Why I Chose Gibson | Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic Guitar Demo and Review

In this video I share with you my experience using the @gibsonguitar J-45 acoustic guitar for the past 10 years for leading worship and playing in bands. I share the story of why I ended up choosing this guitar.
Table of Contents:
00:00 - Demo 1
00:33 - Intro
01:22 - Specs
02:17 - Backstory
03:38 - Demo Setup
04:05 - My Capo
04:34 - Demo 2
05:01 - Demo 3
05:38 - Demo 4
06:17 - Demo 5
06:56 - Demo 6
07:34 - Demo 7
07:57 - Demo 8
08:27 - Demo 9
08:49 - Demo 10
09:20 - Final Thoughts
Gear Used:
@shure SM81 Mic
@gibsonguitar J-45 Standard
@g7thcapo G7th Capo
@lrbaggsmedia Element Pickup
@Creationmusiccompany Instrument Cable
🎛️ My Pedals:
Amp Modeler (Tonex Pedal) - sweetwater.sjv.io/Mmz7Qo
Favorite Reverb - sweetwater.sjv.io/q49YgL
Favorite Klon - sweetwater.sjv.io/5gEojN
JHS Morning Glory - sweetwater.sjv.io/DKG7L2
My Tuner - sweetwater.sjv.io/9gD0e5
My Volume Pedal - sweetwater.sjv.io/k0EYRL
Swiss Army Knife - sweetwater.sjv.io/GmJ7nm
My Delay Pedal - sweetwater.sjv.io/1rBJ19
________________
🔴 My Studio Gear:
Audio Interface - sweetwater.sjv.io/JzX7Jq
Studio Monitors - sweetwater.sjv.io/ZQ57XX
Shure SM57 - sweetwater.sjv.io/XYj7dX
Shure SM81 - sweetwater.sjv.io/Wqr74A
Headphones - sweetwater.sjv.io/nLxYNA
________________
🎸 My Guitars:
PRS SE DGT - sweetwater.sjv.io/6eLmAq
PRS SE Silver Sky - sweetwater.sjv.io/21zZj7
Gibson J45 - sweetwater.sjv.io/R5q71N
Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster
Fender American Standard Telecaster
________________
🎧 My Accessories:
Budget In-Ears - sweetwater.sjv.io/q49YAY
Fancy In-Ears - sweetwater.sjv.io/xkaYy1
Electric Strings - sweetwater.sjv.io/jr0YzP
Acoustic Strings - sweetwater.sjv.io/5gEoA2
Favorite Picks - sweetwater.sjv.io/GmJ70m
Favorite Straps - sweetwater.sjv.io/JzX7Lq
Patch Cables - sweetwater.sjv.io/XYj7LX
#gibson #j45 #acoustic #acousticguitar #guitar #gibsonguitars

[@Trigenetic]

I love my J-45. I fell in love with its sound the first time i tried it

[@richardstones6445]

Great demo. Thank you! Just one guy's opinion here, but aside from the iconic tone and projection of this guitar, if you are primarily an electric guitar player, or switch back and forth frequently, you will instantly fall in love with the feel of the J-45. The short scale length and neck profile is almost identical to a Les Paul. I think the Gibson SG's neck has a slightly thinner profile, but still, the J-45 will immediately feel comfortable for you.

[@lilycat1694]

I just tried a J45 Standard at my local Guitar Center. It was beautiful and surpassed my expectations in playability and sound. My dream guitar! I need to save up 💰. Love Martin guitars too.

[@njv1805]

Backstory....Martins are too expensive so I tried other guitars and bought an even more expensive guitar. That being said, I have a Martin GC-MMV (GC Exclusive poor mans D28) and a 000-15. A J-45 has always held a special place in my heart and will probably be my next guitar.

[@seviswitzerland3470]

This is really a very great demo, thank you !

[@HenryPipes]

Very nice! I have one from 2009 and 2023! They are great.

[@4jrbirdman]

Nicely done, excellent chops...love my J 45

[@sundaytone]

Thanks!

[@Luke-yv6uo]

This clown literally just strummed open chords the entire time like all lazy, boring CCM players do. “Excellent chops” lmao. Dudes “excellent chops” are about existent as his imaginary friend, God-that is not at all.

