Getting To Know My New Gibson J45

[mnutz]

A couple of weeks ago I bought a 2003 J45 standard. I know, I know, I need to post pics! I will soon!

It's near mint condition. I bought it online from a reputable independent shop, after many, many emails and phone calls. I'm the second owner, got the whole history of where it came from and all. They set it up to my preferences. The whole experience was very positive!

I've always been primarily an electric player, although I do keep an acoustic around the house also. My acoustics have been cheap ones through the years, most recently I've had an Ibanez Artwood AW10. I don't know for sure, but I'd guess it's a 90s model. I had it setup perfect for me, and it really played and sounded great. The last year or so I've really gravitated towards acoustic music, and started playing it a lot! I decided I wanted a quality acoustic and my short list was pretty much J45 or D18. Looked at and played a lot of different ones, took my time, sent lots of emails. decided to buy the 2003 J45.

When I unpacked it I was overwhelmed, what an awesome guitar! Then I played it and was really underwhelmed! Seemed quiet, lacking sustain and overtones. Did not ring out. Compared it to my Ibanez, The Ibanez seemed twice as loud and really toneful. This was all in my bedroom, in the first few minutes of unboxing. It was a nice afternoon, so I took the guitars outside to play. My Ibanez always sounded good in my room, but I always hated the way it sounded outside, tinny and lacking any punch. To my amazement, the J45 sounded like a different guitar outside. It sounded sweet, warm and rich, lots of bell-like tones, great thumping bass, and strangely, louder.

Well I've been playing it nonstop for the past couple of weeks and I just love it! What a great guitar. It requires me to play differently than before, but its all good. I feel like I'm learning new things. I'm amazed by it's sweet tone. It still does not sound good to my ears in my bedroom, which is very small, with plaster walls, and a high ceiling. But in my large living room, or outdoors it just sounds amazing. Strange, isn't it?

[tweeddeluxe]

Not strange at all. I've experienced the same--different setting, different day, different sound. Enjoy it! I love mine.

[Stubee]

The room can make a lot of difference in how a flattop sounds to ya. Glad you're enjoying the J-45, they are nice & a good Gibson will just get better & better the more you play it. Enjoy!

[RawjerLee]

The acoustics in a room can make your acoustic guitar sound better or worse. Congrats on the new Gibson! If I had the cash, I would definitely buy one.

[black_doug]

Yes, sweet guitar! I finally got one last summer. Best acoustic I've ever owned.

[mnutz]

Thanks guys! Yeah, this guitar is really great! I should've saved for one years ago!

[Smokin OP]

Congrats on a great guitar! Acoustic instruments open up the more they are played & the wood is allowed to vibrate. There is a commercial device out now, called tonerite, that is placed on the top of the instrument that vibrates the instrument with sound frequency's...at least I think that's the way it works. Anyway, play the guitar often & she will sound better! Enjoy.....