I have been playing on the same Gibson Gospel for over 40 years. It is a fine guitar, but I feel I have outgrown it somewhat. Why, I was mostly a trumpet player and ply played my acoustic for self indulgence, occasionally in a gig next to my Fender Strat. One day while getting strings a the Mobile, AL Guitar Center I went onto small their room and there on the wall was a used pristine J185 with the Fishman Ellipse Aura pickup. It is a fine instrument, but is another maple side guitar. More bright and sounds thinner than my Gospel, but seems more playable for some reason. After watching videos ad nauseum from Chris and Cooper Alamo Music San Antonia, I am very confused? Do I want a Hummingbird with Mahogany? A Southern Jumbo with Mahogany, or Rosewood? A J45 with Rosewood? A Songwriter with Rosewood? Does Maple get a bad rap and they are fine? Many, many stringed instruments for years and years are made from maple. J-50 Mahogany? the only thing I do know, is that I do not want a J200, too big and requires to much player energy. I am willing to invest $3 to $4K for the perfect fit, if there is such a thing. I am hoping some of you serious more established and proficient guitar player / collectors / can help me?
Verne
4 horns / One Gospel 1972ish 73ish, & 1 approx. 10 yr old J185
