Good acoustic tone is extremely subjective. I love the tone of Gibson acoustics (especially the one's from the 40's and 50's which I can't afford), but a couple of my guitar buddies can't stand them. To each their own I guess.I own an SJ, which is a J-45 with fancy cosmetics. I think it's interesting when we go try out the J-45's at L&McQ. What appeals to me, in terms of tone, doesn't always appeal to whomever I'm with, and vice-versa. Tone is subjective. I love my guitar and that's all that really matters to me. I think the J-45's were selling for around $2200.00. Occasionally there'll be one in there that's scratched/damaged or a former rental. They go for a bit less.
Why can't they dammit. I strongly suspect that the difference in materials and labour is negligable.I was in NYC this week and stopped at Rudy's on 48th street. They had a brand new reissue J 45 based on a 1940's J 45-cost about $6000 US-fanatastic guitar light as a feather-huge neck and the tone was unbelievable.
I wish they could make them all like that.
I share your sentiments on the new Gibson's. There are such fantastic Canadian-made guitars out there now like Larivee that make the US imports less and less appealing.The new J-45's sound is very appealing but I ended up getting a Larrivee D03R a few months ago when I played them side by side. Yes, the Gibson was slightly richer in sound, but the D03 I got was very similar in sound, and $1000 less! The Gibson does look cooler but then there are so many out there now...it seems to be the guitar of choice these days.
I really like the better new J45's but I wonder if they're worth what they're asking. I've played a few amazing 50's J45s at 12thFret, but they were going for $4000+. These Gibsons really do sound fantastic. The newer ones are very nice but the pre-60's ones are in another class.
I respectfully differ. I have personally never heard a Larrivee that put me in mind of a J45 (I'm not saying there might not be one out there.) However, many other guitar makers have taken inspiration from the "round shoulder" dreadnaught and created guitars, which in some cases IMHO "out-Gibson" the new Gibsons. The first one that comes to my mind is Huss & Dalton. The other off the top of my head, I referred to before from Tinker. But I don't agree that Gibson has a lock on that tone. Nor do I think they necessarily provide the best value or quality in today's acoustic guitar market.As far as I'm aware, if you're looking for that kind of sound and feel, the J45 is the only place to get it.
Of course I can't argue with your experience - I have no idea if you've even played a J45 before. Only you know that.Well, I have no doubt that someone makes a J45-inspired guitar that sounds like a J45. The Santa Cruz Classic Jumbo might. But, as I said, I have not personally tried one. I'm not sure how you could disagree with that.