Gassing a Gibson J-45

Traikat · #1 03-06-2021, 08:59 AM

Let me preface this by saying I am gassing, I have not had the opportunity to play one yet. I have heard stellar reviews on this model of Gibson. Here is my question....I am looking at trying a Gibson J 45 Walnut studio. I am use to Mahogany wood and what it sounds like after it is broke in. What should I expect from a Walnut? I know there is a 1,000 price difference between the two. Those of you that have and own a Walnut, how does it sound when broke in?

Dru Edwards · #2 03-06-2021, 09:09 AM

Hi Traikat, although I can't speak specifically about the J-45 Walnut opening up I can say that you should never buy a guitar for what it might sound like after opening up in case it never gets there.

I just looked at the specs of both guitars. To note, they have different neck profiles, fretboard material, and a different neck radius, which may or may not change your buying decision. The Standard also comes with a case.

Traikat · #3 03-06-2021, 09:13 AM

Thank you Dru, I guess I need to compare side by side information.

Dru Edwards · #4 03-06-2021, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traikat

Thank you Dru, I guess I need to compare side by side information.

It's an exciting time when deciding to buy a guitar, and it can be difficult too with all the choices. Are you able to play both guitars? That would give you your answer. If not, order from a site that has a great return policy.

aeisen93 · #5 03-06-2021, 09:42 AM

I've played two J-45 Standards recently. One was horrible, sounded like a toy. The other one sounded "good" but not where I'd want to buy it for about $2800... Tone is subjective though so maybe someone else would really like it.

I do own a Gibson G-45 Studio (walnut). It's recently been discontinued. For $999 it is a solid wood guitar, and made in the USA. it sounds good, but it's not my favorite guitar. I would say see if you can try out the J-45s first and you'll know which one is best for you.

Bob from Brooklyn · #6 03-06-2021, 09:46 AM

I played some that were meh until I found the one I now have. My advice is to go play one (or more) to make sure it meets your expectations. Happy hunting!

llew · #7 03-06-2021, 09:48 AM

If walnut is what you're after why not include the J-15? I've not played one but there seems to be a lot of love for that model here on the forum.

davidd · #8 03-06-2021, 09:50 AM

I have both 2016 and a 2017 J45's. They are both exceptional guitars. You have to know what sound a J45 is capable of producing. It isn't a D18 it's a whole other animal. Personally if I wanted a J45 I'd try and find a deal on a used Std. model. IMO a walnut b&s model isn't a J45 any longer. Might be a nice guitar but it's not a J45.

Traikat · #9 03-06-2021, 10:15 AM

Ok thanks for the heads up! Did some calling around to shops in my area and unfortunately no Gibson dealers. ugh I was really hoping for a trip to town to do some playing. Very sad right now. Oh well....so much for the GAS!!!

turfguy · #10 03-06-2021, 10:20 AM

There’s an Adirondack topped J45 Vintage in the classifieds at AGF. Never met a bad one of those

zombywoof · #11 03-06-2021, 12:57 PM

There are so many variations of the J45 it is hard to keep track of them without a scorecard. Sticking with just a plain good old mahogany body J45 there are two basic schools. The J45 Standard, as example, will have a rear shifted X bracing. The True Vintage or whatever the current version of it is will have a forward shifted X brace. Both footprints have their followings. Other than that while Bozeman by and large sticks with a 1.725" nut width there will be different neck carves such as the Slim Taper, Advanced Response and such.

pickinray · #12 03-06-2021, 01:37 PM

Compared to the J45 Standard, the J45 Studio models have a shallower body depth. So you'll get less of that bass thump that the standard J45 is so famous for. FYI, Gibson also offers the J45 Studio in rosewood, in case that's something that might interest you.

bobster7 · #13 03-06-2021, 01:50 PM

Go full GAS and find a period correct JT banner reissue from 2013, or if you don’t mind narrower string spacing and a v-neck? (Why Gibson, why...!!!) the new banner reissue. The JT reissues are to me are as close to the real McCoy as you can get. Adi top, 19 large frets, round chunky banner era correct neck etc etc.

jdto · #14 03-06-2021, 02:00 PM

I recently picked up the new “50s Original” version and I am very impressed. I have played Standards that didn’t do it for me and Standards that sounded exactly like what I want. The issue I always had with the Standard is that they have the slim neck, which I don’t like. The 50s Original has a thicker neck and I got lucky as I bought it on curbside pickup. I was almost expecting to have to return it for a different one, but nope. It sounds great, looks great and, after tweaking the setup to my liking, plays great, too.

tomcstokes59 · #15 03-06-2021, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdto

I recently picked up the new “50s Original” version and I am very impressed. I have played Standards that didn’t do it for me and Standards that sounded exactly like what I want. The issue I always had with the Standard is that they have the slim neck, which I don’t like. The 50s Original has a thicker neck and I got lucky as I bought it on curbside pickup. I was almost expecting to have to return it for a different one, but nope. It sounds great, looks great and, after tweaking the setup to my liking, plays great, too.

I was fortunate and found a local mint used version of the 50’s J-50 - like the j45 above only different guard and no top burst. I can agree with everything jdto wrote - sounds great, looks great and a little tweaking (very little) I love the play and feel of the neck.