TV models - Choosing between them

[ParlourMan]

Looking to choose between the J45TV and the HummingbirdTV models, any owners of either models out there who can chip in?

 

Cheers

[ChrisA83]

My J-45TV is stunning!

 

Have you played either model? Two different beasts really so it depends what kind of sound you're after.

[ParlourMan]

I haven't played either model as yet, I have played the standard models of both though, I liked both and considered the hummingbird as a purchase, then I dilly-dallied for a few days thinking that I liked the J-45 too, would the ornateness of the 'bird get to me after the novelty wears off? But I have the Keb Mo, to non guitarists it would look like I had essentially 2 of the same guitars to the audience as the J-45's burst was extremely similar to the overall hue of the Keb Mo, more dilly-dallying, then a stern talk to myself about getting caught up on details, go try them both again and stop looking at other models, buy the one of these two you like more and be done with it... only to get there and the HB was sold and the J-45 was 'reserved' so I got a 5 minute window with it but with the guy hovering as it was 'reserved' for someone.

 

So, no further to a conclusion as yet... I'm fairly drawn to the HB, I like the sound of a few TV sample vids I've seen, I like the fact the aesthetic is quite different from my current guitars burst, however I'm wondering if that will wear off and I'll be thinking "what the hell have I done? why didn't I just take the j-45 like I intended to'

 

The HB has knocked me off course as I was trying to choose between a J-45TV and a J-45 rosewood custom, but since the HB entered the frey I'm now fairly drawn in to the HB-TV model. I could order one and try it at home as the store I use has a great return policy, but as soon as I have one, assuming it's a fit for me, there's no way it'll get sent back and I'll be looking at the other thinking I want it...... badly....

[EuroAussie]

Very differnt tone Lenny. The HB is more balanced, honey sweet while the J-45 is a bit of a pitbull.

 

If I was you and already had the Keb Mo i would probably go for the HB as I think it would 'balance' out your stable a bit more than a J-45.

 

Or, the better option would be to get both

[ParlourMan]

Very differnt tone Lenny. The HB is more balanced, honey sweet while the J-45 is a bit of a pitbull.

 

If I was you and already had the Keb Mo i would probably go for the HB as I think it would 'balance' out your stable a bit more than a J-45.

 

Or, the better option would be to get both

 

Cheers EuroAussie, I deliberately didn't put that in my post, but you've just said what I was thinking myself, the HB probably would offer me something significantly different. The Keb Mo although a totally different guitar from the J-45 is also very handy in the lead department acoustically, it has a fair bit of aggression packed in that small box, the J-45 I played was a little louder but fairly negligible really, but I recognised the bite straight away, the HB is/was, for me, more of an instant rhythm guitar.

 

I've a few electrics to sell, Gretsch 6120-dsw, a 335 with bigsby and 'custom made' plate and a fender custom shop masterbuilt limited edition series job, I don't play electric much anymore and when I do I'm using an old Country Gent anyway, if I can get some decent sales both might be in the running.

[EuroAussie]

Yes, thats how I see it. My Country Western which is basically a HB with different bling is definitely my best strummer, fantstic rhythm guitar. The SJ is more aggressive, a little darker, I really like to dig into that guitar, while with the CW I just love to strumm away, it has a wonderful 'chime' to it.

 

 

Cheers EuroAussie, I deliberately didn't put that in my post, but you've just said what I was thinking myself, the HB probably would offer me something significantly different. The Keb Mo although a totally different guitar from the J-45 is also very handy in the lead department acoustically, it has a fair bit of aggression packed in that small box, the J-45 I played was a little louder but fairly negligible really, but I recognised the bite straight away, the HB is/was, for me, more of an instant rhythm guitar.

 

I've a few electrics to sell, Gretsch 6120-dsw, a 335 with bigsby and 'custom made' plate and a fender custom shop masterbuilt limited edition series job, I don't play electric much anymore and when I do I'm using an old Country Gent anyway, if I can get some decent sales both might be in the running.

[ChrisA83]

Yeah I agree that the HB would be the natural choice considering you have a Keb Mo already. Both are classics though and you can't really go wrong with either.

It's good that you've managed to play the standard versions so you can get a sense of the type of tone you'll expect from the TVs.

 

Oh, and if you like the look of the HB now I'm sure you'll still love it in 2 days, 1 month, or 50 years!

 

I'd love to be in your position choosing between those beauties, good luck

[ParlourMan]

Ah, TP, just dawned on me we've met before, nice to see you following how I'm getting on. After we last spoke about these I found a place in France stocking Gibson, made the trek and got to try the standards, sadly they had none of the exact model we spoke about on the other place or this could have been a NGD thread, however the 'birds have got to me ;) I was on my phone in earlier posts so the 'Lenny' escaped me ;)

 

I'll keep you posted ..and as my Gretsch sale was complete today, we're a lot closer money-wise too. Catch you around mate, all the best.

 

Lenny

[GotTheSilver]

I haven't played either model as yet, I have played the standard models of both though, I liked both and considered the hummingbird as a purchase, then I dilly-dallied for a few days thinking that I liked the J-45 too, would the ornateness of the 'bird get to me after the novelty wears off? But I have the Keb Mo, to non guitarists it would look like I had essentially 2 of the same guitars to the audience as the J-45's burst was extremely similar to the overall hue of the Keb Mo, more dilly-dallying, then a stern talk to myself about getting caught up on details, go try them both again and stop looking at other models, buy the one of these two you like more and be done with it... only to get there and the HB was sold and the J-45 was 'reserved' so I got a 5 minute window with it but with the guy hovering as it was 'reserved' for someone.

 

You sound too much like me! Sometimes I have to remind myself this is just a fun hobby and tell myself not to take it so seriously!

 

On the aesthetics of the Hummingbird, I consider the looks of both the J-45 and the H-bird to be total classics. I personally would never get tired of looking at either. The cherry sunburst, the split parallelogram inlays, the birds and flowers engraved and painted on the pickguard, it is all very classic in my eyes.

[ParlourMan]

You sound too much like me! Sometimes I have to remind myself this is just a fun hobby and tell myself not to take it so seriously!

 

On the aesthetics of the Hummingbird, I consider the looks of both the J-45 and the H-bird to be total classics. I personally would never get tired of looking at either. The cherry sunburst, the split parallelogram inlays, the birds and flowers engraved and painted on the pickguard, it is all very classic in my eyes.

 

Cheers... I think part of the issue just now for me is that I'm considerably downsizing the gear I have, so the thought of adding more gear is a "here we go again" situation. I'm not really playing electrics anymore, I'm keeping my main one, a Country Gent, so amy new gear coming in I would prefer to make sure it's not a whim purchase. As much as the 'birds are not everyone's cup of tea, I like it though had I not tried a standard and thought it was pretty excellent I mightn't have looked at them more.