J-45 Owners: Mediums or Lights??

[jck747]

I have mediums on my Custom Historic J-45 1942

I’ve tried lights, John Pearse New Mediums (mediums on the e’s and b, rest lights), etc

I think mediums give it the best tone but sometimes feel maybe they “choke” it a little and it loses some sweetness etc

What do others use?

Jack

[brencat]

Lights definitely for a lively, airy tone.

Mediums tend to choke a lot of Gibsons, based on my experience.

[hubcapsc]

Originally Posted by brencat

Lights definitely for a lively, airy tone.

Mediums tend to choke a lot of Gibsons, based on my experience.

I like mediums on my Gibsons, it keeps them from sounding all jangly...

-Mike "feels better to me too..."

[gregory70]

Lights for me.

[Hoyt]

Martin sells a set that are in between-- 55.5 to 12.5. I like them.

[jck747]

Originally Posted by Hoyt

Martin sells a set that are in between-- 55.5 to 12.5. I like them.

Yep - tried those too

J-45 is my only Gibson I’d use mediums on

Hummingbird, j-185, j-200 I use lights

[Cameleye]

D'A pb lights on mine.

[OptimusJay]

Lights for me, DA EJ16 (PB) or GHS Vintage Bronze.
Jay

[Guitars44me]

Do you Play with fingers, flatpick, thumbpick, fingerpicks, or a mix?

Hitting it hard? Tuned to E?

What kind of music?

Variety is the spice of life….

Paul

[CharlieBman]

12-53 lights here.

[Zissou Intern]

I like 12-56 on my slopes.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by CharlieBman

12-53 lights here.

Yessir!
These are stock gauges in 80-20 bronze, or they were.
Gibson had their own private brand, made to their specs by GHS until a few years back. They had a slightly larger diameter zinc coated core wire and a thinner 80-20 bronze wrap… the “holy grail” IMHO.
I have a few sets left. Most folks wouldn’t care except those who know.
I wouldn’t part with them.
That being said, the GHS “Bright Bronze” 80-20’s are a good choice or really any 80-20 in a light gauge. That’s the J45 sound to me.

[b1j]

Mine shipped with lights from Music Villa, who ought to know the J-45. I like them, even with the short scale. They give a bouncy, springy feel and lots of resonance. I play mostly with my fingers, but I'm working in a little pick strumming. Good either way. Easier on the left fingertips, too, right?

[rule18]

When I first brought home my J45 (20+ yrs ago) I used mediums for six months or so. Switched to lights after that and never looked back.

[Nickster]

Originally Posted by Hoyt

Martin sells a set that are in between-- 55.5 to 12.5. I like them.

I’ll second that thought. They are perfect for my J 45.