j45nick Posted January 19, 2012 Share Posted January 19, 2012 I'm planning to go up to Orlando (Florida) for the day on Saturday for this show. Anyone who wants to meet up to compare notes, or whatever, send me a PM and I'll send you my mobile number. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onewilyfool Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 I'm planning to go up to Orlando (Florida) for the day on Saturday for this show. Anyone who wants to meet up to compare notes, or whatever, send me a PM and I'll send you my mobile number. Nick...Wish I could join you!!!! Brother, don't do too much damage!! Have fun!...Wily Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted January 21, 2012 Author Share Posted January 21, 2012 Nick...Wish I could join you!!!! Brother, don't do too much damage!! Have fun!...Wily Getting ready to leave right after my coffee. Hope to catch up with jannusguy2. Hmmmmm... do I take my checkbook, or not ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Ill get on our corporate jet now Nick, might be half hour late ! Enjoy ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted January 21, 2012 Author Share Posted January 21, 2012 Ill get on our corporate jet now Nick, might be half hour late ! Enjoy ! I'll report later. I'm not expecting much, to tell you the truth. You don't normally find bargains at shows. The best you can hope for is to make contacts that pay off sometime in the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted January 21, 2012 Author Share Posted January 21, 2012 OK, here's a few comments about this show. It's the first time I've been. I met up with jannusguy2 for a chat. It's always fun to meet our Gibson acoustic forum cyberfriends in the flesh, all 6' 4" of him! There were a lot of vintage Gibsons, both electric and acoustic. I played a number of them, and the only one I found that was even close to my own old J-45 in tone and character (although different, because it was RW) was a nice 1942 Southerner Jumbo. Nothing else really had what I would call a distinguished voice, which leads me to believe that if you are chasing tone, a modern Gibson might be a better approach unles you are willing to look at a ton of guitars, and pay a ton of money. In fact, the couple of modern AJs I played were generally superior to most of the vintage pieces, at a fraction of the cost. A large percentage of the vintage guitars were in need of neck re-sets (virtually no saddle left, and high action). The banner SJ was one of those "mystery rosewood" guitars. The back and sides had been re-finished (presumably to show the wood better), which was unfortunate. The seller claimed an overspray and buff, but it looked like a complete re-finish to me, as there was no sign of checking on the back and sides, even though the top was quite checked. Generally (but not always), I think you can spot a partial re-finish because the lacquer character doesn't match. In the light in the hall, the color looked very much like the typical Indian rosewood after the re-finish, but part of that may have been the light. The pictures below were taken with flash, and the wood color looks more Brazilian in character. He was selling it as Brazilian, for $16,500. A bit rich for my blood, but a boomy, great-sounding guitar. A fair number of banner Gibsons, and some early post-war and early 50's pieces as well, most in fair condition and priced as if in excellent condition. There was a nice 1950 Southerner J for $4900, which I thought wasn't too far off, although the guitar was about 7.5 out of 10 in my book. The best guitar I looked at, hands down, was one that an individual brought in to try to sell. I cornered him when I spied the case. It was a 1934 Super 400, number 6 of the series, in 9.5+ out of 10 condition. No wear at all, and cosmetically the best guitar of that vintage I've ever seen. Photo is below. At $12,500, it might be fairly priced, but I couldn't justify spending the money. All in all, a day well spent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchristo Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 looks like a lot of good stuff to look at, but at those prices, I'll just keep playing mine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe M Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Nick, I asked a while ago about the show since we'd be visiting friends here in Florida. Spent a couple of hours at the show early this afternoon. If I had seen yor post earlier, I would have tried to hook up with you. My thoughts on the show.....I was really blown away by both the quantity and quality of the guitars and other gear at the show. There were guitars ranging from $79 Squires to $50000+ Nocasters. The many shows that I have attended in Detroit area couldn't even begin to match the gear in Orlando. Since I'm not into vintage gear, I concentrated on the newer stuff of which there was plenty. Found several recent Gibbys that interested me, including a new J160e, a year old Southern Jumbo, a gorgeous Doves in Flight, SB