Son of Light Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 Edit: I've changed the title of this thread because the strange headstock stamp is generating a lot of interest - also hoping this catches Gibson's eye! Hi all. This is my first post here. I just received in the mail a literally just born Gibson J-45 from musicians friend. It has a 2016 SN but the headstock is stamped "2017" on the back, and it doesn't have the 2016 truss rod cover engraving. It smells like a workshop! The guitar plays wonderfully out of the box, sounds slightly tight but that is definitely because of the new light gauge strings and being so new (production date was 3 weeks ago!) I'm very pleased with it. It's meant to be my main, sole acoustic which I hope to pass on to my son one day (who is just 18 months now). SO I have been hemming and hawing over the different J-45 options, and have really been trying to figure out if I think the "vintage" or "true vintage" would make much of a difference to me. I can't afford a new one, and I know there are good deals on used pieces. I actually would prefer the TV over the vintage because I'm really not into the idea of baking wood to try and emulate vintage tones. I'm looking at the TV because of the bracing and the Adirondack spruce. I have seen a few threads on this here and elsewhere but I wanted to get some thoughts on what the differences really are in terms of sound. I spoke to Wildwood Guitars on the phone and naturally they claimed that the TV Adi spruce models are "better" in sound. I suppose as a dealer they are supposed to say that. The standard sounds absolutely wonderful out of the box, but I figured I'd look into the vintage spec stuff because I'm a sucker for it. I see a 2014 TV on eBay right now though a Sam Ash store. It's been hanging on the wall there for 2 years and being sold as "used." It's only 1,999. I'm apprehensive about buying it without seeing it - in my experience the big music stores do very little by way of keeping their display guitars in shape, in tune, and set up well. My local Guitar Center should be ashamed at the state of the $3K plus guitars on their walls. Anyways, should I order the TV to compare or just stick with this sparkling new standard that is making my bedroom smell like a forest?! Cheers and thanks in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salfromchatham Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 I liked my J45 Standard (2016) better than the two TVs the music shop had in stock. Conversely I also had a Southern Jumbo True Vintage that was stellar. Its tough to make these assessments by mail... My thoughts are, now that you have the really sweet 2017, with the rolled fingerboard edges, and no more truss cover stamp, alls you need is time and play, and that guitar will open up like a flower. I would stick with it! Signed the dude who has traded more guitars stupidly than anyone on this site (but was happy with the journey nonetheless). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Light Posted July 14, 2016 Author Share Posted July 14, 2016 I liked my J45 Standard (2016) better than the two TVs the music shop had in stock. Conversely I also had a Southern Jumbo True Vintage that was stellar. Its tough to make these assessments by mail... My thoughts are, now that you have the really sweet 2017, with the rolled fingerboard edges, and no more truss cover stamp, alls you need is time and play, and that guitar will open up like a flower. I would stick with it! Signed the dude who has traded more guitars stupidly than anyone on this site (but was happy with the journey nonetheless). I appreciate that, man. I was that same dude a few years ago with historic Les Pauls. It can make my head spin just thinking about it! As I have seen others point out, the TV being different doesn't make it better. Ultimately it's all about your ear and what you like. I might just order the Sam Ash used example since they have a 30 day return policy. Then I can see how it stacks up next to the standard. It'd over $100 on shipping back and forth though :( Unfortunately my GC (in Boston) has a crappy selection (which is weird because their Gibson electric stash is unreal). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salfromchatham Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 I appreciate that, man. I was that same dude a few years ago with historic Les Pauls. It can make my head spin just thinking about it! As I have seen others point out, the TV being different doesn't make it better. Ultimately it's all about your ear and what you like. I might just order the Sam Ash used example since they have a 30 day return policy. Then I can see how it stacks up next to the standard. It'd over $100 on shipping back and forth though :( Unfortunately my GC (in Boston) has a crappy selection (which is weird because their Gibson electric stash is unreal). I owned a 2007 J45 TV that I sold. It was awesome. I actually made several hundred. The SJTV... I sold. I probably shouldnt have. I bought it for $2600 and sold it for $2300. The J45 2016 Standard... lost a few hundred there too on my trade, but got another Gibson I wanted. I am in a good place now though! Love my Gibsons and feel I got them all covered. But could I have been happy with that 2007 J45TV many moons ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hall Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 Welcome, SoL. I have a 2016 J-45 Vintage. I like it, and all the praise that goes with it,etc. End of story. I think I could be plenty happy with a new J-45 Standard such as the one you have in hand. And, it sounds as though you are pleased. Unless you have the extra cash and a real hankering, why stray beyond your new Standard. If it's pleasing you, that is what counts. - Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly campbell Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 Welcome to the board. As was stated above, that is a difficult call but if you are really happy with the standard I would not pursue another. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buc McMaster Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 I'm reminded of the old adage, A J-45 in the hand is worth two in the store........or something like that. You haven't knocked the new off the guitar yet and your eye is wandering already? And though there may be differences between a standard, a TV and a Vintage, those differences are subtle and likely lost on the average ear. Your call, of course, but I think you should play what you have for a time before biting off another very similar instrument. By the way, is stamping the head stock with a year model something new with Gibson? Not heard of that before............ And why would it have a 2016 serial number (production date code, as much as anything) and be stamped 2017? Weird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Light Posted July 14, 2016 Author Share Posted July 14, 2016 I'm reminded of the old adage, A J-45 in the hand is worth two in the store........or something like that. You haven't knocked the new off the guitar yet and your eye is wandering already? And though there may be differences between a standard, a TV and a Vintage, those differences are subtle and likely lost on the average ear. Your call, of course, but I think you should play what you have for a time before biting off another very similar instrument. By the way, is stamping the head stock with a year model something new with Gibson? Not heard of that before............ Well I should have been more clear. My eye wasn't necessarily wandering, I have been considering both models for the past couple of weeks and decided to purchase the standard new. I agree with what most of you are saying about sticking with the cool one I have that is singing to me already. Just wanted to read more on people's experiences with the TV. Regarding the headstock - I'm not sure about the deal with that. Here are some pics - if anyone knows anything please inform me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 Sounds to me like you're a person who will need to do the direct comparison in order to finalize how you feel about the J-45 that's actually in your hands. Nothing to feel sheepish about. Go ahead & get a TV, put them side by side, and your questions will be answered. I recently did something similar when considering a used Guild online, versus one I currently own. Guess what? The online guitar arrived, and lost the battle. Regardless, it was time well spent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliasphobias Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 Welcome sol the standard looks like a beauty. I have a 2013 j45 with Adi top, have had a 2007 TV with sitka top and vintage j45s '63, '65' '67 and '57 j50 as well as others. As Buc said the differences can be fairly subtle to the average ear. We have a saying when we are fishing "you don't leave fish to find fish" I think you probably follow. The flavors are enticing though aren't they? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe M Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 I've never seen a date like that stamped on the back of the headstock. Do I also see (faintly) part of an embossed number near the top of the headstock, where the serial number would normally go?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jalex Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 I've also never seen the date stamped on the back of the headstock either. I wonder if that's something Gibson started doing for 2017 or was it done by someone else. I also wonder why they would be releasing 2017 models in July 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the other side Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 I've also never seen the date stamped on the back of the headstock either. I wonder if that's something Gibson started doing for 2017 or was it done by someone else. I also wonder why they would be releasing 2017 models in July 2016 I agree. July ????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the other side Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 Maybe Gibson will chime in on this one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimt Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 I vaguelly see the serial number up top... Im wondering if would be a NAMM Guitar that was suppose to be for NAMM.. I wonder if someone shipped out the guitar From Bozeman without realizing it.. first time Ive seen a Year stamp like that as well.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Light Posted July 15, 2016 Author Share Posted July 15, 2016 There is a 2016 serial number that isn't showing up strongly in the picture. Should I contact Gibson about this? Does it matter? Just to be clear - I ordered this new from musicians friend. The date on the warranty card (hand written) is 6-22-16 as the production date. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buc McMaster Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 It would be nice if Gibson could shed a little light on this oddity..........a 2016 guitar with a 2017 headstock stamp that's apparently not been seen on any other Gibson acoustic. Shoot them an email or call customer service. Inquiring minds want to know! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jalex Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 There is a 2016 serial number that isn't showing up strongly in the picture. Should I contact Gibson about this? Does it matter? Just to be clear - I ordered this new from musicians friend. The date on the warranty card (hand written) is 6-22-16 as the production date. I would contact Gibson and see what they say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Light Posted July 15, 2016 Author Share Posted July 15, 2016 It would be nice if Gibson could shed a little light on this oddity..........a 2016 guitar with a 2017 headstock stamp that's apparently not been seen on any other Gibson acoustic. Shoot them an email or call customer service. Inquiring minds want to know! I'll call them tomorrow. For now I'm telling myself this adds extra mojo to what already sounds like a beautiful J-45 example...the mystery of the stamped headstock. Once I'm famous 50 years from now they'll be selling my artist version with VOS "true vintage" 2017 accidental headstock stamp 😂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Light Posted July 15, 2016 Author Share Posted July 15, 2016 In all seriousness- while this is intriguing, is anyone suggesting it somehow lessens the value or should be sent back? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jalex Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 In all seriousness- while this is intriguing, is anyone suggesting it somehow lessens the value or should be sent back? I don't think it detracts from the guitar at all, if you like it keep it. It more about the mystery behind it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldCowboy Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 In all seriousness- while this is intriguing, is anyone suggesting it somehow lessens the value or should be sent back? Not that I can discern from any of the foregoing posts. From my end of the bench, it shouldn't make much difference one way or the other. Natural curiosity comes into play, but other than that, why would it matter? Makes for a better story for you to tell over the years if you can find out any coherent information, I suppose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Light Posted July 15, 2016 Author Share Posted July 15, 2016 So I got Gibson on the phone and they sounded just as confused as everyone here. I sent the photo over via email and they rep I spoke with is going to contact Bozeman and get back to me tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duluthdan Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 So I got Gibson on the phone and they sounded just as confused as everyone here. I sent the photo over via email and they rep I spoke with is going to contact Bozeman and get back to me tomorrow. Its a one of a kind J-45! For cool. Keeper ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jalex Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 So I got Gibson on the phone and they sounded just as confused as everyone here. I sent the photo over via email and they rep I spoke with is going to contact Bozeman and get back to me tomorrow. Well Gibson has a history of doing strange things. So hopefully they will have an answer for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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