The Last Bass Outpost
Gear Discussion Forums => Guitars Etc. => Topic started by: drbassman on October 19, 2009, 05:15:13 AM
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I can score a brand new Gibson J-45, custom guitar (special binding, inlays) for $1695. Am I crazy if I don't buy it?
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That's a great price for a new J-45, and they're still good values at a higher price. I don't think you'll lose money on it if you decide down the road that it's not for you.
OTOH Gibson wouldn't be my first choice.
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i agree. in that price range you can get a much better instrument. you can only stetch the gibson rep so far and when you get into acoustic guitars i would forget about 'em.
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That's a great price for a new J-45, and they're still good values at a higher price. I don't think you'll lose money on it if you decide down the road that it's not for you.
OTOH Gibson wouldn't be my first choice.
OK, I hear ya. What might I consider in that price range? I went to the shop and played a bunch of guitars and after 4 - 5 (each) Guilds and Taylors, I really did prefer the Gibson's sound and feel.
Any recommendations I should consider? My mind's open right now.
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The J45 is a legend. Buy it!
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i agree. in that price range you can get a much better instrument. you can only stetch the gibson rep so far and when you get into acoustic guitars i would forget about 'em.
What would you recommend?
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The J45 is a legend. Buy it!
I know, I know! I liked it over the GUilds and Taylors I played at similar prices. What's a bass player to do???!?!
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I would look at a Seagull Artist in that price range (Seagull is Godin's premium flattop line). But I'd probably buy a less fancy Seagull and pocket the change.
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I would look at a Seagull Artist in that price range (Seagull is Godin's premium flattop line). But I'd probably buy a less fancy Seagull and pocket the change.
Why do you like the Seagulls?
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Johnathan Livingston... ;D
Okay Dr Acoustical... if you are spending SERIOUS money on an acoustic (and I don't know your musical background, Bill), your own ears are more important than anyones opinion but I'd probably do a "blindfold" test, to remove the "name -placebo" effect from the equation, once you have your shortlist...
A retirement present to yourself...? (something you said elsewhere, Doc...)
Owning only one acoustic guitar, a 12 string Ibanez V302, that I've had since 1980, with a beautifully sweet tone, even when seriously Alvin'd, and a budget mandolin (with a suspect tone, but it was to learn on, and it was the third one, after a batch of structural issues with the previous 2...), I'd love to own a true "quality" acoustic, and a mandolin, and a pedal-steel, and a nice acoustic piano, and a double bass, and... ;D
Oh yeah, and a '57 LP gold top, preferably Duane's, but I'd settle for his slide SG...
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Why do you like the Seagulls?
I just think they sound great, much better than you would think from their price ranges.
Godin also makes a lower price line called Art & Lutherie, just an amazing value. The cedar and spruce A&L models have solid tops, made in Canada, about $500 with electronics, $350 or less without. Finish isn't as fancy, but they sound great.
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OK, I did play some Martins today and was surprised. I really liked 2 of them. I did see some Seagulls at this other shop and didn't think to pick one up. I have a meeting downtown tomorrow, so I I'll just try a few on the way back.
I am going to go back to the main shop and re-try the Guilds. I can't help it, but I like them (their look mostly) and listen more carefully.
The main reason for picking up a guitar is two fold. I need an acoustic to strum around on and I have some friends who play bluegrass and need a rhythm guitar playing, which I could pull off. I tend to buy higher end stuff so I can make most of my investment back it I decide to flip it. I am, after all, a guitar ho! I'd also love to get my hands on a tenor guitar like Tacoma used (?) to make and try that out as well!
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I would love to have a nice tenor guitar. You have to be careful, though, some manufacturers used to just put a tenor neck on a standard acoustic body instead of voicing it properly.
I'd like to build a solid body tenor. That may be my next project.
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Yep, I hear ya Dave. I'd like a Tacoma tenor, assuming they still make the Thunderhawk. I've never played one, but I did like my baritone Fender Jag that I had a couple years ago. I got the guys at the shop checking on Tacoma. I think they are essentially being phased out, but I'm not sure (figure you probably might know since you seem to have a line on this stuff!).
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Tacoma's about gone, they were basically broke when Fender scooped them up, I think they just intended to use the facilities and workers to expand Guild acoustic production.
