The Gibson 50s LG-2 vs 50s J-45 Original | Comparing two American Acoustic Classics from Gibson

[@douglaskramer9197]

J-45 is a fantastic guitar. Love the looks and size of the LG-2, but the J-45 sound is fantastic. Also, Gibson makes the *best* looking sunburst finish on guitars. When I think sunburst finish, I think Gibson.

[@DoDifferent]

Absolutely! Great sunburst finishes.

[@MikeSmith-hj4lp]

ABSOLUTELY! Watch how his fingers Flow and Cord on the J45 and then watch the LG 2 “ J-45 Is smooth cording and it seems the LG 2 is a lot harder to cord. LG2 might be better for some people but not for this Old School Dude😎🇺🇸

[@jimmathews2275]

@@MikeSmith-hj4lpnoticed that!

[@tacosaretasty]

The J45 sounds amazing, but these comparisons always favor the bigger guitar. I have an LG 2 and absolutely love it. Totally different beast than the J45. Comfortable, warm, touch sensitive. It brings out a whole different side of my playing than my big guitars do. Basically, you need both 😂

[@enigmabletchley6936]

Great to find this video even though it is 4 years old. Torn between the two. Fortunately we have the Gibson Garage here in London and I plan to pay a visit and compare them in person.

[@jeremydunning9321]

To me Gibson acoustics I don’t even put in the same realm as their electrics there is just something so special to me about a good Gibson acoustic I have Taylor’s and martins and they are great but Gibsons are special

[@3cardmonty602]

Thanks for the reviews Chris. I hope you’re all safe & healthy there. I have fallen in love with Gibson Acoustics within the past year. I bought an AG Parlor Rosewood and an HP415W. Both are so different, and I’ll have to agree that they both have a midrange sweet-spot that’s unequaled with any other guitar brand.

[@shug2795]

I'm sorry but that J45 is....luscious!!! It has a presence....an essence...a depth beyond words!

[@jimmyfranklin3862]

I have a 1946 LG-2. Unbeatable tone

[@qk2835]

I have a 1947 LG-2 and have always been amazed by the volume it has for being a smaller guitar. And yes, the tone is amazing.

[@kylehomewood3169]

What ab the lg1

[@jimmyfranklin3862]

@kylehomewood3169 Different animal. Ladder Braced. Not nearly the volume you get from a LG-2. They do have their own vibe though

[@jaredcaldera]

Dude can't stop watching this waiting to get my LG2 omgoodness

[@tomdalton2641]

I have a Banner LG2. I'm the second owner and based on all the info I have on it, we are pretty sure that its a 1942 with the still truss rod. It's close to mint and a great blues guitar! Love it.

[@tomdalton2641]

Steel :) Thanks for the great videos Chris!

[@zororosario]

The J45 sounds like a small piano The LG2 sounds more in my face upfront in a real nice way. Thanks for the playing Chris.

[@billyreams3950]

I’ve got both the LG-2 and the all mahogany Taylor mini. Those folks saying the mini sounds as good as the LG2 must need hearing aids … or stop playing and comparing them in the bed of a moving pickup. There’s a GIANT difference - like night and day. My LG2 is full, rich, has beautiful overtones and sounds incredible. Makes the mini sound like a child’s toy. But I love the mini for travel. Best small guitar size wise, hands down. But not even closets the LG-2.

[@philip1313plc]

I have a 1948 L2 so with the new line they make in in mahogany. The vintage was L 1 mahogany. I'm so interested in playing one

[@philrock3]

Really nice demo.... guess it’s a matter of preference. I personally dig the j45. Just seems like the whole sound, especially in the lower mids, comes alive. Depends what you’re going for. Great job.

[@InvirisAmbient]

Great video and an excellent comparison of two guitars I am looking at. Also, thank you for keeping your little "mistake" in there - nice little touch!

[@Blakely901]

Insane that you posted this when you did. Just started looking for a smaller body guitar as an upgrade to my gs mini

[@jdstan9650]

That LG-2 sounds great! ...and fits you! Was hoping the cost would be less than $2K.

[@kjvav8755]

Thank you Chris for showing us you make mistakes once in a while give us new guys hope.

