fortyearspickn

Could be the 'redneck' county has 20% more people than your county. Or maybe they're doing 20% more tests. Or maybe they have a Walmart and a bar and your county doesn't. Could be lots of other explanations other than the 'Liberate PA' rallies. Might even be they had one of those Wendy's Burning Protests.

I'm glad it resolved itself so quickly. Hope your 11 year old or your incompetent sandman didn't damage the pool.

Most folks buy from a retail dealer, not directly from Gibson - because they'll get a big discount. As JCV noted above - dealers will consider things like the issue you raised. And they'll also look at 'Why is last year's model more expensive?" and level the playing field, depending on how many of the older ones they've got in stock they need to move - sometime referred to as "New Old Stock". They'll also consider if a model has been sitting out and getting 'shop worn' (not, scratched and dented) as opposed to those which are 'New In Box". Don't get 'analysis paralysis' - decide what you want and look for the best price - and pull the trigger. It may be scooped up before you do. He who hesitates is lost.

Nope. Figure it out when I read "Al Gore invented the internet." It was meant to be sarcasm.

Welcome Aboard Passch !

I tend to not click on links like this. Nothing personal.

GF, "All signs point to this being a joke. In fact, the article linked in the original post indicates most people are assuming DLR is just trying to be funny. Internet "news" wants you to take it seriously but here is the actual post made by Dave: ..." All signs point to ... most people assuming ... WOW ! It's amazing how you're always able to find junk on the internet that argues against the main point of any post here, It's a gift, for sure. I'm starting to think maybe you can't believe everything on the Internet .

Austin bills itself as "Live Music Capital of the US", or it use to. This weekend, the governor shut the bars down again. That is where most of the paying 'live music' in Austin takes place. Lots of studios, etc. of course. But this Second Shut Down is going to have a lasting impact on live music.

Rolling Stone did a fairly fair Top 100 Guitarists of All Time study, using dozens of highly recognized musicians. Only TWO females in the entire group. Bonie Rait was 89 and Joni Mitchell not much higher. Makes you wonder.

Yeah, Gillian Girl is missed. Loved horses and her Gibson. Had a Seagull too as I recall.

Just saying if OP’s Guitar is new, it needs to be played to “open up”. sax vs trumpet. Like a Grand Piano vs an Upright. They sound different, can’t make one sound like the other, that’s all. Not meant to be scary.

I think that's a legitimate question. Sarge's, that is. "Virtue Signaling" has gone past the 'ridiculous' and is now 'sublime'.

Scales, Thanks. that was .... simply amazing. I've got a whole new appreciation for Metal.

My first name, James, is clearly Colonialist. I'm going to change it to Marx. Just trying to help the Peaceful Anarchists.

I think you'll find more you like about your SJ200 the more you play it. I'm not saying they're an 'acquired taste' but your ear does have to adjust to it a bit so you can 'hear' how different in a good way it is compared a Koa Taylor. Don't know how new yours is. At least as much as any other acoustic - they do need to be 'woke. A ToneRite might work - but I'd do it the old fashioned way if I were me. If playing time is an issue though - you can put a sound bar next to it, loop some music, check to feel the sympathetic vibrations on the face and leave it for a few hours every day for a week. Another 'do it yourself-er', you can get a bone saddle from Bob Colosi and that should help. I'm guessing you have an Under the Saddle Transducer. That could be an issue if it is not seated perfectly or is wrinkly. Consider removing it and make sure there isn't any sawdust, etc. in there. If you get a new saddle - you'll probably have to sand a few millimeters off the bottom to fit it with decent action. Don't sand it with out a using a guide channel. If you do it free hand, it will be rounded and wobble. Also, make sure the saddle is not too thin. If it wobbles or leans, it will definitely rob tone and volume. The entire bottom should rest snugly on the bottom of the bridge slot. And make sure all the new (at least medium light) strings are seated correctly/tightly beneath the the bridge plate. After all that - it's still not going to sound like a J45 !! I've found my SJ200 is like a saxophone, and my J45 is like a trumpet. You can't change their basic nature. I've gone on way too much here - I apologize if you've covered all these bases. G'Luck.

I think it's Cold Stiff Luke.

The Dixie Chicks are going to endorse a new brand of Tampon. Made of recycled fiberglass and no strings attached.

The guitar is the constant - it's the ears that are the variable. We all hear differently. Based on Tony P's comparison video above - I think the 'hog was more 'lush'. Wouldn't kick either one out of bed. My J45 Custom is Koa. So, I recuse myself.

Tremolo - before you buy a J-45RW sight unseen - given you think your Taylor makes your SJ-200 sound cold and sterile, I would consider changing your strings and saddle - but most of all - get a medium or thicker, stiffer pick. Graph Tech makes picks of varying shapes and thicknesses - in 3 materials, Bright, Deep and Warm. Possibly that will help a bit. Regardless - not knowing what model. tone wood, scale or shape your Taylor is - if it sounds more lush and woody compared to a typical SJ-200, Id' say you REALLY need to play before you buy - even though you said you can't. And, you might consider mahogany as well as Rose Wood. G'Luck.

I think Murphy Slaw got weary of "Stupidity At It's Best".

I feel your pain. Strap connections at the lower bout are always dicey when you have a p/u plug masking as an endpin. Don't know if that caused it. but a poorly cut strap hole will do it too. It's very hard trying to undo something like this. Wait until you have 3 or 4 more - and maybe get a volume discount on the repair job !

I'd be concerned having a somewhat flexible neck (natural wood with a truss rod inside - strongly attached to a completely inflexible fretboard.

One Wiley Fool - a prestigious task when you go back several years and include 'limited edition' models ordered by Five Star dealers. I think at one point a few years ago, there was even a standard colored/stained Pink. I'm holding out for one covered in sequins. The colorful floral abalone inlay on the headstock - going back 5+ years - was designed by Ren Ferguson and, as one might guess, only put on blingyer guitars. I would guess it helps to balance the other stuff going on. Impossible not to like it. If you like sequins at least.

"Bling' has negative connotations. I'd prefer to call them 'appointments'. I've had a similar looking J-45 Custom, but in Koa. for4 years. Absolutely ove it. I did get Colosi bridge pins wi/ abalone insets to blend with or complement the rosette. If you need/want a J45RW - this is the only way to go. Especially with the Ebony fretboard.

Doesn't get any better than that. Simple, but powerful message - and the delivery matches it. Thanks JcV !