[@thaddeusfields4360]

I was dead set on a Martin as well but fell in love with the Taylor Grand Orchestra I use for leading worship. I want another tool of similar caliber and the J45 is at the top of my list.

[@shanedennison6288]

Such a great sounding acoustic I'm jealous

[@jorgezurita7270]

Great video !!!! 🔥🔥 I love J45

[@DavidAnthonyFosterMusic]

I just strummed and played around with one of these yesterday and now I’m obsessed and need to get one.

[@RobertJRoberts]

Thank you for this great video review. What a nice sounding guitar. I think I have made up my mind. I too had my mind set on a Martin before he3aring this J45. Nice playin as well.

[@rogerkuhn8995]

Amazing demo. Been looking to upgrade my current main guitar and this one of the best sounding guitar demos I've ever heard, this model just shot to the top of my list. It's not just the guitar though, very clean playing and awesome recording setup, sounds like a million bucks.

[@livemusicalgarve]

Thats a killer tone my friend.

[@peterlaidler3895]

Hi there, silly question you might think, but which particular model and colour is the one you use in your demo? I've been looking at some in the Gibson range advertised as J45 Montana.

[@livemusicalgarve]

Always been a Martin guy, but really love the tone of these j45s

[@WorshipGuitarist4life17]

I think matt Redman has that same guitar only with LR baggs pickup in it. I want to know what strings he uses to get the close tone

[@KingGodson316]

My main acoustic is a bourgeois but I’ve been hunting for the right Gibson to compliment it. My friend has a ringer of a J-45 and I’ve struggled to find another that’s like it. But the J-45 is a classic and incredible acoustic! Great job and tones on the video!

[@sundaytone]

Thank you!

[@richardlucascronley5128]

Just order a j45 standard. You won’t regret it

[@DH-og5yr]

@@richardlucascronley5128unless you do regret it. They’re very hit and mid

[@McCambira]

Congrats! I have one J45 year 2011. I love this guitar, It’s simply the best acoustic guitar.

[@LoneTinaja]

McCambria, specifically what model of 2011 J45 do you have?

[@McCambira]

@@LoneTinaja 2011

[@LoneTinaja]

@@McCambira Wouldn't the actual model be called Standard or Studio, not 2011?

[@dietersdawgs]

I love how so many people say they've tried a bunch of guitars, and their "bunch" is always and only a Taylor, Martin, or Gibson....I guess a bunch means three??? I personally try as many as I kind find, and that's usually a minimum of eight or ten different makers, and interestingly enough, regardless of price, the only American made guitar I played that I felt was worth the price ( and bought ) was a 2017 Breedlove Oregon, and a Collings I was considering but I bought a Boucher over that, and zero regrets. I have 28 guitars, 3 made in Japan, 2 made in Spain, 1 in the U.S.A., and the rest are all Canadian. I've played $7000 Martins, Taylors, and Gibsons that sounded like shit, can't say I've played anything Canadian, Japanese, or Spanish for between $600 to $2000 that DON'T sound good, and also better than almost anything I've tried regardless of price from Taylor, martin, Fender, and Gibson. As for what kind of music you play, that doesn't matter at all really, you should be able to play any style on a good guitar, and I doubt anyone can really tell what guitar was used on a recording simply with their ear. Seems a lot of people like to get swayed by who plays what. Most good musicians play what their sponsors give them, and they'll sound good on any guitar that's well made with good materials.

[@BrianHoffpauer]

Love the tone... I have a J-45 and SJ-200 that I love, but your 45 has a much warmer tone than mine... What strings are you using and any eq on this video?

[@jacobmorgenstein6788]

Phosphore Bronze.... not 80 20

[@oscarcavero6078]

Min 6:20, bless the Lord oh my soul, great version of one of my favourite worship songs, played with my favourite guitar. Thank you for this video!

[@supermarioxs1]

I am very blessed to have a J-45 Standard myself a 2021 edition as my daily player. Aside from the J-45 I also have a Martin and another Gibson . All three lovely Guitars. Excellent choice as I would find it very hard to part with my 45…. This guitar hits and checks all of the boxes for me ….

