Gibson J-50 50s Edition

[foxo]

I'm seriously gassing for this guitar. Can anyone talk me out of buying it, or talk me into it?

[boombox]

Originally Posted by foxo

I'm seriously gassing for this guitar. Can anyone talk me out of buying it, or talk me into it?

Am with you there, but I don't know which guitar to sell. What is astounding is that they are cheaper than Standards in the UK and much as I'd like a J45 with a burst, I can live without one when the J59 50s are £300-£400 cheaper.

[foxo]

Originally Posted by boombox

Am with you there, but I don't know which guitar to sell. What is astounding is that they are cheaper than Standards in the UK and much as I'd like a J45 with a burst, I can live without one when the J59 50s are £300-£400 cheaper.

I actually prefer it without the burst so it's win-win for me. But yeah, the price seems really good, especially at Guitar Guitar (£1900).

[foxo]

Can anyone comment on the Baggs VTC that is included in this guitar? How does it compare to the Anthem I am familiar with?

[Wade Hampton]

Foxo, the VTC unit won’t give you as many options to shape the plugged in sound as the Anthem will, but I think the acoustic sound will be less restricted by the VTC. Of the two, the VTC is what I would get, and walk in and out of the range of an instrument mic on a stand to vary the sound.


whm

[tomcstokes59]

I bought one about 6 months ago. It is a great guitar in my less than learned opinion. The neck seems a little thicker than some of the other J45s I tried. I removed the UST and played it straight acoustic. I replaced the saddle with a new bone one from MacNichols. I didn't notice a significant difference. I am actually trying to sell it only because I decided to order an Iris DF. Good luck with your search.

[foxo]

I’ve just bought it! I can’t even blame AGF this time due to the lack of replies to this thread! Looks like I got it at the right time as it’s now out of stock. Will post photos when it arrives.

[Jim Owen]

Originally Posted by foxo

I’ve just bought it! I can’t even blame AGF this time due to the lack of replies to this thread! Looks like I got it at the right time as it’s now out of stock. Will post photos when it arrives.

I think you chose wisely.

[boombox]

Originally Posted by foxo

I’ve just bought it! I can’t even blame AGF this time due to the lack of replies to this thread! Looks like I got it at the right time as it’s now out of stock. Will post photos when it arrives.

And GG had two left yesterday! That price was just too good!! Congrats.

[EllenGtrGrl]

I played a 50s spec. J-50 last summer, and it was a great sounding guitar, with an oh so nice and chunky neck. It reminded me a lot, of my old J-35. I would have bought the J-50, but I just couldn't afford it. You can't go wrong with a 50s spec. J-50 IMO.

[foxo]

Originally Posted by boombox

And GG had two left yesterday! That price was just too good!! Congrats.

Thanks! It’s showing back in stock if you are interested - must have been a computer error.

[zombywoof]

Congrats! I would say you chose wisely. I agree the necks are some of the nicer you will find on a Bozeman-made Gibson J45/50. They are a pretty good representation of a Gibson Mid-Century Modern C which many consider to be Gibson's most user friendly neck carve. It is absolutely dwarfed though by the neck on my 1942 J50.

But enjoy the heck out of it.

[abelville]

Please do it! I can live it through you! I like the neck on the 50s J50 better than the 60s. I was gassing for one a while ago, and ended up with a 20 year old Gibson WM45 which was love at first play. However, the neck on the J50 you want is the best IMHO. Love the profile, spacing at the nut and the saddle. My WM45 has the same spacing. The 60's J50 has a 1 11/16" nut. For me, that would be a deal breaker.

Good luck!

Al