Official specs are now on-line at gibson.com
https://www.gibson.com/Guitar/ACCA1M...d-Coming-Soon#
It turns out there are quite a few differences.
- Non scalloped X bracing!
- Satin finish on back and sides, gloss top (all Satin on G-45 Studio)
- Ritchlite fingerboard
- Neck profile (same as J-45 on G-45 Standard)
- Neck radius (same as J-45 on G-45 Standard)
- Pickup system (the G series will have the same value Fishman Sonitone pickups used in Epiphone models, not the LR Baggs units used in 15 series up).
What's surprising is that this model does appear to be all solid. The specs would have listed a prefix on the Sitka Spruce with "Solid" if the back and sides were laminate. With Gibson's other models it's just implied as you see on the
2019 J-45 Specs. Also surprised to see that they are including a Gibson hard case.
EDIT: Although the specs do not clarify "solid" or "laminate" the product description on official page as well as the Gibson press release do make the distinction.
"Hand built in our factory in Bozeman, Montana, the new G-Series acoustics integrate traditional build techniques with modern features. The G-45 Standard offer players the perfect mix of tone, performance, traditional style, and value. The walnut back and sides are married to a solid Sitka spruce top, delivering a crisp sound, with plenty of wonderful overtones. Outfitted with a Fishman Sonitone pickup for easy plug and play..."
If anyone from AGF is attending Winter NAMM, this is a great question for the Gibson reps.
The long list of differences makes me a bit more excited. I believe this will be the first time Gibson Montana has produced a 45 Standard series model with non-scalloped X bracing and the non-scalloped J-45's from the late 50s to late 60s have always been my favorite era.
At MSRP of $1299 the G-45 is $450 less than the J-15 natural. The J-15 distinguishes itself by having a walnut fretboard, sharing the same neck profile and fretboard radius as the J-45, also sharing the same scalloped X bracing pattern. The J-15 also has the same quality Nitro finish as Gibson's other standard series models and features the same LR Baggs pickup as J-45. So the
2019 J-15 will still be a lot closer to a J-45 Standard, but these distinctions just make me more eager to put hands on one of these new Generation models.