Interestingly, I was introduced to the J45 a couple of decades ago,. Yes, I am that old. I was starting up a collaboration with a friend from college. When he pulled out his J45 and started strumming a few chords, I was smitten. That was a sound of quality! Being a lefty I never thought I could play one,much own one. I have then since have discovered other quality guitars and they do make lefty guitars. First was a lower rung Takamine in 1983,still have it, and have recorded and gigged with it, Now I have a 2011 Martin D-16GTL, recorded and gigged with it and STILL love that Martin tone. Recently I had the bug for that J45. I have another friend urging me to go with a Hummingbird, like his, a 1969 model. Still, in the back of my mine nagging me, was that look and sound of the J45.. When another friend got the Keb Mo edition, I started thinking more. My birthday coming up and I looked around here local and online. Been looking at a local music dealer who had a a 50s Original Sunburst J45 lefty, on display I have been eyeing it for at least 9 months. They also got a Hummingbird and a D-18 Martin w/electronics(bumping price out of my reach) in soon after the Hummingbird. I went in and played that J45 and checked it out and played it for a while. That thing was calling me! I played the others but came back to the J45. So, for my 72nd birthday, I finally became a proud owner of that fine machine and have been playing the heck of it. I still love my Martin and still strum some on the Takamine. THAT J45 sound and feel is so cool. Even with the slightly chunky neck. Its a dream... Come true...
Well Tommy I picked mine up today I had three to choose from, I took your advice and asked the store to get them all out so I could choose between them one sounded slightly brighter from the other two and It came down to the two warmer sounding ones. Love it, it’s nice to play and sounds better than anything I’ve picked up before. Cheers👍
I agree. One of my favorite quotes about the J-45 is "it's the whole orchestra", that mid-range focus on a J-45 makes it very forgiving on less than perfect rhythm playing and the way the high and low frequencies are cut a bit more it makes it easier to do a lot of dynamic vocals, especially quieter vocal parts without having to adjust your picking technique to compensate... Another thing is if you like the Martin sound, well, almost every builder out there from Yamaha to Collings are building some square shoulder dreadnaught that is based on the Martin D18 or D28. But up until about 2000 or so no one was really building good J-45 copies. Blueridge introduced the BG140 and 160 in early 2000s and in early 2010s Eastman introduced the E10SS. These were the first real quality J-45 import copies and they still didn't have that distinctive low A and low E thump sound of a real Gibson.
@@TommyZampthat E10SS is my dream guitar. I have played 5 or so of them and compared them to the J45 standard and the walnut J45 (forget the actual model) and I much prefer the E10SS. BUT, the eastman has a more modern sound where the J45 has a more classic sound. So depends on what sound you like.
I have one. It’s my favorite guitar I own right now. That’s out of a les Paul (2018) Les Paul special, p90’s (2012) Collings I35 LC, and a 1955 Les Paul Jr. the J45 is an iconic guitar, and the modern ones Gibson is making these day are out of this world good.
It wasn’t always like that, lol. The I35 LC is also a top notch instrument. I had a 1968 345 that was really good but I let it go because the Collings was just stellar. If you got the coin, I highly recommend. They ain’t cheap, I know.
Many years playing many guitars of sizes and makes, I really thought my D35 would be it. But after getting rid of my older J45 due to a chunky neck I came to realize how much I valued it. Decided to try the newer version with slimmer neck and was amazed. I found agreement with you that it is truly adaptable to the fingerpicking and moderate flat picking that I do, with a great balanced sound. Someone else is now enjoying the D35.
Just dropped off my J45. The low humidity got to it. I play it so much I don’t ever want to put it away. So I get your point. I feel good playing it. My Taylor just isn’t the same. A Hummingbird is next on my list. Great overview.
