TomG76

I think he did and that this might be his one that James Taylor is playing in this video.

Thanks so much for posting this, E-minor7. I bought a J-50 last year in no small part because my love for James Taylor made me fall in love with them. Before I could afford it I did a LOT of research trying to find a different guitar that sounded like a Gibson Jumbo. They don't exist. I'm so glad the luthier was able to rescue the JT one! I like my batwing pickguard but they do look great without. I'm all but certain that JT has only owned one J-50, by the way.

It may be bad form to reply to an old thread - but I know it can also be bad form to start a new one on the same topic... ...I've tried various fingerpicks and thumbpicks. I want to like them as I would like the option of a louder and different sound, but I can't take to them. I actually get some comfort from reading much more experienced and far better guitarists than me say the same. One thing that hasn't come up on this thread is fake nails. Always an option, and utilised by James Taylor.

I've always been happy with my J-50, but it sounds loads better since I switched from light strings to mediums. And if you happen to tune down, that is even more likely.

I got hold of some medium gauge coated Gibson strings. I think they sound great. Thanks.

I'd like a really special National guitar and also a Dobro. The former metal and the latter wood, as per what they are most famous for.

Thanks all.

He dug it out for some work with Carole King a while back, but I think that rings a bell and he does think it’s knackered. I know he think guitars wear out more readily than violins and celli. I wouldn’t even ask Willie Nelson if he would sell Trigger, but I might pay him to let me have a play.

Thanks for this, 62burst. In relation to why I tune down, I only play to accompany myself and it suits my voice better. In fact it's been a revelation to tune it down a step. It means I can sing above the guitar and not just below it.

I kind of hope he’d refuse to sell it to me (because it means to much to him), but I might make James Taylor a huge offer for his J-50. And talking of JT, I would likely treat myself to an Olson. But a vintage Gibson J-45 / J-50 / Southern Jumbo / Country Western would probably be my first purchase.

Thanks everyone. I knew you’d come through!

Thank you both, very much.

Although I've done research online, including here, I don't like to make any guitar decisions without directly consulting you lot. I have a couple of issues with my J-50. 1. There's a grey smudge on the binding and part of the top. I'm ashamed to say it may be from a henna tattoo, which would be appallingly careless, but I'm also wondering if it is caused by general rubbing against my forearm - and maybe from a black hoody. Neither a damp cloth nor the otherwise excellent Gibson cream has got it off. I can try to photograph it, but I struggle with tech stuff. Is this smudging a familiar phenomenon and does anyone know a good way to remove it, please? 2. I play without a plectrum and alas strings degrade under my fingers VERY quickly. I've got some coated Elixirs on there, but they sound too shimmery. Given the guitar is new and tuned down a step, could I switch to medium gauge 13s without a truss rod or nut modification without harming the guitar? I want a warm, woody sound, not a bright one. Thanks!

Thanks very much to bayoubengal for posting this. Jinder! You are a prince among men. We love you man and we are all thinking of you.

I hear you, man. Ain't nothing like a J-45. (Well, apart from a J-50. And a Southern Jumbo. And a Country Western. But yes - they are all essentially the same guitar and it is unparalleled.)

I ordered some Gibson strings off Amazon (UK) the other day. They arrived this week, and I was rather startled to see they'd come from Japan.

I have a Levy's nylon strap that fits nicely on my Gibson J-50. There's a smallish circle but then a line which means the hole can be very big if you want it to be.

Class.

I'm delighted for you, MissouriPicker. I know you'll treasure it. The Montana Gold looks and sounds gorgeous in videos. I've never bought from Wildwood, being in the UK, but I like Greg Koch's videos.

This is very moving. Thank you for sharing it. Condolences on your loss, but what a way to honor him.

I just watched the Lawrence Welk Singers do One Toke Over The Line. MAGIC. Thank you, @PatriotsBiker

It is is a really nice thing to do for someone to gift them a guitar. And giving them a Gibson is all the more special. I'll add yet another voice to say that it would be a very safe bet to get a J-45, especially if it's a new one, as the quality is very good once again. There is also a lot to be said for an SJ-200 given your boyfriend likes his Epiphone based on the same model. As others have said it will sound different but the shape will be familiar. I guess it partly depends on whether you think he would prefer something a bit similar or something a bit different. If you can get sound samples that's good. I've had sellers make me short videos and send them over. Little harm in asking. They are unlikely to object if you are seriously considering buying the guitar.

Really appreciate this - thank you.

Great work!

Lars, it's such a good song. Brilliant lyrics and guitar. I honestly really like your voice. You convey such meaning and everything you sing is utterly believable. You've got a nice tone too. Don't lose faith regarding pitch. Things don't always have to be note perfect but also it's something one can work on. I'd be very proud of that recording.