Gibson acoustics - I’m addicted..

[Jakedog]

I never liked Gibson acoustics. Every time I pick one up and strum it, it sounds like a wet bag of bricks.

Then I played a Songwriter model that was well broken in a couple years ago, and it was just magic. I should have bought it. Still want one.

Just the other night I played a buddy’s really old LG model. That’s the one for me. I’ll be hunting one of those.

 

[knavel]

Hey, the Texans were awesome guitars in their own right. Very nice. I’ve got the Frampton Reissue one. It’s not bad and sounds good but it just feels a little heavy and over built. I do have a 1966 ft-45 Cortez that’s really nice but has the plastic bridge. It’s still in good shape so I’m just leaving it stock. Also have a 1965 ft-30 Caballero. Here I’m converting the plastic bridge to fixed rosewood, and some other work. Hopefully, it will be a good player when I’m done.

I recently learned that Frampton lost 44 guitars in the Nashville flood. Why were all his guitars there?? But his Texan was one of two survivors and he demos it around 5:00.


I have never been able to try any other Epiphone Gibson than my Texan. Do the plastic bridges actually destroy sound or are they just annoying? The claim is the adjustable bridge destroys sound--but that didn't seem to bother McCartney. Because mine is 1961 it came before the adjustable bridge.

 

[Stax1]

Cool video! That Texan sounds awesome.

 

[Bob M]

Until a few months years ago I only had one acoustic-a 1976 D-18. I played the heck out of it around campfires, at jams and in living rooms. Never felt the need for anything else. Then I strolled into a shop in Maine and in their acoustic room was a wonderful J200. It sounded like a grand piano. I bought it a little later and have since added a J 45 to my arsenal. Really well made great sounding guitars. I also added a Martin 00015sm. I think it needs a setup. The J 45 was great right out of the box. I do like the aesthetics of Gibson acoustics. Maybe next time it’s a Hummingbird.

 

[clayville]

I absolutely love my '95 mahogany-backed J-100 Extra. It's a warm and woody cannon that I bought new as my first really good acoustic. When I got the itch years later for something else to add to the stable I went looking for contrast rather than something "similar" or in the same family.

My playing has become less, um, assertive than the chord blasting and aggressive thumbpicking the Gibson excells at after I unexpectedly wound up with a Taylor 812ce. I kicked the tires on dozens and dozens of candidates before finding something that gave me new tonal capabilities along with inspiration. It's a very different sort of hi-fi guitar with a lightning fast neck for leads, a crisp clear focus for fingerprinting and an overall tone that cuts through and works well for recording.

The two guitars compliment each other and tend towards different purposes. Now I have two sounds to love, rather than twice as much of the one thing. For me, that's what expanding the arsenal is all about.

Still... now I can't stop thinking about getting an L-00.

 

[zombywoof]

I got hold of my first Gibson almost 50 years back. It was a late-1950s LG1. At the time it was impossible to look up a build date so the best you could do was to narrow it down to a period going by features. I guess I just got used to Kalamazoo-made instruments as I currently own a 1920 L3, 1932 12 fret L1, 1942 J50, 1960 J200 (this one is my wife's guitar), and a 1961 B45-12. For good measure I also own a 1935 Recording King mandolin.

As to photos I do not have a good family shot. But here is the L1. If you have never owned a Gison sporting a hand rubbed finish they can be almost chameleon-like depending on what kind of light you are seeing them in.

Viewed across the room.


Viewed under direct sunlight


And sometimes a headstock says it all. While today a Banner logo is simply a doodad at one time nothing spoke more eloquently to a guitar built in a specific place and time.

 

[Gsweng]

I recently learned that Frampton lost 44 guitars in the Nashville flood. Why were all his guitars there?? But his Texan was one of two survivors and he demos it around 5:00.


I have never been able to try any other Epiphone Gibson than my Texan. Do the plastic bridges actually destroy sound or are they just annoying? The claim is the adjustable bridge destroys sound--but that didn't seem to bother McCartney. Because mine is 1961 it came before the adjustable bridge.

I believe most guitar techs will say the plastic adjustable bridge is not a good idea. They usually disintegrate over time but the one on my Cortez is pristine. It also sounds really good. The one on my ft-30 was falling apart. I removed the whole assembly and am installing a non-adjustable rosewood bridge. Have all the parts, just need to do it along with some fretwork, plug some holes, etc. The hardware associated with the adjustable bridge is heavy, two large bolts, etc. so physics tells us the soundboard should vibrate easier with a lighter fixed bridge mass. Plus a fixed bridge is in more contact with the soundboard. But acoustics can be funny. I think you have the best configuration with the fixed bridge.

