What I really like about this video (and this channel) is the fact they are talking about a guitar they probably don’t have in stock or will struggle to get. It is easy to come on RUclips and talk about an in-stock guitar. All in-stock guitars are great when you sell guitars for a living. Love to see these guys excited about guitars just because they are great guitars.
Speaking for the J-45, the "workhorse". I have one. Not the greatest for finger-picking, but no better guitar to strum and sing over. It has a very tight mid-range that manages to complement even soft singers who struggle a bit with projecting. Especially great for singers with spoken-lyrical styles (think Bob Dylan "Don't Think Twice") which is the cohort that made the J-45 famous.... It can't do what a Martin D18 or D28 does for flat-picking, but a Martin D18 or D28 requires a real strong vocalist to project over its boom. When you get to a point where you start to view them in terms of "tools in the toolbox" instead of some linear scale of bad to great you understand. Sadly, most players think on the linear scale. They try a J-45 next to a good Martin in the showroom. The Martin's projection and sustain dominates and they think "wow, this is a much better guitar" without any context for the performance scenarios where the J-45 will outshine it. Think I'm wrong? Do this- get a TASCAM or ZOOM high quality digital recorder. Take it the showroom on an empty day, pick 2-3 songs you like to play and sing. Record yourself with a J-45 and then with a Martin or Taylor or whatever. Listen back and you'll hear the J-45 doing its magic.
I have a j-45, Martin d-35 and hd-28. The j-45 is just something different than the martins. The shorter scale length on the j-45 is very comfortable to play. I love all three guitars and each has it's own sound but if I'm just plunking around I like the Gibson,.
I’m a Martin guy but I played a 65 Hummingbird that unfortunately I didn’t have money to buy at the time and it was the best guitar I’ve ever played, something about that one was very special. It made every guitar I’ve played since then sound just okay and it haunts me every day.
oddly when i first moved to london and tried the music shops i picked up, but didn't buy, an epiphone of some kind that had "the magic neck" felt really good, that's stuck in my mind for forty years or more, weird eh.
I’ve always been a Martin guy and yes, it’s ok to love others too. Got myself a custom shop 60s bird, and never regretted it. Love both my HD28E retro and the CS 60s Bird.
i hear ya- i still think about this 1959 original Arcangel Fernandez i made a private recording- - i took it for granted- years later- the recording haunts me- like i missed my shot at being a famous musician- and now I can't turn time back- no one can- i can't afford 15,000 - no one can. ..but other great instruments came into my life since...so I realize its a trade off- .. we make space for something new - but we also have to let go of something to keep the balance- usually
I have a 1967 Gibson b-45 12 string and it looks beautiful and sounds amazing. Very resonant and clear sounding plus it feel great on the hands. Def recommend a vintage Gibson to everyone.
My local shop owner has a 1949 Southern Jumbo and he lets people play it. It’s beat to hell but it’s magical. It’s been over a year since I’ve played it and I still have dreams about it
I own a 1949 Gibson LG-2 It sounds fantastic, especially for finger picking. I also have a 1964 Hummingbird and a 1952 J45 that are at the luthier. Not sure yet how they truly sound. They were in pretty bad shape when I got them. But you could tell that they had potential. Can’t wait to get them back.
That old straight mid punch of a classic Gibson. The Gibson Hummingbird is the prettiest acoustic guitar ever made in my opinion, followed by a Gibson J200.
Guys, this video made me smile a lot. I’ve had two items on my bucket list for a long time. One was an original Kenner AT-AT from the 80s and the other was a semi-vintage J-45. Thanks to eBay, I’ve managed to score both in this past year so I’m a happy boy. Keep up the good work gentlemen. Thank you.
Thank you for doing this...I love Gibson acoustics - I have 2 vintage ones - a '46 LG-2 and a mid-50s L-50 (archtop), both family heirlooms that were handed down to me...What I love about good Gibson acoustics is that they never just sound "polite" - there is always a raw quality to their sound, a little bit of grit to them, edgier than other brands... Last February I picked up a 2004 Songwriter Deluxe...A real sleeper in the modern Gibson catalogue imo, and can be had for pretty fair prices, all things considered...Gorgeous guitar and although it is a sweet sounding instrument, it still has that Gibson bite to it...It is ageing really beautifully and already sounds "old". I came across this clip of Jimmy Page playing a J-200 - possibly the same one he borrowed from Big Jim Sullivan and used for all the acoustic work on LZ-I - that illustrates to me what I'm trying to say about that sound...(The video is badly corrupted, but the audio still sounds pretty good)...ruclips.net/video/OmVQKFPexRk/видео.html Thanks again for doing this and helping to counter all the tedious Gibson hate that has become so fashionable these days...
I love what Don Everly said some years ago.."back in Kentucky there were Gibson and Chevy families,and there were Martin and Ford families.We were a Gibson and Chevy family" I agree with you guys...there is nothing like the Gibson sound.I have a J-160E that was made for me in 2008,and I have a 2016 J-45. I could never be without those two flattops.I like and respect the other makers very much, but "Only A Gibson Is Good Enough". Nothing like them. And..nothing like you guys either. I enjoy all the videos.Thanks
I have a 2020 Southern Jumbo form their Original line. It’s stunning. I can’t tell you how much I love it. I’m not sure how it stacks up against the vintage ones but wow. Such a good rich sound and not to mention the how drop dead gorgeous it is in person.
I have a J35 reissue from 2014 - not vintage I realise but when I got it I loved that clear crisp sustain across all the strings and 7 years down the road it just keeps opening up and getting better and better. Perfect rhythm guitar.
I have 3 acoustics and they’re all Gibsons (J45, Hummingbird & SJ200). I find they compliment vocalists the best. I do a lot of solo acoustic shows, but also back up other singers and always get compliments on the tone.
Got my hands on a 1967 hummingbird. For $75. It was 1974 and I found it in the back room of the music department at Millsaps College with its back crushed in. I begged the department head to sell it to me and we arrived at the price. Had a new back put on it for 100 bucks. It was magical. The neck, as you said, was so easy to fret all the way up. So how does the story end? Life got real and law school wanted its tuition. Yes, I sold it to become a…Blues Lawyer😩. Not a week goes by that I don’t remember that wonderful flinty voice of that guitar. Thanks for making me sad all over again.
Got me a late fifties Southern Jumbo. Bought it ( through a mutual friend ) from an old hermit who lives in the woods in a camper, was under his bed in a case for decades. It's the perfect guitar to accompany yourself singing. Sounds just like the beginning of "Night Moves". Only acoustic I'll ever need.
I have a 1958 Gibson LG-O that sits in a mix perfectly and has a beautiful midrange tone. The highs are warm and the low end is pretty mellow but defined. Nothing sounds like an old guitar. Thanks for the video guys!
