CAMELEYE

Bob Shane's double black guard D-28 first appeared on their Capitol album #16. Shocked the heck outta me.

Another vote for Taylor Mullins. I had him make me a dark celluloid one to replace the flubber on my '16 J-45.

I've had a few over the years and like you sold them off for other things but a few months ago bought a used '16 locally. Sounded like most good J-45s sound. Action was low and the guitar had no "issues". I feel it plays and sounds just fine. I was never a fan of adi nor baked tops so a Standard was what I was looking for. Swapped out the Grovers for Klusons and replaced the flubber guard with one from Taylor Mullins and I'm good to go. Haven't done anything with the internal pickup, doesn't bother me. Same for the nut and saddle. In general I think most modern J-45s are consistent. As folks say, better to play before purchase but if that opportunity doesn't present itself I'd feel confident with just about any J-45 these days.

While I use Retro lights on my J-45 I do beef up the b string to a 17 and the e to a 13. Feel this gives me a tad more heft to the treble tones.

Great tones, great singing and some fine fingerpicking. Thanks, Ce.

Another vote for light nickels. On my J-45 I've been using Martin Retros and subbing a 13 for the e and a 17 for the b strings.

Late to the game, but that was really fine. So well done. Thanks for the music and the memories.

My thoughts and prayers go out to OWF, his family and his friends. Will be missed.

Try archtop.com for a repro guard.

The long scale definitely makes the J-45 sound louder and crisper in this video. Maybe Gibson's using the AJ type bracing on this one.

I bring guitars back and forth across the border regularly. Never had an issue. This includes guitars that were sold or traded in Canada and others that I bought there and just brought home. On entering Canada I tell the border guard that I have my guitar with me. If it's not there when I return nobody asks. If bringing a new one home I just say the same thing, I have my guitar with me. Nobody checks for Brazilian either.

Ouch!

Just bought a used 2016 J-45 and along with it a set of Klusons. Conversion bushings ordered as well as a nice dark pickguard from Holtier. Looking for a plain black truss rod cover. Eventually the bone nut, saddle and pins too. Thanks sbpark for the useful guidelines.

Well done!