I enjoyed the video and agree with your 'take' on the ol' workhorse. I'm lucky enough to own some very nice acoustics, including Collings, Martin and Gibson. My 2012 re-issued banner era Woody Guthrie Southern Jumbo (basically just a dressed up/fancier appointed J-45) is my go to and the one that gets hauled out of a burning building 1st. It's a stunning and versatile plank of wood that compliments a singer's voice and sounds great live or recorded. Aside from its killer sound, I especially love its traditional v-neck and vintage vibe.
I keep going back and forth on which version I actually want, a brand new standard with the slim taper, the 50s with the chunkier neck, or one of the more recent banner models. This has been a nearly 25 yr pursuit for me and I'm ready to make it happen and want to make the right choice.
I just recently found out that during WWII the banner was actually to indicate that a woman made the guitar. Pretty awesome if you ask me. Obviously they’ve used the banner logo for other reissues since but that’s where it originated. Play a couple different ones and you’ll find the one that speaks to you.
Tommy I am probably going the the guitar shop tomorrow to buy this guitar. It’s important to me that I get a 2024 model and a box fresh one. Is there any advice you can give ie are all the new cases with the faux leather and black clasps, is there any small changes in looks etc in the latest issues. Cheers
Honestly I would play a couple of them. See which one feels right to you. I don’t know what the 2024 cases are like but you play the guitar not the case so don’t think too much about that. New guitar day is always a good day!
I purchased a maid in Mexico Martin guitar that cost me around $600 and it plays as nice as a $8,000 guitar. The setup was perfect in the intonation was perfect. Does it have tone woods? No. My Martin triple-o is the best. In addition, strings makes a piece of the recipe.
"Gibson is known for their exceptional build quality" ???? If you have been around guitars for a while, you know that Gibson's are, have always been, hit-and-miss. If you get a good one, they are unbeatable. But, let's be honest, you may have to test out a few before finding that one good guitar.
tone is nice. But if you play sitting down which is 98% of the time they are very uncomfortable guitars. They sit too high on the lap because not much cut out and the bell is huge. J means jumbo. Takes some time spent with it to realize it is not a very well thought out guitar. I own one.
D18 is a great guitar. Both are close in price but the J45 comes with a piezo pickup which the d18 doesn’t. Play both and pick the one that feels best to you.
I'm sure the same could be said about the acoustic line as well at one point in time but Im a big fan. Not every Gibson I play is right for me though to be honest. Just gotta play them until they speak to you.
Interestingly, I was introduced to the J45 a couple of decades ago,. Yes, I am that old. I was starting up a collaboration with a friend from college. When he pulled out his J45 and started strumming a few chords, I was smitten. That was a sound of quality! Being a lefty I never thought I could play one,much own one. I have then since have discovered other quality guitars and they do make lefty guitars. First was a lower rung Takamine in 1983,still have it, and have recorded and gigged with it, Now I have a 2011 Martin D-16GTL, recorded and gigged with it and STILL love that Martin tone. Recently I had the bug for that J45. I have another friend urging me to go with a Hummingbird, like his, a 1969 model. Still, in the back of my mine nagging me, was that look and sound of the J45.. When another friend got the Keb Mo edition, I started thinking more. My birthday coming up and I looked around here local and online. Been looking at a local music dealer who had a a 50s Original Sunburst J45 lefty, on display I have been eyeing it for at least 9 months. They also got a Hummingbird and a D-18 Martin w/electronics(bumping price out of my reach) in soon after the Hummingbird. I went in and played that J45 and checked it out and played it for a while. That thing was calling me! I played the others but came back to the J45. So, for my 72nd birthday, I finally became a proud owner of that fine machine and have been playing the heck of it. I still love my Martin and still strum some on the Takamine. THAT J45 sound and feel is so cool. Even with the slightly chunky neck. Its a dream... Come true...
That's awesome! Congrats on the guitar and thanks for the cool story!
Well Tommy I picked mine up today I had three to choose from, I took your advice and asked the store to get them all out so I could choose between them one sounded slightly brighter from the other two and It came down to the two warmer sounding ones. Love it, it’s nice to play and sounds better than anything I’ve picked up before. Cheers👍
Wow that’s awesome congratulations and welcome to the J45 club!