Thirty years ago I was a Martin devotee. As time went on, I moved away from the Martin/ rosewood back and sides to preferring mahogany back and sides. Back before the pandemic, I bought a Gibson J-35 reissue for a grand. To my ears, a Gibson slope shouldered dreadnought sounds the best. I believe that we are living in a golden age of acoustic manufacturing and there is no need except to feed your ego to deplete your bank account for a vintage guitar.
I just bought a 2018 Gibson J35, which had never been sold. I absolutely love the sound of that guitar. It sounds like classic records. Martins have that great high definition clarity but Gibsons also have a classic recorded sound we all know and love.
When visiting my father in Florida, he offered for me to take home his 1947 Southern Jumbo. The guitar is a stunner, with recently installed medium strings (vs the light) this baby is loud, perfect for bluegrass. Fantastic guitar.
Love that Hummingbird!...What a great sounding guitar, I'm extremely envious...Shorter scale, yes? Beato has a vintage Country and Western I wouldn't mind getting my hands on too!
I have 2 vintage Gibsons, both archtops. One is an ES 125 I got at great expense to the parish from Norman's Rare Guitars, which is a delight. The other I bought from some dude on craigslist, a circa 1942 L50 or similar. Both are spectacular, they look , feel, play and, above all, sound superb. I love them to death, haven't yet played a modern guitar that 'buzzed' me the same way. I don't know how much the mojo affects the perception - certainly it does - but for me it comes down to the total package; as my old karate instructor used to say, if it feels right it IS right.
Three weeks ago I bought a new Gibson L-00 from the Gibson Garage, and though not a vintage guitar in age, it sounds like an old guitar right now. Mellow, aged, yet with a big sound for such a small guitar. It’s awesome.
I have a Gibson acoustic guitar that's a prototype, serial 01. It was made for a lefty and was converted to right handed so the pick guard is on the top instead of the bottom. There's just something magical about it. When you dig into it it really blossoms like nothing else.
Thanks for watching and commenting Don't forget to hit the subscribe button for more info..consultation.....and advice...text W@sap below Plus = + One = 1 Eight = 8 Seven = 7 Two = 2 Two = 2 Two = 2 Five= 5 Eight = 8 Zero = 0 Four = 4 Two = 2💬...
What is vintage? I think Gibson had several hot spots for really good acoustics throughout the decades. I have a 2001 J100 Xtra that might technically be vintage? It is an amazing guitar that I will never part with. The color change on the top as it has aged wonderfully is amazing, and it has its sound that is hard to replicate. Spruce top, maple back and sides, mahogany neck.
I love the sound of a dark-ass acoustic guitar. My uncle has a Gibson Hummingbird from like 71 and it's so rad. I have a Yamaha acoustic from 76 and, while the neck is hard to play, the sound is so dark and groovy. The body feels like balsa wood at this point.
No one near me carries Gibson acoustics so I had to order one sight unseen from the internet. Ended up going with a southern jumbo. Nicest acoustic I've ever played. Records amazingly well and it hasn't even aged yet.
Gibsons arnt the loudest with the most amazing overtones, but there is indeed something special about a good Gibson acoustic. The natural compression when strummed hard sits so great in a rock track. Something about the tone is just the best compliment for a solo singer-songwirter, it sits under the voice so well. Plus they almost always play amazing. Old ones are great, but dont overlook the 90s Montana made ones. One of the best J45s Ive ever played was a 90s made in Montana.
100% true lads.....i got a Dove and it seriously makes me feel like im in that Angie video where they are chillin on the edge of the stage...thats my Dove...rose and all
In 1971 I bought my first good guitar, a brand new J-50. I still have it today along with 3 Martins and a bunch of others. It is heavier than the Martins and has a very different, more mellowed tone. One of the Martins is mahogany laminate, the others solid rosewood/spruce while the Gibson is mahogany/spruce. All with very different voices. For the Gibson I think of songs by James Taylor or Tom Rush. I'll keep it 'till I'm fitted for my toe tag.
I love my 39’ J35 and 58’ J200 both priceless to me and always sound better every time I play them. I’m so fortunate to have them given to me the only guitars I’ll never part with until I leave this world.
I have a 1968 Gibson Dove as well as a 1975 Martin D 35 You are right - the Martin booms with sound but the Dove is just a beautiful sound and makes me smile. It is my go to acoustic
I know this is an older post.. But Yall are spot on with these guitars. I have a new 2024 Hummingbird and it's just amazing. Coming off of a couple different Martins.... D28 and D35, both were awesome but there's something about these Gibsons. They sound great but look even better.
Just bought a vintage J40 and it’s my first Gibson acoustic. It was a budget model back in the day, but it plays very well. Kalamazoo made and not very pricy for a vintage Gibson. I’m happy with it.
I could write a whole 100-page monolog about this but I'll paraphrase. I worked at the acoustic factory for a short while and was in final assembly buffing and final finish on git-fiddles. While I was there picked up a 1936 j-35 historic, a 1952 j-185 historic, and a j-45 rosewood studio. Added to my one nice guitar which was a jean' laravvee rosewood lv-03 making an heirloom collection to give to the grandkids. Working there was awesome while it lasted. Getting to handle 100's of guitars a week, play them, set them up, and hear the first ever sounds out of a guitar. There was something about the experience that had this nostalgic magic of handling and playing everything from 45's to custom shop 1 of 1's that was really special to me personally. Some guitars jumped to life, and some were dull and clunky sounding that will open up over 5 years of playing. The hardest part was seeing them all and not taking most of them home, and it was always a rare privilege to fully finish out and play models like the western classic, pre-war j-200, and my personal favorite the historic LG-2 (very hard to get otherwise I would own one). Plenty of gripes about the work, but goes with the territory of factory work run by corporate companies. A lot of "experts" will bitch about quality control, and some of those problems are very warranted (dealt with a few things myself) however I will say that every guitar has a personality from the first time you string it up IMO and a great many of them are life long instruments. I have been playing my entire life and there is a certain love you have for an instrument when you play them every day. That is exactly how I would describe 99% of them, and most especially the ones that hang on my wall. whether they are re-issues or actual vintage (I would recommend the re-issue for the simple reason that manufacturing is way better than 70 years ago from the quality of wood to the tools they use to build them) they sound great right out of the case and only sound better with time. Even the more basic models age like wine if you have a good luthier and know how to keep them happy. I was lucky enough to get ahold of 2 dream guitars earlier in my life and I get to play for my kidsevery dayy, even if it is old mcdonald 75 times in a row.
I recently bought a 2006 L1 bourbon burst with an ebony fretboard. De-griming the fretboard and a rubbing an eraser over the frets seemed to make it happy and it began singing. It wakes me up to play like a puppy. It makes me late for work.
I got ahold of a 000 size Lag 2 years ago. After about a month I sold all the full body acoustics I had and have no plans go back. Thin small body, great sound. No awkward playing positions.
I wish I can afford an old Gibson Hummingbird but I'm happy with the one I have it's an Epiphone inspired by Gibson one but it still sounds great and plays great
I recently bought a 62' Gibson J-45 and it like nothing else I have every owned. There's a little bit of magic in there, like these guys say, "Get One"!
