Gibson acoustics - I’m addicted..

[mandoloony]

I'm not a fan of the Gibson dreadnoughts, but then I'm not a fan of dreadnoughts in general. The one Gibson flat-top I really like is a one-off with a small body. It was built by the Custom Shop for Larry Carlton, to his specs. Larry apparently didn't like it, so it went back to Gibson and then to my local dealer. It's essentially a modified L-00/0/1 but with a slightly shallower (4") body. Spruce, Indian rosewood, a one-piece mahogany neck, ebony board and beautiful black binding with herringbone purfling.

Other than that, when it comes to Gibson acoustics I just stick to archtops and mandolins.

 

[Gsweng]

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.
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Is that a Starburst Standard? I have one in a wildburst finish. Awesome guitar.

 

[fenderchamp]

I have an older J-100 with mahogany sides and back. It sounds pretty spiffy.

I'd love a J45/50/35/15 (slope shoulders) but man, some of those dogs are so thuddy. You really have to play them first I think.

I played a Vintage reissue J-45 that really did it for me, it was really clear and even and great for finger picking, but I wasn't ready to commit to that pricetag.

I like the rectangle bridges more than the belly bridge too, just because I like the way they look.

My son has an LG-0, I think it's late 50s, ladder braced, sunburst, he loves that guitar, he's been playing it fingerstyle for like 10 years. He plays it all the time, they can be pretty sweet if you're willing to make the commitment to keep them up and running.

I've -played an old L0 archtop with the hole in the middle from the 20s, that was sublime. Old dry wood on an acoustic really does make a difference.

There are lot's of great Gibson acoustics to choose from, they aren't cheap though.

 

[mojavedesert]

Is that a Starburst Standard? I have one in a wildburst finish. Awesome guitar.

It says "flame" next to the starburst. It has flamed sides too. It's not the elite version, has single strip of wood in center of neck. Yes I think it's a standard.

 

[burntfrijoles]

I love me Gibson acoustics. I currently own a 2016 special edition Southern Jumbo. I foolishly sold a 2002 J-185 (probably the only guitar that I regret selling). I would love to have it back. I also highly covet a Hummingbird.
I will have make do with the SJ because my guitar buying days are over.
To me, Gibson acoustics are the sound of early rock n roll.

 

[tbp0701]

My dad has a 1965 B-25 that is both fantastic and terrible. It's a good example of how sloppy the company could be at the time, with big gobs of glue inside and a thick top that bowed between the soundhole and bridge. Despite that it's fun to play and has a unique sound, somewhat like an archtop/jazz guitar with a strong fundamental and not a lot of overtones. Maybe because of the thick top.

My dad found it in a pawn shop in the late 70s/early 80s, complete with a label-maker label on the back of the headstock reading, "Sister Maureen."

Anyway, since parting with my ultra-acoustic last week (Collings OM1) and rediscovering my Martin 000-15, I've been thinking something along the lines of a smaller body, 24.75" scale would be cool.

 

[Controller]

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.
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Wow, love this! I had no idea Gibson made a model like this or do they not make it any more?

 

[Stubee]

I’ve owned a bunch of guitars and went headlong into a Martin & Taylor phase. After 15-odd years of that I realized I wanted the sound that enthralled me with my first decent guitar, and only a Gibson does that. So I’ve been all Gibson for the past 20 years. Down to a ‘52 J-45 and a 2003 AJRI. Love ‘em both!

 

[burntfrijoles]

I should have posted this earlier. It is my forever acoustic:

 

[Stax1]

Love the look of that old J45 Stubee! There's something disarming about a guitar thats been played so much, you just now its gonna feel great to pick up and play, every time.

 

[mojavedesert]

Wow, love this! I had no idea Gibson made a model like this or do they not make it any more?

They made a 30th anniversary edition, they were expensive. I haven't played one of the new ones. A few years ago you could get these 90's guitars used for about $1000, before everything got crazy with prices.

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/gibson-starburst-30th-anniversary-acoustic-electric-guitar

 

[teletimetx]

Yeah, I love the Gibson flattops, too. Sometimes, I think I like the idea of them more, because they’re not always consistent.

I grew up in Colorado and most of the serious acoustics around at that time were Martins. Started to see a few Hummingbirds and Doves in the early 70’s. Basically was unaware of some of the glorious things Gibson made until maybe the early 2000s.

