Gibson J-45 Standard vs 50's J-45 Original

Today we compare two Gibson J-45 models… the Standard J-45 vs the 50s Reissue J-45. Very similar specs with a couple key differences. Do you think the upgrades are worth the extra $$?
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[@mariodriessen9740]

I just love the fact that you can get the 50's version in black. I only started to play acoustics after I spent 20 years playing solely electric guitars. The J-45 was the one I fell in love with.

[@michaelaiello9525]

Yup, someday a black J-45 original for me too

[@AZPaloma]

I had a chance to play both of these in a guitar shop in Tucson side-by-side. I really wasn’t going to purchase a guitar that day but I knew after playing the 1950s version that I would always regret not taking that guitar home. I could not walk out of that store without that guitar. I absolutely love the look, the sound, the feel, and even the smell of that beautiful J 45!

[@Themorepower]

👍🏻

[@randysrhythm]

I’ve owned both. The 50’s is a thinner sound and lacks the richness of the Standard. If you’re looking for the punch, depth and richness that 45’s are known for, get the Standard. The 50’s doesn’t sound bad, but it doesn’t sound like a J-45 to me and that surprised me.

[@AlfimAlves]

News flash buddy, all the old original J45s sound like that and so does the original Southern Jumbo. It’s the bone saddle. This IS the iconic J45 sound.

[@darthsensei3838]

I agree. I kept my standard one.

[@metem161]

I always watched your guys every single tube and I always enjoyed your show.

[@ryanhall6445]

They make em

[@roytube10]

great review, neat to see both side by side and hear them. LOL Kusack reference.. i wondered for years who Paul looks like and it finally hit me with that comment!

[@soofitnsexy]

i felt Wesley snipes?? do you see it yet??? .....

[@JEUXolim]

Both are great. Would love to play a 50s J45

[@deborahmcalister3936]

I have 50's and absolutely LOVE it! Kacey Musgraves does too!

[@eyalgold1]

I think that she has an original guitar from the 50's

[@txarcher3967]

This comparison made even happier with my 50s

[@ddalmus]

Great comparison. I have a limited selection by me so I just bought a J-45 standard and a 50's original online with the intention of sending back the one I liked the least. In my case the standard sounded way better than the 50's original which sounded kind of anemic. This is not a blanket statement just a reminder that it comes down to the individual guitar and we can drool over specs (I do love the look of the 50's) but it all comes down to the individual guitar and you really won't know until you get it in your hands.

[@snakehips81]

I just bought a Gibson Montana J-45, 50's original sunburst. The action was way too low for me and it sounded thin - and these two facts could be related. With a taller new saddle, I just know the guitar will open out lovely - more volume & fatter tone - that always happens when I raise the action on my guitars. I already own a Gibson Montana 1934 Jumbo reissue (same J-45 shape but deeper body and longer scale length - and got a taller saddle for that guitar too). I've been struggling to "gel" with the guitar though - and deduced it might be because of the longer scale length. As soon as I began playing the J-45 in the guitar shop, I instantly knew that the "regular" scale length felt so much more at home with me - so I bought it !! May sell the 1934 Jumbo reissue

[@VaibhavMittalIndia]

For me it is J45 with its extremely distinct tonal spectrum compared to other iterations of J45, which almost makes it a different sounding guitar. Great demo 👍

[@petrkveton2156]

I have absolutely the same feeling. The sound is completely different.

[@dovgurewicz]

great video thank you!

[@LindaLooUK]

I think the Standard is just a little clearer but they're both great.

[@stucarr2912]

The 50's one has a bone nut and saddle, the standard has tusq, that makes a big difference. I've had both models, I preferred the 50s

[@fedexnman]

Could also be one had old strings one had new too .

[@rosslynemrys5829]

Me too.