Long about 1980, or possibly '81, I was in a small shop (Ray Muffet's) in Providence, RI. In my hands I had the sweetest sounding parlor-sized guitar (vintage Gibson) I'd ever heard or played. And I'd already owned a couple of triple-O and double-O Martins. I think the asking price was around 200 USD - which seemed to be a steal. When I put all my busking-monies together from that week, it came to just about that (I was homeless, at the time, and it was all I had). But I was nearly powerless over that guitar. At the very moment I was about to cave and buy the damned thing, I heard the tinkling of the bells above the rickety front door, and in walked the greatest blues/R&R guitarist I'd ever known, a man by the name of Riley Hayford, who just happened to be a friend of mine. I said, "Riley, please, please talk me out of buying this guitar." Without saying a word or even attempting to play it, he spun it around and began pointing out all the probable reasons that it was available for 200 USD. A cracked top, passing through the bridge, which was slowly lifting along the bottom edge, along with some discrepancies with the neck joint, and a few other significant odds and ends. As if by magic, the spell had been broken. I was able to put the guitar back on the stand and leave the store - _and_ have dinner that evening. But I have never forgotten that day, nor how unbelievably other-worldly that guitar both played and sounded. Having owned a number of top-shelf vintage Martins and a couple of modern-day Gibsons, over the years, I get the "intangibles" that vintage Gibson acoustics often bring to the table. It is as if they become imbued with every player that ever touched them. I'm not claiming that I'd stumbled across one of Robert Johnson's L1s, or anything like that. But in the years since, I've sometimes wondered.
I traded a ‘62 Gretsch Peppermint Twist Corvette for a beat-up ‘56 Gibson J-50. It needed lots of repairs , most of which I did. A luthier will now mount the bridge I made and cut the saddle slot. I once had an amazing ‘63 Hummingbird. I sold it out of financial need. I love Gibsons so much I named my dog Gibson.
I have a largely original 1956 Gibson J45. It was my grandpas guitar for the majority of his life, and is one of my most prized possessions. It was kinda eye opening to hear someone talk about the "Deadness" of these guitars. There is something about the sound, that maybe at very first pluck almost leaves something to be desired. A dull, woody sound at times, especially when playing individual notes, most noticeable on the bassier strings. I have been playing around with string brands, styles, gauges, trying to bring some brightness into those lower notes, but that mellow tone always comes back after a good break in period. However, start strumming some big chords, throw some cross picking in, sing over it, or better yet add it to a small band... The thing comes to life! It's a somewhat unique, timeless sound, filled with both music history, and in my case family history. Not to mention the thing plays amazingly, the best playing most well setup guitar in my collection despite being nearly 70 years old now, a lot of that is a thanks to my grandpas routine maintenance and the luthier he had work on it. Its quite beaten and battered, but every scratch is a memory of music played, and I hope to continue those memories for the rest of my life until its time for its next caretaker. Great video, the enthusiasm behind these vintage Gibson's is contagious and makes me even more proud to own my grandpas J45 than I already was!
Someone else put a comment in about a Yamaha. My parents gave me one in 1980 and it has aged beautifully and when you put a new set of strings on it it still sounds great. I mostly play my Taylor 912 CE at this point but I pick the Yamaha up two or three times a week. I’ve kind of turned it into a fretless wonder at this point. Lol Old (vintage) acoustics rock!
I bought a second-hand 2012 Custom Shop Hummingbird for a reasonable price and loved playing it. Then I found out it was a limited edition (#38 of 50 made) and all of a sudden I don't want to touch it. I think about selling it just so I can get a beater j-45 or another hummingbird that can just live a normal life. BTW, . It was great hearing you two play together!
It's a seller's market right now, you could get $4,000+ for it probably, but new Hummingbirds are like $3,849 + tax... And that's in Natural Finish. Just play yours.
Guitars are made to be played and heard! Nothing cooler than a really nice guitar with honest wear and tear. Nothing sadder than a case queen IMHO- Congrats on your find!
I have a d18 i love had for along time. But i just bought a Epiphone inspired by Gibson J45( I added ebony bridge pins, kluson tuners and removed the thick pickguard replace it with a smaller thinner one) It’s amazing my new best friend. I take turns on them they are so different but very cool.
There is no smell better than the old discontinued Gibson aerosol polish. Not only is it the best polish ever, but it’s the best smelling ever. I actually still have a full can that I bought in the early 2000’s because I found out it was going away. Gibson! Please bring it back!!!!
My HB , bought new in the late 60 s , benefited from removing the adjustable saddle (mine was rosewood of all things) . Mine also has the narrow nut width which was great to learn to play on but less useful for fingerpicking. The aging of the top over 50 plus years has significantly increased the warmth and sustain.
When I was shopping for an acoustic in 2015 I tried a ton but one day I picked up a Gibson j15 that was just magic. I bought it on the spot and have used it since. I’ve tried over 5 other j15s and none of them feel or sound as good as mine. I really got lucky finding a gem. It’s my go to when recording.
My first good guitar was a new Gibson Dove in 1972. It was a beautiful guitar, but I ended up trading it on an LP Custom, which was also traded away. My next acoustic was '74 D-35 and I had that one until I sold it because I needed cash around '86. I carried that guitar everywhere. In the intervening years, I acquired my dad's '74 Guild F-20 and it's a terrific concert sized sized guitar. I didn't have another new acoustic until 2018. I bought an NOS 2014 Gibson J-29 for roughly a 42% discount. It ticks all the boxes for me in an acoustic. It has the J-45 body with '30s style bracing, and rosewood sides and back. Plus, the Gibson 24 3/4" scale. I love the deeper sound of the rosewood body vs mahogany or walnut (too bright, that one.) I'm a Gibson acoustic owner from now on.
"Weirdly dead." That's it! Those old Gibsons have an inherent, muffled "thumping" sound across not just the bass, but even across the mid and treble registers. It's kind of like putting an old wool blanket atop an amplifier. Personally, it's not my favorite sound, but for some genres -- blues and traditional country, it works nicely.
I used to have a Takamine 12 string and that guitar sounded amazing, but I’m all in on my tele/ Marshall combination. I’m a rock’n roll zombie, it’s too late for me. 🎸
I have a 1993 Gibson J-30 - had it since it was new. Not nearly as vintage as these two, but It has always been a magical guitar. Had a luthier freshen up the frets and setup about a year ago. He was impressed with it. It has some tasteful checking - natural play wear, but I have taken care of it too. Neck is wonderful - comfortable and straight. Neck angle is still perfect. I swear it hasn't moved. My experience with Martin's is they aren't as stable - not knocking Martin's but I prefer Gibson's. Thinking about finding a Gibson 12 string to add to the arsenal.
Oh, I would love a Vintage Gibson acoustic, there’s no doubt about it. The problem is, I’m 22, just out of college (no student debt), so for now affording one of those treasures is just a dream. Maybe in the future.