At that time, you could still snag a few pretty cool Gibson acoustics for reasonable $’s, but that changed rapidly. Had no money at the time, so could only watch.

At any rate, bought a new CJ-165 in 2006. Actually, bought two; the first in 2005. Stolen out of my truck, parking lot, East Austin. Covered by insurance, less 100 deductible. So, almost 17 years. It’s a good one.

But I just consider myself a student of Gibson acoustics; still learning. Every now and then would get my hands on one of the AJ reissue models and think, yeah, that’s the one for me. Found one about five years ago, second hand. It’s fine.

It’s one of those limited runs, which ordinarily I would steer clear, but 2nd hand, the new car premium falls off, yeah.
Maple back and sides, so different from most AJs. Kind of like planting a tree - good for now, but also good for some lucky person 50, 60 years in the future.

 

[burntfrijoles]

I grew up in Colorado and most of the serious acoustics around at that time were Martins. Started to see a few Hummingbirds and Doves in the early 70’s. Basically was unaware of some of the glorious things Gibson made until maybe the early 2000s.

Beautiful guitar!!
My experience was just the opposite. I started playing guitar in the mid-60s (right after the Beatles arrived). Back then I can't recall any Martins. It seemed everyone played Gibsons: the Beatles, Stones, Peter and Gordon, James Taylor, Everly Brothers, etc.

@Stubee That photo of your 52 brought back memories of my childhood friend who also served as a guitar teacher for my early days. We would gather at his house and there was a sunburst J50 or 45 (can't remember which) and a smaller bodied Gibson acoustic. Both guitars belonged to my friend's dad. We were allowed to play them but had to very careful, even wrapping a handkerchief around our belt buckles to protect the back.

 

[Stax1]

Nice assortment there @teletimetx!
I’ve never heard of a CJ165…. I now have something more to google instead doing my work….

 

[teletimetx]

Beautiful guitar!!
My experience was just the opposite. I started playing guitar in the mid-60s (right after the Beatles arrived). Back then I can't recall any Martins. It seemed everyone played Gibsons: the Beatles, Stones, Peter and Gordon, James Taylor, Everly Brothers, etc.

That part of my experience was about the same - I was talking about the guitars my friends were playing or what was available in the one music store in Boulder at the time. No Gibsons to be seen in those stores and you had to drive to Denver to see any Martins. Not easy to find such fine instruments, but you could see them on TV.

 

[burntfrijoles]

That part of my experience was about the same

My bad! I misunderstood. There were no Martin dealers where I grew up. I know a lot of folk artists played Martins back then. I am probably wrong but I din’t really recall Martins being a thing until CSN&Y hit the scene, along with Joni and Page.

I’ve sold all three of the Martins I’ve owned but still have my Gibson.

 

[dave42]

I could sell every guitar related thing but these 2 and be happy.
1944 Gibson J45 and 2020 Fairbanks F35

 

[Stax1]

Anyone played any of the recent reissue J45’s and J50’s?
I see there’s a 60’s and a 50’s model for each. The 50’s models have a wider nut, a fixed bridge, and (strangely) a pickup.
The 60’s models have a slightly narrower nut width, adjustable bridge, and no pickup..
The 60’s J45’s look great in the black and burgundy colours with the white pickguard!

The J50 versions are obviously in a natural finish and have the spruce top.

I might try and hunt some down to test drive..

 

[dreamingtele]

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 love Gibson acoustics, specifically the J45 and southern jumbo..

I cannot justify buying one since I play Electric in a band 95% of the time, and all my money went into buying a CS ES-335, but I have the Sigma J-45 (solid top, laminated B/S one) that sounds better than the 60's J-45 I played side by side with.. LOL

Untitled by D Y, on Flickr


I'm still thinking if I should upgrade and try to hunt a J-45 that would sound the way I have in my head.. unfortunately I havent found it.. I think there's a lot of variation between J-45 models and some are too much swampy, while others are not.. some are too thumpy as well, but others are subdued.. Im trying to find a nice balance between the thumpy/swampy lows and sweeter highs.. and i probably need to go to the US and go to a store that has like 20-30 examples to find the right one. LOL

 

[Stax1]

@dreamingtele - I hear you on the Sigma guitars, they’re really good for the bucks, particularly here in AU where Gibson’s are super expensive..

I see you’re in Melbourne - wanna go try some out for me?

Some of the guitars I’ve mentioned trying in my original post were at stores in Melbourne. You guys seem to have much better options than we have in Sydney..