fortyearspickn

NhC - I guess we can at least agree that we disagree.

Yep. Maybe OP didn't come back for that reason. Embarrassed.

Our school tax potion of our property tax is about half. So, fire, police, city code inspectors and the city government all run at the same cost of just the schools. That’s carp. Suggesting that it’s ok because an educated voting citizenry will result in better government is also. Implement vouchers and put competition into the equation and see how fast the government monopoly implodes. If competency scores weren’t dropping, if , for example in Chicago, “16% of middle school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 12% tested at or above that level for math.” I’d be happy paying. It’s not like we have dumber kids, or the schools have been “de-funded.

Almost as funny as the "Deleted Thread" thread.... I think my 'maturity' peaked in the last century !

Another distinction, the TVs don't come with electronics, in accordance with the TRUE Vintage concept. As far as group playing - mine certainly is not a 'banjo killer', and would not stand out in an Acoustic Jam, but that's because I prefer old strings. I guess because that's what I grew up with - cheap, Black Diamonds. But I appreciate the tone, over the volume, as noted, when noodling on the couch.

Echo Chamber Effect: OP alleges he has a cracked nut. Experience, knowledgeable people here, where he came for input suggest it us usually just a streak in the lacquer and ask for a photo. But, nothing heard back after his first, one and only post 3 days ago. In the meantime, other forum members take the ball and run with it and post the allegation of cracked nut QC problems in Bozeman on other threads as if it were confirmed. Social Media-itis.

On a serious note, or chord - to me, even worse than Glue Traps - the spring/coil leg traps used for cougar, wolf, and other mammals. I imagine, like that mouse, after a few days without water - they try to chew their leg off. I guess the fur trappers 200 years ago didn't have Game Wardens to worry about.

There are 4 on Reverb. One is a lefty and is $3750. The other 3 range from $4500 to $7k approximately. I've had an H'Bird TV for 9 years. Absolutely love it. Not loud, but louder than you'd expect. Seems to project the sound more than keeping it inside. Balanced tone. Gibson also made SJ200s and J45s in a TV mode, but it's the H'Birds we hear most about it seems. Sorry to hear you've not 'bonded' with your 185. As you've had H'Birds and are drawn back - you may expect one would be more 'comfortable' to play. G'Luck !

Rabs - thé piece is spectacular. It looks like what we call 'flame' usually on maple. But this takes it to a whole new level. Finished guitar should bee hanging in an art museum, not a guitarists 'music room' !!!

I ruined a good strap trying to make the hole bigger for the Acoustic Output posing as an endpin. Problem is the output jack is a different shape - at least the ones I've got. Shaped like a straight sided can, with a narrow slot around the circumference - that is too narrow for leather to fit into. An actual endpin has a generous curve with a bulbous top end so leather of all size thicknesses will stay put. I've never tried a strap lock, mostly because I'm naturally suspicious of the description. I found paracord fits perfectly in the slot on the metal jack, so tie it on with a hangman's noose type knot and tie the bitter end to the hole in the leather tab at the end of the strap. Never had an issue.

Yep, between my playing and my singing ... I expect I'd be escorted to the State Line.

Sheepdog, the quarter of a million who die annually due to medical malpractice - sounds outrageous. And probably right. I remember 25? years ago - doctors in California went on strike. And the death rate in hospitals went down significantly. I doubt anyone here doesn't have at least one bad experience with hospitals, doctors and nursing. Unfortunately, we have no choice. Fortunately, the care givers get it right most of the time. With our extended family - we're batting around 95%, with no major issues.

I plug my extension cord into my neighbors outside electric outlet when they are gone. Usually they get "Six months and time served."

Sheepdog seemed to say it best. I'm guessing there are more of the 'Studio' etc. versions for sale because they are purchased by folks who aren't as 'committed' as those who get a J45. For me, with an H'bird and an SJ200 hanging next to it - I grab my J45 90% of the time. The one I'd grab if the house were afire, last one to sell if I needed the $, etc. Sound, tone, comfort, looks, it checks all the boxes. Other long standing iconic models are certainly close in desirability but I can only sum it up in one word for me - 'bonding'. Another aspect - when you see performers with acoustics, based on my unscientific observations - the J45 is the one you see most often. So it creates a subliminal message. Yeah, you see a lot of DIFFERENT Gibson, Martin and Taylor models, Garth plays a Takemine. George Strait a Guild, etc. but the one model most often seen - seems to be the J45. Maybe in part because it's hailed as the 'Singer Songwriter" guitar. Ironically, since there is an actual Gibson model with that name! PS... PD, I'd widen your search criteria and consider Custom Shop J45s, if the tone wood and the glitziness don't offend. Mine has an ebony f/b and koa - which isn't too far removed from mahogany tone wise, according to some. And of course - it's not until you've decided on purchasing and are actively looking for something specific that seemed to be everywhere - that you find out how few there actually are available.

I thought the solar panels were primarily recommended for Electric Airplanes.

Maybe it was a new floor in a 100 year old saloon. I could seen them doing that to the bar top too - otherwise the drunks would be asking for coasters, and asking if they had to take their shoes off at the front door.

Also as a Secret Ingredient to chili. Instead of water. Or watery tomato sauce.

I'm beside myself in embarrassment.

Let's start an Obituary Sub-Forum.

No, not in a couple of years. I would not expect they have much of interest. They had only 2 or 3 Gibson Acoustics the times I went in. Not much in terms of 'high end' stuff. I'd guess half the floor stock that GC has. Prices might be better - and if you're potentially open to all types and brands - they may have gotten stock from their warehouses. But, if I were me, even living only 10 miles away - I wouldn't bother.

Grin and bare it !

Sign of the Times. 20 retailers shuttered nearly 3,000 stores last year. Bed Bath Beyond, CVS, Foot Locker, etc. I use to love visiting the Sam Ash when I was just getting into guitars on Long Island last century. We have one here, in San Antonio. Much less foot traffic than the GC a half mile away.

It looks great as is. DaveF pointed out a potential deal breaker on the question of adding a p/g on top of the sound hole: Which way would the stripes go? Would it be a major distraction? Never a fan of doubles, but never had one. Why double the amount of coverup on a beautiful guitar? I think it might have been more a marketing / packaging thing for the Everly Bros if you consider the size and shape of theirs.

I don't mind the cosmetic surface stuff. What I dread is the hard knocks. Always afraid it'll affect the bracing, joints, etc. Sort of like me - I don't mind cuts and scratches, just try to avoid broken bones !