Buy an older Bozeman Gibson. You are young. A 15 year old guitar will be heading into vintage on your lap faster than you realize. I wish I would have held onto that almost new '74 telecaster i had when i was a kid.
Till just about a year ago I owned a 1974 J45 Deluxe in heritage cherry sunburst, so it essentially looked like a Hummingbird without the bird on the pickguard because the Deluxe model had square shoulders. Even though from the much maligned Norlin era of Gibson ownership it was a wonderful sounding and playing guitar. Unfortunately it had the simulated tortoise shell binding that started to crack and decompose about 10 years ago. No local repair person wanted to work on it. So I sent it to Gibson and they said it was covered by the warranty but was too costly to repair. But instead they offered me a new standard J45. I accepted that but I miss my 74. It was a beauty and sounded wonderful. Old wood makes a bit of difference I think.
60s gibson acoustics and pre 1955 models are different animals. The straight bracing and laminated bridge plates of the 60s cant do what the earlier ones can. But there are still some good fun ones. Most of the classic James Taylor was on his 60's j50.
I've got a '65 Country Western and it is spectacular. It's also the lightest guitar I"ve ever picked up. It feels like a feather but sounds so full. Mine is the only one I've seen with a black pickguard. All other pics/videos I can find have tortois pickguards.
You are so right, Mid-late 50's to mid to late 60's Gibson acoustics are just magical. I have a 64 J-45 and its Sooo amazingly Great. Now 70's Gibson acoustics are just the opposite CRAP OMG the difference is amazing, I would love to know what they did to make the 70's acoustics Sooo Sooo Bad ?
The bracing are sturdier. The bridge plate is way bigger. You can check the Folkway Music channel. They go over the differences. They are an outstanding shop with excellent luthiers. You can change the bridge plate in a 70s Gibson. According to the folks at Folkway, it improves dramatically the sound of the guitar. I’ve tried one 70s SJ. It had an interesting character, but nothing compared to the 40s, 50s & 60s gibson guitars. I ended up not buying it.
Hey Bax and Jon, Keep stomping out your stuff. I have been enjoying it when I have moments to stay in touch with your series. I have a 1964 Gibson J-50 ADJ, which had the bridge removed for a fixed bridge by a master luthier. For acoustics though, I am spoiled; however, a lifetime that right moments have presented me, and more importantly with dough in the back pocket, has allowed me to gather a few things. I have a Guild D-35 ('72), and Martins D-12/20 ('71) & D-18 ('68). But, the J-50 was my forever guitar, and not the J-45... which is the same beast. I wanted the clear top... I guess it's the Tom Petty and Bob Dylan influence more than the Bruce Springsteen deal, I guess. I held out for the J-50, too; the local vintage shop, with the master luthier, that deals in beautiful stuff had it returned for consignment and I got a call. Voilà, about 9 years ago. For those wondering, like Baxter says, it is the first guitar all of my buddies head to when they come to my studio. I feel like strumming it is like sliding a warm knife through soft butter, and it is my main acoustic gigging guitar. It has a wicked action, no buzz, and the lead playability and tone electrically is as good as it gets. (LR Baggs M-80 is in the sound hole. I tried the M-1 in the hole. But, it was too sensitive as this thing wants to resonate forever.) All around, she is a beautiful guitar to play, to hear, and to admire. I feel very lucky to be her custodian for many years to come. Thanks Guys.
I just acquired what I believe is a 1964 Gibson SJ. A dream of a guitar! The neck is the most comfortable necks I have ever played. Would love to learn more history about it!!!
And then you try a Carbon Fiber guitar and realize they sound as good or better and don’t cost near as much. Plus, you can take them anywhere and not have the worry of moisture, or any of the things you worry about with a vintage wood guitar…As you may have guessed, I don’t care if it’s vintage or Gibson. It just has to sound great and play good. I think the only thing magical about them is your imagination of the value going up the longer you keep them…LOL..
My grandfather gave me his 1961 Gibson LG-1. I’ve had to re fret it, it’s got a crack in the top I’ve repaired a couple times, but every time someone plays it they get this look on their face like, “oh yeah this is what a vintage guitar is.” It just has a thing.
I have a copy of a Gibson Dove from the 70s and even it sounds pretty spectacular. It's basically a Dove in everything but the name. It reminds me a lot of the lawsuit era guitars. Guitars that have had time to age just sound better. One of my friends has a vintage Gibson J-45 and our guitars go really well together. I would get a Gibson Dove if I could, but what I have will do for now. My guitar is from 1979 and my grandmother played it a lot for gospel music back in the day. It even has a chord chart taped on the side that I left on it. It's faded and isn't readable anymore, but it's as much a part of the guitar now as anything else.
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What I really like about this video (and this channel) is the fact they are talking about a guitar they probably don’t have in stock or will struggle to get. It is easy to come on RUclips and talk about an in-stock guitar. All in-stock guitars are great when you sell guitars for a living. Love to see these guys excited about guitars just because they are great guitars.
Thanks, David. We just love good guitars. We appreciate you watching!
Ya, there is something magical in a vintage Gibson acoustic.
I have a 1957 Gibson J45, nothing else sounds like it. Beautiful guitar.
Speaking for the J-45, the "workhorse". I have one. Not the greatest for finger-picking, but no better guitar to strum and sing over. It has a very tight mid-range that manages to complement even soft singers who struggle a bit with projecting. Especially great for singers with spoken-lyrical styles (think Bob Dylan "Don't Think Twice") which is the cohort that made the J-45 famous.... It can't do what a Martin D18 or D28 does for flat-picking, but a Martin D18 or D28 requires a real strong vocalist to project over its boom. When you get to a point where you start to view them in terms of "tools in the toolbox" instead of some linear scale of bad to great you understand. Sadly, most players think on the linear scale. They try a J-45 next to a good Martin in the showroom. The Martin's projection and sustain dominates and they think "wow, this is a much better guitar" without any context for the performance scenarios where the J-45 will outshine it. Think I'm wrong? Do this- get a TASCAM or ZOOM high quality digital recorder. Take it the showroom on an empty day, pick 2-3 songs you like to play and sing. Record yourself with a J-45 and then with a Martin or Taylor or whatever. Listen back and you'll hear the J-45 doing its magic.
I have a j-45, Martin d-35 and hd-28. The j-45 is just something different than the martins. The shorter scale length on the j-45 is very comfortable to play. I love all three guitars and each has it's own sound but if I'm just plunking around I like the Gibson,.
What year is you j45 ?
@@benallmark9671 2001
@@benallmark9671 fairly new 2020
What year is yours? I have a ‘56 J-50 that puts my buddy’s D-28s to shame.
I’m a Martin guy but I played a 65 Hummingbird that unfortunately I didn’t have money to buy at the time and it was the best guitar I’ve ever played, something about that one was very special. It made every guitar I’ve played since then sound just okay and it haunts me every day.
oddly when i first moved to london and tried the music shops i picked up, but didn't buy, an epiphone of some kind that had "the magic neck" felt really good, that's stuck in my mind for forty years or more, weird eh.
