#1
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Gibson J15 vs Yamaha A3R - One's Gotta Go!!!
OK so I got a great deal on a Yamaha A3R that I couldn't refuse and I always wanted to try that model, but now I have a problem, I have to pick between the J15 and the A3R and am struggling to decide. Maybe you can help me? My main guitar is my J45 and I only have room for 1 other. I primarily play these guitars on stage. The Yamaha sounds great as is, but the J15 will require a new pickup system, so I was going to install a Anthem SL if I decide to keep it. The J15 feels more familiar to me since the neck and body are the same as my J45. I am struggling a bit with the narrower nut on the A3R and also the Yamaha has a fuller D shaped neck. I feel like I could get used to it though. The J15 probably carries higher resale value, which is always important with me. Thoughts? Specs on Yamaha A3R: All solid woods Spruce Top, Rosewood B/S Ebony fretboard 1.69" nut width Scale length: 25.6" SRT2 Electronics system New price: $969 Specs on Gibson J15: All solid woods Spruce Top, Walnut B/S Walnut fretboard 1.72" nut width Scale length: 24.75" LR Baggs Element Pickup (would switch to Anthem SL) New price: $1489
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Gear: PRS Hollowbody II Piezo, Martin HPL 000, PRS Angelus A60E, Martin 000-15M Last edited by JackB1; 02-25-2020 at 09:33 AM. |
#2
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The Yamaha will give you more variety. Hard choice.
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Epiphone Masterbilt Hummingbird Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500RENS Teach us what ways have light, what gifts have worth. Edna St. Vincent Millay |
#3
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wait and see which you enjoy to play more
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#4
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Not a hard choice at all IMO. If you are struggling with the narrow Yammie nut, let it go and have your Gibson made stage ready.
Just curious, why not keep both if you like the Yamaha otherwise?
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Roy Ibanez, Recording King, Gretsch, Martin G&L, Squier, Orange (x 2), Bugera, JBL, Soundcraft Our duo website - UPDATED 7/26/19 |
#5
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I voted Yamaha, but then noticed your comment about the neck. Better to keep the necks similar and add a pickup. Why not sell both?
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"Lift your head and smile at trouble. You'll find happiness someday." |
#6
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That's what I'm currently attempting to do, but one isn't really emerging yet
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Gear: PRS Hollowbody II Piezo, Martin HPL 000, PRS Angelus A60E, Martin 000-15M |
#7
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I think a J-15 is one of the best values on the market today. I'd have a hard time getting rid of it if I had one.
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'59 Gibson J-45 "Spot" '21 Gibson LG-2 - 50's Reissue '94 Taylor 710 '18 Martin 000-17E "Willie" ‘23 Taylor AD12e-SB '22 Taylor GTe Blacktop '15 Martin 000X1AE https://pandora.app.link/ysqc6ey22hb |
#8
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Why would I sell both? I want to keep one of these and have it as a second to go with my J45.
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Gear: PRS Hollowbody II Piezo, Martin HPL 000, PRS Angelus A60E, Martin 000-15M |
#9
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Because I really only have room for 2 guitars in my "guitar storage area".
I also don't like having more than 2 because the others won't get played often enough. I like keeping a "familiar" feel with my guitars and too much changing around hinders that. JMO. I also would like to possibly add a semi acoustic in the near future and that would make 4 total, which would be very hard to justify to myself and the other half.
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Gear: PRS Hollowbody II Piezo, Martin HPL 000, PRS Angelus A60E, Martin 000-15M |
#10
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If you re-read your post you will see you have answered your own question.
You are not comfortable with the neck or nut of the Yamaha. The new pickup system notwithstanding, most of your satisfaction points are in favor of the Gibson so roll with it. Blues |
#11
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I voted Yamaha, and reading between the lines the neck profile likely will push the envelope of speed & precision, and take your performances to the next level.
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#12
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After playing them both some more last night, the J15 just feels and plays more like my J45 so it makes more sense to keep that one. It was a tough decision though. Also that SRT2 system in the A3R just sounds so darn good. Anyways...thanks for the input everyone and if anyone's interested the Yamaha is now available. Grab it before I change my mind! https://reverb.com/item/32384206-yam...utaway-natural
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Gear: PRS Hollowbody II Piezo, Martin HPL 000, PRS Angelus A60E, Martin 000-15M |
#13
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Glad you were able to decide.
I love my J15, very versatile instrument. The longer I own it, the better I like it.
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Nothing bothers me unless I let it. Martin D18 Gibson J45 Gibson J15 Fender Copperburst Telecaster Squier CV 50 Stratocaster Squier CV 50 Telecaster |
#14
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I voted Gibson and I see that this is the one you chose to keep. It is hard to pick between two instruments that have their plusses and minuses but given what you shared, I think you made the right decision here. Enjoy.
Best, Jayne |
#15
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What strings do you like with it? Since it's quite a bright guitar, I use string that warm the tone instead of making it brighter.
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Gear: PRS Hollowbody II Piezo, Martin HPL 000, PRS Angelus A60E, Martin 000-15M |