Martin is making a tenor but it's one of their low end composite top models. Gold Tone imports an acoustic tenor in the $400-500 range.
Earnest Instruments (http://www.earnestinstruments.com/) makes a whole line including solidbodies, they're out of my price range.
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As usual, I misspoke. I meant Tacoma Baritone, not Tenor. I've messed a round with a tenor an it's not for me. I really like the depth of a baritone and was hoping to find something. Instead, I'm working with a friend who makes Gretsch style hollow bodies and I'm eventually going to make my own hollow baritone with his guidance.
Meanwhile, thanks also for the Seagull tip, they are nice, but I found a Godin I like better, the 5th. Ave.!!! Now if I can just find one to play! :-\
(http://www.godinguitars.com/guitars/godin5thavecognac.jpg)
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Oh yeah, I do like the looks of the 5th Avenues and the price is amazing. Haven't played one yet though.
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Beautiful...
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Yep, it is pretty, but hard to find in our neck o' the woods! I might buy one just for the hell of it to try out, they aren't that expensive and made in North America!
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Just looks so old, in such a good way... new vintage... if they are not way OTT pricewise, and if the look fits the bill, Bill... as you say, she can always move on...
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We have a 5th Ave in the acoustic room. I'll have to give it a spin tomorrow and see what it sounds like.
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We have a 5th Ave in the acoustic room. I'll have to give it a spin tomorrow and see what it sounds like.
Thanks! I'm mainly concerned about its volume. I've played a Gretsch G100 and a newer Hofner. They played well but had little volume/projection to speak of. A J-45 really does have good tone IMHO, and so do many of the new Guilds.
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If you want PROJECTION... buy a wooden DOBRO or a steel NATIONAL...! ;D
I've always wanted to get a resonator; I tend to use my SG as a "lap-steel" when she get's out; love slide... I guess I'd like to settle into old age and not worry about the arthritis, and still be able to play a tune or two, so a piece of glass, a few old strings, a horrifically loud amplifier, as I'd be so deaf I'd play by "feel"... the "feel" of my solar-plexus vibrating...
Sorry... I wandered... ;)
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Buy the version with the optional P-90, that will project all to the back row of the venue down the street. 8)
There are several video reviews on YouTube. Sure sounds nice. That said, I don't think any archtop will project like a dread.
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I checked out yesterday. I only had a minute to play it but I was actually surprised by the volume. The tone was kind of thin but I bet it would sound much better with acoustic strings on it. It sure seemed like it would be a good value for the price.
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I'll have to find one to play.
From what I've read, its tone is supposed to be fuller than a typical archtop. I would expect the tone to be thinner than a flattop.
It's not designed for bronze strings, at least not the P-90 version.
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While searching around for baritone info I found this cool instrument....................
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNV6PvTjmzI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNV6PvTjmzI)
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Too wide a neck for my hands.
Resonators don't have much low end. That's more of a concern with a baritone.
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Too wide a neck for my hands.
Resonators don't have much low end. That's more of a concern with a baritone.
Yeah, I agree the resonator isn't a low end instrument, but they can be fun to play. I'm gonna pick up a cheap one off eBay later this year to fool around with. I'm planning my retirement (2 years and 1 month, but who's counting!!!) around stringed instruments.
After much discussion around acoustic baritones, I've decided to build my own! An online friend in the Reranch forum makes acoustic archtops and we are going to collaborate. He's going to bend the sides for me and coach me through the build process, with the help of the Benedetto book. It's going to be modeled after a Gretsch 6119 Broadkaster bass, but the sides will be 4" deep. I'm going with mahogany back and sides and a maple carved top. A 3 piece maple neck will round things out. It's have a Gretsch headstock and Ric f-holes like my 4005 clone. Unless I change my mind again! Once we get started, I'll start a thread here to share.
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DOH, I forgot to mention that I took the dive for a Gibson J45 flat top yesterday, I'm such a guitar ho! I really did fall in love with the sound and playability of it. As a bassist, it was very comfortable for me and I was impressed with the build of it, much better than many Gibson basses I've seen!!! It's a rarer blonde model, natural mahogany back and sides, spruce top. Kinda different from the dark stained mahogany you typically see from Gibson. I decided not to take the darker custom I was originally considering. I like the lighter one much more. I'll post some pics soon........