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

For sure, it’s one of my favorites. I went with a D18, as I find that it’s a bit louder, and has a bit more bass, but I would still be happy with a J45, if I went that route. I owned a Rosewood Martin before this one, and for me, mahogany is the way to go

[@joecooper9859]

I bought one of these back in 2012 so around the same time as you. Like you, I had originally thought about a Martin (specifically a D-28) but in the end preferred the more balanced tone of the Gibson. I also tried a Hummingbird but although it sounded very nice, it was quite a bit more expensive. I'm very pleased with my J-45. I'd be interested to know what type of strings you use (manufacturer, type and gauge). I think mine came with a set of Gibson 12s but I'm currently using D'Addario Phosphor Bronze Custom Lights (11-52).

[@sundaytone]

I usually use Elixir Phosphor Bronze Mediums or Martin Lifespan Phosphor Bronze Mediums.

[@softsouthernknight]

I still play my 1971 D-18 but the woody tone of the J-45 is nice.

[@stephanb3544]

Bless the Lord 0 my soul 🙏 Fantastic playing.

[@RonRivet]

I currently have a beautiful 2012 custom built Taylor that I bought 10 yrs ago in 2014. I too lead worship and am now in the market for a nice new guitar. I thought I would like a Martin D18 so I tried one as well as the J45 but I always like the sound and feel of the J45 the best. My Taylor is also a mahogany back and sides. I will try a Martin D35 but I'm thinking I will be coming home with a Gibson J45. How do you like the onboard pick up system? I really like the sound of my Taylor unplugged but not a fan of it plugged in due to the ES1 system. Really nice playing. It sounds really nice and nicely done on the Matt Redmond song. We play that one at church also. God bless you. 😊

[@sundaytone]

Thanks so much! This J45 has the LR Baggs Element which I really like. The newer versions of the J45 may come with a different pickup system but I like the Element a lot.

[@floaterfan101]

Just bought a Martin OM-28. The J-45 is next !!!

[@thelorax7704]

Thanks for the video. I'm about to buy one of these, but I am wondering about the neck shape. Gibson says it's a slim taper. Do you know how that would compare to a Taylor Grand Auditorium guitar? If not, can you just talk in general about the playability of the neck? I am homebound so I can't play it ahead of time, so it's a little scary. I bought my Taylor sight unseen and I liked it. Love my Taylor, but I want this one too since it has a warmer sound.

[@sundaytone]

Thanks for checking out the video! I haven’t played a ton of Taylors but I would say the neck is kind of middle of the road. I don’t know that I would call it slim but it’s not super beefy either. I think it feels great though. I don’t like necks to be too slim or too thick so this works great for me. I think if you are going for a warmer sound - you can’t go wrong with this guitar.

[@quentinlargcoie]

They're just so pretty, and sound amazing 😊

[@NoUseForAName0626]

Cant ever go wrong with a J-45.. I'm sure so many players know of the "Very Stale, Mediocre" few years Gibson recently went through..as far as Acoustics, like 2014-2017 (ish) not saying all guitars from those years are bad, they just had a negative reputation of their Acoustics become very hit or miss.. Ive only ever played Gibson Acoustics, (other than in 2017 I bought a Martin D-35) and I'm so Glad Gibson is BACK!! Theres no question Martin makes incredible guitars.. For me, the tone my ear craves and is the best for me, will always be Gibsons.. Again, just my opinion and by no means is this a insult on Martins or folks who play Martins, ive always felt Gibsons especially a J45, is much more diverse than Martins. Taking nothing away from Martin, they obviously make incredible guitars.. lol My current weapon of choice is my 2012 Gibson Advanced Jumbo.. Anyway, wow sorry this comment become way to long. Lol Your J45 sounds amazing my man!! 🤘

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

I kind of get where you’re coming from actually, my dad has a Gibson hummingbird, so painfully beautiful. It’s just so good looking. I have a D-18! It’s genuinely fantastic. I mean seriously it’s just so good. Playing both back to back, it’s really hard to choose because they’re different, I find that the Martin projects, better, and sort of sounds better on paper, If there was a mathematical way to compare the sound, the Martin would be mathematically better. It just has more. But for whatever reason, even though the Gibson isn’t as initially impressive to listen to, I just prefer it, and I like it more. I like the sound more. It’s more soft, but it’s just so beautiful.

[@jgeorge4578]

The best acoustic out there!

