Gibson J45 - Entertainment - Music

Gibson J45 True Vintage - Acoustic Guitar Review:

The first Gibson J45 was introduced back in the early 1940's and was known for its rounded shoulder shape, mustache bridge, Adirondack Spruce top, Mahogany tonewood and wonderful tone. This was a really great guitar of the era, and because of the wildly popularity of re-issue vintage guitars, Gibson decided to bring back the J45 as part of their True Vintage line of guitars.

Guitar Features: 8.0 Stars

The True Vintage version of the Gibson J45 is an acoustic guitar reproduction of the J45's that were produced by Gibson back in the early 1940's. The True Vintage models that Gibson is now producing utilize the same Mahogany back and sides, and Adirondack Red Spruce tops that they used in making the original 1940's guitars.

Gibson has decided to set-up this notable reproduction guitar with the premium quality, silky-smooth Gotoh tuners.

This guitar is nicknamed "the workhorse" because of it's simplistic beauty. This guitar will really produce all the tone and volume you could possibly need in a big-bodied acoustic guitar.

Guitar Sound Production: 7.5

Due to the use of the quality Mahogany backs and sides that are on this model, it will produce a very warm and inviting tone. The tone produced is very comparable to the Martin D-18, which is its closest competition. It still puts out a outstanding classic tone.

This is true because the experts at the Gibson have chosen to use hand scalloped top plate braces, and they also hand glue them in place. The scalloping process modifies the top tone and structural bracing in such a manner to 'tune' the bracing to enhance the guitar tone and volume characteristics.

Playing Action: 8.5

The moment that I picked up the guitar and played a few passages on it, I could tell that I loved the action. Light gauge strings would be my preference for this guitar. Also, to match my personal playing style, I would lower the strings just a touch, because I like a very low action.

Guitar Durability: 9.0

The J45 is very well constructed and is a very solid guitar. It has a good solid feel from the moment you pick it up. With the hand-placed, bracing and notable Red Spruce top you can easily place medium gauge strings on this guitar.

But you ought to never put heavy gauge strings on this or any solid wood acoustic guitar. When strumming the guitar, the sustain fades somewhat, but rather typical for a new guitar.

If you have not owned a solid wood guitar before, be aware that they are very sensitive to humidity changes. The guitar was produced in a very controlled atmosphere, and you should keep the guitar in those conditions to minimize stress and maintenance issues. Low humidity is easily solved by the purchase of a good in-case humidifier, coupled with a in-room or whole house humidification system.

To keep your fine solid wood instrument in tip-top shape, be sure to visit our page on Guitar Humidity Control, for lots of outstanding, tips and recommendations.

Guitar Overall Score: 8.6 Stars

Just as the guitars that were built in the 1940's, this Gibson J45 True Vintage Special Edition guitar will not disappoint, as it is a outstanding sounding guitar that will just improve with age. This guitar will not only make a fantastic rhythm guitar, but it will make a notable flatpicking lead guitar as well.

I know, because, I am lucky enough to have one of the original J45's produced in the 1940's. And you know what? Because of the careful construction techniques of the True Vintage model, given some age, I would fully expect that the volume and tone will be even better than the original guitars. Nice balanced tone and volume on this guitar too.

So if you are longing for a guitar that will put out warm rhythm tones and rich, full, lead tones, the J45 True Vintage will not disappoint. And, one last comment - this is a outstanding fingerstyle guitar as well!

Are You Ready for This? Interested In Making A J45? Are you interested in making your own J45? You can purchase a J45 True Vintage guitar plan and make your own by visiting our Plan Shop. These plans are impeccable and elaborate to the max.

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