Swapping vintage for vintage

[turfguy]

Would you swap a 62 D18 for a 51 J45 without being able to play the J45? Both are player's grade guitars with some previous repairs.

[Osage]

If I didn't like the D-18, sure. If I did, no.

[llew]

Hits close to home. I have a '62 D-18 that I love. But if it's not doing it for you then I'd certainly consider it? Best of luck!

[frankmcr]

Originally Posted by turfguy

Would you swap a 62 D18 for a 51 J45 without being able to play the J45? Both are player's grade guitars with some previous repairs.

If I could play them both & compare, sure.

[J Patrick]

...two iconic guitars...both of excellent vintage....for me the question is which model do I like better based on previous experience with them both...if you have not played a similar vintage J-45 then you should check one out in person...i have found them to be significantly different in tone and general feel......the difference in scale length is also a big diff.....as for looks...a vintage Gibson is as good as it gets for me...but a D-18 ain't no ugly guitar...at least not to me...

...for myself...the D-18 gets the nod because I grew up playing Martin dreads and even though I've tried to get along without em..I always come back to em.... part of my DNA I reckon...tough choice if you have no clear preference...

[OKCtodd71]

SWAP ? as in 2 week trial period and either party can end the arrangement - sure, but that's the only way.

[Mooh]

I'd prefer a threesome and keep them both.

[Tony Burns]

only if I could compare them both face to face - both are great guitars but either one could be a dog with fleas .

[Goodallboy]

Not in a million years......Not without playing the Gibson.

[turfguy]

One other note..... I have a vintage Brazilian Martin D21 that already kids checks the boxes. And, I've always wanted an old J45.

[elasticman]

Originally Posted by turfguy

One other note..... I have a vintage Brazilian Martin D21 that already kids checks the boxes. And, I've always wanted an old J45.

then do the swap - you'll have a vintage Gibby AND a Martin. What's more, you'll have rosewood and 'hog

[turfguy]

I know. I really like the neck on the D18, but I've never played an early 50s J45 to know if I will like it's neck.

[muscmp]

as long as there is a return policy set up by both parties, then each can determine whether they like the trade or not.

play music!

[zombywoof]

Originally Posted by turfguy

I know. I really like the neck on the D18, but I've never played an early 50s J45 to know if I will like it's neck.

Having played Gibsons since the 1960s, I am pretty biased. But when comparing necks, for me the 1950s Gibson roundback D neck carve alone is a deal cincher. As Gibson dumped the 1 3/4" nut in 1947 the width though would be the same. While post-1949 Gibsons were built a bit heavier than those that came before, there are more than a few who think these guitars have a certain magic about them.

As a 1951 J-45 is worth a bit more than a '62 Martin whether I would do a straight trade would depend on how much I had fallen for the Gibson and had to have it (which would be a tough call as you have not played it) or more objectively the condition of the respective instruments.

[L20A]

I would ask for at a week to play and decide.
That gives you time to have the guitar looked at to be sure there are no problems like a need for a neck reset.
If both guitars are structurally sound, go for it.