Gibson J-45 Is it Worth It? 2024

[@rmzzz76]

I agree. One of my favorite quotes about the J-45 is "it's the whole orchestra", that mid-range focus on a J-45 makes it very forgiving on less than perfect rhythm playing and the way the high and low frequencies are cut a bit more it makes it easier to do a lot of dynamic vocals, especially quieter vocal parts without having to adjust your picking technique to compensate... Another thing is if you like the Martin sound, well, almost every builder out there from Yamaha to Collings are building some square shoulder dreadnaught that is based on the Martin D18 or D28. But up until about 2000 or so no one was really building good J-45 copies. Blueridge introduced the BG140 and 160 in early 2000s and in early 2010s Eastman introduced the E10SS. These were the first real quality J-45 import copies and they still didn't have that distinctive low A and low E thump sound of a real Gibson.

[@TommyZamp]

Interesting! Thanks for the info, I just looked up Eastman and Id like to check out that E10ss sometime for sure.

[@dw1208]

Well Tommy I picked mine up today I had three to choose from, I took your advice and asked the store to get them all out so I could choose between them one sounded slightly brighter from the other two and It came down to the two warmer sounding ones. Love it, it’s nice to play and sounds better than anything I’ve picked up before. Cheers👍

[@TommyZamp]

Wow that’s awesome congratulations and welcome to the J45 club!

[@garymc8956]

Many years playing many guitars of sizes and makes, I really thought my D35 would be it. But after getting rid of my older J45 due to a chunky neck I came to realize how much I valued it. Decided to try the newer version with slimmer neck and was amazed. I found agreement with you that it is truly adaptable to the fingerpicking and moderate flat picking that I do, with a great balanced sound. Someone else is now enjoying the D35.

[@TommyZamp]

D35’s are great too! I think it comes down to the person and what feels best to them. For me it’s the J45.

[@dw1208]

Tommy I am probably going the the guitar shop tomorrow to buy this guitar. It’s important to me that I get a 2024 model and a box fresh one. Is there any advice you can give ie are all the new cases with the faux leather and black clasps, is there any small changes in looks etc in the latest issues. Cheers

[@TommyZamp]

Honestly I would play a couple of them. See which one feels right to you. I don’t know what the 2024 cases are like but you play the guitar not the case so don’t think too much about that. New guitar day is always a good day!

[@joeshmoe1739]

I have one. It’s my favorite guitar I own right now. That’s out of a les Paul (2018) Les Paul special, p90’s (2012) Collings I35 LC, and a 1955 Les Paul Jr. the J45 is an iconic guitar, and the modern ones Gibson is making these day are out of this world good.

[@TommyZamp]

I couldn’t agree more! That’s great and thanks for watching!

[@telebender]

Damn, that's quite a stable of thoroughbreds; especially the Jr and I35. Been jonesing for I35 for a while now...someday

[@joeshmoe1739]

It wasn’t always like that, lol. The I35 LC is also a top notch instrument. I had a 1968 345 that was really good but I let it go because the Collings was just stellar. If you got the coin, I highly recommend. They ain’t cheap, I know.

[@telebender]

I enjoyed the video and agree with your 'take' on the ol' workhorse. I'm lucky enough to own some very nice acoustics, including Collings, Martin and Gibson. My 2012 re-issued banner era Woody Guthrie Southern Jumbo (basically just a dressed up/fancier appointed J-45) is my go to and the one that gets hauled out of a burning building 1st. It's a stunning and versatile plank of wood that compliments a singer's voice and sounds great live or recorded. Aside from its killer sound, I especially love its traditional v-neck and vintage vibe.

[@TommyZamp]

Thats great thank you! I've heard really good things about Collings too, Ill have to check them out on day.

[@jfj794]

Awesome review. The J-45 is on my short list and this just put it at the top. Enjoyed the talk and discussion as well.

[@TommyZamp]

Awesome, thank you!

[@NaturallyNate]

Please oh please Tommy, can we get over the hills tomorrow night at Indian Ranch! All time favorite Zep Song!

[@NaturallyNate]

Also super excited to see y’all again tomorrow! It’s gonna be killerrrrr

[@TommyZamp]

Hopefully we can get to it next time!

[@NaturallyNate]

Look forward to seeing y’all at Indian Ranch 👌🏼

[@TommyZamp]

Same! Love that venue🤘

[@dw1208]

Couldn’t agree more at 7.14👍

[@TommyZamp]

It’s an awesome feeling

[@geraldmartin54]

I have my dad's 1942 j45 he bought during ww2

[@TommyZamp]

Thats very cool!

[@TheBigHeavies]

There’s no better acoustic than a Gibson. I had a ‘69 Hummingbird that sounded amazing. Still cry myself to sleep sometimes, never should have sold it

[@TommyZamp]

I love Martins as much as Gibson’s. I just don’t own any Martins… yet!

[@charlesmartel3995]

Is this Gibson the same acoustic you use to open Stairway?

[@TommyZamp]

No I use my Hummingbird for Stairway. I use my J45 on Hey Hey and Rain Song

[@charlesmartel3995]

@@TommyZamp Thank you!

[@richardlucascronley5128]

J45 standard is the best guitar ever made

[@TommyZamp]

It’s def one of my favorites

[@lilycat1694]

J45 or D18?

[@TommyZamp]

D18 is a great guitar. Both are close in price but the J45 comes with a piezo pickup which the d18 doesn’t. Play both and pick the one that feels best to you.

[@superglassbucks6356]

Get the LED out I thought you looked familiar

[@TommyZamp]

Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@superglassbucks6356]

@@TommyZamp I just picked 1 up and a lot had to do with your review….red one