[@rmzzz76]

Swapping the saddle to bone is easy the nut not so much... after a lot of experimenting, I've found I prefer a bone nut and TUSQ saddle. I think the nut material makes a little bit more impact... but I know the LR Baggs under saddle pickup they ship these with sounds a lot better with a TUSQ saddle on top of it for it some reason. The individual string output all over the place with bone for some reason. I even tried two different bone saddles...

[@roberteccles3896]

When I buy a new guitar i always change to bone nut and saddle and set up to the way i want

[@newryflyclanrye4825]

The 50s j45 for me.

[@yudhistiramelody3449]

Same. I have one myself!

[@Ratopeladinho]

Yep, we have mans of culture here.

[@WoodworkerDan]

Paul is right; thinner necks are not necessarily easier to play. I used to do set up for a music store, and I found that people with limited hand strength (older players in particular) have trouble with thin necks for exactly the reason Paul mentioned. It's kind of like jar lids. Lids that are too bog or too small are difficult; there is a "sweet spot" where our hands have maximum clamping strength.

[@justice1606]

I totally surprised myself when I fell in love with the V shape neck (recording king 328). Never imagined I’d like it. It works for me though.

[@coyote-underwood3831]

I really can’t find a store with both guitars to test them!

[@rosslynemrys5829]

Played them both, both great, I liked the 50's a little better.

[@Ratopeladinho]

Another man of culture here, I will agree with you.

[@glennhayes3]

Played both at several different times, and they are very close in sound. The 50’s just fills out the hand more for me. Great guitar!

[@bosse641]

Lovely guitars, and a lovely T-shirt

[@anthonyb2334]

For me, the 45 standard was cleaner in sound.... but the 50s had a certain brightness.

[@siwan927]

The 50s J 45 for sure for me too.

[@Derek-rv3ee]

You guys really need to get in some Guild D40 Traditionals, different than the regular D40. That guitar is no joke, I chose and still choose it over a D18 or J45, it's unbelievable.

[@folkchick1]

100% with you on the Guild D-40 Traditional! I just got one a few weeks ago and it is incredible.

[@Derek-rv3ee]

@@folkchick1 Guild is doing something special with this guitar and in general at Oxnard, enjoy your guitar!

[@rmzzz76]

The bone nut and saddle on the "original 50's" model are probably accounting for almost all the tonal difference here... They do sound a bit different. For the longest time I preferred bone and still do on everything except the J-45. I think the TUSQ nut and saddle really pull something out of the J-45.

[@richardlucascronley5128]

50's has a thicker neck. I think it makes a big tonal difference

[@Rossdink]

@@richardlucascronley5128 it makes a huuuuuuge absolutely life changing tonal difference

[@rmzzz76]

@@richardlucascronley5128 That will impact tone, but I'm not sure how much in this case because when talking bout the neck profile difference he mentions "it's a subtle difference... not a baseball bat". I know I'm my J-45 I swapped the TUSQ nut for bone and the J-45 50's here reminds me of that sound.. One isn't better than the other, it's all subjective and to taste...

[@patrickaquilina8654]

Agree 100%. Have a Custom Shop J45 with red spruce top ltd edition. Bone saddle and pins sounds really close to True Vintage, brighter and more articulate. Tusk saddle and pin, warmer and more like the J-45 sound we're used to hearing. Lucky me, I can have both sounds on same guitar with saddle and pin change!

[@benallmark9671]

In a good or bad way , how exactly ?

[@jimmy5634]

Tough call. They both sound good…very good! The standard has more bark in the upper midrange. The 50’s has a sweet high end.

[@mylerism]

They both sound great. I replaced the Tusq nut and saddle in my J45 Standard with bone. It opened it up a bit more.

[@mikechivy]

Totally gonna do this when I have them lower the action for me

[@b1j]

That's what was going to do it I bought the Standard. But I just bought the 50s, which already has the bone ($50 cheaper, too). I must say I do love the mellow sound of the Standard: nothing like a Marin. I hope I don't find the 50s J-45 too bright when it arrives later this week.

