Gibson J-45 custom

drbassman · October 19, 2009, 06:15:13 AM

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?

Dave W · October 19, 2009, 08:56:45 AM

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.

nofi · October 19, 2009, 10:18:05 AM

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.

drbassman · October 19, 2009, 10:37:42 AM

Quote from: Dave W on October 19, 2009, 08:56:45 AM
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.

Chris P. · October 19, 2009, 10:59:41 AM

The J45 is a legend. Buy it!

drbassman · October 19, 2009, 11:02:38 AM

Quote from: nofi on October 19, 2009, 10:18:05 AM
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?

drbassman · October 19, 2009, 11:03:30 AM

Quote from: Chris P. on October 19, 2009, 10:59:41 AM
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???!?!

Dave W · October 19, 2009, 11:47:44 AM

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.

drbassman · October 19, 2009, 01:29:17 PM

Quote from: Dave W on October 19, 2009, 11:47:44 AM
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?

Highlander · October 19, 2009, 02:58:09 PM

Johnathan Livingston...

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...

Oh yeah, and a '57 LP gold top, preferably Duane's, but I'd settle for his slide SG...

Dave W · October 19, 2009, 03:20:31 PM

Quote from: drbassman on October 19, 2009, 01:29:17 PM
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.

drbassman · October 19, 2009, 03:43:00 PM

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!

Dave W · October 19, 2009, 08:01:19 PM

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.

drbassman · October 20, 2009, 12:31:05 PM

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!).

Dave W · October 20, 2009, 02:33:08 PM

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 makes a whole line including solidbodies, they're out of my price range.