I agree. One of my favorite quotes about the J-45 is "it's the whole orchestra", that mid-range focus on a J-45 makes it very forgiving on less than perfect rhythm playing and the way the high and low frequencies are cut a bit more it makes it easier to do a lot of dynamic vocals, especially quieter vocal parts without having to adjust your picking technique to compensate... Another thing is if you like the Martin sound, well, almost every builder out there from Yamaha to Collings are building some square shoulder dreadnaught that is based on the Martin D18 or D28. But up until about 2000 or so no one was really building good J-45 copies. Blueridge introduced the BG140 and 160 in early 2000s and in early 2010s Eastman introduced the E10SS. These were the first real quality J-45 import copies and they still didn't have that distinctive low A and low E thump sound of a real Gibson.
Interesting! Thanks for the info, I just looked up Eastman and Id like to check out that E10ss sometime for sure.
@@TommyZampthat E10SS is my dream guitar. I have played 5 or so of them and compared them to the J45 standard and the walnut J45 (forget the actual model) and I much prefer the E10SS. BUT, the eastman has a more modern sound where the J45 has a more classic sound. So depends on what sound you like.
Yes. And the J45 sound holds up to aggressive picking.
Mine arrived yesterday 🙌🙌🎶🎶
I’m so keen to put some hours into playing and getting to know the instrument!
Thanks for the video man 😊
That’s awesome! Let me know what you think!
I have one. It’s my favorite guitar I own right now. That’s out of a les Paul (2018) Les Paul special, p90’s (2012) Collings I35 LC, and a 1955 Les Paul Jr. the J45 is an iconic guitar, and the modern ones Gibson is making these day are out of this world good.
I couldn’t agree more! That’s great and thanks for watching!
Damn, that's quite a stable of thoroughbreds; especially the Jr and I35. Been jonesing for I35 for a while now...someday
It wasn’t always like that, lol. The I35 LC is also a top notch instrument. I had a 1968 345 that was really good but I let it go because the Collings was just stellar. If you got the coin, I highly recommend. They ain’t cheap, I know.
Many years playing many guitars of sizes and makes, I really thought my D35 would be it. But after getting rid of my older J45 due to a chunky neck I came to realize how much I valued it. Decided to try the newer version with slimmer neck and was amazed. I found agreement with you that it is truly adaptable to the fingerpicking and moderate flat picking that I do, with a great balanced sound. Someone else is now enjoying the D35.
D35’s are great too! I think it comes down to the person and what feels best to them. For me it’s the J45.
Just dropped off my J45. The low humidity got to it. I play it so much I don’t ever want to put it away. So I get your point. I feel good playing it. My Taylor just isn’t the same. A Hummingbird is next on my list. Great overview.
It’s hard to put a good thing down! Hummingbirds are fantastic as well. Going to do a vid on mine soon.
I enjoyed the video and agree with your 'take' on the ol' workhorse. I'm lucky enough to own some very nice acoustics, including Collings, Martin and Gibson. My 2012 re-issued banner era Woody Guthrie Southern Jumbo (basically just a dressed up/fancier appointed J-45) is my go to and the one that gets hauled out of a burning building 1st. It's a stunning and versatile plank of wood that compliments a singer's voice and sounds great live or recorded. Aside from its killer sound, I especially love its traditional v-neck and vintage vibe.
Thats great thank you! I've heard really good things about Collings too, Ill have to check them out on day.
Nice T dude great review !
Thanks!🙏
I keep going back and forth on which version I actually want, a brand new standard with the slim taper, the 50s with the chunkier neck, or one of the more recent banner models. This has been a nearly 25 yr pursuit for me and I'm ready to make it happen and want to make the right choice.
I just recently found out that during WWII the banner was actually to indicate that a woman made the guitar. Pretty awesome if you ask me. Obviously they’ve used the banner logo for other reissues since but that’s where it originated. Play a couple different ones and you’ll find the one that speaks to you.
