Red 333

Yes. Martin has used a gentler radius throughout the years, between 40' and 52'. I think this depends on the model, but I'm not a Martin expert so I don't know for sure. I believe all steel string guitars have radiused tops. Red 333

I have read that some of the Kalamazoo branded guitars and other lower cost models that Gibson built for other brands (which the Waterloo models are inspired by) were not radiused and were truly flat, but I don't have enough experience with them personally to know for sure. Red 333

Gibson tops and backs are almost never flat. They are radiused, usually 28' for the tops and 18' (I think--some one fact check me) for the backs. This has been more or less true since the days of Orville hisself. A straight edge should always rock when put on either the front or back. But sunken or bellied areas are concerning, of course Red 333

At that time, Epiphones were imported from overseas. The Spirit was an attempt to build an Epiphone in the US again, and it sell it at the lower end of the Gibson price range. Import Epiphone solid-bodies had $160 to $350 (ish) list prices in the '70s, where the Spirit was $400-$650. As ksdadyy said, they experimented with this (and still do) from time to time. Red 333

In 1982, he Spirit was produced at the Kalamazoo factory and badged as an Epiphone. It had the "Made by Gibson" truss rod cover to tell consumers Epiphone was a Gibson product. Gibson bought Epiphone in the late fifties. Epiphone had been a major competitor for decades, especially of archtop guitars, and made a similar quality instrument that commanded similar prices. After the purchase, Gibson used the Epiphone name to sell variations of their products to stores that were often inside the exclusive territory of Gibson dealers. Dealers had agreements that said only they could sell Gibson instruments within X number of miles. Gibson could add new dealers into that territory by offering them nearly identical instruments, only with Epiphone on the headstock. That tactic increased sales without technically violating their distribution agreements. These Epiphones were manufactured right alongside their Gibson counterparts in Kalamazoo, MI, and were offered at similar prices. Eventually, Epiphone would also offer some totally distinct designs, as well. In the early Seventies, Gibson shut down Epiphone production in Kalamazoo, and outsourced manufacturing to various offshore companies. Epiphone was repositioned as budget brand. 1982's Spirit was an attempt to sell a higher-quality and higher-priced made in the USA Epiphone again. The "Made by Gibson" truss rod was used since quality had decreased with the lower price point of the previous decade's products. That's also why the Epiphone logo says "Epiphone U.S.A.," to distinguish Spirit from the outsourced Epiphone badged products. The story goes that the Spirit was not a big seller, so Gibson decals were put over some completed guitars that already had Epiphone on the headstock. This explains why some guitars say Gibson on the headstock, and also have "Spirit Made By Gibson" truss rod covers. Right around that time, Gibson was in the process of phasing out production in Kalamazoo and starting up production in Memphis. Spirit production was moved to there, and these guitars have Gibson on the headstock and just "Spirit" on the truss rod cover. The headstock was changed to the Explorer style hockey stick shape around 1985, and the bridge was changed to a Khaler tremolo. Production ceased around 1986. Red 333

You coulda fooled me!

Sounds wonderful, both the recording and the arrangement. Red 333

I am smitten with the J-200. Maybe I will start a Go Fund Me.

Today Gibson announced that the J-45, Hummingbird, Songwriter, and J-200 would be available in the same "tuxedo" trim as the Les Paul Custom: all black, multiple binding, split diamond pearl inlay on the headstock, gold tuning hardware, and mother of pearl fretboard blocks. Additionally, all will have the J-200's "bird's beak" at the end of the fretboard. Cub Reporter Red 333

You're welcome. happy New Year!

You're the real deal. Very expressive and musical singing, playing, and storytelling. Red 333

Best of luck! Red 333

Gibson did preview a couple of new for 2024 acoustics at its Artist Showroom in LA yesterday: A rosewood back and sides J-45 with LR Baggs VTC pickup, and the return of the Everly Brothers J-180. Red 333

I have two True Vintage models, one with Sitka (SJ), and one with Adi (J-45). Both have the Advanced Jumbo style bracing. Both all hog, Both are good, but the J-45 is just more responsive, which I believe is characteristic of Adirondack Spruce. My four favorite acoustics out of the eighteen or so I have currently are Red Spruce topped (and also have AJ bracing). Also among the eighteen guitars are two others that are Sitka topped with AJ bracing, a rosewood and maple AJ, so I definitely think there's something a little extra about Adi. At least something a little extra that appeals to me. YMMV. Red 333

If I could not audition them myself, and the choice was between Sitka and Adirondack spruce, all other things being equal, I'd choose Adirondack every time. Red 333

Terrific. I really like the chorus on this one. Red 333

You seem to be making the transition from electric to acoustic easily, Buc. Nice playing! One can tell that's a good sounding guitar, too. Enjoy! Red 333

Love it. It's both journalistic is detail (as noted) and poetic in imagery. A very strong combination. And the way you sing it evokes a mournful wind scraping that frozen ground. Perfect for the story. If you decide to semi-fictionalize it now (the addition Ruger), may I suggest they repaint the truck "next day down in Arkansas?" Rhymes more easily with "flight from the law" than Oklahoma, and not too far (literally) from the truth (though you certainly make Oklahoma work in how you sing it). Pardon my two cents and make of it what you will. Great job! Red 333

My twotwo favorite guitars, my Legend 1942 J-45 and My Fuller's Vintage 1939 J-35 Reissue, have no belly. They have the straight bridge. There's a head scratcher, no? Red 333

I've got four guitars with the adjustable saddle. I'm sure they would each probably sound different with a fixed saddle, but they don't sound bad by any means as is. The modern version Gibson is using seems to pretty solid, rattle free, and effective at conducting string energy to the top. Plus, the adjustable saddle is pretty handy sometimes if you're using a capo and a little action adjustment would help. 1 11/16 " is pretty average for a Gibson acoustic, so it doesn't seem like this model, while having sixties influences, is equipped with one of those ultra narrow late sixties nuts, which were around 1 9/16". Good luck with your search. Hope you find a Gibson that's good enough. That wine red finish is lovely Red 333

I have one of those from about that time. A unique voice from a J-45 or other slope with a 14 fret neck joint. Looks badass, too. Enjoy it! Red 333

It's a little misty here, and slightly cool. Your performance is the perfect accompaniment to the weather and my cup of coffee. Thanks, Sal. Red 333

Happy New Year! Red 333

Thanks so much, Sal. Great to hear from you. Happy New Year! Red 333

Thanks so much! Happy New Year, kid last! Red 333