What would you buy if the J-45 was your perfect guitar?

[mimmo]

Hi folks

Apologize for the long post.

Three months ago I bought a Fender Telecaster that unfortunately came with a broken tuner. The shop I bought it from asked Fender to send a replacement, they said yes several times but never actually sent it.

Tomorrow is the new expected shipping date, if nothing happens I will send the guitar back and get another one.

Since I already have a few Telecasters I am thinking about getting an acoustic, my budget is around 1500 but I can stretch it if needed. My "problem" is that my perfect acoustic guitar is my Gibson J-45 Original 50s, it has been chosen after playing other J-45s and it is opening now, revealing a great, really great tone. This is the exact tone I hear in my head, if it makes sense to you. This is my lifer.

I am in love with round shouldered guitars and the Gibson scale lenght is just perfect for me.
The shop has an Eastman E10SS/v in stock, I like the look of it but don't know what to expect in terms of tone. I could also get a Taylor in the 200 series, but again never played one. Stretching the budget would get me a Gibson Faded J-35, but I never played one and am wondering if it would be redundant, as I already have the J-45.

What would you get? I am open to every suggestion and can ask the shop to order one if they do not have it in stock. If the guitar has the electronics that would be better but this is not mandatory.

Thanks.

[Rogerblair]

I’m in the same boat regarding your perfect guitar-the J45. I love everything about it. I bought my first one new in 1963, so I have a long history with that model.

You need to ask yourself what do you want/need out of a guitar that the J45 won’t do for you? I’ve owned hundreds of guitars and it’s a fun hobby, but you can chase your tail looking for the “next perfect one”.

Maybe a small body? Maybe some rosewood? Maybe a classical? I’d narrow down your likes and dislikes and proceed from that vantage point.

Good luck, and have fun.

Roger

[rollypolly]

Hard to say. You probably just need to play some guitars and decide. What about a L-00 studio with walnut body? That could compliment the j-45 and still give you the Gibson tone that you enjoy.

[Steve DeRosa]

A good used J-15 - and save some bucks in the bargain...

[George homme]

a 12fret j45 maybe? or a j45 with rosewood back and sides?

[rule18]

Why buy anything else if your J45 is the perfect acoustic for you? Yeah, I know, I was just playing the other side for a moment. LOL.

For me, my '03 J45 is a perfect guitar for some of what I do. What I bought (and will be receiving in a few weeks) was a different body style made with very different tone woods.

[hubcapsc]

I have three J-45 shaped Gibsons. Their ages span about 15 years and
I don't think they are redundant ... that new J-35 is probably a pretty
cool guitar.

-Mike

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Do you like to fingerpick? The Eastman might scratch an itch.

[Glob]

Get the Eastman. Great guitars.

I wish they did a telecaster btw, would jump on one of those!

[Gee Man]

If it were me, I'd start saving and add enough money that when the right Rosewood B&S slope came around, I would be ready to jump on it. And it doesn't need to be a Gibson, case in point, https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=675505

[Silly Moustache]

If you already have a J-45 that suits you, I'm wondering why you are looking for another (says the guy who has three Collings Dreads!)

Some food for thought :

[davenumber2]

I have both an E10SS/v and a J-45 and if I’m being honest with myself, the Eastman sounds better. You should go play it and see what you think. You might be pleasantly surprised.

[JStotes]

Atkin makes an incredible clone. J43

[MikeInBethesda]

If you want to diversify but love the Gibson tone (as I do) you might consider the Hummingbird, especially if you're a strummer. Would likely be a bit out of your price range though and you'd ideally want to play a few to ensure you found a "good" one.

[Wellington]

I recently played one of the new J35 faded, I actually made a thread about it because it was one of those guitars that blew my face off and as I said in my thread made me burn with lust. I had also played two J45s that day and one of them was actually really good, but didn't compare to the J35 tone for me that day. Now I admit that's 100% subjective, you can definitely tell they have different bracing or something but the J35 projection and tone is more up my alley I think, although that j45 was really nice, I had that contained projection that j45s seem to have but was super nice strummed.

Anyway, I say definitely try the J35, I found it significantly different than the J45 as far as Gibson's go, and if I had the money I would have bought it.