There's some really great advice here. I'll say that after being on the same quest for a while, I kept coming back to the same J-45 Standard. I've had it for a year now and couldn't be happier.
A couple variations within the Slope world that I learned to listen and feel for were Forward Shifted Bracing (J-45TV, J-35...), and the larger round neck profile (J-35, J-29, some reissues...). I also was taken aback at how much difference the rosewood models sounded... much more snap and headroom in a good way, though I still prefer the mellow warmth of mahogany J-45's.
Eventually I swapped out the tuners for TonePro's white buttons, removed the Baggs, and put in a bone saddle with a K&K. It just sings.
I just added a third Gibson to my collection – the L-1 Blues Tribute (wow...) – and it has spurred me to dive into these forums more deeply. Thanks for all of the helpful information and hope I can contribute some good info as well! Cheers.
Looking for the right J45
in Gibson Acoustic
Posted
There's some really great advice here. I'll say that after being on the same quest for a while, I kept coming back to the same J-45 Standard. I've had it for a year now and couldn't be happier.
A couple variations within the Slope world that I learned to listen and feel for were Forward Shifted Bracing (J-45TV, J-35...), and the larger round neck profile (J-35, J-29, some reissues...). I also was taken aback at how much difference the rosewood models sounded... much more snap and headroom in a good way, though I still prefer the mellow warmth of mahogany J-45's.
Eventually I swapped out the tuners for TonePro's white buttons, removed the Baggs, and put in a bone saddle with a K&K. It just sings.
Best of luck!