J-45Girl Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 Hi, I am new to this forum. My first guitar was a Gibson J-50 Deluxe, bought new in 1980 (which I still have) but it is in need of a neck re-set. I will eventually get it done, but I am really gassing for a new J-45 with the cool sunburst, V neck, and slightly wider nut. The choices I have here in the UK are the J-45 Modern Classic, J-45 True Vintage, and the limited edition J-45 True Vintage VOS. Hopefully I will be able to play all of them before putting down any money, but I was wondering if any of you could tell me your experiences of the differences in the above guitars? I am especially wondering about the Modern Classic verses the True Vintage, I know they both have spruce tops but am wondering about the sound/build differences - do they justify and additional £500? Also the limited addition Adi topped True Vintage VOS can be had for the same price as the spruce topped True Vintage. Not sure what to think, I have played many adi topped Martins but never an adi topped Gibson. Obviously each individual guitar will sound different, but I would be glad of your general opinions on comparing the above guitars. Many thanks!!!
theDeuce Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 I am partial to rosewood guitars. Is the Honky Tonk Deuce version available to you?
jannusguy Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 hi and welcome. i have 3 adi topped guitars, an OJ, a roy smeck and the J45 TV LTD. they all sound warmer to me than my sitka topped guitars. they also seem to have greater resonance and sustain. it's a subtle difference but i seem to be aware of it most when i'm playing quietly or finger picking. if you have the opportunity to play them all i expect you will and determine if you can hear the differences yourself. also, if you can pick up the TV LTD for the same price as the TV, go for it. they are great guitars and you get a couple of bonuses in the upgraded case, case cover and monogrammed jacket. why not? i would warn you to check the case out first as mine didn't close properly and i had to send it back for a replacement. have fun trying them out and good luck.
J-45Girl Posted December 7, 2008 Author Posted December 7, 2008 Regarding the Duece - not sure, but I really want a mahogany J-45. Thanks for the reply, I am hoping the J-45 VOS will still be in stock when I come up with the cash.
Johnt Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 Firstly hi and welcome. Good to see another Brit. I have a 79 J45 and have never coveted an update I like the one I have too much. However that doesn't stop me playing them! I think jannusguy is right about the TV Ltd over the TV but the salient point is whether when you AB them YOU prefer one over the other. Unless you know something I do not, I can't see where in the UK you will be able to sit down with the various options side by side. I am looking for a J200/300 and am now seriously considering a 2 day trip to Germany to play comparison guitars. BTW regarding the neck reset. Are you anywhere near Suffolk if so I know of a great luthier/repair guy who will sort that out in a flash! Did resets on both my SWD12 and my ES 335.
Rambler Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 J-girl. I think you would enjoy the TV more than the MC. You'll find it more lightly built and more responsive. If the Ltd is in your price range, the 42 legend or a vintage model might be worth a look. Any and all are a step up from the old deluxe.
J-45Girl Posted December 7, 2008 Author Posted December 7, 2008 Thanks JohnT - Coda has the Modern Classic and the True Vintage Thanks for the info regarding the luthier - but at the moment my J-50 is at my Mom's house in Canada and will probably stay there for the foreseeable future....
J-45Girl Posted December 7, 2008 Author Posted December 7, 2008 Jkinnema - do you mean the True Vintage or True Vintage VOS vs the Modern Classic? It's all so confusing.... Many thanks!
Johnt Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 Thanks JohnT - Coda has the Modern Classic and the True Vintage' date=' and I am meeting up there with someone there who just bought a True Vintage VOS so hopefully can a/b/c them all at once. Thanks for the info regarding the luthier - but at the moment my J-50 is at my Mom's house in Canada and will probably stay there for the foreseeable future....[/quote'] Actually thanks to you too. You returned the "favour" I'd forgotten about Coda! They have a couple of 200s so might take a look up there
Rambler Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 Jkinnema - do you mean the True Vintage or True Vintage VOS vs the Modern Classic? Either one. Both TVs have advanced forward bracing, like an Advanced Jumbo. Not exactly "true" to "vintage," but it makes it easier to drive the soundboard. The key difference is the tops: TV =sitka spruce; TV/VOS = adirondack/red spruce. Both are good. Sitka to my ear is brighter, ringier, chimier. Adi is full, round, phat. Chacun son got. My take? Adi works best for traditional styles; old time music, piedmont blues, bluegrass etc-- places where crisp dry tone matters a lot. Sitka probably better for folk and rock. Or folk/rock. Where is it needs to ring out more. Original Jumbo/adi top -similar to VOS, 42 legend http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd24/RenaudB_photobucket/Gibson%20Original%20Jumbo/?action=view¤t=Nouveau01.flv Southern Jumbo TV (sitka) --simialr to J45 TV http://www.acousticguitar.com/video/playvideo.aspx?videoname=GearReviews/AG187/Gibson_SJ-AG187
J-45Girl Posted December 7, 2008 Author Posted December 7, 2008 Thanks! I played a couple of J-45 modern classics in a Canadian shop last month and loved one, liked one and the third I didn't consider because the top seam was separating. Hope I can find one to love over here. I do really like the banner thing on the headstock, someday I hope to own a real vintage banner so it doesn't really matter if it's on the new one or not. Would the adi top sound more vintagey? Many thanks again
J-45Girl Posted December 7, 2008 Author Posted December 7, 2008 Out of those video clips I preferred the sound of that southern jumbo - very smooth! In Martins I prefer adi over mahogany, maybe I like sitka in Gibsons? Can't wait to play some!