[@benallmark9671]

Well , do ya feel that you made the right decision ?

[@revelry1969]

I played both. The 50s was better. My buddy said that pick guard being bigger would kill the sound. Nope. Don’t believe the pickguard hype. I got a ‘61 j-45. I love it. But the new ones are pretty nice

[@richardlucascronley5128]

Plus you could always take off or replace pickguard

[@LongRidgeFarmer]

I don’t know if that pick guard makes a difference or not. I do know I don’t like it because there’s just no purpose.

[@ConstantinoOfficial]

Do the 50s originals have the same string spacing and nut width? I can’t seem to find this information anywhere? Thanks

[@michaelbobson9198]

The same. I’ve had both

[@soul_turns]

Anyone know the name of the tune he’s playing at 6:50?

[@deborahmcalister3936]

I had two 50's J45 . Over time it became more and more muddier and woody,. The other 50's j45 was tinny... I bought it from a store that did some rigging on that one!! I recently purchased a cherry standard and I've finding better clarity, better note separation and more definition. For now .. sticking with the cherry J45 standard. I also prefer the slim taper neck in the standard. Ive owned a Bird standard and currently own a Bird Original .. nothing compares to Peach! I also own a 50's LG2.

[@kevk20]

J45 standard for me. Both lovely though.

[@jf542]

the 50's was unbelievable

[@diegoos5202]

Can you do a epiphone texan vs j45?

[@snakehips81]

Hi there. I bought a Gibson Montana 1934 Jumbo reissue about 15months ago - which sounds great (maybe a bit bass-heavy). The action was too low for me so I got a luthier to make a taller saddle for me (and install a K&K triple-bug pickup). As much as I love the guitar, I really want to love the guitar more BUT I think it's the longer scale-length this 1934 Jumbo comes with, is what I'm struggling to bond with. I'm used to playing baritone guitars etc - so the scale length isn't an issue/difficulty playing chords. I actually don't play full chords very much anyway. So, I started thinking that maybe the J-45, with the "standard" scale length would suit me better. I have a circa 1946 Gibson L-50 archtop that I absolutely love - especially the neck, and the look of the plain headstock, with simple gold "Gibson" decal. So, I was super-pleased to see the Gibson Montana J-45 original 50's sunburst comes with the very same look headstock. I played one in a guitar shop on Friday and absolutely loved it and just knew I wasn't leaving the shop without that guitar !!! So, I totally love my new purchase - the Gibson Montana J-45 Original 50's Sunburst guitar. I think your video helped too - so thanks !

[@MrMd5555]

Maybe I missed it but what about electronics, does the 50's have a pickup & if so is it the same as the standard? Do they have a model with no electronics I've heard mixed reviews on the 'standards' pickup. It's not super important to me as I'll probably be mostly mic'ing it but I'd like to know before going in to play one in case they don't have one or the other in stock I'll know what else they offer. Nothing worse than buying a piece of gear only to find out later another model would've been more suited for your needs.

[@musicvilladotcom]

Yes, both have the same pickup... LR Baggs VTC.

[@martinkleinman2522]

For me, the 50s was darker sounding, with more thump, but more muddy. The Standard sounded "cleaner", more "precise" -- would the word be "articulation"? I have a Hummingbird Standard, so I'm out of the market for a J45. But I love them.

[@woowah32]

Wow really?! I thought the exact opposite. Both great guitars!

[@theglide7464]

Exactly

[@rosslynemrys5829]

I'm surprised that the 50's feels lighter as the neck is a bit rounder (bigger)

[@dopagony9946]

Dude? I like these, just got my second 50s (first in black, new one in sunburst)...... I get the charm, but I think a Martin is like a Mercedes AMG, and the J-45 is like a corvette Z06.

[@b1j]

You didn't mention that the nuts are different material. The 50s is bone while the Standard nut is "black composite" according to the specs. Would that lend more brightness to the 50s version, and more mellowness to the Standard?