J200 among others. Finally settled on a flawlless 2001 natural topped AJ. The guy selling told me had bought it from a classical player who had purchased it new to "try" a steel string guitar. Tried it, didn't like it and put it in a closet for the last 10 years. Judging from the wear, which is zero, I believe the story. The guy cut me a fair deal, so I bought it. Now my biggest problem is how to get it home since I'm sure I won't be able to take it on the plane. The friends we're visiting are driving to Michigan in June, but I sure don't want to wait that long. Thought I might ship it to myself but am afraid the cost to pack and ship it would off-set the good price I got. I do have some other friends who are driving to Michigan in April so I might have to wait till then. Pretty pickle I got myself into.... Bottom line is the show was great, in fact, I may go back tomorrow to see what other trouble I can get into.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted January 22, 2012 Author Share Posted January 22, 2012 Nick, I asked a while ago about the show since we'd be visiting friends here in Florida. Spent a couple of hours at the show early this afternoon. If I had seen yor post earlier, I would have tried to hook up with you. My thoughts on the show.....I was really blown away by both the quantity and quality of the guitars and other gear at the show. There were guitars ranging from $79 Squires to $50000+ Nocasters. The many shows that I have attended in Detroit area couldn't even begin to match the gear in Orlando. Since I'm not into vintage gear, I concentrated on the newer stuff of which there was plenty. Found several recent Gibbys that interested me, including a new J160e, a year old Southern Jumbo, a gorgeous Doves in Flight, SB J200 among others. Finally settled on a flawlless 2001 natural topped AJ. The guy selling told me had bought it from a classical player who had purchased it new to "try" a steel string guitar. Tried it, didn't like it and put it in a closet for the last 10 years. Judging from the wear, which is zero, I believe the story. The guy cut me a fair deal, so I bought it. Now my biggest problem is how to get it home since I'm sure I won't be able to take it on the plane. The friends we're visiting are driving to Michigan in June, but I sure don't want to wait that long. Thought I might ship it to myself but am afraid the cost to pack and ship it would off-set the good price I got. I do have some other friends who are driving to Michigan in April so I might have to wait till then. Pretty pickle I got myself into.... Bottom line is the show was great, in fact, I may go back tomorrow to see what other trouble I can get into.... Ironically, I played that particular AJ, and I thought it was one of the best deals at the show. That was one of the ones I mentioned that I thought was better than most of the vintage Gibsons. Good buy! I actually thought about it myself. I thought the asking price was fair, and if you got it for less than that, you did well. It should cost you about $100 to have it professionally packed and shipped. Do you feel lucky? If you had no other carry-on luggage, you might sneak that one onto a plane. It's all up to the FA's. I'm pretty picky when it comes to vintage guitars, so I was less impressed by them than you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Inspiring pictures from an adventurous day - Imagine the sound there must have been like a beehive. The 1-1/2 sq.sh. SJ's to the left don't miss my eye. . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted January 22, 2012 Author Share Posted January 22, 2012 Inspiring pictures from an adventurous day - Imagine the sound there must have been like a beehive. The 1-1/2 sq.sh. SJ's to the left don't miss my eye. . . That dealer (I think it was Atomic Guitars on Gbase)had a lineup of squares that was just as impressive as his round ones--maybe more so. His prices were more rational than most, and he was open to offers. He had an original Century of Progress, and some interesting L's, etc. A lot of his guitars needed neck re-sets, in my opinion. When I see the board angling up from the body, and little or no saddle, I see $500. There were a bunch of early 60's 'Birds (and some Doves) there. Also a few vintage J 200's. etc. There were a lot of nice guitars, but most were seriously over-priced, particularly the J-45's, Southerner J's, and 40's-50's small-bodies. Of course, I'm fairly cheap, so they may not have been "over-priced" by European standards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe M Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Ironically, I played that particular AJ, and I thought it was one of the best deals at the show. That was one of the ones I mentioned that I thought was better than most of the vintage Gibsons. Good buy! I actually thought about it myself. I thought the asking price was fair, and if you got it for less than that, you did well. It should cost you about $100 to have it professionally packed and shipped. Do you feel lucky? If you had no other carry-on luggage, you might sneak that one onto a plane. It's all up to the FA's. I'm pretty picky when it comes to vintage guitars, so I was less impressed by them than you. Nick, The name the seller used was "Old Goat Guitars".When I found that out and he told me we could "work out" a better price, I knew we could make a deal since I'm an old goat myself. Of course, when I told him I'd pay cash instead of charge, that helped too. Needless to say, I got the guitar for quite a bit less than what he was asking. He was happy, I was happy. Now, as I said, just to get it home safely.