Gibson Songwriter vs. J45 (or both!)?

[forensicdoc]

Like I wrote, I have both a J-45 and a Songwriter and they are very different sounding guitars.

Of course, everyone's different. I happen to prefer the Gibson acoustic tone. I know there are differences between models and materials and all of that. But Gibson acoustics do have a certain thing that I like. Someone else may prefer the signature Martin tone, which, again, varies from model to model. But there is still that thing that, when you hear it, you can say, Yeah, that's a Martin, or a good Martin derivative. Same with Taylor. I had a very nice Taylor. Played like a dream. But never got the sound out of it that i wanted. I don't think that makes Taylors inferior. Just different.

Your J45 vs Songwriter comparison is spot on. The more I've played the 2 over the last few weeks the more distinct I feel the two guitars are.

I'll add that on my quest for an acoustic guitar that would sound/feel good enough to inspire me to spend big bucks I played every Taylor, Martin, Gibson, and Larivee I could get my hands on for 2 years. As much as I told myself I wanted a Martin I've only played one (a D35) that really spoke to me. Taylor's are beautiful but a little too sweet sounding for me. Not every Gibson was a winner but I pick up more Gibsons that make me want to play them than Martins. I'm afraid Martin guitars might be my Les Paul - a gorgeous, well made guitar that just doesn't speak to me.

Update: I've still got the rental J45 and still would like to find a way to keep it; HOWEVER... a few days ago I came across a special run model of a Gibson SJ200 and I bought it. Still would like to find a way to keep the J45 but I might b content with the SJ200 and the Songwriter for the time being.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I have a dilemma. . . . I can certainly tell why I picked the Songwriter over the J45 in the first place. The Songwriter (and the Hummingbird) have more punch, better articulation, more volume, and more high end. . . .

It sounds like you like the Songwriter more. So what's the dilemma?

 

[forensicdoc]

It sounds like you like the Songwriter more. So what's the dilemma?

No, it's not a clear cut preference for the Songwriter. When I bought the songwriter a few years ago I had narrowed my search to dreadnaughts that had the volume and articulation of a Martin D-35 but with the esthetics of a Gibson. The guitars that best suited my preferences at that time were Gibson Songwriters and Hummingbirds. At that time, the J45 was a great generalist but I was looking for something more specific. Now, a few years later, I've been playing a J45 and find myself appreciating it more than I did a few years ago. I really like them both, and would like to keep both, but I don't have a few thousand dollars hiding between my couch cushions, so I was struggling with the notion of having so much money tied up in two dreadnaughts. When I originally posted I thought the two were more like Coke and Pepsi, but having spent the past few weeks playing both I would now say that one is Coke (J45) and the other (Songwriter) is Root Beer. I really like both but now need to decide whether I can justify having both, when all I really "need" is one.

All that said, as I mentioned in a previous post, just last week I came across a used Gibson SJ200 that I felt I "needed" and so I've now spent whatever money I had earmarked for the J45. I could continue renting the J45 until I save enough cash to buy it (or until I sell my Songwriter, if that's the path I choose), but I suspect I'll let the J45 go, and I'll go forward with my Songwriter and my new Super Jumbo. Those are 2 very different guitars that cover different ground. I'll get to the J45 eventually, but it will probably now have to wait.

 

[P Thought]

HOWEVER... a few days ago I came across a special run model of a Gibson SJ200 and I bought it.

Either you have ADD, or you have bad GAS. Have you sought treatment?

 

[elihu]

You gotta admit though, he's got great taste!

I've been following this thread with interest because I've got about two grand saved and am seriously considering a Gibson acoustic. A local pawn shop has a Songwriter that they keep raising the price on-it's the best acoustic within my price range that I've played. And that's because I haven't had time to really go looking. There's a J-45 TV on Craigslist, hmmm.

Thanks for letting me hang out.

 

[Chester Burnett]

With the SJ in the mix it sounds like the J-45 has to go back. It sounds like you're pretty bonded to the Songwriter and you'd probably regret selling it.

I recently returned a 2017 J-45 Vintage because I decided I needed the L-OO Vintage more. I could have kept both but it would have been a little irresponsible. I took a lot of willpower to let it go but I know I'll find another when I'm ready. No other Gibson model has been in production as long and they keep making more. I don't think either of us will have too much trouble finding a good one when the time comes.

 

[Chester Burnett]

You gotta admit though, he's got great taste!

I've been following this thread with interest because I've got about two grand saved and am seriously considering a Gibson acoustic. A local pawn shop has a Songwriter that they keep raising the price on-it's the best acoustic within my price range that I've played. And that's because I haven't had time to really go looking. There's a J-45 TV on Craigslist, hmmm.

Thanks for letting me hang out.

The J-45 TV's I've played have all been great guitars. Like, seriously great.

 

[elihu]

Thanks Chester! The guy wants $2,200 and it's already got the K&K pure pickup installed.

I've got the preamp since I've got a K&K in my triple O Martin.

Double hmmmmm!

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I've been privately rooting for the J-45 and SJ-200, even though I've never played a Songwriter - or wanted to. The funny thing is, I just this minute realized what I don't like about them: the name!

Apparently, Gibson chose the name to appeal to a strange marketing niche: people who want a guitar that will help them with their song writing.

But guitars don't write songs. People do!

 

[Chester Burnett]

Thanks Chester! The guy wants $2,200 and it's already got the K&K pure pickup installed.

I've got the preamp since I've got a K&K in my triple O Martin.

Double hmmmmm!

It's at least worth checking out. It's basically the same as the new "Vintage" models which are north of $3500 new.

 

[brogh]

you should get the J ... oh .. nevermind ..

I love mine

 

[forensicdoc]

With the SJ in the mix it sounds like the J-45 has to go back. It sounds like you're pretty bonded to the Songwriter and you'd probably regret selling it.

I recently returned a 2017 J-45 Vintage because I decided I needed the L-OO Vintage more. I could have kept both but it would have been a little irresponsible. I took a lot of willpower to let it go but I know I'll find another when I'm ready. No other Gibson model has been in production as long and they keep making more. I don't think either of us will have too much trouble finding a good one when the time comes.

This is my thinking too Chester. The Songwriter is a keeper. The J45 will have to wait, but they'll keep making them.

And yes, part ADD and part GAS. I couldn't pass up the Jumbo. The price was right and I fell into money. And, it's one of those guitars that just grabs you. I loved it instantly and when that happens with an acoustic guitar I think it's wise to listen to ones gut!