I really enjoyed this comparison. All of these J45's have a voice that is special. My favorite was the Murphy, then it's a tie between the 50's and the 60's ...and the standard was no dog. Can't lose.
The Standard here is the clear winner for me. Today’s “Standard” specs are the perfect balance between tradition and functionality. They just work. And when you find a good one it’s really good. They can keep the faux vintage stuff as far as I’m concerned. Combined my 2018 Standard with a Martin OM-28 and I’m covered for all things acoustic guitar.
Great comparison. You left the non-Murphy 1942 Banner J-45 out. I like my 2019 version, and it's really opening up. It cost less than the Murphy Lab version. Thanks, Paul and Quinton.
All four sound great. My preference is for the Standard. Of course, it sounds great but just as important is its playability for my hands. I’d want the 1.72 nut width and the slim taper nick profile. Now the reality of life: I’m about done with dreads, at least for any extended playing. I’d like to see you do a comparison of the 50’s & the Nathaniel Rateliff LG-2 models and a Martin CEO-7.
Standard sounds great. Compared one recently with a D18. As much as I love Martin guitars, I probably would have taken home the J45 if money was not an issue.
You cannot go wrong with a J-45. When I bought mine 12 years ago I thought I accidentally got one of the lesser few, because it was the darkest sounding J-45 I had ever heard and it seemed to lack a bit of power because of that. It took a couple of years for that guitar to come alive. And when it did it came alive fast! I’m not lying when I say I genuinely believe my J-45 must be one of the best J-45’s out there. And it’s not just the beauty of its sound either. The action is absolutely perfect. I fell in love with my guitar from day one and through the years my love only grew stronger. As for the video, all four of them sounded like J-45’s. I’m not trying to be Captain Obvious, but I mean it as a good thing! Because with many acoustic guitars the differences between multiple examples of the same model are so big that I often wonder why they even bother giving them the same name. One thing I noticed. Last week (I think) we saw the Jimmy Page SJ-200 model. That guitar had a sixties style bridge and I don’t think I ever heard a better sounding SJ-200 before. And now again, there was something about the sixties J-45 that I particularly liked. And I think the sixties bridge plays a role in this. I liked the finish too. I already have the greatest J-45 Standard. That 60’s version would be a nice addition to my modest collection. 😊
Would like to see J45 Standard vs J45 1942 Banner vs J45 1942 Banner Murphy Lab! From what I can determine from various demos, I think I'd like the custom shop Banner's tone better than the Murphy Lab.
Also pretty big difference totally would be that the 50s have bone nut saddle, Standard has a TUSQ saddle and what Gibson lists the nut as “black” which I’m assuming is also a synthetic material. Those will also make a difference in tone between those two in addition to the differences you mentioned.
The Murphy Lab guitar is probably the most expensive (I didn't check), but the burst looks uneven. The other bursts look more even (side to side). They all sound great, but looks count.
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Just got a J45 Standard last week. Love it!!
I really enjoyed this comparison. All of these J45's have a voice that is special. My favorite was the Murphy, then it's a tie between the 50's and the 60's ...and the standard was no dog. Can't lose.
I must say that the standard seems to be most balanced.
That’s how it’s a standard. I love the standard as well. For me it’s the best version of J45.
I LOVE the adjustable bridge sound. A little extra treble ping and a little less mid-fullness.
Like them all. But most I like is the 60's so cool.
I love my 50s edition J45. If I only could keep one guitar that would be it.
The Standard here is the clear winner for me. Today’s “Standard” specs are the perfect balance between tradition and functionality. They just work. And when you find a good one it’s really good. They can keep the faux vintage stuff as far as I’m concerned. Combined my 2018 Standard with a Martin OM-28 and I’m covered for all things acoustic guitar.
Great comparison. You left the non-Murphy 1942 Banner J-45 out. I like my 2019 version, and it's really opening up. It cost less than the Murphy Lab version. Thanks, Paul and Quinton.
All four sound great. My preference is for the Standard. Of course, it sounds great but just as important is its playability for my hands. I’d want the 1.72 nut width and the slim taper nick profile.
Now the reality of life: I’m about done with dreads, at least for any extended playing. I’d like to see you do a comparison of the 50’s & the Nathaniel Rateliff LG-2 models and a Martin CEO-7.
Big fan is the 60’s one, has a certain vibe and mojo in the sound.
The difference in sound between these 4 models is as significant as the difference in sound between 2 of the same model
I like you being spontaneous… no planning!!
Standard sounds great. Compared one recently with a D18. As much as I love Martin guitars, I probably would have taken home the J45 if money was not an issue.
You cannot go wrong with a J-45. When I bought mine 12 years ago I thought I accidentally got one of the lesser few, because it was the darkest sounding J-45 I had ever heard and it seemed to lack a bit of power because of that. It took a couple of years for that guitar to come alive. And when it did it came alive fast! I’m not lying when I say I genuinely believe my J-45 must be one of the best J-45’s out there. And it’s not just the beauty of its sound either. The action is absolutely perfect. I fell in love with my guitar from day one and through the years my love only grew stronger.
As for the video, all four of them sounded like J-45’s. I’m not trying to be Captain Obvious, but I mean it as a good thing! Because with many acoustic guitars the differences between multiple examples of the same model are so big that I often wonder why they even bother giving them the same name.
One thing I noticed. Last week (I think) we saw the Jimmy Page SJ-200 model. That guitar had a sixties style bridge and I don’t think I ever heard a better sounding SJ-200 before. And now again, there was something about the sixties J-45 that I particularly liked. And I think the sixties bridge plays a role in this. I liked the finish too. I already have the greatest J-45 Standard. That 60’s version would be a nice addition to my modest collection. 😊
Would like to see J45 Standard vs J45 1942 Banner vs J45 1942 Banner Murphy Lab! From what I can determine from various demos, I think I'd like the custom shop Banner's tone better than the Murphy Lab.
Standard J45 is tough to beat by any other guitar.
Beautiful. Would love to own the red one, what a beauty.
All are a great choice but, the Standard (IMO) sounded the best in this video.
Also pretty big difference totally would be that the 50s have bone nut saddle, Standard has a TUSQ saddle and what Gibson lists the nut as “black” which I’m assuming is also a synthetic material. Those will also make a difference in tone between those two in addition to the differences you mentioned.
I wish I could afford one of each, but I just recently "settled" for a Southern Jumbo. :)
The Murphy Lab guitar is probably the most expensive (I didn't check), but the burst looks uneven. The other bursts look more even (side to side). They all sound great, but looks count.
im an owner of a standard who wants a Murphy lab, but that 60s sounds best
Murphy for me please!
Love that thump😊
Can U get one with nut with 1.575 with super artist taper ..run all the way up to body.. t you...
12 days of Christmas guitar of the dary?
60s!