Anyone try the new Gibson J-180? I did today…

[aeisen93]

My local Sam Ash had a new Gibson J-180 in stock. Gibson just re-released these about a week or two ago. I was really disappointed with the sound and tone of this guitar. It wasn’t loud, and it sounded like a $300 guitar. I feel like some Gibsons are excellent, while others are just awful. At $5,000 this guitar really underperformed. Anyone else here try one of these new J-180s?

[Moldstar]

Well, that about sounds like Gibson. I love Gibson but they are pretty inconsistent in their acoustic production, unsure why they cannot consistently acquire & voice tops and create a consistent product. Wood is wood, but some makers really have it figured out for their models.

[Gee Man]

I can't help but think those two huge pickguards covering the top are tone killers of the first order.

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by Gee Man

I can't help but think those two huge pickguards covering the top are tone killers of the first order.

That’s exactly the problem. The J-180 is basically a reissue of the Everly Brothers model, and the originals didn’t sound very good, either. Those double pickguards stifle the top instead of allowing it to vibrate fully.


Wade Hampton Miller

[EZYPIKINS]

Yeah, after hearing how much my J-185 came alive after removing the jell like pickguard .

I can just imagine how dead that top would sound.

Not interested

[Gee Man]

I can see an argument for it if you are solely looking to play it live in a full band setting, the lack of top movement has gotta help prevent feedback. But if you are looking for tone, look elsewhere.

[LAPlayer]

Originally Posted by Moldstar

Well, that about sounds like Gibson. I love Gibson but they are pretty inconsistent in their acoustic production...

Agreed. I looked at Gibsons for years and purchased a few which I didn't keep, looking for an amazing Gibson. I even had one that Ren Ferguson had built for me which, of course, was very nice but not "exceptional". While on the road last month, I stopped by one of my favorite guitar stores, Acoustic Vibes Music in Mesa, AZ, and played the new Keb’ Mo’ 3.0 12-Fret J-45 and was blown away. I purchased it immediately and it is, by far, the best playing, sounding, feeling.... J45 I've ever owned or played. This Custom-Shop model seems to be extremely consistent across the few I've played.