I’ve always been a Martin guy and yes, it’s ok to love others too. Got myself a custom shop 60s bird, and never regretted it. Love both my HD28E retro and the CS 60s Bird.
i hear ya- i still think about this 1959 original Arcangel Fernandez i made a private recording- - i took it for granted- years later- the recording haunts me- like i missed my shot at being a famous musician- and now I can't turn time back- no one can- i can't afford 15,000 - no one can. ..but other great instruments came into my life since...so I realize its a trade off- .. we make space for something new - but we also have to let go of something to keep the balance- usually
I have a 1967 Gibson b-45 12 string and it looks beautiful and sounds amazing. Very resonant and clear sounding plus it feel great on the hands. Def recommend a vintage Gibson to everyone.
My local shop owner has a 1949 Southern Jumbo and he lets people play it. It’s beat to hell but it’s magical. It’s been over a year since I’ve played it and I still have dreams about it
I have a Hummingbird. It was my bucket list acoustic and I finally got one at a killer deal that I couldn't pass up. Great guitar.
I own a 1949 Gibson LG-2 It sounds fantastic, especially for finger picking. I also have a 1964 Hummingbird and a 1952 J45 that are at the luthier. Not sure yet how they truly sound. They were in pretty bad shape when I got them. But you could tell that they had potential. Can’t wait to get them back.
That old straight mid punch of a classic Gibson. The Gibson Hummingbird is the prettiest acoustic guitar ever made in my opinion, followed by a Gibson J200.
Guys, this video made me smile a lot. I’ve had two items on my bucket list for a long time. One was an original Kenner AT-AT from the 80s and the other was a semi-vintage J-45. Thanks to eBay, I’ve managed to score both in this past year so I’m a happy boy. Keep up the good work gentlemen. Thank you.
Some beautiful sounds coming from those boxes, gentlemen. Love the old Gibson acoustics - aesthetically and sonically.
Great video guys, love the old Gibson acoustics. Especially the Hummingbird, I instantly think of our man Keith Richards, ‘nuff said.🎧
Thank you so much for a great channel....your guitar outro was simply spectacular!
Thank you for doing this...I love Gibson acoustics - I have 2 vintage ones - a '46 LG-2 and a mid-50s L-50 (archtop), both family heirlooms that were handed down to me...What I love about good Gibson acoustics is that they never just sound "polite" - there is always a raw quality to their sound, a little bit of grit to them, edgier than other brands...
Last February I picked up a 2004 Songwriter Deluxe...A real sleeper in the modern Gibson catalogue imo, and can be had for pretty fair prices, all things considered...Gorgeous guitar and although it is a sweet sounding instrument, it still has that Gibson bite to it...It is ageing really beautifully and already sounds "old".
I came across this clip of Jimmy Page playing a J-200 - possibly the same one he borrowed from Big Jim Sullivan and used for all the acoustic work on LZ-I - that illustrates to me what I'm trying to say about that sound...(The video is badly corrupted, but the audio still sounds pretty good)...ruclips.net/video/OmVQKFPexRk/видео.html
Thanks again for doing this and helping to counter all the tedious Gibson hate that has become so fashionable these days...
Please have more jams together on the channel! You guys are amazing.
Thanks, Eric!
I love what Don Everly said some years ago.."back in Kentucky there were Gibson and Chevy families,and there were Martin and Ford families.We were a Gibson and Chevy family"
I agree with you guys...there is nothing like the Gibson sound.I have a J-160E that was made for me in 2008,and I have a 2016 J-45. I could never be without those two flattops.I like and respect the other makers very much, but "Only A Gibson Is Good Enough". Nothing like them. And..nothing like you guys either. I enjoy all the videos.Thanks
I have a 2020 Southern Jumbo form their Original line. It’s stunning. I can’t tell you how much I love it. I’m not sure how it stacks up against the vintage ones but wow. Such a good rich sound and not to mention the how drop dead gorgeous it is in person.
When you strum a Vintage Gibson your whole body resonates.
I have a J35 reissue from 2014 - not vintage I realise but when I got it I loved that clear crisp sustain across all the strings and 7 years down the road it just keeps opening up and getting better and better. Perfect rhythm guitar.
This made me love your guys channel even more
Excellent jam to kick off the morning. Thanks
Thank you!!!
It’s rock & roll - the smell, the sound, you can’t beat it and maybe the taste too. You guys rock
I have 3 acoustics and they’re all Gibsons (J45, Hummingbird & SJ200). I find they compliment vocalists the best. I do a lot of solo acoustic shows, but also back up other singers and always get compliments on the tone.
Which one do you prefer for solo vocals as a singer songwriter?
Got my hands on a 1967 hummingbird. For $75. It was 1974 and I found it in the back room of the music department at Millsaps College with its back crushed in. I begged the department head to sell it to me and we arrived at the price. Had a new back put on it for 100 bucks. It was magical. The neck, as you said, was so easy to fret all the way up. So how does the story end? Life got real and law school wanted its tuition. Yes, I sold it to become a…Blues Lawyer😩. Not a week goes by that I don’t remember that wonderful flinty voice of that guitar. Thanks for making me sad all over again.
A 1969 Martin D-18 scratches my vintage acoustic itch... Magical things happen to acoustic tone over decades.
Got me a late fifties Southern Jumbo. Bought it ( through a mutual friend ) from an old hermit who lives in the woods in a camper, was under his bed in a case for decades. It's the perfect guitar to accompany yourself singing. Sounds just like the beginning of "Night Moves". Only acoustic I'll ever need.
That's great that you could find such a gem.
Love my 91 J200, most balanced tone I have ever heard. Ironically it is the guitar everyone asks to play.
I have a 1958 Gibson LG-O that sits in a mix perfectly and has a beautiful midrange tone. The highs are warm and the low end is pretty mellow but defined. Nothing sounds like an old guitar. Thanks for the video guys!
Taylors seem to have thin tops. I've always wanted a Martin. I found a Guild suffering in a pawn shop and rescued her. I'm very happy with my Guild.
Old Martin are just awesome. I own a few, and I can’t believe how good they sound every time I pick them up.
Zeppelin fan here too. Especially Jimmy's acoustic playing.
Thirty years ago I was a Martin devotee. As time went on, I moved away from the Martin/ rosewood back and sides to preferring mahogany back and sides. Back before the pandemic, I bought a Gibson J-35 reissue for a grand. To my ears, a Gibson slope shouldered dreadnought sounds the best. I believe that we are living in a golden age of acoustic manufacturing and there is no need except to feed your ego to deplete your bank account for a vintage guitar.
I just bought a 2018 Gibson J35, which had never been sold. I absolutely love the sound of that guitar. It sounds like classic records. Martins have that great high definition clarity but Gibsons also have a classic recorded sound we all know and love.