[@rmzzz76]

The nut and saddle being TUSQ on one and bone on the other probably accounts for 95% of the tonal difference you hear. One isn't better than the other, just depends on the players tonal choices... I will say in my experience TUSQ is objectively better with the LR Baggs under saddle pickup Gibson ships stock in these. When I went to bone the pickup output on the strings was unbalanced with the 1st and 2nd string noticeable lower in volume, the Baggs under saddle loves TUSQ for some reason.... I went with a bone nut and TUSQ saddle.

[@benallmark9671]

On a standard or 50's ?

[@BaktaBak3]

UGH .......Like the sound of both ! ! (hate when that happens) LOL ! !

[@mikeycroucher4299]

Elvis had the 50s one with white tuning heads , blue hawaii and king creole 😊

[@manothemtns2]

Another fun comparison, but with this one there's likely as much variation within the individual models as with comparing the two. There's no significant difference in the two builds. The tuners, antique binding, and beefier neck profile on the 50s model obviously aren't tone shapers.

[@Derek-rv3ee]

Holy smokes they have a way different tone from each other, must be different bracing. Not sure which is nicer to my ears

[@rosslynemrys5829]

I think the bracing is the same, the bone nut and saddle on the 50's as opposed to the tusq on the standard and I think the shape of the neck can change the tone.

[@PatrickDiel]

Quicker decay and less sustain with the Standard, therefore you get a lot of woody thump and the overtones are rather sweet than harsh. It's just a sound you'll find in no other acoustic guitar. Would always go for the Standard.

[@richardlucascronley5128]

Other than the neck only difference is bone vs tusq appointments

[@Blkojo]

@@richardlucascronley5128 Different tuners and bigger pickguard also on the 50s version.

[@kenhughes4715]

I’m nuts over the 50’s J-45.

[@patrickroe3260]

If there is a difference, it's no more than any two of the same guitar. The nature of acoustic guitars. There are so many versions of the J45, which is nice, but the differences are often very slight.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I liked the J45 true vintage that had the banner headstock. Apparently they don’t make those anymore

[@lancehouck]

Wow. Its so weird but in this video the 50's Original sounds more like the Standard J-45 t the store I work at. And the Standard in this video sounds more like the 50's originals I've seen in other videos. But it just goes to show all guitars are different. Even when they are the same.

[@championhairpuller]

50's all the way, baby.

[@DrPhilGoode]

I like the Gibson… I can have my own opinions even if they aren’t status quo.

[@mikechivy]

I just bought a standard. Sad to hear they don’t like it as much.

[@todddammit4628]

Gibsons are so hit and miss that it doesn't matter what model you're looking out. There are going to be a lot of dogs, a few solid ones, and a couple magical ones. I've played standard J45s that sounded better than most custom shop Gibsons. And I've played a lot of standards that sounded worse than a yamaha. So as long as you got a good one, nothing else matters.

[@rosslynemrys5829]

The standard j45 is a great guitar! 👍 Enjoy it, play it, and take care of it:) love that thump you can only get from a j45.

[@uvp5000]

@@todddammit4628 I've commented similarly here. I recently played an older J-200 that is magic and have played newer AND older that were mediocre. I've found the same with most guitars of most builders. It's the nature of the soundboard being made of wood. You never know what one is going to sound like until it's all put together. I agree with your comment completely.

[@WS-bk7uu]

I actually preferred the Standard. More clear highs and lows

[@zplapplap]

Opening strumming sounds great. Then, at 0:14, while switching guitars, “Hopefully they’re in tune.” *Nope* 😫

[@MrShamus07]

Quinton... you're too modest. You are a fashion icon.

[@IRequireMedication]

Especially when he wears his crocs to film one of these segments

[@SMAWA9]

50’s ❤

[@MeatGawds]

No comparison. Old has the right sound.

