Thoughts on 1985 Gibson J-45s

[Rygidd]

Anyone have any experience with a 1985 J-45? I just took a shot in the dark and purchased a 1985 model on reverb, I just couldn't pass up the price (I know, kind of dumb to not play it first). It looks great in the pictures, and I got a video demo of it and it sounded great (hard to really tell through a phone mic though). I know the Nashville production is hit or miss, but also know they went back to their roots after Norlin in the early-mid 80s. Curious to see if anyone had any thoughts

[sammyman]

Post a link! I think the cut off is 1984 for the Nolin era. I think I read hit or miss in the mid 80’s. Good luck!

I see 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986 for the end of nolin era guitars from a quick search. Someone more knowledgeable than me can chime in.

[Osage]

Originally Posted by sammyman

Post a link! I think the cut off is 1984 for the Nolin era. I think I read hit or miss in the mid 80’s. Good luck!

I see 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986 for the end of nolin era guitars from a quick search. Someone more knowledgeable than me can chime in.

Norlin sold Gibson in January of 1986.

[Athens]

Norlin Gibsons are notoriously all over the place. If you’re lucky you’ll get one of the good ones.

Let us know what you think once you’ve had a chance to play it.

[Mark Stone]

Originally Posted by Athens

Norlin Gibsons are notoriously all over the place. If you’re lucky you’ll get one of the good ones.

Let us know what you think once you’ve had a chance to play it.

This is your answer. I owned a Gibson J-50 from the Norlin era that was very, very good - but not all of their instruments from that time were good. Norlin sold Gibson in 1986-1987-ish and Gibson moved acoustic production to Bozeman MT in around 1989(?) when Ren took over and put Gibson flat-tops back on the map. But pre-Ren Gibsons are hit-or-miss. I just got lucky.