A '60s J50 (with adjustable bridge) was used by John Renbourn in his early days with Pentangle and for solo albums. I always have in my mind that sound and I think it's very suitable for english/irish folk.
J 50 is my preference. Natural top, more beautiful guard and slightly better neck-profile for my hands so that's how I feel. The J 45 is of course iconic, but I feel it has less volume than the J 50.
Wow. You can definitely hear the subtle and distinct differences between them. Both wonderful. I can’t decide which I prefer but both are great. Thank you
I like the J50's thump better but, una pregunta: are the strings on both the same brand and spec and are they the same age (or, are the strings on one guitar more broken in than on the other)?
Ironic. I’ve been trying to buy a 50s J-50 from you all week, but your guy told me you only have the 60s version (that must be the one in this video). The 50s J-50 was my first choice, but I bought the 50s J-45 before you ran out of stock. And forget about finding a store with “2 or 3 of these, 2 or 3 of these:” does not happen today. Anyway, I’m eagerly awaiting delivery of my new 50s J-45 this week. Thanks, Music Villa!
That's funny. My main guitar is a J-45 and I've played it with Martin strings, but I thought it sounded a bit dull, so I tried Elixirs for the first time recently and I feel my guitar comes alive. More than it did anyway.
I have found that Gibson Premium phosphor bronze light make the J-45 sound like it was designed to sound. This was a revelation to me the first time I tried these Gibson strings. It would make sense though, wouldn't it.... Even when these string get old and tarnished they still make the guitar sound like good old wood....
The J-50 by a long shot. It sounds alive with a growl when it’s pushed hard and a shimmer when played softly. The J-45 just sounded okay, but dead in comparison to the J-50. There are thousands of iconic recordings on those adjustable saddle Gibsons that were played in the 60’s. There is reason pro musicians used them - they sounded great. They could have played something else if they were complete junk. Go to Carter vintage in Nashville. They usually have a selection of vintage 60s Gibsons with the adjustable saddle and they usually sound fantastic. I see why Gibson offers this reissue guitar. Smart move, and you can always buy the 50s version J-50 if you hate the adjustable saddle.
I recently played a 60s J45 with the adjustable saddle. Had the same tone as this J50. It sounded good, but not what I'm looking for in a J45. Those saddles really do change the tone!
My 1968 J-50 would blow both of those away. I notice that's bridge is white plastic or bone mine is rosewood an original stock. I thought about bone bridge but the sound it makes might go away, so it's stock. I just bought 1974 J-200 artist that somebody put their foot into near the sound hole and it's being repaired and cannot wait to hear it. almost one year at the shop now Turkey Day its coming home.
In this comparison, the J45 sounds mellow compared to the J50's almost metallic shimmer. I think it's mostly because of the adjustable saddle. They both sound good but I'm more comfortable with a round neck.
J50 has a nice smooth almost scooped tonality which is why it seems more open but the J45 has the cozy midrange character that I crave and mostly associate with the Gibson sound. If I want a big wide open sound I'll play a Martin. Both are great though but I'll keep my J45 thank you very much.
A better comparison would be a 50s J-50 and a 50s J-45. The Standard is always mellower due to the plastic nut. And the 60s J-50 has an adjustable saddle.
Exactly what I was going to say. It's this, has a bit of a Martin ring to it. I like it, that's why I liked the sound of D-18/28 over any of the Gibson's, but that J-50 sounds really good.
@@martinkleinman2522 I believe Jame's J-50 has been dated to be an early to mid 1960s model. James bought his J-50 before he was a famous recording artist, he bought it retail and removed the pickguard and also changed the adjustable bridge... One thing nice about the adjustable bridge on the new Original series 60's Gibson's like the one in this video, is that Gibson is using TUSQ material for the adjustable bridge instead of plastic. They used plastic in the 60s and they were just terrible for maintenance and for tone.