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe M Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Well, pretty sure this is how I'm getting her home....Spirit won't allow a guitar to be carried on, tried calling twice. But, I can buy a seat for it that costs almost exactly the same as having it packed and shipped. So, looks like I'll have a new seat partner next week ( I've already told my wife so she knows ......) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted January 23, 2012 Author Share Posted January 23, 2012 Well, pretty sure this is how I'm getting her home....Spirit won't allow a guitar to be carried on, tried calling twice. But, I can buy a seat for it that costs almost exactly the same as having it packed and shipped. So, looks like I'll have a new seat partner next week ( I've already told my wife so she knows ......) That's a great solution! Much better than shipping, as the guitar will be under your control the entire time. Just make sure there's nothing strange in the accessories pocket of the case when you go through security. Hint: things like metal fingerpicks could make them nervous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JuanCarlosVejar Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 OK, here's a few comments about this show. It's the first time I've been. I met up with jannusguy2 for a chat. It's always fun to meet our Gibson acoustic forum cyberfriends in the flesh, all 6' 4" of him! There were a lot of vintage Gibsons, both electric and acoustic. I played a number of them, and the only one I found that was even close to my own old J-45 in tone and character (although different, because it was RW) was a nice 1942 Southerner Jumbo. Nothing else really had what I would call a distinguished voice, which leads me to believe that if you are chasing tone, a modern Gibson might be a better approach unles you are willing to look at a ton of guitars, and pay a ton of money. In fact, the couple of modern AJs I played were generally superior to most of the vintage pieces, at a fraction of the cost. A large percentage of the vintage guitars were in need of neck re-sets (virtually no saddle left, and high action). The banner SJ was one of those "mystery rosewood" guitars. The back and sides had been re-finished (presumably to show the wood better), which was unfortunate. The seller claimed an overspray and buff, but it looked like a complete re-finish to me, as there was no sign of checking on the back and sides, even though the top was quite checked. Generally (but not always), I think you can spot a partial re-finish because the lacquer character doesn't match. In the light in the hall, the color looked very much like the typical Indian rosewood after the re-finish, but part of that may have been the light. The pictures below were taken with flash, and the wood color looks more Brazilian in character. He was selling it as Brazilian, for $16,500. A bit rich for my blood, but a boomy, great-sounding guitar. A fair number of banner Gibsons, and some early post-war and early 50's pieces as well, most in fair condition and priced as if in excellent condition. There was a nice 1950 Southerner J for $4900, which I thought wasn't too far off, although the guitar was about 7.5 out of 10 in my book. The best guitar I looked at, hands down, was one that an individual brought in to try to sell. I cornered him when I spied the case. It was a 1934 Super 400, number 6 of the series, in 9.5+ out of 10 condition. No wear at all, and cosmetically the best guitar of that vintage I've ever seen. Photo is below. At $12,500, it might be fairly priced, but I couldn't justify spending the money. All in all, a day well spent. Nick do you know how much the natural J 35 was going for? thanks JC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Was the room humidified ... ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danner Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Was the room humidified ... ? Ha-ha! It's Orlando, so, I'd say there was plenty of water in the air. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted January 23, 2012 Author Share Posted January 23, 2012 Nick do you know how much the natural J 35 was going for? thanks JC I think they were asking about $1850, but I suspect he was willing to deal. Both of the AJ's had similar asking prices +/- $100 or so. Emphasis on "asking prices". The were both in near-mint condition, one natural, one 'burst. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted January 23, 2012 Author Share Posted January 23, 2012 Was the room humidified ... ? There was plenty of hot air, and much blowing of smoke..... And, FYI, I would guess that about 75% of those in attendance were over age 50. I did see large wads of cash changing hands at various times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 There was plenty of hot air, and much blowing of smoke..... And, FYI, I would guess that about 75% of those in attendance were over age 50. I did see large wads of cash changing hands at various times. When re-seeing the picture, I'm still interested in the sound in that hall. Not the acoustics, but the general jangling cling-clang buzzzzz of the many hundred guitars. . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted January 23, 2012 Author Share Posted January 23, 2012 When re-seeing the picture, I'm still interested in the sound in that hall. Not the acoustics, but the general jangling cling-clang buzzzzz of the many hundred guitars. . . . Primarily people talking fairly loudly, punctuated by electric guitars and amps being tested regularly. It wasn't easy to hear any guitar you were test-playing, so you had to use a fair amount of imagination. I was lucky in that I got there early before the crowds, went quickly around the show, and played a bunch of guitars before it got too loud. Certainly not the best environment for playing guitars, and there was no nice general "buzz" of acoustic guitars being played. Probably 80% of the guitars were electric, and 75% of those were one Les Paul or Stratocaster variant or another. I've never been an LP fan (unless he was playing it). There wasn't much magic about it, but you did get to see a lot of vintage guitars in one place for a change, even though they were generally way too expensive, IMHO. Electric prices seemed more rational (at least for the guitars I knew anything about), perhaps because there are a lot of vintage electrics out there, so prices are more established. One of the nicer guitars I looked at was a 1963 faded cherry 'burst J-45, with a 1 11/16" nut. I carry around a short (6"/150mm) steel rule to measure action and nut widths (sounds like some sort of guitar porn). It was in very, very good condition, and the faded top was pretty attractive. I always measure the nut widths on Gibsons from the 60's, as the point of transition to the narrow nut widths can be a breaking point for many people. They were asking $1900 for that J-45, and most prices at shows like this are pretty negotiable. The strings seemed a bit tired, but the guitar was pretty open, with decent articulation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 The 1963 cherry 45 seems like a fairly good deal – it can be hard to judge the sound of some of those old sleepers. They have to come alive again. But, , , , if it didn't happen, perhaps it wasn't meant to be. . Talking 'bout old 45's a friend and former guitarist of mine has thrown himself into the Bay-auction of the 40's J-45, which ends within 5 hours. Just wished him good luck - I carry around a short (6"/150mm) steel rule to measure action and nut widths. . . Splendid idea - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted January 23, 2012 Author Share Posted January 23, 2012 Talking 'bout old 45's a friend and former guitarist of mine has thrown himself into the Bay-auction of the 40's J-45, which ends within 5 hours. I saw that one on ebay (not in the flesh). Looks like 1946 to me. Hard to evaluate the amount of board wear. The guitar looks a bit rough, but solid from the description. If he gets it, it would be really interesting to try to do some A/B samples with a "new" J-45 with the same strings on both guitars. I played a couple of older J-45s at the Orlando show, and was disappointed at how dull the basses seemed. "Thump" is one thing. "Thud" is another. What it said to me is that it is difficult to generalize about these older guitars. I know JT has some great ones, but most of his that I've seen have also been in very good condition, which may well help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfox14 Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 I sincerely doubt the Banner AJ was Brazilian. Gibson didn't build BRW guitars after about 1933-34, unless it was a custom deal like Ray Whitley's personnal J-200. Still, a very pretty guitar inspite of the refinish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted January 24, 2012 Author Share Posted January 24, 2012 I sincerely doubt the Banner AJ was Brazilian. Gibson didn't build BRW guitars after about 1933-34, unless it was a custom deal like Ray Whitley's personnal J-200. Still, a very pretty guitar inspite of the refinish. I pointed out that the dealer "claimed" it was BRW. Like you, I'm skeptical. The price was absurd in my book at $16.5K, but the guitar had a big, lovely voice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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