[@PerishableDave]

It would be nice if you could compare 100% LR Baggs vs. 100% mic'd since you probably won't be able to mix a mic'd channel in a live setting.

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

I was thinking about a J45, I think they’re awesome, I went with the Martin D-18. I think I would’ve been happy with the Gibson as well, but I don’t regret my decision, The 18 is such a canon, and it’s so warm and powerful. It’s louder than the Gibson, and it has a lot of bass and power. I don’t have to try to sell the guitar, everybody already knows how good it is already, and they’re right. Same the J 45 though

[@jimross9429]

I absolutely love my J-45 but have found it’s very particular about what strings you use. What strings are you using in this video.

[@gzackerman]

I played 6 guitars today at GC - D18, ,28, 35, HD28, and a used J45 as well as a new J45 Standard in vintage sunburst. I ruled out the used J45 - too many issues. The new J45 was warm, like you said. I ruled out the D18. Now it comes down to rosewood vs. mahogany. I’m still contemplating.

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

I’ve played the hummingbird, J45, D18 etc. they’re all different but great. I had a rosewood Martin for a minute, I sold it and went for the D18. I don’t regret it at all. To my ears, I’m happy with it, and I would consider keeping it for life, as my main. I think I would go mahogany instead of Rosewood, that’s what I’ve learned, but that’s just my opinion. Rosewood is more impressive when you compare them back to back, but it gets more annoying to listen to quickly, as the sound is complex, and you hear a lot more treble as well. It’s not something I would wanna keep long-term. Just my opinion

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

I feel like mahogany is just easier to live with long-term, and works for everything perfectly. I would go with the D18, J45, or the hummingbird. The hummingbird is best of the three in my opinion, but not in every way, the Martin wins with playability, if you get one that’s set up well. They’re all different

[@gzackerman]

I wound up buying a J45 in vintage sunburst. I love it. I have owned a Martin DCPA4R for 8 years. To my ears, I like the J45 more, so much so that I don’t even play the Martin anymore.

[@danherrick5785]

@@gzackerman I played a martin for so long that my ears got sick of the sound. Literally. Taylors are too bright and exhaust my brain. Gibson is too expensive. The Eastmen E1SS is the answer. For $579, its a slope shoulder that chimes like the J45 - for 579!

[@samscrapbook]

Sounds and looks awesome! may i know what strings are you using on it?

[@sundaytone]

Thank you! Yea I have Elixir 80/20 Mediums on it right now.

[@Ben-wv8im]

Hello from Finland, what brand of strings you have on it. Best regards.

[@endoffate5475]

No acoustic sound better than a j45.

[@multipipi1234]

Apart from d18.

[@vincentlussier8264]

That's all a matter of personal preference. I love the J 45 as well but to my ear my Gibson Songwriter sounds better! Others will say the D28 and so on!

[@darthsensei3838]

Apart from the D18-28 I agree

[@NoUseForAName0626]

Timestamp, 7:00 Not sure if you're playing something from Kristian Stanfill lol but it sounds like it.. Especially being Kristian plays a awesome J45 for so many years..I cant place my finger on which song it sounds like off the top of my head, lol "Always" or "one thing remains".. lol 🤘

[@congerscott6064]

Man that guitar sounds great , i want one bad but $ 3,000 is a lot of money for me , i should just get it and be done with it.

[@caster3283]

Just got one and the strings are getting ready to swap. What’s the best option in everyone’s opinion?

[@AlexRomero-mj5wi]

Martin d28 is the daddy. Unbeatable sound.

[@im58woody]

I love the tone and looks of the J45 but it’s too big for me. Nice review 👍🏻

[@jimmycollette9209]

I have a 2020 j-45 which came with the lr baggs vtc pickup which sux. I like everything about the guitar but that. As much as the guitar costs it should have a darn good pickup. I do have a couple martins with pickups but both have a mic you can blend with the under saddle. The j-45 is a great guitar and a good companion for my martins. Hd-28 and d-35.

[@LoneTinaja]

jimmycollette9209 - the K&K Pure Mini passive under the bridge pickup has a great reputation for producing sound more accurately than many expensive pickups that have mics. Plus it can be bought new for about $109. Many folks have found they don't even need the external K&K Pure Preamp. But if you decide to get the external K&K Pure Preamp you can get it new for about $112. The K&K tech team in Oregon is excellent for answering questions. And the installation manual shows consumers how they can install the Pure Mini themselves.

