Banner Gibson J45 vs 1951 J-50

[elasticman]

So I FINALLY took the 2 Gibsons I am considering to Dave Dick over at D String Guitar Repair in Sturbridge MA. Had Dave string them up right handed and record identical songs in 3 styles on both guitars. He used a USB mic lined into Audacity.

One is the Banner J45 I posted about earlier. A 1945 that has a lefty intonated saddle and righty nut. Weird!

Second guitar is a 1951 J50. Full of cracks that have been expertly repaired by Joe Glaser in Nashville.

Which do you prefer?

https://vimeo.com/229340944

[duluthdan]

That J-50 sounded splendid.

[dodge]

First off nice playing. I really liked both but I think the banner just pipped it for me. I wouldn't be unhappy with the J-50 though.

[nitram]

Very interesting comparison-thanks, elasticman. The J-50 was first so that always sets the "tone" and it sounds very rich and mellow but I think the Banner is a cleaner sound. It's hard to choose but I'm leaning towards that "cleaner" sound. Nice playing, by the way.

[DaleonCedar]

First, I wouldn't be very concerned about the cracks on the 51 if they have been professionally and correctly repaired. Second, I'm pretty confident that the bridge and saddle on the Banner is not original, which makes me wonder if it has been properly repaired. Soundwise, hmm, the 51 sounds pretty special, but I strongly suspect the Banner is not sounding up to its potential.

[elasticman]

Originally Posted by DaleonCedar

First, I wouldn't be very concerned about the cracks on the 51 if they have been professionally and correctly repaired. Second, I'm pretty confident that the bridge and saddle on the Banner is not original, which makes me wonder if it has been properly repaired. Soundwise, hmm, the 51 sounds pretty special, but I strongly suspect the Banner is not sounding up to its potential.

You are right. Dave told me the saddle is firmly epoxied in, making it near impossible to remove without replacing the bridge. I might just have him do that. He also said there is evidence of epoxy (not glue) inside the guitar in various places. So you are right, it may not be a "fair fight" until the Banner is fixed.

[Goodallboy]

Both fine instruments but I liked the J-50 better. A bit more punch from my speakers.

Congrats on two nice guitars!

[TBman]

I liked the 50 by a hair for the first two songs, but then the 45 came roaring back in the last one.

[brencat]

The '45 Banner without a doubt. The J-50 was nice, especially for the last Blues segment (sounded better than the '45 there), but overall the Banner was louder, richer sounding, and had a wonderful undertone that bloomed and hung around in the background as you played. Really filled out the music I thought. Get that bridge and saddle replaced by a competent vintage Gibson repairman and you'll be good to go!

Great playing! I liked the J-50 better myself -

[elasticman]

keep them votes coming folks!

[Looburst]

I think both were equal in their response. It would be hard to choose between them.

[TBar1956]

I like the gutsy presence in the J-50 a little more than the fundamental sound in the J-45. I own a '52 and a '56 J-50 and love that sound.

[elasticman]

well, I ended up keeping the J50. I just prefer the neck, the playability, the mojo and the percussive dry tone.

So the Banner is for sale!

Played a 50s J-50 once. To this day the best acoustic I've ever played. Great neck and overall feel, great tone, etc. Too bad they're too expensive. But yeah, the J-50 by a lot, imo.