Advanced Jumbo Classic Honey Burst Koa

[fortyearspickn]

Hello All, I'd like any input, insight or intrigue, regarding this AJ version carried by Musicians Friend.

I'm torn between it and some version of the J45 - probably the TV,

But, having an H'bird - am sort of leaning to Koa. Also have an SJ200, so have maple covered.

Have read a bit about the AJ in rosewood and it's supposed to be loud - which is not a plus -I've already got loud with the SJ200. I'm thinking the Koa will be less loud.

Anyone have any 'trouble' with the AJ bridge? I'm not looking to put in an under-saddle transducer - but not sure if any other concerns.

Am trying to get a reasonable amount of variety in filling my third and final guitar slot.

Would prefer the short neck - but otherwise - this model looks good at the same price the J45TVs are going for. Thanks, Jim

[MissouriPicker]

I'm guessing that the koa model will not be as loud as the standard rosewood AJ. I also think the koa might be noticeably brighter sounding. Just my view, but I had a koa Songwriter that was simply a bright and crisp sounding guitar. Beautiful guitar, but the longer I kept it, the less appealing I found the tone of it. This is all very subjective, as we all see and hear things in our own way. On the other hand my Dove is maple, yet I don't hear it as bright sounding, as is often attributed to maple.......As always, "we" each make our own decision. I don't recall MF's return policy, but if you've got at least 2-3 weeks to return it, play the hell out of it and see how you like the sound and feel. Either way, it's sure to be a sweet-looking instrument. If you get it, let's see it and hear it.

[BigKahune]

.

How about a J-45 Custom Koa (short scale) - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-J45-Custom-KOA-Limited-Edition-50-Pieces-Worldwide-Abalone-Inlays-RARE-/131128338664?pt=Guitar&hash=item1e87dba8e8 . $2699 BIN

 

 

 

[62burst]

Well, Big, that certainly is a wild one (fwiw; does the action look a bit high in the left-most column of thumbnails, 3rd down?), maybe better suited to the collector who already has the basics covered. 40yrs- you've already got two great iconic Gibsons there. A third would round things out nicely, so, I think the J-45TV would be a better fit for you, since you mention the same affinity that I have for the short scales. There is a short scale AJ; I think OneWilyFool has (had?) one, and maybe Guth, but Guth's is a maple. OWF may've said it may have been an AJ in name/trim only, not necessarily forward-shifted bracing.

 

Re: the Musician's Fried Koa- maybe some koa players can chime in on the comparisons, but the word I'd read that stuck in my head when the koa sound was being described was "brittle". Also- funny that you think of the J-200 as loud; there are other qualities of that super jumbo that come to the top of the list, but counterintuitively, to my ear, loud is not one of them. Enjoy the hunt; it's what you learn along the way.

[fortyearspickn]

MP, I agree, the maple isn't bright... Sorry 62, I didn't mean the SJ200 is loud in a bad way. Clear, powerful, perfectly balanced in all ranges. Projects more distinct notes than a full-waisted, square shoulder mahogany bird. Great for strumming and finger-picking. Can play softly, then BOOM, it has the power when you need it, like a Dodge Viper. If the AJ Koa is going to sound jangly or ,Taylor-esque, I'll have to search elsewhere. They're hailed as bluegrass banjo killers in rosewood. I guess that combo might explain why the price is discounted 40%.

BK, that J45 Custom Koa is awesome. The price is right. But, you're right 62, that action does look high. Don't think his terms would allow for a refund for that reason. I would love a J45 TV from a standpoint of a Trivecta. Just not sure if it would be different enough from the H'Bird TV. This would certainly be easier if I were adding # 10 of 10 instead of #3 of 3.

Thanks for your help!

[Joe M]

As far as Koa not being as loud as rosewood or mahogany, my J45 Koa is the loudest J45 that I've ever played, TV's included. Definitely does NOT sound anything like a Taylor. When I bought the guitar, I A/B'd it with a standard J45 and a J45TV and decided on the Koa since it was the loudest of the three and, at that time, I was looking for volume. It isn't just loud, though, I thought it sounded better than the other two.