[@AlamoMusic]

Glad to hear that lol!

[@mariodriessen9740]

Easy choice. I already have a J-45 Standard and it sounds exactly like the one in the video. And as much as I love the warmth and depth of a J-45, it'd be awesome to have a guitar that sounds a little brighter for a change, while remaining to have very similar tonal qualities. I've wanted an LG-2 for a long time now, so I'm glad they started producing them again. If black was a color option, I would do some crazy stuff to make sure I have the money to buy one within three months of time (legally off course, but still...).

[@josepheveson6187]

Wow when you A/B them the j45 just sounds amazing

[@carltosten7875]

You guys do great demos, hope to see you soon!

[@ashleymarkadkins9242]

Fabulous review. Perfect choices to compare. Thank you!

[@hawhee]

This is an excellent review. I have been trying to decide which of these two guitars to buy, and this review is very helpful in that regard.

[@AlamoMusic]

Glad we could help!

[@johncarr4498]

Seems like a light touch really works with the LG2. It’s so bright and small that the attack is immediate. Pretty damn cool. Never considered one until this video. The J45 is perfect for what it is. Seems like if your really ripping into it the sound can get muddy though so I’m guessing a lighter pick works better for rhythm with vocals. Anyone care to shed light on this? Thanks. Dude. Love your videos. I’ve learned so much guitar knowledge from watching your stuff. Thank you.

[@aa.mirezZ]

Hmm I know what you’re saying, but I think that issue is with any acoustic guitar really. I’ve never played with a pick over 60mm when I do, and I most play with my hand without a pick, so it always has a warm softer sound than with a pick. A pick makes it sound very sterile imo and less natural, although that is only true on picks over 60mm lol. I think acoustics aren’t really meant to be laid into like that, I think that’s more so on an electric with high gain; I think acoustics are lightly strummed and fingerpicked. If you hear anything from Christ Stapleton using his LG you’ll notice he’s really not laying into it, even on his more upbeat songs he doesn’t lay into it, and if he does he kind of lightly palm mutes it to give it a more impactful sound without comprising the tone and muffling all the notes with everything ringing out at once. But again, this is all my opinion so idk. There could be an acoustic out there that you can strum the hell out of and it sounds amazing but I have yet to find it, but it could be cause I hardly ever to almost never use picks so maybe that’s why? Now I want to look into that more lol

[@deborahmcalister3936]

Hi John! I am a Carr too! Where are you from?

[@carolo2159-v9y]

Nice review. If i could have only one guitar i would get the j45 for the low end, volume and reverb but having whatever dreadnought i,m sure i choose the lg2 because its wonderful mids, clarity and easy playability as its smaller sice and it has good volume for its sice.

[@aa.mirezZ]

That j45 sound is textbook ballad guitar lol. Love it’s tone and it’s warm highs.

[@steveb9325]

LG2 for me. Both incredible guitars of course. I'll take both

[@SilverTurtleZ28]

Ya know, if y'all ever decide to review the 2020 Gibson Dove, I've got a 1963 Dove I'll bring down to San Antonio for y'all to compare it to.

[@Roosterscoope]

I bet that thing rings like a bell

[@Mandolin1944]

Turtle Young Even as a (former) owner if a 1960 Hummingbird I have to say the original 1961-era Dove was simply "untoppable".

[@soc789]

Chris, can you teach us how to play your riffs?

[@mikedaniels4638]

Good vid, right when I decided I didn't need the little guitar I now want one even more. I have a J15 that I play out, my J45 is my house guitar. But a new guitar may be in my future.

[@58DRMart]

Would love to see a comparison of the LG-2 and a Martin CEO-7!! Please!!

[@AlamoMusic]

We'll pass that on!

[@BaktaBak3]

@@AlamoMusic Would be interested in that comparison also !

[@Roosterscoope]

Good idea!

[@Jeff-mn7cl]

Is there a vast difference between the ceo7 and the lg2?

[@neurosentience5150]

My ear loves a j45. But I love playing my lg2.

[@dbkoala]

I do wish they sold one of the LG-2s without the pickup.

