Anyone successfully (or Happy) found an affordable/cheap Slope Shoulder (J45) acoustic?

[dreamingtele]

I've been jonesing for a J-45..

I'm looking at a few options for an affordable J-45 ever since I played one.. I do understand the copies wont be the same, heck, the tones are not even the same for all 3 of the same J-45 standard units Ive tried.. LOL

I'm looking at

Affordables (laminate back and sides)
Cort 100SSF
Sigma JM-sg45+

More Expensive (all solid options)
Sigma (Solid) JM SG45 (all solid, adi top, hog back and sides)
Eastman E10SS
Epiphone Masterbilt AJ45ME
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J45

 

[jvin248]

.

Washburn
Yamaha
Fender
Johnson
Harley Benton

.

 

[Chiogtr4x]

I've been jonesing for a J-45..

I'm looking at a few options for an affordable J-45 ever since I played one.. I do understand the copies wont be the same, heck, the tones are not even the same for all 3 of the same J-45 standard units Ive tried.. LOL

I'm looking at

Affordables (laminate back and sides)
Cort 100SSF
Sigma JM-sg45+

More Expensive (all solid options)
Sigma (Solid) JM SG45 (all solid, adi top, hog back and sides)
Eastman E10SS
Epiphone Masterbilt AJ45ME
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J45

I know nothing about these other than they exist, seem nicely spec-ed, and are affordable,
But Elderly Instruments has their Farida import acoustic line, which includes some very nice J-45 style guitars
Maybe Google, call a sales rep, ask about Farida?

 

[Freeman Keller]

The problem is that even Gibson changed over the years and true J45's can be all over the board. I give the same advice to you that I give to everyone else shopping for a new guitar - go out and play everything you can.

However, of your choices and assuming that you are talking new guitars, I've been reasonably impressed by all the new Epi's that I've played and would consider the last one in your list.

(I also have a set of J45 plans and have been thinking about building my own)

 

[dreamingtele]

The problem is that even Gibson changed over the years and true J45's can be all over the board. I give the same advice to you that I give to everyone else shopping for a new guitar - go out and play everything you can.

However, of your choices and assuming that you are talking new guitars, I've been reasonably impressed by all the new Epi's that I've played and would consider the last one in your list.

(I also have a set of J45 plans and have been thinking about building my own)

Yes,

I'm considering new acoustic.. but not at J-45 prices..

I actually want a decent one to use for gigs and not be worried about banging it up..

on the other hand, I know I want to get close to the J-45 spec, but I know it wont mean its gonna get "THE" sound.

out of all these options, I kind of leaning towards the all solid Sigma.. its a little bit further away from the specs since it has a solid Adirondack top.. I had a guitar with an adi top and I like it. the headroom is nice and can give more and more as I strum harder and harder..

yes, out of all these guitars, so far Ive tried the laminate Sigma JM-SG45.. the all solid one is due to arrive in the store this week, so I'll be trying that one out..

the Epiphone inspired by is plenty in other stores, but they're all quite a bit far from me, so its a bit harder to try in person..

 

[Boreas]

I have a Gibson Montana J45. I like it quite a bit, but I would likely be just as happy with an Epi version. Buy the best you can, and don't be afraid to go used. But as most people will say, play as many models/brands as you can. You may find out you prefer a different model. Keep an open mind.

 

[dreamingtele]

I know nothing about these other than they exist, seem nicely spec-ed, and are affordable,
But Elderly Instruments has their Farida import acoustic line, which includes some very nice J-45 style guitars
Maybe Google, call a sales rep, ask about Farida?

Yes, theres one store available here in Australia

Farida OT-62VBS Solid Spruce Top Slope-Shoulder Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Sunburst Finish

An impressive slope-shoulder dreadnought guitar, the OT-62 combines modern guitar building techniques and time-honored American design. With a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this guitar has both the look and the sound of a coveted vintage guitar. Other features include an...

ceceres.com.au

seem like same specs as the Cort and non-solid Sigma, except maybe some appointments (bridge plate, fretboard, etc etc).. looks like a good option!! thanks!!!!

