Search the Community

Hey folks, I’m strongly considering the (2015) AJ45 for my next slope shoulder dreadnaught. After doing lots of research, I’m impressed by the all-solid tone woods, the sound, and the positive responses people have had about the AJ45’s playability. I even kind of like the burnt toast sunburst finish. My main acoustic for the past four years has been the amazing Inspired By 1964 Texan. I love everything about it! So with this in mind, I’m wondering: Is the AJ45 a significant improvement over the Texan? Usually I’m all for getting more guitars 😉 But I’m wondering if this one is worth it because the Texan already has a solid top and back, fantastic playability, and an excellent sound. I love it so much I upgraded the pickup system to an LR Baggs Anthem and it somehow sounds even better plugged in. Specifically, I’m interested in people’s perspectives on: • What tonal qualities does the solid spruce and mahogany of the AJ45 add over the Texan? (from what I hear, the AJ45 projects better, has a warmer and woodier tone, and sustains much better) • Is the AJ45 comparable in comfort when playing? • How well does the AJ45 take heavier strumming? • What’s the bracing pattern? • Are there any other benefits the AJ45 has that you can think of? If I got an AJ45, it would be my first all-solid acoustic guitar. That’s one point of appeal. Of course the other one is the sound. There’s just something about it that I find myself drawn to, in a different way than my Texan. If you own an AJ45 or a Texan (or both) please share your thoughts! Thank you 😙