[@BaktaBak3]

For me , it's a nice option to plug into an amp for certain venues/recording.

[@Roosterscoope]

I get what joseph is trying to say.. sometimes the pickup sounds like trash in some amps..it's nice to just put a mic in front of it to get that nice acoustic sound

[@Dagger_323]

They do if you check out the Custom Shop line, but you’re looking at nearly double the price. Although the woods on those are thermally aged, which really opens up the sound.

[@steel6322]

The pickup is easy enough to remove. I took the pickup out of my 2019 J45 standard yesterday. Spent an hour or so carefully sanding off the spots with sticky residue left over, and it's cleaned up awesome. Those under saddle pickups are a nuisance to the tone.

[@scottschmittmusic]

Nice!.. wish it sounded like the J45.. ugh! Just sold my southern jumbo.. cause it was too big to play live.. beautiful guitar but I looked like I was carrying a table

[@josephdeveau4150]

Strumming: J-45. Fingerpicking: LG-2. Answer: probably need both!

[@PaulIsbell]

My next guitar will be an LG-2! I currently have a Martin 000-15 which I love for its warmth, but the spruce top on the LG-2 gives it some more punch and sparkle!

[@101airborne07]

Benjamin Tod ( Lost Dog Street Band) plays one of these, it’s either quite old or been played really hard as you can see the wood beneath the black headstock and scratches where you would strum. But the old look of that guitar and his playing revived this guitar for me. For acoustics I wouldn’t have went to Gibson but he changed my mind. There is also a video where a guy in Nashville upgraded and fixed up the guitar if anybody wants to check it out. Definitely sounds very very good.

[@101airborne07]

The guitar also fits his voice. He has a bit of a mid range voice with not really any bass.

[@bumpcityguitar221]

Have both. They’re great!

[@kyazma]

What would you recommend to a player who favours 1 11/16” ? Would the j45 be a bit large in terms of neck thickness and nut width?

[@bumpcityguitar221]

@@kyazma I would recommend a Martin...they make several 1-11/16" necks. It can make a big difference to some when chording, a little tight for fingerpickers. To me, the Gibson is very comfortable. Some of the late 50's necks tend to be a baseball bat feel.

[@kalani8598]

Hey man .. hope this finds well.. wanna ask about the neck of the LG2 , is it thicker than the ones on the American eagle? Is it easy on the hands?

[@peterbonanno846]

Thanks Chris, another excellent review

[@Beachbumartist]

So can that lg 2 or the L 00 can they take the strumming that it takes to play Pinball Wizard or are they not built for that?

[@RynoComesAlive]

LG-2 sounds simillar to 00 , I've tryed that guitar and I can say it's amazing beautiful tone, but it's not J45 .. you cannot get huge sound out of a smaller guitar, only SS for that type , amazing guitars, keep playing :D

[@BaktaBak3]

Ended up getting a Gibson 50's LG2 ( used ). It's everything you described and more beautiful sound and looks than expected. You probably know I favor 00 size guitars .........wanted a Keb Mo, but they're rare as hens teeth ! This was 2nd on the list. Very happy with it . Thanks for all your reviews Chris.

[@Ledzepfan88]

I played a keb mo awhile back, how would you say the l00 compares to the LG-2? I can't find a comparison anywhere

[@bokchoiboi9016]

what is the song called at 9:15

[@flomuehl]

Hi, cool review of two iconic guitars. How would you compare the LG-2 to the Martin Jeff Tweedy?

[@tick_magnetedschaper5611]

WOW! That J 45 sounds amazing! Now I want one so bad.

[@kurtmackenzie7349]

The j 45 is magic to my ears.

[@hoidoi62]

Have been at the dealer today to try the J-45 '50. Sounds great but still the typical Gibson issues - not clean at the end of the fretboard and around soundhole. No headstock overlay and only a printed logo, the saddle was nearly 10mm out of the bridge (good action).

[@drewg3087]

Love my j-45, and natural bird, now really really want a LG-2. Went from Martin fan boy for years to Gibson fan boy the last 4-5 years.

