Gibson J-15 Owners: Mods You've Done?

[Neal Pert]

I know there are a lot of folks here with Gibson J-15s, and I know y'all love to mess with your instruments to get them the way you like them. So-- what have you done to your J-15s? I'm generally not a person to do much to a guitar once I buy it except experiment with strings a bit.

Me: Swapped out the stock pickup for a K&K Pure Mini. I'm very happy I did it. It sounds much more natural to me so far.

You? Anything?

[Skarsaune]

Originally Posted by Neal Pert

You? Anything?

Nothing except play it.

Previous owner did put a set of Bone bridge pins in it. I liked the look so I left them in.

[GTRGUY005]

I made three mods to my J-15:

1. Changed the pick guard
2. Changed the truss rod cover to one with my initials
3. Added a crown "inlay" on the head stock

I'd love to change the tuners to a retro style with white/cream buttons, but I can't find a direct drop in replacement. I don't want to drill.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by Neal Pert

I know there are a lot of folks here with Gibson J-15s, and I know y'all love to mess with your instruments to get them the way you like them. So-- what have you done to your J-15s? I'm generally not a person to do much to a guitar once I buy it except experiment with strings a bit.

Me: Swapped out the stock pickup for a K&K Pure Mini. I'm very happy I did it. It sounds much more natural to me so far.

You? Anything?

Haven’t done that yet but at some point, I will.

[emtsteve]

Originally Posted by GTRGUY005

I made three mods to my J-15:

1. Changed the pick guard
2. Changed the truss rod cover to one with my initials
3. Added a crown "inlay" on the head stock

I'd love change the tuners to a retro style with white/cream buttons, but I can't find a direct drop in replacement. I don't want to drill.

Looks great! If I didn't have a J-35, I'd have one of these. Such fantastic guitars.

[SalFromChatham]

I have a J-45 Studio, which is very similar to the J15, except for the narrower body.

I replaced my Grovers with Kluson creme button tuners, and I also replaced the pick guard with a J-50 Batwing style guard (Holter Pickguards).

2nd guitar from the left:

[Fireside_Guitar]

Originally Posted by SalFromChatham

I have a J-45 Studio, which is very similar to the J15, except for the narrower body.

I replaced my Grovers with Kluson creme button tuners, and I also replaced the pick guard with a J-50 Batwing style guard (Holter Pickguards).

2nd guitar from the left:

Hi Sal, the J-45 Studio appears to have full size Rotomatics while the J-15 has mimi Rotomatics correct? Which version tuner do you have and can you let me know what model where you purchased your tuning buttons. Thx

[evening_crow]

Nothing really. I had enough bridge pins to match together a set of light colored ebony pins with abalone inlays for it. Mine is a natural top so I think it complements the rest of the look. Other than that, experiment with strings.

That tiger stripe pickguard above looks awesome though!

[Photojeep]

I switched out the truss rod cover to one with my Dad's name on it and recently took off the pick guard.

Best,
PJ

[ribsareyummy]

I’m in the process of getting a Songwriter-like pickguard for mine from Holter. Hopefully it’s not perceived as trying to make people think I have a more expensive guitar, I just like the way it looks more than the stock teardrop. Will probably also get a red tortoise truss cover from him.

[bsman]

OK - question for the gathered J-15 aficionados: is it too big to comfortably play sitting on a couch? My biggest current guitar is a Tak EG523SC-12, and that’s about as big as is comfortable to me.

[JBCROTTY]

Bone saddle. Ebony bridge pins. No idea if either added to the tone but the bridge pins look better than the stock white ones.