[@jimmycollette9209]

@@LoneTinaja thanks for the info. Will keep it in mind.

[@quocnguyen3914]

what string do u use?

[@user-bu4ns8ps4p]

Yamaha’s FGX5 sounds just as good and plays as good. Half the price! Yamaha is massively underrated

[@scottschmittmusic]

Dig it

[@jbbourbon178]

Good review just wish we could hear the acoustic sound more and not the pickup.

[@multipipi1234]

For me.D18. Thats it. Clear.. precise loud..the original. All you need...D18. and a Fender Stat. No more spending money. However.....

[@tcrossfranco]

These are nice guitars...problem is Gibson automatically installs electronics and that awful strap pin on the neck...when I requested Boseman leave these two things off...they said it would need to go through Gibson's custom shop [$$$]... maybe this is why Gibson is in so much trouble...

[@guitarmann3343]

I thought people that played worship music used Taylor.

[@sundaytone]

😂

[@shaneross6242]

The J45 is a dream guitar , saying it is inexpensive is completely wrong this is a pretty expensive guitar

[@sundaytone]

Yea prices have gone way up since I bought this guitar. It was over 12 years ago and I got it on sale. It was still expensive at the time but all I was saying is that I had my heart set on certain high end Martins and I realized I really liked the J45 and hadn't considered it. I was then able to get it at a lot lower price than those Martins.

[@scottschmittmusic]

Neck too fat for me.. I have a Southern Jumbo and it has a slimmer neck

[@danherrick5785]

I played a Martin for so long that my ears got sick of the sound. Literally. Taylors are too bright and exhaust my brain. Gibson is too expensive. The Eastmen E1SS is the answer. For $579, its a slope shoulder that chimes like the J45 - for 579!

[@AnkitSingh-vx4dy]

Martin D 18 D28 both are cheaper than j45 what the hell are you talking

[@sundaytone]

This was over 10 years ago so I’m sure prices are different now. Not sure what they go for now but at the time I was looking at getting an OM28 or 00028

[@jacobhamm5471]

Wildly overpriced and very inconsistent. Great ones are great, but such a crapshoot you have to play before you buy.

[@sundaytone]

Yea you definitely need to play them to find the right one. I think they cost a bit more now but I think this one sounds great and is worth it to me.

[@baltimoreben1123]

Having played many of these, I could be said that the comparable Martins and Taylor’s are also overpriced and inconsistent. I agree that the special individual J-45’s are wonderful. In my view, they are a unique voice from the others. A little more rock n roll. In the past I played a Gibson Hummingbird that had all of the bass and treble response of a piano without losing clarity. Once upon a time, Tacoma made solid wood acoustic guitars at an affordable price that I easily compared to Martins and Taylor’s. If you’re spending serious money……always play it first. I think it’s great when someone shares the story and sound of one of their favorite guitars!

[@mikechivy]

I think that narrative is massively overplayed. In recent years, they pretty much all sound fantastic.

[@NoUseForAName0626]

​​@@mikechivy I only play Gibson Acoustics, so I'm 100% a Gibson "Fan Boy" lol.. Many know of the recent years that Gibson was struggling and they gained a bit of a negative reputation for putting out Mediocre, Hit and Miss, Acoustics.. That reputation will probably stick with them forever according to some folks.. lol don't get me wrong it's okay for someone to have a different opinion as me amd other Gibson players lol, All that to say, since about 2017 or '18, Gibson has corrected what many have heard or experienced with Gibson Acoustics.. My opinion based on what I hear when listening to their Guitars now. Sorry for the long explanation lol, as a Gibson supporter and player, I often get attacked in some comment sections because I Love Gibsons.. lol it's cool though 😂🤘

[@siriusfun]

Nonsense. It's 2023 - give your head a shake.

[@ButscheSchmidt]

Der Pick Up Klang ist überhaupt nicht schön... klingt einfach nicht gut, irgendwie "Plastik", eindeutig unnatürlich verfremdend.

[@jasper_north]

Never buy a sloped shoulder. Makes you look like a poor cowboy with the strap around the headstock… 🤠

[@n.s.a5661]

Amazing video, stunning guitar sound and look

[@sundaytone]

Thank you!