splake Posted May 11, 2013 Share Posted May 11, 2013 Took a ride to Guitar Center today. Sometimes I go there when bored, and want to play some different guitars. Let me preface this by saying I am a hack. I own an old Washburn Acoustic and I had no plans on buying anything today or this summer. then I saw her on the wall. A J-45. She has some varnish issues but otherwise pretty solid. I played her for a while and then got out the phone and did a cash transfer into the checking account and long story short I am sitting home with a j45 . She sounds awesome. I have a few questions I hope you guys can help with I wanted to buy a new Gibson as I am not much for any nostalgia but it just sounded too sweet to walk away. Both above and below the bridge there are small humps. Nothing major. You can only really see them when you hold them up to the light, and run your hand carefully across her. Is this really a big deal guys? It is true that Gibsons are notarious for this, especially guitars that are 40 plus years old? What causes this guys? Old age? Humidity? What do you guys thing about a humidifier? I have the serial number of 640809. It is a Michigan Gibson. Can anyone else tell me an age. I know sometimes with the mid to late 70"s Gibsons it can be impossible. They said they thought it was 76 0r 1977. She has some minor issues, but she sounds awesome!!! Any help to answer any of my questions with the humps and the serial number would be appreciated!. thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedzep Posted May 11, 2013 Share Posted May 11, 2013 Ha! Hope you still have food money. Here's my advice, and I've only owned old guitars, enjoy the rush of an older Gibson that's playing and sounding good. Issues such as you describe always need pics and pros to analyze. 'Humps' can exist harmlessly for the life of the guitar, but there's a boxful of questions one could have based on your description regarding the overall condition. You bought it. This is the time to enjoy. Later for the issues, but I would suggest keeping lighter strings on it 'til you can determine that the top isn't being drawn down from tension. 11's or slack tuned 12's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 If you are talking about a bulge behind the bridge and a slight sinking in front of it - that is normal so long as it is not too extreme. But I have never known Gibsons to be any more prone to bellying than other guitars so I am not sure where you picked that up from. Enjoy your new guitar and Congrats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jalex Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 Not sure where you live, but I would try and find a luthier to take it to and get it checked out. That would be good on two counts, peace of mind for you and maybe help prevent any issues down the road. Congrats on the guitar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duluthdan Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 Awright ! More J-45 love. They're a blast - have fun bonding ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RusRob Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 I would agree "just enjoy it". You bought it because you loved the sound so play it. The 'humps" you describe sound pretty normal for an old guitar. Without seeing pictures of it I would say just keep an eye on it. The belly on any guitar will go up and down with humidity and temperature. I have a Martin that will go almost flat sometime and will be pronounced others. It is a normal process of wood. As long as there are no cracks in it you shouldn't be worried. Now if the guitar has any cracks (especially ones that have not been repaired) I would seriously advise having it looked at by someone that know what they are doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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