 

[dreamingtele]

I have a Gibson Montana J45. I like it quite a bit, but I would likely be just as happy with an Epi version. Buy the best you can, and don't be afraid to go used. But as most people will say, play as many models/brands as you can. You may find out you prefer a different model. Keep an open mind.

I hope they're as much available as their more traditional D shape brothers are.. the Slope Shoulder is a bit of a niche (I think) in our market.. Ive seen more trad shape D examples more than SS shape at a ratio of like 30:1.. so it's a bit hard to find used.. I think my only course to get new since I fell in love with the shape, and I fell out of love of the OM..

My dream was just to get a 000-15M all hog and put some anthems in it.. however, it all changed when I decided to try out the SS shape (the 3 examples I said in my OP) and got wowed with the sound.. besides looking similar to the Dread, still cooler enough to be different and I like to be different than the rest of my guitar playing friends.. LOLOLOL

 

[Boreas]

I hope they're as much available as their more traditional D shape brothers are.. the Slope Shoulder is a bit of a niche (I think) in our market.. Ive seen more trad shape D examples more than SS shape at a ratio of like 30:1.. so it's a bit hard to find used.. I think my only course to get new since I fell in love with the shape, and I fell out of love of the OM..

My dream was just to get a 000-15M all hog and put some anthems in it.. however, it all changed when I decided to try out the SS shape (the 3 examples I said in my OP) and got wowed with the sound.. besides looking similar to the Dread, still cooler enough to be different and I like to be different than the rest of my guitar playing friends.. LOLOLOL

I had a Martin 000-16SGT that sounded really nice. It is definitely cool, and not terribly expensive if you can find a used one. But it is only a 12-fret neck and a slot top.

 

[MickM]

I'm old and made a lot of mistakes over the years that cost lots of money. If you buy something that is close to what you want, you will never be happy with it then you sell at a loss, rinse repeat and on and on. The smart money and advice says that no matter how bad you want it now, wait until you can afford the one you want. It won't take as long as you think and when you find one that you fall in love with it will be well worth the wait.
I say this as mainly an electric player and didn't have a good acoustic until found a nice J-50 I think around my 40th birthday. To this day I am totally satisfied with it and wouldn't trade for another.

 

[Telenator]

Just make sure you get the 24 3/4" scale. I played a J45 Jumbo. The 25 1/2" string tension just doesn't feel as a good or sound as good.

 

[dreamingtele]

I'm old and made a lot of mistakes over the years that cost lots of money. If you buy something that is close to what you want, you will never be happy with it then you sell at a loss, rinse repeat and on and on. The smart money and advice says that no matter how bad you want it now, wait until you can afford the one you want. It won't take as long as you think and when you find one that you fall in love with it will be well worth the wait.
I say this as mainly an electric player and didn't have a good acoustic until found a nice J-50 I think around my 40th birthday. To this day I am totally satisfied with it and wouldn't trade for another.

I do understand you sir.. a year ago, I actually did this.. saved up for four years and sold everything to get my dream guitar.

an ES-330. The love affair started with a humble Casino though.

Untitled by D Y, on Flickr


I know what you mean and actually did it.. went and got the "real" thing, and i couldnt afford any gear after buying it, and for a year my rig has been just the 330 and a tube amp.. thats it.. Ive since recovered and got a 2nd guitar and a 3rd project on the way, and a pedalboard rig too.. but it took me time.


For this one, In as much as I want a J-45 Standard, I'm not primarily an acoustic guitar player.. I'm an electric guitarist in our band and I just need something decent to use for another gig which requires a decent acoustic. the J-15 is still out of my price range.. I can use my couch cheapo OM and mic it, but its not really a good sounding guitar and its just something to noodle on. so yeah..

 

[dreamingtele]

Just make sure you get the 24 3/4" scale. I played a J45 Jumbo. The 25 1/2" string tension just doesn't feel as a good or sound as good.

