J-45: Not what I expected...and I think I like it

[nightchef]

I was near a local GC today and since I'm shopping for a new dread, I dropped in to try some things. After messing with a few cheapies (I liked the Yamaha FGX800), I went to the Expensive Room.

They didn't have a D18 in stock and their D28 had grotesquely dead strings, so I turned my attention to the Gibsons. First tried the J-15. It was OK, but the neck felt a little odd (the nut width is moderate, but somehow felt too wide), and the tone was a bit...not sure what the right word is...stiff, maybe?

I moved on to the J45 Standard. I've never played one, nor heard one being played up close. From everything I've read, I expected something kind of dark and round and a bit dry.

Instead, I found myself playing a bright guitar. Not the gauzy, shimmery kind of bright. More direct and clear than that. The upper strings just sang and sang, and the overtones of the middle strings were juicy and bell-like.

Don't get me wrong, there was plenty of thump down low, and respectable low-mid richness. But that ringing brilliance was what struck me, and surprised me.

It was also just a lovely guitar to play. To me a great neck is one that disappears once I start playing it, and this was exactly that. The internet is telling me the nut width is the same as on the J-15, but it feels slightly narrower. It certainly felt more playable -- in fact, one of the most playable guitars I can ever recall having my hands on.

I'm intrigued. Maybe even a bit in love.

[Goodallboy]

A really good J-45 can challenge preconceived beliefs. Really any guitar model can, but the J-45 sometimes stands out with it's crisp brightness and clarity. I once played a vintage J-45 that one would assume had mellowed gracefully, but it sounded like it was amplified.

I'll tell you now, it will take many more J-45's to make you fall in love again. You might want to make this love your own. They all don't sound alike.

[Gee Man]

You should go buy that guitar. A good J-45 is always a good thing to have in ones quiver. They also go really well with vocals, so if singing as well as playing are your thing, you should go buy that guitar.

[MickZ]

It's a fantastic guitar and it seems like you found a good one -- go for it.

[rokdog49]

After a brief search, I found my J45.
It is a delight to play and it sounds fantastic.
I also own a J15.
The difference between those two instruments in voicing is notable, but a J15 really works for me on certain types of music. The playability is similar to my J45, but not quite as easy. After a lot of trial and error, I found the perfect strings for it.
That made a huge difference. It now lives up to it’s potential.
If I had it all to do over again, I would have opted for a short scale D18 or some other short scale guitar.
They are just easier to play.

[nickv6]

Ah...the magic of the J45 ....just hits you when you come across a good one.
There's nothing else like it.
I love all my guitars but the J45 has a special place in the heart.
Nick

[brad4d8]

The last time I was in a GC (probably 8-10 years ago), I played several of the guitars in the "high end" acoustic room. Martin Eric Clapton, some Taylors. The only ones that I would have considered taking home were two J45s. I don't think they were standards, not familiar enough with the differences, these both had RW b&s.

[Cool555]

It sounds like the J-45 is meant to be yours! Don't wait too long or it may be gone. Maybe sleep a day or two and see what your gut tells you to do....

[ghostnote]

I'd go back and try it again if I were you. I love my J45, it is a very satisfying guitar to play, and to listen to. I took a chance and bought it new, sight unseen, and it turned out to be a great move. It's a '60s J45 - that's the model name, not the date of mfg - and came from the Custom Shop with a bone saddle and bone nut already installed, so it's a bit different than a Standard.

I'd be driving back to the store if I were you. A great J-45 is a wonderful thing. I've owned mine for 8 years

[j3ffr0]

I would snag it. The way you describe it is similar to my H&D DS Crossroads (which is their version of a J-45). It is definitely my favorite guitar.

[Pura Vida]

When you find a really good J-45, it's special. I had a similar experience in a local GC a few years ago. They had two Gibson guitars, inc. a J-45, that were excellent. I can still hear it in my head.

[Toucan]

We're all enablers here. That being said.....just buy it.

[tippy5]

I have played a lot of stiff j 45's in stores over the years. I have owned a good J55 in 75. I finally got a J-45 TV some 5 years ago. It was great. The high E was fat and the low mids gave me a huge smile. I sold it in a boredom period 3 years ago. Then I went back on the prowl for a replacement. I bought two that were not happening, USED over the net. Then I finally lucked out and got the goods with another J-45 TV like my first.

Martin guitars in general have a bit too much blend from the low E to the mids. I end up playing them in simpler ways. When you have the better clarity of the Gibson you can really mix up the genres, meter and often experiment with varied approaches. The 12" radius, 1 23/32" nut width and 2 3/16" saddle also helps the fingering, for me.

J-45's allow for a bit more of a player's personality to come forth.