Did Gibson ditch the J-15?

hardycreek1 · #1 02-23-2021, 08:23 PM

Can't find it on their web site.

Anyone know anything?

I have one love it, just wondering if it is now a collector's item?

The Growler · #2 02-23-2021, 08:29 PM

Yes, they were discontinued.

If it becomes a collectors item, I think it would be a niche item. They don't have the history and longevity that usually makes for a collector item. Maybe by the time it's considered vintage?

That said they are a nice guitar. Enjoy!

Steve DeRosa · #3 02-23-2021, 08:35 PM

Yep, too much guitar for the money (especially at the original price) - a page straight from the Henry J./CFM IV playbook...

SingingSparrow · #4 02-24-2021, 02:01 AM

hmm, that's a strange decision. The one's I've played were pretty good guitars. I remember a local GC guy tell me they sold pretty well too. I wonder how well it sold nationally.

rokdog49 · #5 02-24-2021, 06:10 AM

Well, I’m glad I have mine.
It’s a great guitar.
I think when they jacked the price up, they killed it.

catdaddy · #6 02-24-2021, 07:10 AM

Must be something about the name. Martin discontinued their J-15 a few years ago too. Both, really nice guitars at a great price.

mickthemiller · #7 02-26-2021, 01:30 PM

What a shame they are being discontinued. But they are very good value and I suppose the quality would suffer to keep the price level. Pobably all these studio this and thats are taking their place in the less expensive range.

frenchie · #8 02-26-2021, 02:54 PM

So glad I got one. This guitar will be a future classic, just like the J-185 model from the 50s is.

They have a unique tone, yet at the same time still totally Gibson.

Br1ck · #9 02-26-2021, 03:08 PM

I once played an Adirondack topped Martin D 16 that blew every other Martin dread away. I said to myself who would buy a D 28 when this sounds so much better for a lot less money. Soon thereafter, it was gone. Case closed.

Neal Pert · #10 02-26-2021, 05:53 PM

I have one and although I think it's a remarkable guitar I think that the folks who've noted that the J-15/J-45 difference is small are correct. From seeing posts around here it seems that a lot of folks have walked into shops looking for a J-45 and walking out with a J-15. That's a lot of money for Gibson to keep losing.

Too bad, though. It really was one of the absolute best price/quality ratios out there.

aeisen93 · #11 02-26-2021, 06:12 PM

They also discontinued the G-45 Series. I have a G-45 Studio that was only $999 new... Solid wood and made in the USA.Now the cheapest acoustics on Gibson's site are $1649.

rwmct · #12 02-26-2021, 08:38 PM

What a shame! The J-15 was a wonderful guitar, it had that "Gibson thing" while being affordable. And they seemed to sell OK.

hardycreek1 · #13 02-27-2021, 09:54 AM

but I'm thinking of trading in my J-15 for a J-45.

If I did an A/B comparison maybe I'll discover there isn't much difference.

rokdog49 · #14 02-27-2021, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardycreek1

but I'm thinking of trading in my J-15 for a J-45.

If I did an A/B comparison maybe I'll discover there isn't much difference.

There’s a big difference.
Both are great guitars and have the “Gibson” thing, but in no way are they the same. You should play them side by side and then see what you think.

rokdog49 · #15 02-27-2021, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neal Pert

I have one and although I think it's a remarkable guitar I think that the folks who've noted that the J-15/J-45 difference is small are correct. From seeing posts around here it seems that a lot of folks have walked into shops looking for a J-45 and walking out with a J-15. That's a lot of money for Gibson to keep losing.

Too bad, though. It really was one of the absolute best price/quality ratios out there.

I haven’t seen many comments indicating the “difference is small”, must have missed those.