[@hztjtao]

The standard for me as it has more headroom to work with, the tone is more full to my ears, the 50s sounded kinda scooped by itself but not great to work with eq.

[@tokairic3925]

However good they are, the higher end USA made guitars are now out of reach for most players in the UK. The J45 price has almost doubled in the last three years. Same with Taylor and Martin. Only the lower end USA guitars are affordable and there are just too many better guitars from other brands for the price of the low end USA guitars.

[@mikechivy]

No kidding. They just went up another $100 on every acoustic

[@tokairic3925]

@@mikechivy I think the manufacturers are kidding themselves if they think people will just shift down the range to what they can afford. The headstock logo is only worth so much. I was going to buy a Taylor 522ce when they went up by 25% overnight at every dealer. Didn't buy the 522 and didn't buy a 322 either, as it was more than the old 522 price. Go below the 3 series and you can buy better quality guitars for less from other brands, as you are into laminate construction and obscure wood. Same with Gibson and Martin. My local guitar store now doesn't stock any of the high spec Gibson or Taylor and finished with Martin altogether. They used to have the full range of all these brands. They just don't think they have a market for anything above the mid priced US guitars any more.

[@enriquerierariera6374]

@@tokairic3925 I understand you...Lately,for the pandemic,factories are struggling for serving the highest level of orders never seen with a récord demand on 2020 and 2021.The resulted is a guitars shortage in many parts of the world....Included high/low end USA guitars.I have been on a "Big shop" on Edinburgh,Scotland, two months a go.Was not the closest to me,but was the one with my 3 guitars on target in stock shop(by Web info stock).Taylor GT811e,Martin 0018 and Gibson J-45.After a couple of months research,I was taking the trains,for test this ones in person.I have taking to home the J-45.I was testing a couple of them,and the red cherry one was the good one, for me.I must to say,the guitar was PERFECT on the manufacturing side.ZERO quality issues...I hear people saying how dificult is get a new Gibson with any scratch ...or quality issues on the finish.NAH!That one, for the serial number,was finished on May2021.Congrats to Gibson and the guitar shop.About the price,You know, for me,I'm poor guy,but for that kind of things,I want quality,and the salaries for the workers,probably are not the same than asiatics.If you can make the effort,or even months installments...A good tone sound,at the end is what you get for that extra cost.Im from Spain and prices were same than UK.

[@tokairic3925]

@@enriquerierariera6374 I am very happy for you to find the guitar which you really wanted. Since the Gibson acoustic manufacture went to Montana the quality is much better. Most QC issues now are on the electric guitars. My friend bought a new Les Paul '60's version which was fitted entirely with '50's spec hardware. The Gibson rep could not explain it and neither could the factory. The guitar serial number and colour identified it as '60's but all the hardware was '50's spec. Not faulty at all but what a mistake to make, on the production line, and no one in the factory or at the dealer noticed.

[@richardlucascronley5128]

Guild is the way to go on a budget. Fantastic guitars.

[@seamusbrowne4909]

Careful you don't GO DOWN ON that Sauage man!!!😮😯😲

[@AlfimAlves]

Holy fukin shit, the bone saddle changes so much. The 50s sounds so much more brighter and articulate

[@scottschmittmusic]

The 50 sounds more alive .. and louder

[@richardlucascronley5128]

50s: Louder, brighter, more definition Spikier highs Standard: more subdued, warmer, midrange saturation

[@multipipi1234]

Merlot anyone...?

[@soofitnsexy]

yes!!!!

[@multipipi1234]

Huzzah 🎉

[@hcavn]

Phirst.

[@b.i.g.brothersinguitars249]

First guitar played sounded way better my comment made at 0.30 sec

[@realtalk5931]

The 50s was way better sounding.

[@edwardsymons4344]

Way to much talking

[@stavrospapadimitriou7631]

Bla bla bla...

[@johngraydon506]

Lads it terrible conversing, you mean well but yawn, just play..