[@texhaines9957]

I still love the Banner J45 I bought from you. However, the Gibson LG-2 was not available when I was looking. I have an Iris OG to fill that sound spot, with a better neck profile than those I could find at the time and at a lower price than the used Gibsons. Thanks.

[@John-wr6yo]

It is a hard call when you admire both of them. I think by todays standards either one would be a great stage companion. But then again the j45 and j series have been time tested and proven ,and help shape the iconic sound of american music from traditional,bluegrass and folk. A good ole j45 has inspired many a iconic rock song. Many an artist and song smith has drawn from the well spring of inspiration and musical creativity with a j45 in their hands. But i considering a banner style lg

[@rogeliod1259]

Just a random question that has nothing to do with the video but do y’all carry guitars more suitable for the mariachi style of play?

[@Roosterscoope]

They do the cordoba line on here

[@GuitarOnTheRun]

Pretty infatuated with the LG-2. I have a Southern Jumbo and would love a smaller rig. But I need to play one!

[@andrewhumphrey1047]

LG-2 american eagle has the same neck profile and sound very inviting, especially fingerpicked. The new ones are supposed to have a different neck.

[@HHIVR4]

I have a 1949 LG2.It is a fantastic guitar!

[@gouldbergvariations]

J-45 is better. The Lg for a small guitar sounds pretty good too.

[@anthrop7998]

Wow that looks tiny. We have a J45 from the 60's. Beast creature.

[@laurenstone6420]

Love your videos. Great info and your a guitar lover like most of us... Nothing like the smell and sound of trying out guitars that are well made and you find that special one. You are thorough, kind to those beautiful guitars and accurate.

[@milesv5352]

How does the 50's J-45 compare to the J-45 1942 Banner? The Banner is almost twice the price, is it twice the guitar? Thanks

[@tcrossfranco]

Asked Gibson (Bozeman) if I could get the LG 2 without the electronics and without the strap pin at the heal...was told to leave those two things out, I would have to go through custom shop and pay a premium...this tells me their guitars are assembly line made, otherwise it would be a simple matter to have accommodated my request AND adjust the price to reflect they would be leaving two things out...BTW...bought my first Gibson in the 60's ...been playing since late 50's...have played, worked on, and owned many guitars along with owning two shops one of which was a Gibson dealer...just saying, I know how easy this should have been to do...

[@lanes58]

Apples and oranges. Of course you’re going to get more bass out of a larger body. It’s apples and oranges. If you only want one guitar, go with the J 45. If you already have a larger bodied acoustic, keep it and get the LG2. They both have their purpose.

[@VintageBurst42]

It seems like the LG-2 is more in touch with what's going on right in the area where the strings and the guitar player meet. . . closer to the player, if you will. The J-45's sound lies deeper inside, where it reacts with the larger shape of the guitar's body.

[@phantomfps2758]

What mic is being used?

[@AndEis93]

The LG sounds warmer than the J-45. I usually prefer bright sounding guitars but this LG sounds amazing and better than the J-45

[@jeremiahglauser3591]

Does the LG2 50s reissue have the same as the standard new LG2

[@thongamchan775]

Hi I like the low end sound projected more and clear in these two guitars. I like both and it would suit to playing my favourite song " More than words"

[@fredmillard5018]

Love your guitar playing

[@francescolietti.painter1530]

Hi would you say the LG2 is equal to a Martin OO? Or perhaps a Martin OOO? Thank you

[@phyfts]

I wish you did the 60s one too.

[@MikeSmith-hj4lp]

ABSOLUTELY!

[@BaktaBak3]

Would you say the Gibson 50's lg2 modified V neck is similar to the Martin CEO -7 neck ? ....thinner , thicker ??? Have the CEO 7 and the neck is comfortable for me. Thanks in advance.

[@theodoricsmith577]

Nice playing!

[@steverichardson9133]

Great stuff as usual. Gibsons are nice.. still loving my J15

[@timelwell7002]

I'm confused. What is the difference between a Gibson LG-1, the Gibson LG-2 and the Gibson L-00..?