 

[zombywoof]

I believe most guitar techs will say the plastic adjustable bridge is not a good idea. They usually disintegrate over time but the one on my Cortez is pristine. It also sounds really good. The one on my ft-30 was falling apart. I removed the whole assembly and am installing a non-adjustable rosewood bridge. Have all the parts, just need to do it along with some fretwork, plug some holes, etc. The hardware associated with the adjustable bridge is heavy, two large bolts, etc. so physics tells us the soundboard should vibrate easier with a lighter fixed bridge mass. Plus a fixed bridge is in more contact with the soundboard. But acoustics can be funny. I think you have the best configuration with the fixed bridge.

Those hollow injection-molded bolt-on plastic bridges (which Gibson got from Brazil) were just another in a long line of rather unwise design decisions made in the 1960s which culminated in the move to heaver bracing in 1968.

With regard to the ADJ saddle bridges the real culprit was not as much the bridge but the oversized laminate bridge plate Gibson needed to support the ADJ bridge which weighed about four times more than a fixed pin bridge. When it comes to bridge plates size matters.

 

[Stax1]

So I played a few more Gibson acoustics this week..

Another 1960 fixed bridge Hummingbird
Wonderfully light. Very resonant and just sweet to play. This one wasn’t grabbing me quite like the one I played a week or so ago though..

Hummingbird Std
This was quite nice, and wasn’t much heavier than the 1960FB. The finish was noticeable thicker and was MUCH more red in colour.

Dove Std
Surprisingly good! The longer scale made the strings feel a bit more tense, which makes me want to play it harder. The tone had that maple ‘scooped mids’ vibe to it, but it was nicely balanced.

SJ200
This particular one felt a little dull to me. Still a lovely guitar, but not one of the better ones I’ve played.

1957 SJ200
This was the standout. It had that big jumbo tone, but it was very lively to play and sounded great with my dodgy chords and flatpicking. It was also very light weight and had that thin finish feel to it. I believe these have the ‘thermally aged’ top like the 1960FB HB.

 

[RU Experienced]

J-45 here. Was looking for something to compliment my 3 smaller bodied Martins. Went with the Original 50s J45. It’s light weight with a substantial neck. Absolutely gorgeous sunburst finish, plays, and sounds great.

 

[Maguchi]

I have a Nashville J-100 w/the maple back and side. A real sleeper, in the world of acoustic guitars.

Looks like this one:

I posted this pic in a thread I started when searching for a J200, and landed on the J100.

The maple J100 Xtras are very nice. I’ve not played one but have seen a couple in the past. They’re not common here in Australia..

I absolutely love my '95 mahogany-backed J-100 Extra. It's a warm and woody cannon that I bought new as my first really good acoustic.

Yeah I use to have a maple bodied '90s or 2000s J100 Xtra and those are really nice guitars. Less expensive and plainer looking than a J200 without all the bling. So less conspicuous and less likely to get stolen at a gig. But has the mustache bridge and the huge sound of the Super Jumbos.

Also had a '80s or '90s black J-180 Everly Bros. model with the double tortoise pickguard. They were a slightly smaller jumbo but had a big sound as well. Sadlyit got stolen.

Both those guitars played really smooth and fast and had sweet tone as well as a lotta volume.

 

[Bob M]

I got hold of my first Gibson almost 50 years back. It was a late-1950s LG1. At the time it was impossible to look up a build date so the best you could do was to narrow it down to a period going by features. I guess I just got used to Kalamazoo-made instruments as I currently own a 1920 L3, 1932 12 fret L1, 1942 J50, 1960 J200 (this one is my wife's guitar), and a 1961 B45-12. For good measure I also own a 1935 Recording King mandolin.

As to photos I do not have a good family shot. But here is the L1. If you have never owned a Gison sporting a hand rubbed finish they can be almost chameleon-like depending on what kind of light you are seeing them in.

Viewed across the room.


Viewed under direct sunlight


And sometimes a headstock says it all. While today a Banner logo is simply a doodad at one time nothing spoke more eloquently to a guitar built in a specific place and time.

I love Gibson sunbursts. Cool guitar. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Gary135r]

A good friend of mine was given from a family member a 1953 J-185. He had no idea what it was worth. I told him I didn't either, but researching I saw some insane numbers for it value. I hope he takes good care of it. He said he'd never sell it. Family guitar.

 

[spurcell]

So I own a 2014 Bozeman made 1941 J-100. Mahogany jumbo beauty, sunburst without the bling bling of the J200, and a nice banner style logo for reissue cred. I love playing it. And now I want more goodness…

So I recently played a handful of new and used Gibson acoustics to see what I liked, the list:
1 - Mid 1970’s J50 and a late 70’s J50
Both a bit dead sounding to me, was a quick pass.

2 - early 2000’s J160 1964 reissue
My heart wanted to love the J160, and it sounded quite good, but the setup was quite bad so it was a no..

3 - c2013 J45
This was really nice and felt great. It had seen some use and was missing its case though so I didn’t throw any money at it. Definitely a contender.

4 - late 2000’s Advanced jumbo (J45 style)
This was quite nice but it felt quite heavy and the finish felt quite thick. Sustained well but lacked some warmth in its tone.

