Lars68

Welcome to the forum! I have never had the opportunity to play a Dove, but based on what you say, it sounds like I really should try to find one. Like Sal, I have both Martins and Gibsons, but the latter have the biggest piece of my heart. Also, I place myself firmly in the hack category, as far as playing skills. There is room for all here. As for labels, at least today an orange label is for a limited edition or custom run guitar. A white label is for a standard production guitar. This is more of a designation for specification than it is some kind of quality stamp. Lars

I really, really, REALLY like the concept and look of those guitars. The understated appearance and the wood pickguards just look fantastic to me. I just wish they had given the models new and fresh names. Lars

That was really sweet! I agree; it very much sounded like a Bob Dylan tune. Well done! Lars

Beautiful in so many ways. You should not keep songs like that hidden for ten years! Your productions are really unique, and always cool to watch. Retirement is at least fifteen years away for me, but just like you, I know exactly how to spend my days once that time comes Lars

Also add the new J-45 cutaway... Lars

I have a trick that could work. I have used my kids WATER based wide tip drawing pens to make all kinds of small scratches and marks disappear. I use them on my guitars and lacquered furniture etc. Buy a full color pen set at the kids store and pick the closest color. Use the pen right on top of the scratch, then wipe the excess off with a damp cloth. Just make sure you go to the kids store and get water based pens. Alcohol based will melt the finish. As long as the pens are water based, you can do no damage. I have even used this trick on my old 1942 Banner. J-45. I can not even find the touch up spots now. Lars

The J-15 is a guitar fit for a pro level guitarist. I don't believe for a second that it for some reason is not as well made or receives less attention to detaill, compared to more expensive models. As far as construction, it is equally impressive as other Gibsons. In my opinion, it is the single best value in premium guitars available today from any maker. The lower price is due to Gibson using domestic woods that costs less for the company to source, not because the woods are in any way "cheap" or less musical. Different tone, yes, but not inferior. Buy the one you think has the best combination of tone, playability and looks. At least that is what I would do. Good luck! Lars

Beautiful guitar! One of the classiest Jumbos I have seen. Lars

I played a J-35 in store not so long ago. It was extremely impressive. If I were to buy my first high end acoustic guitar, that is exactly where I would start. I think the J-35 offers the most tone per dollar spent of ANY acoustic out there today, by Gibson or any other maker. It is an incredibly good looking instrument too. You could spend thousands of dollars more, and only gain marginally as far as tone. Only one opiniob... Lars