When visiting my father in Florida, he offered for me to take home his 1947 Southern Jumbo. The guitar is a stunner, with recently installed medium strings (vs the light) this baby is loud, perfect for bluegrass. Fantastic guitar.
Love that Hummingbird!...What a great sounding guitar, I'm extremely envious...Shorter scale, yes?
Beato has a vintage Country and Western I wouldn't mind getting my hands on too!
Have to agree. I truly enjoy playing my Taylor, but there is something magical about vintage.
I have 2 vintage Gibsons, both archtops. One is an ES 125 I got at great expense to the parish from Norman's Rare Guitars, which is a delight. The other I bought from some dude on craigslist, a circa 1942 L50 or similar. Both are spectacular, they look , feel, play and, above all, sound superb. I love them to death, haven't yet played a modern guitar that 'buzzed' me the same way. I don't know how much the mojo affects the perception - certainly it does - but for me it comes down to the total package; as my old karate instructor used to say, if it feels right it IS right.
Black 1933 L-00, been in the family since ‘36. Recent neck reset with bridge plate and saddle rebuild. Great to play, smells like history too.
I've played a 1950 Gibson Acoustic and a 1964 Gibson Hummingbird and they were amazing!
Three weeks ago I bought a new Gibson L-00 from the Gibson Garage, and though not a vintage guitar in age, it sounds like an old guitar right now. Mellow, aged, yet with a big sound for such a small guitar. It’s awesome.
I would like to hear and see you guys jam more
I have a Gibson acoustic guitar that's a prototype, serial 01. It was made for a lefty and was converted to right handed so the pick guard is on the top instead of the bottom. There's just something magical about it. When you dig into it it really blossoms like nothing else.
Thanks for watching and commenting Don't forget to hit the subscribe button for more info..consultation.....and advice...text W@sap below
Plus = +
One = 1
Eight = 8
Seven = 7
Two = 2
Two = 2
Two = 2
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Eight = 8
Zero = 0
Four = 4
Two = 2💬...
What is vintage? I think Gibson had several hot spots for really good acoustics throughout the decades. I have a 2001 J100 Xtra that might technically be vintage? It is an amazing guitar that I will never part with. The color change on the top as it has aged wonderfully is amazing, and it has its sound that is hard to replicate. Spruce top, maple back and sides, mahogany neck.
Sounds like an awesome guitar!!
I'm a proud Southern Jumbo owner. Love it.
I love the sound of a dark-ass acoustic guitar. My uncle has a Gibson Hummingbird from like 71 and it's so rad. I have a Yamaha acoustic from 76 and, while the neck is hard to play, the sound is so dark and groovy. The body feels like balsa wood at this point.
Love you’r opening duo jam …don’t stop now you two young uns ..👍😎🎸
No one near me carries Gibson acoustics so I had to order one sight unseen from the internet. Ended up going with a southern jumbo. Nicest acoustic I've ever played. Records amazingly well and it hasn't even aged yet.
Gibsons arnt the loudest with the most amazing overtones, but there is indeed something special about a good Gibson acoustic. The natural compression when strummed hard sits so great in a rock track. Something about the tone is just the best compliment for a solo singer-songwirter, it sits under the voice so well. Plus they almost always play amazing. Old ones are great, but dont overlook the 90s Montana made ones. One of the best J45s Ive ever played was a 90s made in Montana.
90’s J45 are absolutely amazing such as mine a 1997 ‘’ early J45’’ which is a canon !!
100% true lads.....i got a Dove and it seriously makes me feel like im in that Angie video where they are chillin on the edge of the stage...thats my Dove...rose and all
Where do you live and when are you out of the house?
In 1971 I bought my first good guitar, a brand new J-50. I still have it today along with 3 Martins and a bunch of others. It is heavier than the Martins and has a very different, more mellowed tone. One of the Martins is mahogany laminate, the others solid rosewood/spruce while the Gibson is mahogany/spruce. All with very different voices. For the Gibson I think of songs by James Taylor or Tom Rush. I'll keep it 'till I'm fitted for my toe tag.
I love my 39’ J35 and 58’ J200 both priceless to me and always sound better every time I play them. I’m so fortunate to have them given to me the only guitars I’ll never part with until I leave this world.
I have a 1968 Gibson Dove as well as a 1975 Martin D 35 You are right - the Martin booms with sound but the Dove is just a beautiful sound and makes me smile. It is my go to acoustic
These guys were flying high lol 😂. I love it. This is a real guitar show!
I know this is an older post.. But Yall are spot on with these guitars. I have a new 2024 Hummingbird and it's just amazing. Coming off of a couple different Martins.... D28 and D35, both were awesome but there's something about these Gibsons. They sound great but look even better.
Just bought a vintage J40 and it’s my first Gibson acoustic. It was a budget model back in the day, but it plays very well. Kalamazoo made and not very pricy for a vintage Gibson. I’m happy with it.
1933 L-00 thank you kindly from the Custom Shop. Truly magical!
I could write a whole 100-page monolog about this but I'll paraphrase.
I worked at the acoustic factory for a short while and was in final assembly buffing and final finish on git-fiddles.
While I was there picked up a 1936 j-35 historic, a 1952 j-185 historic, and a j-45 rosewood studio.
Added to my one nice guitar which was a jean' laravvee rosewood lv-03 making an heirloom collection to give to the grandkids.
Working there was awesome while it lasted. Getting to handle 100's of guitars a week, play them, set them up, and hear the first ever sounds out of a guitar. There was something about the experience that had this nostalgic magic of handling and playing everything from 45's to custom shop 1 of 1's that was really special to me personally. Some guitars jumped to life, and some were dull and clunky sounding that will open up over 5 years of playing.
The hardest part was seeing them all and not taking most of them home, and it was always a rare privilege to fully finish out and play models like the western classic, pre-war j-200, and my personal favorite the historic LG-2 (very hard to get otherwise I would own one).
Plenty of gripes about the work, but goes with the territory of factory work run by corporate companies.
A lot of "experts" will bitch about quality control, and some of those problems are very warranted (dealt with a few things myself) however I will say that every guitar has a personality from the first time you string it up IMO and a great many of them are life long instruments.
I have been playing my entire life and there is a certain love you have for an instrument when you play them every day.
That is exactly how I would describe 99% of them, and most especially the ones that hang on my wall. whether they are re-issues or actual vintage (I would recommend the re-issue for the simple reason that manufacturing is way better than 70 years ago from the quality of wood to the tools they use to build them) they sound great right out of the case and only sound better with time.
Even the more basic models age like wine if you have a good luthier and know how to keep them happy.
I was lucky enough to get ahold of 2 dream guitars earlier in my life and I get to play for my kidsevery dayy, even if it is old mcdonald 75 times in a row.
I recently bought a 2006 L1 bourbon burst with an ebony fretboard. De-griming the fretboard and a rubbing an eraser over the frets seemed to make it happy and it began singing. It wakes me up to play like a puppy. It makes me late for work.
