Joe M

After buying, and selling, way, way, way, too many different Gibby's of just about every model, I sold the last one I had about four months ago. Can't even remember which one it was. Always admired every one I owned for their appearance and sound. And when I say just about every model, I mean just about every model, sometimes multiple tries at the same model of different variations.....15, 35, 45, Dove, Hummingbird, 185, 150, 200; some "regular", some vintage reissues. If you really want to be bored, check out some of my old posts. Anyway, spotted this '97 J200 on my local CL and went to check it out a week or so ago. The guitar looked like it had just come out of Bozeman, the only mark(s) on it was a very, very slight rubbing of the etching on the pickguard. Price was, IMO, very good, so I bought it. I've learned not to say it's a keeper any more (right, Sal?), but it's here for now. Just love the booming low E on it. I know, pics or it didn't happen, I'll work on it if I remember how to post them..... Good to be back.....

cooltouch, Thanks for the info, definitely gonna have to give it a try, if I can find the stuff.... EDIT TO ADD: Hmmm, happened to think, because you didn't sand down the sides of the fretboard, does it look like the board is bound???

As the op in this thread, I kinda switched horses in this race and bought the newer version BFG from GC. For $649, how can you go wrong? Since I’m a Tele/Strat player, I wanted one with the p90’s, not the HB’s. It’s the perfect alternative to the Fender single coils, more balls without overdriving an amp like buckers can. Really like the guitar, the chambered body makes it light for a Paul. Plus, the guy selling the older BFG on CL wanted way too much money. Win, win. The only real thing I don’t like about the guitar is the light-colored fretboard. So, cooltouch, can you give me more details about how you dyed your board? It looks great and would love to give it a try......

Thanks for the info, guys, I appreciate it....

I've got a line on one of these, the older, original version with the HB in the bridge, not the newer models. The seller says the guitar was made in 2011, but I'm pretty sure I read somewhere they were only made for two years, 2007 and 2008. Which one of us is wrong, me or the seller? Also, what would be a good price for the guitar, assuming it's in original condition? Thanks.

Still not sure about the maker of the Masterbuilts. Some sources say D'Addario, others say no. I do know that Fender DOES make their own strings, guess it might not be a stretch to think Gibson does also. I guess this is one of those first world problems that might never be answered with certainty. As to the OP's question, I'm pretty sure that all new Gibsons do come with the Masterbuilts on them, just like the set that is included with a new guitar. I did, however, have one local Gibson dealer insist that the strings on a new Gibson, from the factory, were D'Addario's EXP's. No amount of discussion could dissuade him otherwise.

No offense, BBG, but are you sure about this??

Jesse, for as long as I can remember, players talk about the ease of playing a short scale guitar compared to regular scale. I must have something wrong with me since I can honestly say I can't feel a difference when I switch from one of my short scale to regular scale guitars. My 185 plays the same to me as my 150.....go figure.

Is the quilted bird mahogany or maple? One of my local dealers had a quilted HB and the back and sides were maple, which, to me, is really a Dove in different trim. If the quilt is mahogany, than it's just for looks, won't make it sound any different than a regular bird. As Sal said, it's up to you whether the upcharge is worth it or not.

Late to the party, but me too.....

Thanks for the clarification, zomby, makes sense to me. I was just more curious about the fact that Gibson ever used laminate on any of their higher-end guitars. I'm sure they did the same with other models also. Thanks again.

I was looking at a thread on another site that said that J200's were made with laminate back and sides. Sounded like he meant in the past sometime. When, if ever, did Gibson make the 200 with laminate back and sides?

Best J45 I've ever owned is my J45TV...

Elixir Nano PB12's on my SJ200 TV

Couldn't have said it better myself, GL....

Another Elixir user here. Like GuitarLight, I prefer the Nano 12 80/20's on my HBTV. Actually, the Gibson strings that came on it didn't sound too bad to me, but they only lasted a week or so before they went dead.

Mellow as always, Buc. I expected to see and hear your refurbished Gibson.....not ready for it's reappearance??

I agree with almost everything you said except the buzzing.....I don't think I've ever played any Taylor that the B string didn't buzz, from a mini to the high-end models. In fact, a local tech who works mainly on Taylor's says he's found that a lot in Taylors. Something to do with the way the nut is cut. It's an easy fix but shouldn't have to be done on any new guitar.

I had a 1998 SB J100 xtra with mahogany back and sides. Sold it about 4 months ago and have regretted it ever since. It sounded like a much bigger J45. The guy who bought it was very happy, he didn't even quibble about the price. Once he saw and played it, it was gone. Wish I had it back. The one listed is WAY overpriced, even for OZ....

I've had "new" strings sound dead right out of the package. I'd do as E-minor7 suggested and have the shop put a new set of strings on it and try again...

+1. I've tried many different brands (always .012) and, to me, the Elixirs sound the best. Their longevity is only a plus.