1966 Gibson J45 Any experience vs Gibson J29

[Guitaratanyage]

Hello

I am looking for feedback n the Gibson J45 1966 All original. I read that the bridge changed in early 60s and the sound quality dropped dramatically

I can purchase this guitar for 2700 it looks like a good deal.

I would really appreciate any feedback

Al

I also have the opportunity to buy a 2013 Gibson J29 . Anybody have experience with these guitars. I really appreciate it

[pagedr]

60s Gibson's vary quite a bit tone wise so it'd be best to play one before you buy if possible. There are some good ones out there, and some really bad ones. They did come with an adjustable plastic bridge with either ceramic or rosewood saddles, though some have been converted to wood with bone saddles. Also important to note that the 60s Gibson necks are a pretty slim, and being a '66 it would have a 1 9/16" nut width, so pretty tight.

[Jim Owen]

Am I remembering the J 29 as rosewood b/s? That’s a different sound from the J 45 seems made for. If you’re looking for the classic sound, it may not be for you.

I’m of 2 minds on the 66. It may have that very thin neck. It will have the adj bridge. It may sound great, but I’ve played some that don’t.

[Wade Hampton]

The J-29, with its rosewood back and sides, is in a different tonal realm than a mahogany J-45. That said, I’ve liked the J-29’s I’ve had a chance to play, which has been about four or five examples. They seem to be consistently good guitars.

Hope this helps.


Wade Hampton Miller

[davenumber2]

The J-29 is essentially a rosewood version of the recent J-35 model and has the advanced scalloped bracing. It will sound different than a non-scalloped mahogany J-45 from the 60's. I'd venture to say the J-29 will be a better sounding guitar, but that's subjective.

[zombywoof]

Originally Posted by davenumber2

The J-29 is essentially a rosewood version of the recent J-35 model and has the advanced scalloped bracing. It will sound different than a non-scalloped mahogany J-45 from the 60's. I'd venture to say the J-29 will be a better sounding guitar, but that's subjective.

The bracing in a '66 Gibson was forward shifted as Kalamazoo commonly placed it around 1" from the soundhole. And the bracing used from 1955 through 1967 was very well thought out in that it added support to the top while adding no more mass to the guitar. Personally I like the sound of the 1960s Gibsons. Punchy and quick. I have kept them at arm's length not because of sound but because of the necks which I could not make peace with causing me to go further back in the catalog. But I agree that the feel and sound will be different to the point one or the other would leap to the forefront.

[Nick84]

The J29s I’ve played have been outstanding guitars. Completely different to a J45. Super loud and punchy. A J29 Elite was available near to me but it was just too pricey : (

[zoopeda]

There’s 50 years age between the two. Even if they were the same model, they’d sound different. With a comparison like this—especially with how variable 60s Gibsons can be—you just have to play them both side by side. Is it possible to buy both and return or resell one?

[Jinder]

I own a ‘67 J45 and have played a couple of J29s.

I like my ‘67 a lot but it’s not a “daily driver”. I gig a lot and prefer to take a modern guitar on the road, such as my 2015 SJ200.

I would play both and let your heart decide. You would be in no way short changing yourself with a J29 though, they’re very good indeed.