I decide to get one after watching your video, I believe I won’t regret.
Congrats on your new guitar!
Very good guitar. I would have bought it but the neck is too big for me so I opted for a Guild D40T 2024 and I don't regret it.
That’s a nice guitar!
great review - thank you - you get a great sound out your J-45. My experience hasn't been as good
Thank you and remember not every guitar is the same. Each one has its own unique sound. I would try a couple J45’s and see if it changes for you.
Awesome review. The J-45 is on my short list and this just put it at the top. Enjoyed the talk and discussion as well.
Awesome, thank you!
Please oh please Tommy, can we get over the hills tomorrow night at Indian Ranch! All time favorite Zep Song!
Also super excited to see y’all again tomorrow! It’s gonna be killerrrrr
Hopefully we can get to it next time!
Look forward to seeing y’all at Indian Ranch 👌🏼
Same! Love that venue🤘
What strings are you using?
Ernie ball paradigm 11-52 amzn.to/3MvwRe1
Tommy I am probably going the the guitar shop tomorrow to buy this guitar. It’s important to me that I get a 2024 model and a box fresh one. Is there any advice you can give ie are all the new cases with the faux leather and black clasps, is there any small changes in looks etc in the latest issues. Cheers
Honestly I would play a couple of them. See which one feels right to you. I don’t know what the 2024 cases are like but you play the guitar not the case so don’t think too much about that. New guitar day is always a good day!
Couldn’t agree more at 7.14👍
It’s an awesome feeling
I purchased a maid in Mexico Martin guitar that cost me around $600 and it plays as nice as a $8,000 guitar. The setup was perfect in the intonation was perfect. Does it have tone woods? No. My Martin triple-o is the best. In addition, strings makes a piece of the recipe.
That’s great! Guitars don’t need to be expensive to be incredible.
Lovely guitars - I just would prefer one with an ebony fretboard
I don’t think Gibson makes a J45 with an ebony fretboard. Or do you mean any acoustic with an ebony fretboard?
There’s no better acoustic than a Gibson. I had a ‘69 Hummingbird that sounded amazing. Still cry myself to sleep sometimes, never should have sold it
I love Martins as much as Gibson’s. I just don’t own any Martins… yet!
Is this Gibson the same acoustic you use to open Stairway?
No I use my Hummingbird for Stairway. I use my J45 on Hey Hey and Rain Song
@@TommyZamp Thank you!
I have my dad's 1942 j45 he bought during ww2
Thats very cool!
"Gibson is known for their exceptional build quality" ???? If you have been around guitars for a while, you know that Gibson's are, have always been, hit-and-miss. If you get a good one, they are unbeatable. But, let's be honest, you may have to test out a few before finding that one good guitar.
I totally agree. Gibson is a hit and miss company.
tone is nice. But if you play sitting down which is 98% of the time they are very uncomfortable guitars. They sit too high on the lap because not much cut out and the bell is huge. J means jumbo. Takes some time spent with it to realize it is not a very well thought out guitar. I own one.
Its not for everybody but it works great for me.
J45 standard is the best guitar ever made
It’s def one of my favorites
J45 or D18?
D18 is a great guitar. Both are close in price but the J45 comes with a piezo pickup which the d18 doesn’t. Play both and pick the one that feels best to you.
you will always regret not saving more for the SJ 200 standard.
Unless you already have a SJ 200
Get the LED out
I thought you looked familiar
Thanks for checking out my channel!
@@TommyZamp I just picked 1 up and a lot had to do with your review….red one
Gibson's quality has always been hit and miss. I really can't speak for their acoustic line though.
I'm sure the same could be said about the acoustic line as well at one point in time but Im a big fan. Not every Gibson I play is right for me though to be honest. Just gotta play them until they speak to you.
@TommyZamp I played a Martin d16e 16. IT REALLY SPOKE TO ME.
You playing is drowning out your talking in parts.
I’ll keep it in mind for future videos. Thanks!