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

[Stonehauler]

Okay, the J-45 is your favorite...

Have you considered a Jumbo such as the J-200, Guild F series, Taylor Grand Orchestra or a smaller guitar 00, 000, Grand Auditorium, Grand Concert type? Some of these come in more affordable lines, so it won't break the bank

Personally, I LOVE the big bass sound of a Jumbo. Power, projection, and yet, it has that upper end that just begs to sing as well. A lot of them come in maple as well, so if you are interested in a more sustainable tree for your wood, it's certainly a plus.

Also, what about a Hummingbird to pair with your J-45? I know it's another dread, but you have said you don't want a Martin dread, so this might be a better sonic fit for you.

Thing is, those are pie in the sky pairings and will probably require way too much of a stretch for you, so I am going to suggest two other things.

Epiphone inspired by Gibson line. Specifically the Hummingbird, but the J-200 can be considered as well.

As the owner of a Sheraton II, I've not had a single issue with my electric and it's everything I wanted in a semi-hollowbody.

That leads me to my next suggestions
A Gibson SG, or Epiphone Sheraton II or 335. The SG can be had for around 1800, so it's not a huge stretch, and the Epiphone Sheraton II or 335 can be had for 6-900 depending on if you want a signature associated with it (the Marty Schwartz version has a nice flame top, but not sure on the pickups). Both are different from what you currently have in your collection

[Rpt50]

Originally Posted by 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.

If I'm understanding you post correctly, you own a J-45 that you feel is your perfect guitar, but, you have not played many acoustic guitars???? Get out there and play some guitars! With a budget of $1500+ there is a huge array of quality instruments made in various places. Find out what you really like.

[mimmo]

Originally Posted by Rpt50

If I'm understanding you post correctly, you own a J-45 that you feel is your perfect guitar, but, you have not played many acoustic guitars???? Get out there and play some guitars! With a budget of $1500+ there is a huge array of quality instruments made in various places. Find out what you really like.

Thanks for chiming in and sorrynifnI haven't been clear. I have played many guitars during the last 40 years, always been pretty much an electric player but the acoustic guitars have started collina my name.
I will try as much guitars as possible, thanks for your advice.

[mimmo]

I was not expecting to get so many replies, a big thanks to each one of you

I got some useful advices, I will be waiting to see if Fender send the replacement tuner, otherwise there will be a new acoustic in my next future.
Many thanks to all of you!

[Zissou Intern]

The J35 Faded will not sound like your J45. The bracing patterns are quite different. They will, however, feel and play similarly.

[R22]

You might want to check out Iris. Maybe one of their smaller bodied guitars. They are definitely Gibson inspired. I recently got a JB model. A great compliment to my J45.

[Br1ck]

Put your money in a piggy bank and keep adding to it until you can buy a forties J 45.

If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, go play an IRIS or two.

I'm a big fan of the significant upgrade, not another same level guitar.

[cc132]

Originally Posted by 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

I went on a great Gibson hunt across Texas earlier this year, and one of the handful of guitars that stood out the most was a particular J-35 Faded at Fuller's. I would have bought it, but I knew in the back of my head that I'd end up regretting not getting something "higher end" had I gone with it. I recognize that this is completely irrational. Brains are funny.

Anyway, I agree with Wellington. Not every J-35 Faded is a knockout, but the good ones are fantastic.

[Pdubs76]

Originally Posted by 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.

For what it’s worth, I’ve played several Eastmans, and the only one that ever really did it for me was the E10ss/v. Was very close to taking it home but talked myself out of it because I wasn’t in the market for another guitar at the time. My vote goes to the Eastman.

[musicman1951]

I think you first need to decide why you want another acoustic since you have the love of your life already. I would want something different - smaller, brighter, darker, more sustain or less - you decide. Personally, I'd play a ton of guitars until one spoke to me. I wouldn't be in a hurry and I'd keep saving my money as the ones that speak to me are not currently in your price range - but that doesn't necessarily mean anything to your journey.

I wouldn't decide in advance, I'd play them until I found the second one.

[Lillis]

Have you ever considered a 12 string? I’m having a lot of fun with my new entry into that category.

[JackC1]

If the J-45 is it, then I'd just save a bit more and get that. It isn't that much more than the other guitars you mentioned.

[R22]

Originally Posted by Br1ck

I'm a big fan of the significant upgrade, not another same level guitar.

What about just different. I'm a two (acoustic) guitar guy. I have my J45. My other one needs to give me something different. It doesn't have to be a $ignificant upgrade.

Just my opinion of course.

[ChrisE]

J-45 and a Martin D-28 would make a pretty good pair.

[TBman]

The J15 would be a good choice if you can find one, but Taylor's slope shoulders don't sound like your typical Taylor. I played a couple of the 317 models and really liked them. (I used to have a J45).