#1
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Best years of the "modern" J45?
I'm currently in the market for a J45, and I'm curious what you guys think is the best years of modern J45 standards? When I say "modern" I'm essentially talking about 1990 to the present. I've heard some models made in the 90s are great, but I've also tried one from 97 with the block logo/banner headstock and felt that it was too heavy and didn't have a great sound. What years are your favorite?
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1949 Gibson J-50 1956 Gibson LG-2 Baxendale Conversion Yamaha FG-180 Red Label Seagull S6 GT |
#2
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For one...I think morale was super high in the Bozeman plant at that point, and also ALL of the guitar makers...factory, boutique factory, solo luthier had some really really fantastic tonewoods at that point, especially Sitka Spruce. There was just some stellar Sitka Spruce being used at that point, some really nice old growth, light and stiff, and vibrant Sitka with high levels of silking and gorgeous color. There was also some absolutey stellar real actual old growth Indian Rosewood, and still some black, dense, very tight pored Gaboon and Madagascar Ebony being used. Martin, Taylor, Gibson, Guild all had supplies of these great woods and were just building some fantastic guitars in that 1990 to 2000 era, but especially to me, in the 1994 to 1999 range...just best of the best caliber. If I were looking for a late model Gibson, I would be looking 1995 to 1999 range myself. duff Be A Player...Not A Polisher |
#3
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Take a look at some of their guitars built in the year of 2016. I had a j-45 that sounded especially nice (traded for vintage). Plus as I have been tooling around window shopping I have found guitars built during that year have been consistently great.
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#4
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1949 Gibson J-50 1956 Gibson LG-2 Baxendale Conversion Yamaha FG-180 Red Label Seagull S6 GT |
#5
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I’ve liked the mid-2000s models best — with the gold silk screened decal, vintage-style tuners (not the big Grovers), and bone nut and saddle. They have that really nice early 50s look and I feel like they’re built a little lighter than the current models. Their only drawback is that they’ve got the pickguard over the rosette since Gibson used to incorrectly install them that way.
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#6
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+1 above ^^^
I've a 2016 J-45 bought used not too long ago. Really like it. Captures that ol' Gibson bass thump and dry midrange twang just like a 45 should. |
#7
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__________________
1949 Gibson J-50 1956 Gibson LG-2 Baxendale Conversion Yamaha FG-180 Red Label Seagull S6 GT |
#8
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The 2019s are great actually. At least the one I bought
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#9
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2013 and 2014 produced some nice Gibsons, but I don’t think it’s fair to generalize or categorize entire years (let alone decades) as “good” or “bad.”
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#10
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My J45 and sj200 from2000-2001are both orange label Historic series . As good as I’ve ever played. 1999 -2001 seems to be the sweet spot. I drop into GC and a few other independent Shops and most often pick up the J45 and the sj200. And since the early 2000’s. Few have really had the magic for me.
I think the builds got a bit heavier and lost that feather light quality that both my J45 AND SJ200 posses. I do agree with Willie V. Statement above. Nuff said |
#11
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I don't think you can go wrong with any Bozeman J45s. I have a 2012 TV and feel like a giddy teenager every time I pick it up (I'm 61)...I'll never sell it. Only thing to watch is that all TV models are not the same. The specs changed over the years.
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#12
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2019 models are brilliant in my opinion.
Nick |
#13
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__________________
1949 Gibson J-50 1956 Gibson LG-2 Baxendale Conversion Yamaha FG-180 Red Label Seagull S6 GT |
#14
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My experience differs a bit from some of the earlier posts, but hey -- that's the differences that folks have in their perceptions of things, right?
My general thought is 1994-1998 can be dodgy in terms of quality and tone, for Bozeman-produced guitars. Sure, there were exceptions that were great, but overall -- in my limited experience -- that period represents a time of inconsistent quality in which finding great examples was an exercise in 'patience of the hunt'. From about the early 00s on, I'd say your chances of encountering good, very good or great stuff is far increased. Especially the last ten years or so. The early stuff -- '89 - '93 -- I would classify as being better/more consistent than the mid- to late '90s. As always, YMMV. Fred |
#15
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My 2013 J45 sounds wonderful
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Tags |
gibson, j45, years |
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