[@bobdonovan4505]

Hi from California Chris How come you never talk about Larrivee Guitars

[@AlamoMusic]

I love Larrivee guitars but we are not a dealer. Another local store, GuitarTex is a dealer for Larrivee and so we cannot carry them. However, they are great guitars and if we had better access to them I would certainly love to review them and carry them in the store. We will see what the future holds. In the meantime, Mark Waldrop at GuitarTex has done a wonderful job representing their line.

[@bobdonovan4505]

@@AlamoMusic thanks Chris I own one and it is a great instrument

[@MrBallynally2]

I dint think the J45 has scalloped bracing like the LG2, making the LG2 top more resonant for fingerpicking. As expected..

[@texhaines9957]

I like the comparison. Any of the Gibson Historic J45s? Really like the J45 we bought from you. Thanks

[@WS-bk7uu]

What's the song that he plays? Would love to learn it. Is it a bluegrass thing?

[@eljefe6782]

LG2 vs L-00?

[@Ledzepfan88]

I would be very interested in this comparison. In a perfect world I'd be in a room with these, and a 0-18& 00-18 Martin's maybe a 00--15m and 00015sm for good measure

[@SlimDavenport]

Yeah, would like to hear that.

[@cozmos21]

It'd be really interesting to hear a new J185 compared to these 2!

[@AlamoMusic]

We'll look into that! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@cozmos21]

Alamo Music Center thank you!

[@jimmycollette9209]

It's like the big brother takes over. The little brother wasn't a slouch. Sometimes you might not want to hear the cannon but something in a smaller gauge. .

[@stevenotice2918]

LG-2 vs Taylor GS mini? I tried a Gibson “parlor” - similar in size, but might not have been the LG-2. I choose the GS mini because it had similar mids but better bass. Love the sunburst on both Gibsons.

[@golds04]

40’s LG-2 ❤❤❤❤❤

[@donaldholman9070]

I want them both...

[@John-wr6yo]

The iconic j45 is called the american work horse for a good reason. What style of music can you not play on it. It fits in every where.

[@PaulJones-xj7dk]

what type of body acoustic guitar is this??

[@johnwbanjo]

I’ve always loved the J-45. The LG-2 somehow sounded like it needed to clear its throat. The J-45 sounded full and bright.

[@denbo6054]

I know your intent is to sell guitars and popularize your store but I would love it if you made a tutorial for how to play since of the songs you p km at on your demos. Very soothing.

[@jasonmccarty9]

Would be nice if you would actually show the neck profiles more. Thanks.

[@mycroft0078]

Dude, a LG is NOT a parlour guitar. It is mid-sized, like Martin's 000/)M/00.

[@donaldholman9070]

Thank you

[@sallybowles2781]

so what is then a balanced guitar, if these are not balanced? I need a balanced one :D

[@joelreyes4376]

Of curse G-45 creates the Sweetest sound

[@1000foxtrot]

Oh yes, for me the LG-2 would be the best, no doubt...

[@systemaroc]

Thanks!

[@Garbagelaner]

So it's kinda a GS Mini gibson, right?

[@josephbelcher2568]

I like the J-45 better but part of that might be the age of the wood.

[@terrytosh7678]

I think I really want an LG-2. But I haven’t got to touch one yet.

[@alanpecherer5705]

$2500+ for an LG-2 is insanity. These were considered student guitars until about 15 minutes ago.

[@chrisls912]

$3300 now.

[@deborahmcalister3936]

I have both... not a fan of the LG2 neck... I see why Chris Stapleton changed the neck on his LG.

[@terranceshider3660]

Awesome

[@jameshill2015]

The LG2 sounds like a Martin, the J45 sounds..well.. like a Gibson, the swampy lil delta blues riff you played at the end of the sound demo really demonstrates that perfectly.. l personally prefer the Hummingbird tone over either of these.. l just feel it's more versatile to the music l play and like, lve tried a few J45s but they just don't do it for me. That lil LG2 has a more standout tone but is not so versatile because of just that and if l liked playing the delta blues it would be my choice hands down..but l don't so l think the J45 would be my personal choice of the two. Great vid..Thanks!

[@patantenucci3929]

J45 the workhorse sound better as they get older.

[@mahoganyhollow]

Just FYI, the answer is both. :P