@@martinkleinman2522 A nice custom shop order for Music Villa would be a Original 60's J-50 minus the pickguard and with a normal (non adjustable) bridge. Bone nut and saddle and no electronics. Leaving that 1.625" (60's J-45/J-50 period correct) nut width in tact. Do that, and have them leave the top braces non-scalloped and it would be a James Taylor signature model without the endorsement.
@@rmzzz76 You can buy the Gibson original 50’s J50 which specs out as basically a 54/55 J50. Of course it has hand scalloped bracing and the LR Baggs VTS system. I bought one primarily because I’m not a fan of 60’s J50 guitars. Adjustable bridge has always been a turn Off to me. But the one I bought can nail JT stuff very well. Either way you go it’s a Gibson and it’ll be superb!
I really like them both. The J 50 is more mellow right now, and the J 45 brighter. But I wonder if this difference is any more obvious than the difference would likely be between 2 Gibsons of the very same model.
Damn J50 best sounding Gibson I ever heard. Rings with nice bass, pleasing to the ear. J45 sounds dirtier, not in a bad way. Mebbe compare to a Martin?
The J-45 as recorded here absolutely does not sound the brighter guitar to me. In fact the J-50 does but then the J-50 also seems to be stronger in the bass. I think this J-50 probably has something of the scooped "smile" EQ built in whereas the J-45 is (low-) mid forward.
J-45 is more mids-forward. Would be a good rhythm guitar in a band setting. J-50 is rounder, smoother, punchier in bass. Maybe more for the solo singer-songwriter and probably a lot better for fingerpicking.
Paul & Quinton are correct: have multiples of the same guitar to find 'thee' one for you. I forgot how many I tried but I have a great J-45, better than the J-50. Thanks
I have lived with my 65 Epiphone Texan long enough to have really got that metallic shimmer and I believe clearer bass ingrained into my brain. Nothing does Rolling Stones acoustic better IMHO. The J 45 shines for the quieter singer/songwriter. The adj bridge is a sound all it's own. Glad I have a D 35 too.
The 45 has a more nasal quality, notes are a bit more compressed in chords. The 50 is almost Martin-like in how open and uncompressed it is, yet it still has that Gibson thing. No way I'd walk out with the 45 after playing these side by side, even though the 45 is a pinup girl on the walls inside of my head. I don't really care for the look of the 50 but that sound is too sweet to not have sitting beside the couch, bed, toilet, etc at every waking moment.
And when you play J45, it instantly takes you on a more pleasant overtones and just a tad even sound as a singer songwriter. I love the sound of J45 and proud to own one 👍
Is there a "Standard" J-50 on the market right now? Would never buy the 60's adjustable saddle nonsense. Come on Gibson, quit wasting your time on that Generation Collection crap...
A '60s J50 (with adjustable bridge) was used by John Renbourn in his early days with Pentangle and for solo albums. I always have in my mind that sound and I think it's very suitable for english/irish folk.
The j50 sounds better for me more open and airy with shimmering high ends but its up to you
J 50 is my preference. Natural top, more beautiful guard and slightly better neck-profile for my hands so that's how I feel. The J 45 is of course iconic, but I feel it has less volume than the J 50.
Gotta agree with you…although I’ve never had the pleasure of having either in my hands…for the same reasons.
Wow. You can definitely hear the subtle and distinct differences between them. Both wonderful. I can’t decide which I prefer but both are great. Thank you
I like the J50's thump better but, una pregunta: are the strings on both the same brand and spec and are they the same age (or, are the strings on one guitar more broken in than on the other)?
J50 hands down. I have a 1961 model. Awesome
Ironic. I’ve been trying to buy a 50s J-50 from you all week, but your guy told me you only have the 60s version (that must be the one in this video). The 50s J-50 was my first choice, but I bought the 50s J-45 before you ran out of stock. And forget about finding a store with “2 or 3 of these, 2 or 3 of these:” does not happen today.
Anyway, I’m eagerly awaiting delivery of my new 50s J-45 this week. Thanks, Music Villa!
Both sound amazing. Can’t beat these models in my opinion. Just perfect for any style.
J 50 hands down!
