The G Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 I played about 5 and think they are a good guitar .They varied in tone and feel. One in particular impressed me immensely. As mentioned they are not J-45's. If you are gassing for a J-45 buy a J-45. This guitar certainly holds it's own for what it is.It's a well priced Gibson alternative to whats available. I wish they would lose the "Banner Headstock Logo" though ,as it never applied to the original J-35's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 Clearly the Epiphone Texan is the better value, and certainly has the better tone, and look. And with Epiphone, at least you will know that the fit and finish are correct. But SHHHH! Don't let Gibson know this or they will discontinue the Texan. And I can understand why. How can Gibson explain that the Epiphone sounds, and looks better than the $1600 J-35? The Epi cost just $399. There isn't an audience member in the world who would discern the difference in tone, and 99% of them would prefer the fine burst of the Texan, over the drab brown J-35. Again with the better? I would like to meet the arbiter of all things guitar who makes such decisions. Why not just say I like the Epi IB Texan better. You can't a really argue with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdd707 Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 The J35 is for real and most folks who like Gibsons will like this one. Workermanship is up to par with any Gibby ..... sound is loud and clear and balanced. Actually has very nice highs. Playablility is very good, but that is pretty subjective. Comes with standard Gibson set up and ready to play right out of the case. I don't like a lot of bling so I like the way it looks. I like natural color but some have expressed a desire for a sunburst model. Having said that, I like my J50 better and my former J45 Western better ... but that too is subjective. As said, best guitar for the money in the Gibson line (and many others .... rather have it than any Taylor I've played). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortyearspickn Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 Clearly the Epiphone Texan is the better value, and certainly has the better tone, and look. And with Epiphone, at least you will know that the fit and finish are correct. But SHHHH! Don't let Gibson know this or they will discontinue the Texan. And I can understand why. How can Gibson explain that the Epiphone sounds, and looks better than the $1600 J-35? The Epi cost just $399. There isn't an audience member in the world who would discern the difference in tone, and 99% of them would prefer the fine burst of the Texan, over the drab brown J-35. GL, since you own 5 or 6 Epiphones , I'm guessing you've already voted with your wallet. Some folks would rather own a single $1500 Gibson than three $500 Masterbuilts. Which is the better "value"? Apples and Oranges. You are right based on what you're looking for.. Meanwhile, OP is asking about J50s and AJs on another thread he started, and hasn't been back here. So, I don't think he knows what he's looking for, or our opinions are needed anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brannon67 Posted January 14, 2014 Author Share Posted January 14, 2014 Ok, finally played a J35 today. I must say, I was impressed. Felt good, sounded good. You are right, its a little brighter and punchier then the J45, but thats a good thing. Not bad at all. Even though its hog back and sides, it is different in tone to the J45. Hmmmmmmmm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morkolo Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 Clearly the Epiphone Texan is the better value, and certainly has the better tone, and look. And with Epiphone, at least you will know that the fit and finish are correct. But SHHHH! Don't let Gibson know this or they will discontinue the Texan. And I can understand why. How can Gibson explain that the Epiphone sounds, and looks better than the $1600 J-35? The Epi cost just $399. There isn't an audience member in the world who would discern the difference in tone, and 99% of them would prefer the fine burst of the Texan, over the drab brown J-35. Dr. Epiphone I'm sure you've realized by now it says Gibson on your paycheck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jukie Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 Is the J35 available without electronics? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docwatsonfan Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 Clearly the Epiphone Texan is the better value, and certainly has the better tone, and look. And with Epiphone, at least you will know that the fit and finish are correct. But SHHHH! Don't let Gibson know this or they will discontinue the Texan. And I can understand why. How can Gibson explain that the Epiphone sounds, and looks better than the $1600 J-35? The Epi cost just $399. There isn't an audience member in the world who would discern the difference in tone, and 99% of them would prefer the fine burst of the Texan, over the drab brown J-35. irrational exhuberance at the highest level I say Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryn6490 Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 Threr all THAT and a bag of chips. The J-35 is a perfect giging guitar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmonsh Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 Clearly the Epiphone Texan is the better value, and certainly has the better tone, and look. And with Epiphone, at least you will know that the fit and finish are correct. But SHHHH! Don't let Gibson know this or they will discontinue the Texan. And I can understand why. How can Gibson explain that the Epiphone sounds, and looks better than the $1600 J-35? The Epi cost just $399. There isn't an audience member in the world who would discern the difference in tone, and 99% of them would prefer the fine burst of the Texan, over the drab brown J-35. lol I have player a ton of epiphones and not even in the ballpark. the j35 is one of the best new guitars out in a while . on par with the new d18. different animal but no epi even comes close but they make epi for people that cant afford a gibson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 I wish they would lose the "Banner Headstock Logo" though ,as it never applied to the original J-35's. And learn what a decent firestripe pickguard looks like. Hey, considering we now have natural top J-45s and LG-2s, a Banner on a J-35 makes perfect sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuitarLight Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 GL, since you own 5 or 6 Epiphones , I'm guessing you've already voted with your wallet. Some folks would rather own a single $1500 Gibson than three $500 Masterbuilts. Which is the better "value"? Apples and Oranges. You are right based on what you're looking for.. Meanwhile, OP is asking about J50s and AJs on another thread he started, and hasn't been back here. So, I don't think he knows what he's looking for, or our opinions are needed anymore. fourtyearspickin...I don't "vote with my wallet...thank you." I have young ears that actually can hear the difference in tone, and I buy accordingly thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry K Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 Nice to see people digging their guitars. Where's that popcorn? