egoidealmusic

I got an Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird about 6 months ago. Had always wanted a bird but couldn't justify the money for a Gibson (as I already have two and bills a plenty), and had read pretty good reviews of those made in Indonesia (this is key, as they've now moved production to China and I've read that they're not remotely the same quality of guitar). I've been meaning to give a fuller review, but here's the short version. Really didn't think it sounded good at first, but figured I'd use it to play out so it was going to be a pickup through an amp, so it's fine for that. Still, though, it just sounded kind of lifeless. Also, really, REALLY heavy--I think they're way overbuilt to make sure they survive the long trip. So I decided to try the old speaker experiment. I've got a really good quality radio that weighs about 4 pounds and I set it right on the bridge and played a rock station at a lower level. Have done this twice for almost a week at a pop, and what an amazing difference. I'm not sure if it's the thicker top (and it is considerably thicker) or the heavier braces, or the poly finish, or whatever, but it took a bit to open up, but once it did I'm absolutely amazed at the difference. Does it sounds like a Gibson bird? No. Is it an amazing sounding guitar that has the sonic feel of a Gibson bird? It really is, and I'm simply amazed. I had to tinker with the nut and the bridge and adjust the action, etc., but it's now my second favorite guitar (J-45 is still #1 and the American Eagle LG-2 is now #3). Short version, if you can find an Indonesian made IBG and give it some time and sonic pressure (I've never used a tone right or whatever they are) I really think that these are some amazing guitars. Gibsons? No. Great guitars after being broken. Not sound related, but I got the aged natural finsih and it's gorgeous. 🙂

Guess I'm a young'un here as Tricky **** Nixon was president when got here.

Really good looking guitar, and I kind of like the pickguard as well--very unique! Really nice grain on the whole thing which makes that pickguard fit all the more.

Not as small as an L-00 but that Nathaniel Ratecliff LG-2 is a pretty fancy small(er) body Gibson. Love the look of it.

No side support strips on the inside. I'm guessing that folks who suggested that perhaps the wood wasn't 100% dried are right and the laquer is making these appear. I was worried that it might be too much humidity as I live in a VERY humid region, but it sounds like this is common enough that it can happen anywhere. When it's in the case that's the side that faces down, so I also wondered if that had anything to do with it, but I seriously doubt it. Just another quirk of the Gibson flattop. 🙂

Not sure how well you can see it but the reflection of the fan blade shows it.

So I've recently noticed that there's a slight rippling running with the grain on the side in the waist, only on the underside. There's nothing cracking and you can't really see it at all from the inside. Should I be concerned? Humidity issue? Or just a natural aging thing? 50s J-45 about 3 years old. Will try to post a picture later.

I'm not using that particular pickup but aren't all output jack end pins (though it's a screw on) the same size?

Sounds great!

Sounds great--and better than a lot of "expensive" acoustic recordings I've heard on records lately!

Love the striping on that top...very nice acquisition!

Interesting, and I've wondered equally if the belly up bridge means greater strength at the base of the bridge makes for a stronger bond again bridge lifting (i.e. wider straight base), but this also makes sense in terms of tone delivery. Love me some science!

I think that's definitely a replacement guard, but I would also guess it's been on there a long *** time. I also think it adds an interesting historical uniqueness to that guitar, but I'm sure others would suggest a more historically accurate replacement. Congrats on the new guitar, and let us know how it sounds!

I'd love to have one of those!

Early on when I'd gotten my 50s J-45 I accidentally left a tuner on the headstock overnight and the pad had a crosscheck pattern. Next morning I take it off and the pattern remained on the headstock. As noted, the nitro was still apparently a bit soft. A few months later or so and it was completely gone--no signs whatsoever. Wonder if this would likewise fade out over time. You could try to return it but I'm guessing Gibson will say user error on this. Bummer though!

I've gotten two 50s J-45s delivered to me. The first came from a shop in Arizona and I had to send it back because the tuning pegs were pulling forward. Second was a replacement sent to me directly from Gibson. Neither had action issues like this, so I think you just sadly got a stinker. It happens, sadly, just like my first one with the tuning peg issue. It sucks, but it happens. Don't give up on the 50s J-45, though--the one I finally ended up with is absolutely amazing!

Thanks, Dan--and crazy. That a surprisingly large hole. I'll try to find that old thread.

So after a week in the case wtih the humidy packs the crack has closed up. There was still a slightly visible line but totally closed. I gave it a couple of coats of the water thin CA glue along the crack lines, let it dry then sanded down with 1200 grit paper. Gave it some lemon oil and it's looking great. Letting any glue that might have seeped in (very little seemed to though) cure for a day before I string her up. Thanks again for the advice!

So, I was working on the hairline cracks on my J-45 (will update on that thread but took a pic of the underside, and there's a huge hole filled with glue. Can't tell if it's just through the plate. Also some pretty sloppy glue cleaning on the braces. Thoughts?

Thanks for the input, folks. The pins are the exact size as those it originally came with, so that's not causing it. I do use a little lemon oil each time when I change strings--about every 3 months. I have watched a number videos and am comfortable working on my guitars. Am planning on doing this tomorrow and will update.

Yes, there's a faint crack line between them. Very tight crack so I don't think it's all the way through.

So, I just noticed that there are a couple a very fine cracks on the bridge of my J-45 between a few of the pins--the most noticeable between the A and the D pins. While the humidity in this area is generally very high (I'm in Georgia just above the Florida line) I put her back in the case with a humidifier. Seems like it's closed up a good amount but obviously I'm concerned (she's only about 2 1/2 years old). Reading elsewhere it seems that lots of folks suggest water thin CA glue is the best fix as it doesn't seem massive and all the way through the bridge, but I'm curious as to your sage thoughts. No authorized Gibson repair shop anywhere near me, so I'd have to send it to Gibson if I had to.

Cool history and a fantastic guitar. Wish I knew what it sold for so I can stop feeling bad about it. 😉

Very true, 62burst. I've cut my own pickguards from material from StewMac and all you need is a razor blade to bevel on your own.

It's definitley beveled, though I can't say at what angle. I have ordered pickguards from Terrapin before and have been quite happy.