TWilson Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 I have an '04 J-45 sitka/mahog and I love it to death. It has opened up quite nicely. I've never played the TV so I can't comment on that. Jkinnama can correct me if I'm wrong, but I've heard that it takes Adi longer to open up than it does sitka. The difference in price would be a factor for me but if I had the $$$$$$$$ I'd certainly select the one that speaks to me the most. Good luck, I don't think you can go wrong with whatever strikes your fancy.
J45dale Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 $ is my problem at this current time , but in the future I really want a short scale, sloped shoulder, Rosewood Dread. I currently play 6 Mahogany Guitars and 1 Rosewood.( One is a fine, old,square shoulder J45 Mahogany). So I guess a Modern Classic will have to be my choice. The under saddle pick-up has no purpose , as it will be a couch players Guitar, but the Red Spruce top would be a great option, if a option ??? Not to hijack,....but why is there little J-45RW feedback?
Modac Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 Every single J-45 rosewood I have played----and its more than a few-----has been pretty much lifeless sounding---no dynamics, no resonance, and no clarity. If I were looking for a j45 type rosewood slope, I'd look for one of the short scale Advanced Jumbos. Be that as it may, the differences between the MC and the TV models are noteworthy. The TVs I've come across actually sound quite a bit like old Gibsons. I have come to really like Adirondack as a topwood. After a year or 2, the differences between sitka and Adi are significant, to my ear, anyway. All other things being about equal, Adirondack really enhances that warm, dry, clear, hollow sound that the better old Gibsons have in abundance.
gearbasher Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 My J-45RW put my hog J-45 to shame. It was my favourite guitar, until I bought a maple j-45.
wonderful remark Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 J-45 was built with HOG when they first came out... and IMO, that is how j-45 should be remained... I have played a few J45 RW's, and they are terrific guitars!! but not the J45 sound I was looking for..
Rambler Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 Would the adi top sound more vintagey? Adi would be vintage for the 30's and early 40's banners, sitka for mid-late 40s and 50s. Of Gibson's current line of slopes, the Orig. Jumbo Historics, J45 reissues they build for Fullers in Tx, and the 42 "Legend" are the most vintage-y. The TVs and TV-VOS a little less so because of the bracing, but very good all the same. TWilson, right you are , adi takes longer to open up, so that is also a consideration.
J-45Girl Posted December 7, 2008 Author Posted December 7, 2008 Thanks again! Are buying Gibsons like buying Martins - are there respected US dealers that regularly offer 40% of list price? Or are there certain dealers you guys like with the best prices?
Modac Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 It's a buyer's market now. Make whatever you feel is a realistic offer, and be prepared to walk away if it's not accepted. If I've learned anything in 45 years of conspicuous guitar consumption, it's that there is always another guitar right around the corner. For years dealers have been pretty much able to get the prices they wanted on selected instruments, but the worm has turned. If Dealer A doesn't need your money, Dealer B probably does.
wonderful remark Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 It's a buyer's market now. Make whatever you feel is a realistic offer' date=' and be prepared to walk away if it's not accepted. For years dealers have been pretty much able to get the prices they wanted, but the worm has turned. If Dealer A doesn't need your money, Dealer B probably does. [/quote'] that is why I want to live in the US... L&M is the only gibson dealer in the city for me... and they are pretty b@tch to work with when it comes down to pricing..
phil Posted December 7, 2008 Posted December 7, 2008 I have a J-45 TV VOS and love the hog adarondack combo!
AustinNoName Posted December 8, 2008 Posted December 8, 2008 Hi J45Girl... Welcome. These guys here know their stuff, so you're in the right place! the a/b/c'ing is the best bet, you're right... I got to play a J45 RW, J45 MC, J45 Bubinga and J45 TV all at the same time (ok, not literally, but you know what I mean...) and it was really, really useful. I discovered I wanted all of them!! In terms of the "best", its all about suiting your own needs IMHO. I found both the Hog and RW MC very playable, the TV was great too - but I can't personally justify the cost difference.... Subsquently, for me - the best is the J45 Hog (at this time!), it ticks the boxes for versatility of styles, ability to be plugged in, and cost. I get her next week!! Hope that helps a little....or not!
J-45Girl Posted December 9, 2008 Author Posted December 9, 2008 Thanks again to everyone who replied! Unfortunately, life has gotten in the way and my guitar fund has been pilfered to pay for unexpected car repairs. :) I now need to start almost all over again saving, so it looks like it may be sometime before I get my J-45. Oh well, I can still dream.....
Thermionik Posted December 9, 2008 Posted December 9, 2008 Acoustic Gibson J45 / J-45 = eBay Item number: 110321961448 Its in the Nottingham area.....
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