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I can see that baritone project taking a looong time. But at the end you'll have something rare and good.
I'm glad you like the J-45, hard to pass up at such a good price. Aren't all Gibson acoustics made in the Bozeman, Montana factory? That might explain the better build quality than Nashville solidbodies.
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I can see that baritone project taking a looong time. But at the end you'll have something rare and good.
I'm glad you like the J-45, hard to pass up at such a good price. Aren't all Gibson acoustics made in the Bozeman, Montana factory? That might explain the better build quality than Nashville solidbodies.
Yeah, it will be interesting to see how long it takes. I've got a couple going at the same time, so we'll see.
Yep, the J45s are made in Bozeman. They do nice work up there in the middle of nowhere!
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Played the J45 with a bunch of bluegrass folks Friday and it was fun. Not the usual R&R, but they get together regularly and have a good time. I was surprised at myself how fast I was able to pick the 6 string up and play again. It's been 35 years since I played a guitar regularly. I guess some thing you never forget! Since they aren't looking for soloists, I'll be able to keep with them. This is the music I grew up with in southern Ohio (when we weren't overseas), so much of it is familiar to me. I guess I've come full circle! Yikes!!!
Might take up string bass next!!!!!!! Oy! :o
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No, you never forget. I can't even learn to finger chords differently from the way I learned them. Too ingrained. That's probably a good thing.
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No, you never forget. I can't even learn to finger chords differently from the way I learned them. Too ingrained. That's probably a good thing.
That's for sure. I noticed the other guitar player fingers an A and D chord differently than I do, but I agree, I can't change it now after all these years! He might be doing it right, but at least I can do it my way and still sounds good!
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Too wide a neck for my hands.
Resonators don't have much low end. That's more of a concern with a baritone.
A couple of years ago I saw this guy playing a baritone resonator. I was surprised how it sounded, but kept my cool. My wife's jaw dropped open and stayed on the floor for most of the set.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLbo4xDMWy8&feature=related
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yeah, V8 FORD. that damn car has been popping up in roots type music for years. ;D
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As usual, I misspoke. I meant Tacoma Baritone, not Tenor. I've messed a round with a tenor an it's not for me. I really like the depth of a baritone and was hoping to find something. Instead, I'm working with a friend who makes Gretsch style hollow bodies and I'm eventually going to make my own hollow baritone with his guidance.
Meanwhile, thanks also for the Seagull tip, they are nice, but I found a Godin I like better, the 5th. Ave.!!! Now if I can just find one to play! :-\
(http://www.godinguitars.com/guitars/godin5thavecognac.jpg)
Mighty purty!
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DOH, I forgot to mention that I took the dive for a Gibson J45 flat top yesterday, I'm such a guitar ho! I really did fall in love with the sound and playability of it. As a bassist, it was very comfortable for me and I was impressed with the build of it, much better than many Gibson basses I've seen!!! It's a rarer blonde model, natural mahogany back and sides, spruce top. Kinda different from the dark stained mahogany you typically see from Gibson. I decided not to take the darker custom I was originally considering. I like the lighter one much more. I'll post some pics soon........
Congratulations! Where are those pics???
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Yikes, I forgot all about this thread! I'll post some soon, got lots of family rolling in this week!
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Yikes, I forgot all about this thread! I'll post some soon, got lots of family rolling in this week!
Anything special goin' on, Bill...? :mrgreen:
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Finally got around to this........here she is!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Misc%20Stuff/100_2846.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Misc%20Stuff/100_2847.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Misc%20Stuff/100_2849.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Misc%20Stuff/100_2848.jpg)
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Nice clean lines... how's she sounding...?
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Wow! It's weird to see a totally clean, unmarked acoustic. I'm so used to looking at my well used Guild. That's a beautiful guitar. Though again, I'm so used to looking at my jumbo that the shoulders of that body look melted to me. It's so skinny!
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Sure is purty.
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She sounds great to me. Nice volume, deep lower end, clear articulate mids and highs. A nice playing guitar all the way around. Still gassing for a baritone. Don't have time to build one as I had hoped, but will give it some thought later in the year.
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You and Scott just gonna have to get together for that bluegrass session... ;D
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You and Scott just gonna have to get together for that bluegrass session... ;D
Oh yeah, yehawwwwww!