Yes sir! this is my top priority for this model..

 

[VonBonfire]

Epiphone masterbuilt AJ-500 is a decent j45 style guitar for around $500 used. Old lady is an acoustic junky she has one. It's loud and has a great sound. Not just for the money but just all around nice guitar and she has American Breedloves, Guilds, and Martins as well. I have to keep a close eye on what she does she spends more on gear than I do....

 

[timbgtr]

I've been jonesing for a J-45..

I'm looking at a few options for an affordable J-45 ever since I played one.. I do understand the copies wont be the same, heck, the tones are not even the same for all 3 of the same J-45 standard units Ive tried.. LOL

I'm looking at

Affordables (laminate back and sides)
Cort 100SSF
Sigma JM-sg45+

More Expensive (all solid options)
Sigma (Solid) JM SG45 (all solid, adi top, hog back and sides)
Eastman E10SS
Epiphone Masterbilt AJ45ME
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J45

How about?

AD17 Ovangkol Acoustic Guitar

The American Dream Series was crafted at the intersection of U.S.

www.taylorguitars.com

 

[dreamingtele]

.

Washburn
Yamaha
Fender
Johnson
Harley Benton

.

I will check what they have! thanks!

 

[57joonya]

I'm old and made a lot of mistakes over the years that cost lots of money. If you buy something that is close to what you want, you will never be happy with it then you sell at a loss, rinse repeat and on and on. The smart money and advice says that no matter how bad you want it now, wait until you can afford the one you want. It won't take as long as you think and when you find one that you fall in love with it will be well worth the wait.
I say this as mainly an electric player and didn't have a good acoustic until found a nice J-50 I think around my 40th birthday. To this day I am totally satisfied with it and wouldn't trade for another.

This is really solid advice . Buy the real thing .. save . You’ll have an ear to ear grin and can use it for rest of life if u properly take care of it ! Why skimp

 

[dreamingtele]

How about?

AD17 Ovangkol Acoustic Guitar

The American Dream Series was crafted at the intersection of U.S.

www.taylorguitars.com

I did consider them.. however, they're still out of my budget.. by 600 aud..

also, the scale length is 25.5 instead of 24.75.. so probably will not be a J-45 ish copy, but it is it's own thing.. Im impressed by Taylor guitars, but probably on their Martin type guitars more than the Gibson copies

 

[dreamingtele]

This is really solid advice . Buy the real thing .. save . You’ll have an ear to ear grin and can use it for rest of life if u properly take care of it ! Why skimp

I know what you guys mean.. I did it.. I once bought the "real" thing.. but I'm not a full-time acoustic player.. it would make sense if I was.. I wont skimp, and probably buy the best of the best.. be it a Gibson, a Collings or whatever..

yessir, here's my reply to it.. Post no. 12 above.

Anyone successfully (or Happy) found an affordable/cheap Slope Shoulder (J45) acoustic?

I've been jonesing for a J-45.. I'm looking at a few options for an affordable J-45 ever since I played one.. I do understand the copies wont be the same, heck, the tones are not even the same for all 3 of the same J-45 standard units Ive tried.. LOL I'm looking at Affordables (laminate back...

www.tdpri.com

 

[57joonya]

I know what you guys mean.. I did it.. I once bought the "real" thing.. but I'm not a full-time acoustic player.. it would make sense if I was.. I wont skimp, and probably buy the best of the best.. be it a Gibson, a Collings or whatever..

yessir, here's my reply to it.. Post no. 12 above.

Anyone successfully (or Happy) found an affordable/cheap Slope Shoulder (J45) acoustic?

I've been jonesing for a J-45.. I'm looking at a few options for an affordable J-45 ever since I played one.. I do understand the copies wont be the same, heck, the tones are not even the same for all 3 of the same J-45 standard units Ive tried.. LOL I'm looking at Affordables (laminate back...

www.tdpri.com

That’s the way to do it !