Just bought an aged-top custom shop Hummingbird a few days ago. I'm obsessed. Turns out I bought it on Keef's birthday! A good sign. :)
Always enjoy listening to you two😁
I got ahold of a 000 size Lag 2 years ago. After about a month I sold all the full body acoustics I had and have no plans go back. Thin small body, great sound. No awkward playing positions.
I wish I can afford an old Gibson Hummingbird but I'm happy with the one I have it's an Epiphone inspired by Gibson one but it still sounds great and plays great
More jamming like that, please!
I recently bought a 62' Gibson J-45 and it like nothing else I have every owned. There's a little bit of magic in there, like these guys say, "Get One"!
Tasty little ditty at the end👍
That first 15 seconds reminds me of every time I walk into a Guitar Center.
😂
Am I jealous? Noooo...not at all. I'm still drooling.... Nice jam!
There’s a song in there… 🤔
“Whole lotta drooling going on!!!”
63mint SJ - plastic bridge. Never going to change it unless it breaks. What a guitar. Dark burst as well.
Long about 1980, or possibly '81, I was in a small shop (Ray Muffet's) in Providence, RI. In my hands I had the sweetest sounding parlor-sized guitar (vintage Gibson) I'd ever heard or played. And I'd already owned a couple of triple-O and double-O Martins. I think the asking price was around 200 USD - which seemed to be a steal. When I put all my busking-monies together from that week, it came to just about that (I was homeless, at the time, and it was all I had). But I was nearly powerless over that guitar.
At the very moment I was about to cave and buy the damned thing, I heard the tinkling of the bells above the rickety front door, and in walked the greatest blues/R&R guitarist I'd ever known, a man by the name of Riley Hayford, who just happened to be a friend of mine. I said, "Riley, please, please talk me out of buying this guitar." Without saying a word or even attempting to play it, he spun it around and began pointing out all the probable reasons that it was available for 200 USD. A cracked top, passing through the bridge, which was slowly lifting along the bottom edge, along with some discrepancies with the neck joint, and a few other significant odds and ends.
As if by magic, the spell had been broken. I was able to put the guitar back on the stand and leave the store - _and_ have dinner that evening. But I have never forgotten that day, nor how unbelievably other-worldly that guitar both played and sounded. Having owned a number of top-shelf vintage Martins and a couple of modern-day Gibsons, over the years, I get the "intangibles" that vintage Gibson acoustics often bring to the table. It is as if they become imbued with every player that ever touched them. I'm not claiming that I'd stumbled across one of Robert Johnson's L1s, or anything like that. But in the years since, I've sometimes wondered.
I traded a ‘62 Gretsch Peppermint Twist Corvette for a beat-up ‘56 Gibson J-50. It needed lots of repairs , most of which I did. A luthier will now mount the bridge I made and cut the saddle slot. I once had an amazing ‘63 Hummingbird. I sold it out of financial need. I love Gibsons so much I named my dog Gibson.
I have a largely original 1956 Gibson J45. It was my grandpas guitar for the majority of his life, and is one of my most prized possessions. It was kinda eye opening to hear someone talk about the "Deadness" of these guitars. There is something about the sound, that maybe at very first pluck almost leaves something to be desired. A dull, woody sound at times, especially when playing individual notes, most noticeable on the bassier strings. I have been playing around with string brands, styles, gauges, trying to bring some brightness into those lower notes, but that mellow tone always comes back after a good break in period. However, start strumming some big chords, throw some cross picking in, sing over it, or better yet add it to a small band... The thing comes to life! It's a somewhat unique, timeless sound, filled with both music history, and in my case family history. Not to mention the thing plays amazingly, the best playing most well setup guitar in my collection despite being nearly 70 years old now, a lot of that is a thanks to my grandpas routine maintenance and the luthier he had work on it. Its quite beaten and battered, but every scratch is a memory of music played, and I hope to continue those memories for the rest of my life until its time for its next caretaker. Great video, the enthusiasm behind these vintage Gibson's is contagious and makes me even more proud to own my grandpas J45 than I already was!
My dad bought me a '65 Gibson LGO for my 1st guitar. It cost more than he made a week at the time. Still have it!!
gotta love your pop for that.
Someone else put a comment in about a Yamaha. My parents gave me one in 1980 and it has aged beautifully and when you put a new set of strings on it it still sounds great. I mostly play my Taylor 912 CE at this point but I pick the Yamaha up two or three times a week. I’ve kind of turned it into a fretless wonder at this point. Lol
Old (vintage) acoustics rock!
I bought a second-hand 2012 Custom Shop Hummingbird for a reasonable price and loved playing it. Then I found out it was a limited edition (#38 of 50 made) and all of a sudden I don't want to touch it. I think about selling it just so I can get a beater j-45 or another hummingbird that can just live a normal life. BTW, . It was great hearing you two play together!
It's a seller's market right now, you could get $4,000+ for it probably, but new Hummingbirds are like $3,849 + tax... And that's in Natural Finish. Just play yours.
Guitars are made to be played and heard! Nothing cooler than a really nice guitar with honest wear and tear.
Nothing sadder than a case queen IMHO- Congrats on your find!
1972 gibson b-20 small body acoustic. still sounds great, got it at Manny's with my dad.
I love this channel, you guys crack me up.
I have a 64 Gibson J-50 that I bought used in 1969. I love it, it's my go-to, and I will never sell it.
Always wanted both of those guitars. But the ones I tried to get never worked out. I ended up with a Clean 65 Gibson dove and I absolutely love it
I have a d18 i love had for along time. But i just bought a Epiphone inspired by Gibson J45( I added ebony bridge pins, kluson tuners and removed the thick pickguard replace it with a smaller thinner one) It’s amazing my new best friend. I take turns on them they are so different but very cool.
There is no smell better than the old discontinued Gibson aerosol polish.
Not only is it the best polish ever, but it’s the best smelling ever.
I actually still have a full can that I bought in the early 2000’s because I found out it was going away.
Gibson! Please bring it back!!!!
My HB , bought new in the late 60 s , benefited from removing the adjustable saddle (mine was rosewood of all things) . Mine also has the narrow nut width which was great to learn to play on but less useful for fingerpicking. The aging of the top over 50 plus years has significantly increased the warmth and sustain.
When I was shopping for an acoustic in 2015 I tried a ton but one day I picked up a Gibson j15 that was just magic. I bought it on the spot and have used it since. I’ve tried over 5 other j15s and none of them feel or sound as good as mine. I really got lucky finding a gem. It’s my go to when recording.
My first good guitar was a new Gibson Dove in 1972. It was a beautiful guitar, but I ended up trading it on an LP Custom, which was also traded away. My next acoustic was '74 D-35 and I had that one until I sold it because I needed cash around '86. I carried that guitar everywhere.
In the intervening years, I acquired my dad's '74 Guild F-20 and it's a terrific concert sized sized guitar.