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Wow! It's weird to see a totally clean, unmarked acoustic. I'm so used to looking at my well used Guild. That's a beautiful guitar. Though again, I'm so used to looking at my jumbo that the shoulders of that body look melted to me. It's so skinny!
I'm with you there. I've got a square shouldered 1973 J50, which was Gibson's attempt at looking like a Martin dreadnought. The round shouldered ones look really odd to me, not to mention one without varnish crazing and a sound hole not worn out by crazy pick strokes and the aftermath of soundhole pickups.
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My Ibanez is a disgrace... ;D
(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/LuFear/LuFear001.jpg)
The last shot of the herd prior to starting on the rebuild...
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I'm with you there. I've got a square shouldered 1973 J50, which was Gibson's attempt at looking like a Martin dreadnought. The round shouldered ones look really odd to me, not to mention one without varnish crazing and a sound hole not worn out by crazy pick strokes and the aftermath of soundhole pickups.
Yep, they all have to start out squeaky clean at some point in their lives!!! In due time..........
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(the sides and the back are just as "alternate")
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My Ibanez is a disgrace... ;D
(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/LuFear/LuFear001.jpg)
The last shot of the herd prior to starting on the rebuild...
Whats this little decapitated guy? Looks cool.
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Hohner Jack - much underrated instrument...
Mine originally came with 2 EMG selects/2 vol/1 tone/mini pup selector/through neck with a Precision "D" profile 34" scale/Steinberger liscensed hardware/shape is similar to a Status bass - no idea what the wood is, mahogany and ebony like...
She lay in her case for over a decade and was still in tune - no joke... only mods I have carried out is an XLR connector and losing the tone control...
They usually go for £250 to £350, sometimes higher - there are "Pro" and acctive versions, also "paddles" and 5 stringers, also guitars...
I bought her in '87 as a secondary instrument (the RD was V sick at the time with a faulty PCB, which eventually was dumped; the Dimarzio MB1 in the Cook was a hate object most of the time - replaced with an EMG select, still ended up as a secondary, used for recordings) and she ended up as a primary until I stopped playing live...
(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Hohner%20Jack/feb093.jpg)
Abused, like most of my instruments...
I presume I'm the only one here that owns one...? Not heard much mention elsewhere of mutants, though I know Ronn owns a "genuine" Steinie...
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Well, I will say that the J-45 was my second choice when I bought a guitar. My first was the Gibson Jumbo, but it was a bit pricey. I've been watching them on eBay and might jump on a used one in the future. I've also considered buying the Martin kit and building one myself! Wouldn't be that hard really!
This is my next guitar if I can ever swing it............ ($5000 MSRP!)
(http://images.gibson.com/Files/18a72f21-097d-47f9-8d28-e4c88b08a821.jpg)
Or, I might do this one..........a Martin Jumbo kit. I could dress it up any way I'd like!
(https://www.martinguitar.com/1833/photos/GTRKIT.JPG)
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That is a truly beautiful instrument, but just one point...
A Martin kit - never knew such things existed...
Now, you've just bought two acoustics (which I presume are not your only ones) and you're known for being a luthier - you want something special to see you into your retirement, and Martin's are regarded as being great acoustics - building something special will make it something to cherish, and eventually, it will become a family heirloom...
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That is a truly beautiful instrument, but just one point...
A Martin kit - never knew such things existed...
Now, you've just bought two acoustics (which I presume are not your only ones) and you're known for being a luthier - you want something special to see you into your retirement, and Martin's are regarded as being great acoustics - building something special will make it something to cherish, and eventually, it will become a family heirloom...
Good point! I really do enjoy doing things myself. I was thinking I could customize the headstock, put in fancy fretboard inlays, make a custom pickguard and do a cool tinted finish. In a couple years I'll have time enough to build anything I want! I hear you about the family heirlooms. My parents were military folks and we moved so much that most stuff we had either disappeared, got lost or broken. Only a few family mementos survived all the years of the gypsy life.
Oh Kenny, I forgot to mention that you can buy the Martin kits online at their website. None of them are over $495, IIRC.
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Now, if I had your clamps... ;)
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Without clamps, life in the shop would be impossible. :P
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I have four, and one of those yard long variable things... totally zip use for an acoustic build...