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuitarLight Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 Nice to see people digging their guitars. Where's that popcorn? haha If you've got the Popcorn Jerry....I've got the Pizza! ...I'll even throw in a free beer! ..Guitar time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisM Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 And learn what a decent firestripe pickguard looks like. Hey, considering we now have natural top J-45s and LG-2s, a Banner on a J-35 makes perfect sense. As much as I love banners the banner on the J-35 is kinda lame. Oh well, can't argue too much at the price point! It's funny because when the guitar debuted at NAMM it had the correct old pearl inlay Gibson script. Sometime between then and production Nashville decided the guitar needed a banner headstock. I've thought about what would be involved in stripping the headstock, having it finished black then having the Gibson logo done. Then I realize I'm nuts and remember to leave well enough alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slinky1 Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 Man! Gibson Vs. epiphone, I know everyone hears differently, but Dang! I've had both, epiphones are ok, no comparison to Gibson. Sounds brittle and cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phelonious Ponk Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 I guess I need to play some Texans, as I love a bargain. On a recent trip to the store to play the Gibsons, I played a couple of Epiphones for kicks and giggles and concluded that if I want a cheap Gibson, I'd better buy a Recording King. The examples I played were not in the same class with Gibsons at all. P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 GL, since you own 5 or 6 Epiphones , I'm guessing you've already voted with your wallet. Some folks would rather own a single $1500 Gibson than three $500 Masterbuilts. Which is the better "value"? Apples and Oranges. You are right based on what you're looking for.. For me this is a biggie. I really do question the wisdom of buying a bunch of "el cheapo" guitars as opposed to one "good" guitar. If I add up what I spent on my two 1930s Oscar Schmidt-made guitars, Harmony Sovereign and 1950s Epiphone FT-79 they total about what a new Gibson J-35 would run me But I did not buy these guitars because I thought they would be a good substitute for a Gibson (or a Martin or anything else). Each is very different from the other and I do like the way they feel and sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRC Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 I like mine a lot. As mentioned, they're brighter than a J45 but my J35 has very good bass and overall is nicely balanced. I had an AJ for a while but prefer the J35 for what I do in DADGAD playing Irish/Celtic music with other instruments. To me, the J35 is more articulate and focused with a nice mid-punch which is perfect for finger-style and bringing out melodies. I capo a lot on the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 10th frets and the J35 retains excellent intonation and tone/volume. It's right there with my Martins and Guilds and offers a different, unique sound, which is what I was looking for. However, to my surprise I discovered the J35 can vary in looks and tone. The first one I tried was physically different than the second, and sounded quite different. Oddly, the Gibson logo on the headstock of the first J35 was straight across the top, while the logo on the second was angled slightly up to the right. The truss rod cover on the first guitar was thin, cheap plastic with no trim while the TRC on the second was much nicer and thicker with white trim. The end of the fretboard on the first J35 was positioned farther away from the sound hole rosette than on the second guitar, a difference of about 3/8". The first J35 with the straight headstock logo sounded great, while the second J35 with the angled headstock logo sounded like an inexpensive plywood guitar. Not good. The second J35 also had the beginning of a seam split on the back. Naturally, I bought the first one and it's really nice. Just be aware that they can vary. The one thing I don't like about the J35 is the Baggs Element pickup. I've never been a fan of UST pickups which sound piezo and electronic, not natural as with a K&K. I contacted Gibson to see if I could get a J35 without it, but was told absolutely not. I also don't like volume wheels in the sound hole. So my next order of business is to remove the Element system, make a new bone saddle and install either a K&K or JJB 330 which is the equivalent of the K&K at half the cost. Also looking at the Baggs Lyric. DC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MR GIBS Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 The one thing I don't like about the J35 is the Baggs Element pickup. I've never been a fan of UST pickups which sound piezo and electronic, not natural as with a K&K. I contacted Gibson to see if I could get a J35 without it, but was told absolutely not. I also don't like volume wheels in the sound hole. So my next order of business is to remove the Element system, make a new bone saddle and install either a K&K or JJB 330 which is the equivalent of the K&K at half the cost. Also looking at the Baggs Lyric. DC Absolutely RIGHT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lloyd Taylor Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 Howdy. Just bought a J35 and it is a powerhouse. Lots of punch and yet very beautiful tone when fingerpicking. It has great low end and lots of brightness on the high end. I would perhaps try silk and steel strings Rather than 80/20 or Phosphor Bronze to counteract the high end of it was a problem to a player. Overall they are worth every dime and then some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvi Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 seems real to me, not every guitar is everything to everyone so pick one YOU like...I dont have one myself but a I have a "cheapo" j 29 which suits me fine (better than any epi... to me)... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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