I’ve had a j45 standard for a few years now and string choice has a huge effect - Martin monels at the moment for me…..
I really like the tone they create together especially when the strings are fresh
That's funny. My main guitar is a J-45 and I've played it with Martin strings, but I thought it sounded a bit dull, so I tried Elixirs for the first time recently and I feel my guitar comes alive. More than it did anyway.
I've tried monels on my hummingbird. It absolutely hated them. My Martin 00015m loves them as does my Eastman E6D. Or could it just be my ears?
@@mickymillersson4376 : I missed the ‘monels’ part. I’m not sure which set of Martin strings I used.
I have found that Gibson Premium phosphor bronze light make the J-45 sound like it was designed to sound. This was a revelation to me the first time I tried these Gibson strings. It would make sense though, wouldn't it.... Even when these string get old and tarnished they still make the guitar sound like good old wood....
The J-50 by a long shot. It sounds alive with a growl when it’s pushed hard and a shimmer when played softly. The J-45 just sounded okay, but dead in comparison to the J-50. There are thousands of iconic recordings on those adjustable saddle Gibsons that were played in the 60’s. There is reason pro musicians used them - they sounded great. They could have played something else if they were complete junk. Go to Carter vintage in Nashville. They usually have a selection of vintage 60s Gibsons with the adjustable saddle and they usually sound fantastic. I see why Gibson offers this reissue guitar. Smart move, and you can always buy the 50s version J-50 if you hate the adjustable saddle.
They both sound fantastic best to have one of each!
This J50 sounds incredible...
Does the J50 have a ebony bridge tho? Rather than the rosewood on the 45 cuz that would make a big difference
@CenAZ Walker gotcha couldn’t tell it looks darker in contrast to that natural spruce top
I recently played a 60s J45 with the adjustable saddle. Had the same tone as this J50. It sounded good, but not what I'm looking for in a J45. Those saddles really do change the tone!
My 1968 J-50 would blow both of those away. I notice that's bridge is white plastic or bone mine is rosewood an original stock. I thought about bone bridge but the sound it makes might go away, so it's stock. I just bought 1974 J-200 artist that somebody put their foot into near the sound hole and it's being repaired and cannot wait to hear it. almost one year at the shop now Turkey Day its coming home.
In this comparison, the J45 sounds mellow compared to the J50's almost metallic shimmer. I think it's mostly because of the adjustable saddle. They both sound good but I'm more comfortable with a round neck.
J50 has a nice smooth almost scooped tonality which is why it seems more open but the J45 has the cozy midrange character that I crave and mostly associate with the Gibson sound. If I want a big wide open sound I'll play a Martin. Both are great though but I'll keep my J45 thank you very much.
The adjustable bridge gives it some weird vibe...that is that Sandy Denny sound, like Crazy Lady blues sound.
J 50 is a cannon!!
I thought the J50 sounded brighter and the tobacco sunburst sounded warmer, but the J-50 seemed to have cleaner separation between strings.
That’s exceptional J-45 there. I’d choose that one.
A better comparison would be a 50s J-50 and a 50s J-45. The Standard is always mellower due to the plastic nut. And the 60s J-50 has an adjustable saddle.
The J45 sounds so much nicer for blues and rock the j50 has a nice bluegrass twang.
Exactly what I was going to say. It's this, has a bit of a Martin ring to it. I like it, that's why I liked the sound of D-18/28 over any of the Gibson's, but that J-50 sounds really good.
That 60's J-50 is just begging for Fire & Rain to be played on it
that's interesting b/c I was thinking that the j50 sounded very james taylor-y. maybe i'm not nutz after all ;)
@@martinkleinman2522 I believe Jame's J-50 has been dated to be an early to mid 1960s model. James bought his J-50 before he was a famous recording artist, he bought it retail and removed the pickguard and also changed the adjustable bridge... One thing nice about the adjustable bridge on the new Original series 60's Gibson's like the one in this video, is that Gibson is using TUSQ material for the adjustable bridge instead of plastic. They used plastic in the 60s and they were just terrible for maintenance and for tone.
