleep And it’s cold Despite the same bed We both slept alone And doesn’t it seem a waste To think of nine years Been misplaced Under your bitterness And my desire To be someone else?

It almost looks like it's the original guard that's been cut down--the bottom shape is right, but the top is off. Perhaps it was peeling and this was the easy fix?

But here's me playing a song I wrote called "when I went away" on my 50s J-45. Just recorded on my phone so apologies for the quality (and it being a bit too high end given the phone was aimed at the high strings).

Love that light blonde streak down the middle. A beautiful guitar!

That's BS. The new Gisbon acoustic I purchase had the warrant/QC card checklist, which also has a warranty registration card, so they're not being truthful.