I didn't have another new acoustic until 2018. I bought an NOS 2014 Gibson J-29 for roughly a 42% discount. It ticks all the boxes for me in an acoustic. It has the J-45 body with '30s style bracing, and rosewood sides and back. Plus, the Gibson 24 3/4" scale. I love the deeper sound of the rosewood body vs mahogany or walnut (too bright, that one.)
I'm a Gibson acoustic owner from now on.
"Weirdly dead." That's it! Those old Gibsons have an inherent, muffled "thumping" sound across not just the bass, but even across the mid and treble registers. It's kind of like putting an old wool blanket atop an amplifier. Personally, it's not my favorite sound, but for some genres -- blues and traditional country, it works nicely.
I love mine- but thats a great description bits like bourbon.
I used to have a Takamine 12 string and that guitar sounded amazing, but I’m all in on my tele/ Marshall combination. I’m a rock’n roll zombie, it’s too late for me. 🎸
@@thedude7726 Nice. I sold mine to a pawn shop so I could get to Vancouver and see a U2 concert. I regret nothing. 🎸
@@thedude7726 Well, at least the guitar is good news. 🎸
I have a 1993 Gibson J-30 - had it since it was new. Not nearly as vintage as these two, but It has always been a magical guitar. Had a luthier freshen up the frets and setup about a year ago. He was impressed with it. It has some tasteful checking - natural play wear, but I have taken care of it too. Neck is wonderful - comfortable and straight. Neck angle is still perfect. I swear it hasn't moved. My experience with Martin's is they aren't as stable - not knocking Martin's but I prefer Gibson's. Thinking about finding a Gibson 12 string to add to the arsenal.
Oh, I would love a Vintage Gibson acoustic, there’s no doubt about it. The problem is, I’m 22, just out of college (no student debt), so for now affording one of those treasures is just a dream. Maybe in the future.
Patience, don't hesitate when you see your lifer. Don't be turned off if it needs work, it's usually why it is for sale.
Buy an older Bozeman Gibson. You are young. A 15 year old guitar will be heading into vintage on your lap faster than you realize. I wish I would have held onto that almost new '74 telecaster i had when i was a kid.
Till just about a year ago I owned a 1974 J45 Deluxe in heritage cherry sunburst, so it essentially looked like a Hummingbird without the bird on the pickguard because the Deluxe model had square shoulders. Even though from the much maligned Norlin era of Gibson ownership it was a wonderful sounding and playing guitar. Unfortunately it had the simulated tortoise shell binding that started to crack and decompose about 10 years ago. No local repair person wanted to work on it. So I sent it to Gibson and they said it was covered by the warranty but was too costly to repair. But instead they offered me a new standard J45. I accepted that but I miss my 74. It was a beauty and sounded wonderful. Old wood makes a bit of difference I think.
I agree 100% with the Taylor polish. I clean my guitars even though they don’t need it.
60s gibson acoustics and pre 1955 models are different animals. The straight bracing and laminated bridge plates of the 60s cant do what the earlier ones can. But there are still some good fun ones. Most of the classic James Taylor was on his 60's j50.
I've got a '65 Country Western and it is spectacular. It's also the lightest guitar I"ve ever picked up. It feels like a feather but sounds so full. Mine is the only one I've seen with a black pickguard. All other pics/videos I can find have tortois pickguards.
I have a 1946 LG-2. Sweetest sounding Box ever
You are so right, Mid-late 50's to mid to late 60's Gibson acoustics are just magical. I have a 64 J-45 and its Sooo amazingly Great. Now 70's Gibson acoustics are just the opposite CRAP OMG the difference is amazing, I would love to know what they did to make the 70's acoustics Sooo Sooo Bad ?
The bracing are sturdier. The bridge plate is way bigger. You can check the Folkway Music channel. They go over the differences. They are an outstanding shop with excellent luthiers.
You can change the bridge plate in a 70s Gibson. According to the folks at Folkway, it improves dramatically the sound of the guitar.
I’ve tried one 70s SJ. It had an interesting character, but nothing compared to the 40s, 50s & 60s gibson guitars. I ended up not buying it.
Hey Bax and Jon,
Keep stomping out your stuff. I have been enjoying it when I have moments to stay in touch with your series.
I have a 1964 Gibson J-50 ADJ, which had the bridge removed for a fixed bridge by a master luthier. For acoustics though, I am spoiled; however, a lifetime that right moments have presented me, and more importantly with dough in the back pocket, has allowed me to gather a few things. I have a Guild D-35 ('72), and Martins D-12/20 ('71) & D-18 ('68). But, the J-50 was my forever guitar, and not the J-45... which is the same beast. I wanted the clear top... I guess it's the Tom Petty and Bob Dylan influence more than the Bruce Springsteen deal, I guess.
I held out for the J-50, too; the local vintage shop, with the master luthier, that deals in beautiful stuff had it returned for consignment and I got a call. Voilà, about 9 years ago.
For those wondering, like Baxter says, it is the first guitar all of my buddies head to when they come to my studio.
I feel like strumming it is like sliding a warm knife through soft butter, and it is my main acoustic gigging guitar. It has a wicked action, no buzz, and the lead playability and tone electrically is as good as it gets. (LR Baggs M-80 is in the sound hole. I tried the M-1 in the hole. But, it was too sensitive as this thing wants to resonate forever.) All around, she is a beautiful guitar to play, to hear, and to admire. I feel very lucky to be her custodian for many years to come.
Thanks Guys.
I just acquired what I believe is a 1964 Gibson SJ. A dream of a guitar! The neck is the most comfortable necks I have ever played. Would love to learn more history about it!!!
Yes! More of this! You guys’ sound great together! Electric next…
And then you try a Carbon Fiber guitar and realize they sound as good or better and don’t cost near as much. Plus, you can take them anywhere and not have the worry of moisture, or any of the things you worry about with a vintage wood guitar…As you may have guessed, I don’t care if it’s vintage or Gibson. It just has to sound great and play good. I think the only thing magical about them is your imagination of the value going up the longer you keep them…LOL..
Excellent episode.
My favorite part is when they let the guitars do the talking at the end.
The great guitarist Leo Kottke, who usually plays a 12 string!, did an album called Guitar Music, all played on a Gibson J45. Sounds fantastic.
My grandfather gave me his 1961 Gibson LG-1. I’ve had to re fret it, it’s got a crack in the top I’ve repaired a couple times, but every time someone plays it they get this look on their face like, “oh yeah this is what a vintage guitar is.” It just has a thing.
I have a copy of a Gibson Dove from the 70s and even it sounds pretty spectacular. It's basically a Dove in everything but the name. It reminds me a lot of the lawsuit era guitars. Guitars that have had time to age just sound better. One of my friends has a vintage Gibson J-45 and our guitars go really well together. I would get a Gibson Dove if I could, but what I have will do for now. My guitar is from 1979 and my grandmother played it a lot for gospel music back in the day. It even has a chord chart taped on the side that I left on it. It's faded and isn't readable anymore, but it's as much a part of the guitar now as anything else.
awesome jam, fellas! Both sounded amazing. come on lottery! myehhh... LOL!