5 - mid 2000’s J200 natural
This was a really nice J200. The top didn’t look as lustrous as some other J200’s I’ve seen or played. Nice balanced tone with just the right amount of mid-scoop. A definite contender.

6 - 2012 75th anniversary J200
Another beautiful guitar. Everything about this was beautiful to look at. Playing it was quite good and it had that ‘tight’ feeling I love about J200’s strung with 13’s, which makes strumming a very rewarding and dynamic experience. It was a tad on the heavy side though.

7 - 2022 J200 original
Another really nice J200. This one felt good in the hands and had a beautiful light maple top (the nicest looking of them all). It’s tone felt a little thin and subdued though. I’m thinking this is because its brand new and the wood likely has some ageing (drying) to do.

8 - G45
Actually surprisingly good, particularly for the price point. It lacked refinement in its tone but it made me feel like playing it harder, which is a good quality in my eyes. The ‘player port’ doesn’t do much for me. its just distracting if anything..

9 - G-Bird
Similar to the G45, but with a bigger, rounder tone. Richer bass response and longer sustain. Didn’t have the same ‘energy’ that I liked in the G45 though. Again the player port was just weird..

10 - Hummingbird 1960 fixed bridge reissue
This was the standout. I was surprised how good this felt straight off the wall. It felt like I’d picked up a guitar I’d owned for years and always got along with. Super light weight and just a gorgeous tone all up the neck. Almost too easy to play! I didn’t ‘dig in’ much and in hindsight I should have coz I fear it may lack some punch/power when strummed hard.. I think the ‘thermally aged’ top has a lot to do with what I like about this guitar. If not for the ridiculous price tag this would’ve come home with me.

11 - Sigma J200, J100, Hummingbird, J45, and Dove styles
Capturing all these in one line as I only tried them quickly. Overall the Sigma Gibson flavours are amazing for the money. Some are better than the G series Gibson in my opinion. Standout was the J200 and the Dove style, but the J100 style with its thinner finish probably would’ve been the purchase if I’d been wanting a cheaper guitar on the day. It just felt nice and had a great, even tone.



So has anyone here had similar/differing experiences with these Gibson? Keen to hear others’ opinions of the Fixed bridge Hummingbirds!

I owned an early 70's J45 with the adjustable bridge. Despite the bridge, which I've always felt is out of place on a fine acoustic guitar, I loved it. I regretted selling it for about 40 years. Finally replaced it a few years ago with a stock Montana J45. It arrived in very playable, Standard factory setup. Played it in for a few weeks, then did my own total setup, tweaked action, intonation at both nut & saddle. There are so many reasons that the J45 is one of the most recorded guitars in history.

I also own a 1989 J200, Antique Natural finish on the top, Back & Sides all Koa. According to the serial number, this guitar was never built; haven't been able to get much information about that; no question of it not being genuine. It looks great, sounds magnificent & plays beautifully. Doesn't get much exercise anymore; It's so massive.

I've never been a fan of dreadnoughts, so neither the Dove nor the Hummingbird interest me much.

Just to throw another hat in the ring, I heard recently that Gibson is releasing an artist signature model J45 12 fret. THAT has got my Attention!

With regard to weight, I've honestly never given that much consideration in a flattop. Body shape, size, scale length & neck profile mean a lot more. After all, I also play a heard of telequackers, including a self build with walnut body & a Parsons/Green B-bender. Not as stout as a Les Paul, but probably weighs as much as any 2 flattops I've ever owned!

 

[Stax1]

Yeah the weight thing was never a big deal for on acoustics (I also play teles, strats,, and les Pauls..) - until I played the really light ones recently. Now I just love how they feel.
It’s les about the overall weight (though I do like it), and more about how it balances - neck/body and weight distribution. The thermally aged ones that are lighter just feel better to me in that regard..

 

[985plowboy]

 

[985plowboy]

2017 J-45 Standard, 1985 J-100E. I sold the J-100 to my Cousin to help fund my Martin HD-28V. Had it not gone to him specifically, I’d not have sold it. I love that guitar and he does too.

 

[philosofriend]

The Gibson company has sure had many ups and downs in their long history. You have to play one in person to see if it is going to catch your attention or not. I have played on more than a few pre-1966 Gibsons that sounded outstanding and were all noticeably lightweight.

 

[zombywoof]

Just to throw another hat in the ring, I heard recently that Gibson is releasing an artist signature model J45 12 fret. THAT has got my Attention!

Bozeman has already issued 12 fret versions of the J45, Southern Jumbo and AJ. They release such a dizzying array of CS limited run instruments though that when combined with a tendency to repeat themselves it can make it a "Who's on First" routine.

 

[mojavedesert]

I have a Gibson flame all maple body/neck. Early 90's. It's dark sounding, I use a p90 in the sound hole. It's great with a twin reverb. I played the crap out of it, the case looks like it lost the war, gigged to death. Pink interior is still clean. I love this guitar.