Does Anyone Here Actually Prefer The Gibson G-45 Over The J-45

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You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browser. Does anyone here actually prefer the Gibson G-45 over the J-45

• Thread starter zcostilla
• Start date Jul 2, 2020
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zcostilla

Member

Joined Jul 21, 2014 Messages 221 Reaction score 202 So I’m in the market for an acoustic. I’ve had my heart set on a J-45 for a couple of years, but the G-45 studio is a lot closer to my budget. I got to play one today and really liked the way it felt and the balanced sound. I only wish the store had a J-45 to do a side by side comparison. So can anyone with experience with both guitars weigh in? M

Member 37136

I was able to A/B them a couple of months ago. I liked the neck carve (and the rosewood fretboard) on the J-45 better, and I preferred the tone of mahogany over walnut (on the two I compared). The G-45 Studio was a little bright, but it's a fine instrument and was very comfortable to play. If your budget allows it, throw a G-45 Standard and a J-15 Standard into the mix, as well.

Timcito

Member

Joined May 2, 2012 Messages 10,326 Reaction score 15,639 Location Miami Have you played the J-45? Perhaps they work better for strumming, but as a fingerpicker, I've found the ones I've tried to be pretty dull-sounding.

burton56

Member

Joined Feb 6, 2019 Messages 1,183 Reaction score 3,868 I recently went with a J45 Standard after trying out the G45 Studio first. My impressions: -I thought I would like the satin finish on the G45, but the gloss felt better on the J45. -The mini Grovers on the G45 were rather hard to tune with. They were very hard to turn. The regular sized Grovers on the J45 are better. -Overall, the J45 just felt and sounded better. The G45 was bright, the J45 was warm. I know those are guitar buzzwords, but the difference was apparent. -For me it came down to that in a year I imagined looking back, and I know I would be happier springing for the J45 over the G45. The G45 is a fine guitar though. But the J45 is classic. That being said, maybe I fell for the marketing, but life is short. R

Route67

Member

Joined Feb 26, 2017 Messages 1,250 Reaction score 1,261 Sometimes innocence is bliss - you immediately like a guitar in shop, while there will be others you haven’t been able to try that would surpass it in certain areas, but the wholesome, organic bond between player and instrument should be seized in this age of almost too many choices. I have yet to try a G-45 Studio, but I’m interested in this model due to its walnut fingerboard and bridge, satin finish and 4” depth of soundbox at the endpin (more punchy). In the walnut camp I have tried a good example of a J-15 and can say a good J-45 has more warmth and tonal complexity going on under the hood, but I think there is something to be said in favour of a slightly more direct fundamental tone that doesn’t get in the way of musical execution.

zcostilla

Member

Joined Jul 21, 2014 Messages 221 Reaction score 202 Another guitar to throw into the mix... Just saw an ad for the WM-45. Guess I need to practice my google-fu and do some sleuthing.

Frozen Rat

Member

Joined Jul 31, 2015 Messages 2,446 Reaction score 3,049 Location California Just to steer things in another direction, isn't the body on the G45 less deep than on the J-45? R

Route67

Member

Joined Feb 26, 2017 Messages 1,250 Reaction score 1,261

Frozen Rat said: Just to steer things in another direction, isn't the body on the G45 less deep than on the J-45? Click to expand...

Yes - from what I understand, both the G-45 Studio and G-45 Standard (and J-45 Studio) all have walnut back & sides and share the same depth at endpin of 4”, equal to the Martin 000 and 0000 - so its a significant reduction in body size from the jumbo J-45 (and J-15). This measured specification of soundbox depth is not widely circulated, but it should be. It should provide some relief for those with tired shoulders and be well suited to amplification and more direct in projection. The G-45 comes with a Gibson hardshell case which has been widely lauded (the same price tier MIM Martins generally include a gig bag). Last edited: Jul 4, 2020

BigPapiFan

Gold Supporting Member Joined May 16, 2007 Messages 3,872 Reaction score 3,726 Location Albany, NY FWIW, I just bought a J-45 Studio Walnut that I like a lot!

zcostilla

Member

Joined Jul 21, 2014 Messages 221 Reaction score 202 I think I’m going to look for a W45. Everything I see seems to be the middle ground between the J45 and the G45. I think the extra full depth of the J45 body gives it a deaper sound, while the walnut back and sides give it a little more clarity and punch. Last edited: Jul 8, 2020 T

tycobb73

Member

Joined Apr 11, 2013 Messages 1,718 Reaction score 2,198

zcostilla said: I think I’m going to look for a W45. Everything I see seems to be the middle ground between the J45 and the G45. I think the extra full depth of the J45 body gives it a deaper sound, while the walnut back and sides give it a little more clarity and punch. Click to expand...

look for a j15 as well. I love mine. Play it more than my d18.

zcostilla

Member

Joined Jul 21, 2014 Messages 221 Reaction score 202 Just saw an article on Taylor’s new guitar “The American Dream”. Looks intriguing. Just really prefer the 24.75” scale length.

zcostilla

Member

Joined Jul 21, 2014 Messages 221 Reaction score 202 I think I’m going in a different direction. Found an Alvarez Yairi Bob Weir with a cedar top at local guitar shop. It’s mellow sounding, with less grit and a lot more clarity than a J45. It’s a little less low end than a J15, but not much, and it sounds amazing when fingerpicked, even if the Gibby is more throaty when strummed. Just need to sell my flamenco guitar to help pay for it. Last edited: Jul 13, 2020 Z

zombywoof

Member

Joined Jun 22, 2006 Messages 5,600 Reaction score 2,009

Timcito said: Have you played the J-45? Perhaps they work better for strumming, but as a fingerpicker, I've found the ones I've tried to be pretty dull-sounding. Click to expand...

Shhh. Don't tell Lightnin,' Jorma or Ralph McTell.

Timcito

Member

Joined May 2, 2012 Messages 10,326 Reaction score 15,639 Location Miami

zombywoof said: Shhh. Don't tell Lightnin,' Jorma or Ralph McTell. Click to expand...

Ha ha! Neither of whom are well noted for their lush ringing tones! You must log in or register to reply here. Share: Facebook X (Twitter) Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link

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