@@martinkleinman2522 A nice custom shop order for Music Villa would be a Original 60's J-50 minus the pickguard and with a normal (non adjustable) bridge. Bone nut and saddle and no electronics. Leaving that 1.625" (60's J-45/J-50 period correct) nut width in tact. Do that, and have them leave the top braces non-scalloped and it would be a James Taylor signature model without the endorsement.
@@rmzzz76 You can buy the Gibson original 50’s J50 which specs out as basically a 54/55 J50.
Of course it has hand scalloped bracing and the LR Baggs VTS system. I bought one primarily because I’m not a fan of 60’s J50 guitars. Adjustable bridge has always been a turn
Off to me. But the one I bought can nail JT stuff very well. Either way you go it’s a Gibson and it’ll be superb!
The J-50 looks bigger. Must be the natural finish. Bigger sound also.
I really like them both. The J 50 is more mellow right now, and the J 45 brighter. But I wonder if this difference is any more obvious than the difference would likely be between 2 Gibsons of the very same model.
No question. The j50 eats up that j45
Love you GIBSON…the J50 slewed the infamous J45 in this one…
J-50 all day long. I like the J-45, but that J-50 just sings in a way the 45 cannot keep up with.
u can't be serious mon
@spada60 yes, I can be serious. And I am.
J-50, but I'd want a wider nut width
Which one would I choose?
I own a J-45 Standard, nuff said!
It’s the J-50 for me
Just like every J45 ive ever played, it sounds dead. J50 sounds alive.
@CenAZ Walker just my opinion, no need to get personal.
Damn J50 best sounding Gibson I ever heard. Rings with nice bass, pleasing to the ear. J45 sounds dirtier, not in a bad way. Mebbe compare to a Martin?
J45 wins.
The J50 looks bigger, am I right?
The J-45 as recorded here absolutely does not sound the brighter guitar to me. In fact the J-50 does but then the J-50 also seems to be stronger in the bass. I think this J-50 probably has something of the scooped "smile" EQ built in whereas the J-45 is (low-) mid forward.
J-45 is more mids-forward. Would be a good rhythm guitar in a band setting. J-50 is rounder, smoother, punchier in bass. Maybe more for the solo singer-songwriter and probably a lot better for fingerpicking.
the j 50 original has a fatter chunkier neck thats why they always sound so much better than j 45. the j 45 will sound good in about 4 -6 years
Paul & Quinton are correct: have multiples of the same guitar to find 'thee' one for you. I forgot how many I tried but I have a great J-45, better than the J-50. Thanks
I have lived with my 65 Epiphone Texan long enough to have really got that metallic shimmer and I believe clearer bass ingrained into my brain. Nothing does Rolling Stones acoustic better IMHO. The J 45 shines for the quieter singer/songwriter. The adj bridge is a sound all it's own. Glad I have a D 35 too.
The 45 has a more nasal quality, notes are a bit more compressed in chords. The 50 is almost Martin-like in how open and uncompressed it is, yet it still has that Gibson thing. No way I'd walk out with the 45 after playing these side by side, even though the 45 is a pinup girl on the walls inside of my head. I don't really care for the look of the 50 but that sound is too sweet to not have sitting beside the couch, bed, toilet, etc at every waking moment.
And when you play J45, it instantly takes you on a more pleasant overtones and just a tad even sound as a singer songwriter. I love the sound of J45 and proud to own one 👍
J50.....for some reason the natural top slopeshoulder gibsons have more thump and zing......my j35 is the same way....
A galloping horse wouldn’t know the difference. J45 for me.
OK don’t want to be negative but, there’s just no purpose for that giant mudflap on the J 50.
J50 for me. It’s 5 better.
Is there a "Standard" J-50 on the market right now?
Would never buy the 60's adjustable saddle nonsense. Come on Gibson, quit wasting your time on that Generation Collection crap...
Man these 2 need to shush and play the guitars...
Saying the same thing over and over again.