J35 questions

[Gibson Artist]

Went into GC hoping to try a J-45 and i was grinning ear to ear to play such an iconic instrumnent. Then i told the dealer it was out of my range so he brought out a J-35 and asked if i had ever tried one of those? I was hesitant, but to my surprise it completely blew away every guitar they had on the rack, even a 2500 dollar Taylor!

 

I was wondering when was this model initially released because ive heard it was re-introduced? Surprisingly, it completely outplayed the 45 in my opinion and the chunky neck didnt bother me as much as i thought it would. I know tone is all subjective and maybe that 45 just had a dead spot or 2 but i am utterly amazed at the quality of the j-35. Gibson REALLY did a nice job with the classic look,feel, and amazing tones of that instrument.

 

My questions are when was it initially released, is this a limited run or is this model here to stay? And are there any other Gibson acoustics below 2k range?

[DRC]

Aha.... you've been bitten by the J-35 bug. Personally I prefer my J-35 over a couple new J-45s and AJs Ive played, although I'd still like to find a really good J-45. You mention comparing to Taylor. I love the build quality of Taylor but I'm just not a fan of the 'Taylor tone' and for me, my J-35 is several levels above any Taylor I've played at any price. I like it better than the Martin D-41 I recently sold, and that's saying a lot. J-35s can vary from guitar to guitar and I was able to choose from three, ending up with a special one. If you found one that spoke to you, jump on it!! They really are wonderful guitars if you find a good one and it sounds like you did.

 

The original J-35 was introduced in 1936. The reissue came out last year and looks like it's here to stay, along with the J-15 and J-29. The J-35 and J-15 (Walnut) are the only ones of the new J series with a street price under $2k. The J-29 (rosewood) is $2,249. Here's some helpful info about the J-35:

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Acoustic-Instruments/Round-Shoulder/Gibson-Acoustic/J-35.aspx

 

Now go get that J-35 you played and liked so much before someone beats you to it. I've had mine for about six months and is beginning to open up and sounds even better than when I bought it. My only complaint (and a big one) is the Baggs Element pickup system, which will eventually be removed and replaced with a K&K or JJB.

 

Let us know.

 

DC

[retrorod]

Went into GC hoping to try a J-45 and i was grinning ear to ear to play such an iconic instrumnent. Then i told the dealer it was out of my range so he brought out a J-35 and asked if i had ever tried one of those? I was hesitant, but to my surprise it completely blew away every guitar they had on the rack, even a 2500 dollar Taylor!

 

I was wondering when was this model initially released because ive heard it was re-introduced? Surprisingly, it completely outplayed the 45 in my opinion and the chunky neck didnt bother me as much as i thought it would. I know tone is all subjective and maybe that 45 just had a dead spot or 2 but i am utterly amazed at the quality of the j-35. Gibson REALLY did a nice job with the classic look,feel, and amazing tones of that instrument.

 

My questions are when was it initially released, is this a limited run or is this model here to stay? And are there any other Gibson acoustics below 2k range?

 

Whether it is here to stay depends....by the sales and kudos, it is a keeper. Does not surprise me that you liked it better than a Taylor. Taylor's are over-rated IMHO.....I am not a fan!

[Pickax]

You can certainly find used J-45's in fine condition for under 2k. I have a J-35 and I love it. The real deal.