J45 Vintage question..

[jjang9c]

Hi all.

I'm gonna purchase J45 vintage.
Problem is, 2017 and 2018 version looks different and I want tk know exact spec differences..

1. 2018 has custom shop mark on the neck back. 2017 hasn't.
2. As far as I know, there was big price raise at the start of 2018.

Based on those 2 information, I assumed that there could be another differences.

Anybody has the informarion on it?

Thanks for sharing, in advance.

[Glennm]

I’m interested in this myself. Saw the new 2019 Vintage J45 at my nice lgs, but it was sold. Heard it played and man was it a dandy sound. Growler and a sweet tone...but the gent playing/buying it is a pro. I think they moved construction Location of these late last year didn’t they...With Gibson under new direction and all? Someone here will know and I’m listening too. Good luck finding the dream fiddle on your quest! I have only seen that one guitar but see them online. For that money, I guess it’s just a thing where I have to feel it and play it before I lay out that cash. I’d be crushed if it didn’t meet my sound or fit/finish expectations.

[zombywoof]

First, Gibsons are still built in Bozeman. And new ownership or not, Gibson being Gibson, various versions of this or that model tend to come and go.

A CS label on a Gibson could mean anything when it comes to specs and bling. You need a scorecard to keep up with the CS versions in any given year. That said, the later J45 Vintage runs had cooked Red Spruce tops, plek'd frets, and a thin VOS burst finish. The finish is what most folks feel is the most striking thing about them and that which sets them apart. I do not, however, know if Gibson made any changes under the hood.

[Mr. Jelly]

Before the changeover Gibson had many experienced luthiers in a plant in Nashville. They built the custom guitars and other good stuff. Gibson closed down the plant and fired all the people there. Screwed them big time.

[Larry Mal]

Literally none of that is accurate.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by Larry Mal

Literally none of that is accurate.

I'm sorry, I had to chuckle.
No offense intended to anyone but your response struck a humorous bone.
I may have to borrow it sometime.

[Larry Mal]

I mean, he's talking about the Memphis plant, which was shut down, but that plant never made acoustic instruments so isn't germane to this discussion.

A lot of disinformation on this thread so far.

[Triumph1050]

Originally Posted by jjang9c

Hi all.

I'm gonna purchase J45 vintage.
Problem is, 2017 and 2018 version looks different and I want tk know exact spec differences..

1. 2018 has custom shop mark on the neck back. 2017 hasn't.
2. As far as I know, there was big price raise at the start of 2018.

Based on those 2 information, I assumed that there could be another differences.

Anybody has the informarion on it?

Thanks for sharing, in advance.

1) What do you mean by "looks different"? are you talking burst color or finish?
burst colors can vary slightly but should both be VOS, but I have seen a gloss 2016 which should be VOS also.

2) do you mean the gold custom shop "decal" at the base of the back of the neck? The 2017 Vintages I've seen did not have it.

3) not aware of any spec differences in '17 to '18

4) ya... prices have skyrocketed last few years new.

Originally Posted by Larry Mal

A lot of disinformation on this thread so far.

In a thread about Gibsons?!?! Wow I'm shocked.