[spank]

As far as Koa not being as loud as rosewood or mahogany, my J45 Koa is the loudest J45 that I've ever played, TV's included. Definitely does NOT sound anything like a Taylor. When I bought the guitar, I A/B'd it with a standard J45 and a J45TV and decided on the Koa since it was the loudest of the three and, at that time, I was looking for volume. It isn't just loud, though, I thought it sounded better than the other two.

I agree my j45 koa is very loud and one of the deepest bass response on any guitar I have played. As for people saying koa is to bright I totally disagree so much that I had a bone saddle but on and that has made the guitar so much more balanced but still a bass monster.

[Hall]

Hello All, I'd like any input, insight or intrigue, regarding this AJ version carried by Musicians Friend.

I'm torn between it and some version of the J45 - probably the TV,

But, having an H'bird - am sort of leaning to Koa. Also have an SJ200, so have maple covered.

Have read a bit about the AJ in rosewood and it's supposed to be loud - which is not a plus -I've already got loud with the SJ200. I'm thinking the Koa will be less loud.

Anyone have any 'trouble' with the AJ bridge? I'm not looking to put in an under-saddle transducer - but not sure if any other concerns.

Am trying to get a reasonable amount of variety in filling my third and final guitar slot.

Would prefer the short neck - but otherwise - this model looks good at the same price the J45TVs are going for. Thanks, Jim

 

Hey, Jim! This is a friendly jab, honest. "There is no such thing as a maple Hummingbird" - Right? Then how can a Koa AJ be a go? Just needling you a bit. Wanted to say, theJ-45 TVs 'round these parts are sure worth a good listen. I see where your logic is taking you, just making you earn it!

 

Steve

[JuanCarlosVejar]

if you are looking for volume probably the long scale on the AJ would help you achieve that .

Koa is a beautiful wood and from the stories I've read here on the forum most seem to be booming guitars

 

here's an example of an all koa songwriter :

 

 

 

found a all koa J 45 too :

 

 

 

 

JC

[fortyearspickn]

Hey, Jim! This is a friendly jab, honest. "There is no such thing as a maple Hummingbird" - Right? Then how can a Koa AJ be a go? Just needling you a bit. Wanted to say, theJ-45 TVs 'round these parts are sure worth a good listen. I see where your logic is taking you, just making you earn it!

 

Steve

 

" A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." ! I guess what I meant was - A Hummingbird - defined by its own reputation - does not have maple b/s. That doesn't mean it wouldn't be a great guitar. Just not a "Hummingbird". It would be more like a Dove. Or, a Doviingbird as I think EM7 called it. Or a Hummingdove. Sparrow is already taken. As Shakespeare said, "What's in a name?" My interest in and willingness to consider a Koa AJ is proof positive that I honor the concept and spirit of Diversity. ;).

Ironically, you (and 62burst) have hit on what I think is the best fit for me- the tried and true J45TV. Also born out by a phone con today with Keith at Bailey Bros. in AL.

I appreciate the help, all the suggestions and the support. Seems like matchmaking rather than being swept off your feet by a chance encounter. But, maybe that will come later. After the UPS truck pulls away ! Thank you all again.

[mahog18fsh]

I have owned a Koa guitar before and it has the best of rosewood and mahogany sound........and the wood is gorgeous.

[fortyearspickn]

Thanks mahog18. Last week I took delivery on a brand new J45 Custom Koa Ltd. SunsetBurst. Identical to the one Bog Kahune snagged me with up above from an EBay post. It plays like a dream and sounds fantastic. Thank you all for your input. It helped tremendously.Jim

[fortyearspickn]

1399328893[/url]' post='1517032']

As far as Koa not being as loud as rosewood or mahogany, my J45 Koa is the loudest J45 that I've ever played, TV's included. Definitely does NOT sound anything like a Taylor. When I bought the guitar, I A/B'd it with a standard J45 and a J45TV and decided on the Koa since it was the loudest of the three and, at that time, I was looking for volume. It isn't just loud, though, I thought it sounded better than the other two.

 

I "hear" you. Now I've got one - you are 100% right. Not loud, just clear. Not Taylor-sequel just strong. Sounds, fits comfortably right in between the SJ200 and the H'Bird TV.Thnx!