Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

[phil_104]

Hey guys,

So this summer ( see next 6 months), I'll be saving up to get my first real "good" acoustic guitar. I'm very lucky to have a store near me that stocks the biggest selection of Taylors in Canada, with a healthy choice of both Martin and Gibson acoustics alongside.

I'm looking for something in the 2300-2700$ range before taxes. Not anything crazy, but something I can be proud to perform with. I just want something I can keep for a while.

Never been a fan of Martin. Thought I was very much a Taylor guy from what I have played in the past (and I've played a LOT in the past, lol). Lately though, I've really been digging the feel of Gibson acoustics, and specially their sound. I don't know why, but around here, there's not many people that rock them, it's all Martin or Taylor.

So boys, opinions on the matter? I've been looking at a few models, and I don't know what to think. Keep in mind for price, that I need electronics in it for live use, so if I go with something that's just acoustic, I need to factor in 300$ for a good system and installation.

Anyways, this is what I've been looking at :

Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Studio : (with electronics)
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Aco...Gibson-Acoustic/Songwriter-Deluxe-Studio.aspx

Gibson J-45 : (no electronics)
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Aco...d-Shoulder/Gibson-Acoustic/J-45-Standard.aspx

Any opinions on these models?

 

[Bludave]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

The only Gibson acoustics that I feel are really solid guitars are the Dove & the Hummingbird. Most of the others are hit & miss. Very inconsistent in the overall assembly. Yet they are great looking guitars. You have to go into your music store with an open mind and play everything that is within your price range. Don't look at the name on the headstock..... let your ears guide you. I have played a few Advanced jumbos that were pretty nice. It's just a matter of size & wood types you are looking for. The Hummingbird if my memory is correct is a Mahogany Dreadnought. It has a great overall sound yet it is a big guitar and they sound exceptional when you play them hard. They also respond well to fingerpicking. The Dove I believe is Maple & this offers a brighter tone, yet will still play well when attacked softer. One of my favorite Gibson's.

The bridge on the Dove is really heavy in construction as well as the bracing, so this would lead you to believe that they are going to sound dead, but they don't. They sound very lively to my ears.

If you have Taylors & Martins available; well you really need to play a lot of those as well. Personally I prefer Martins. They just seem to fit my playing better. Taylors are great guitars, very consistent, but they are acoustic guitars made for electric guitar players. They have a very thin neck, usually setup with very low action. I actually prefer a heavier string with greater action and Martins naturally accommodate this. I have a few Martins as well as some others, but the right approach is don't really listen to any individual recommendation..... go play a bunch and see what catches your ear.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

1) Blindfold and a billfold = all you need to get the perfect acoustic guitar

2) I played Gibsons, Martins, Taylors, and Guilds (and Yamahas, and Takamines, and...) the day I got my Guild. As I have said many times, [IN GENERAL] Martins seemed to sound the best but be the least playable. Taylors seemed to play the best but be the weakest sounding. Guild was in the middle of those two in both categories.

The Gibsons, to me, felt like they were 1:1 scale models of a guitar. I couldn't describe it much better'n that.

It was peculiar, they didn't have that "purpose built" feeling that the Martins had, where you could straight up feel that everything about the guitar was designed and constructed to give the best possible sound, or that super refined feeling of the Taylor where you could feel that every inch of the guitar was designed and built to be consistent and comfortable.

They just didn't have the unification of design execution that is really important for an acoustic guitar.

-Hunter

 

[jeremy]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

i have a few very nice acoustics:
70's? martin d28
90's taylor 814ce
60's guild 212
60's hofner 491

they all have their place but i like the hofner the best. its a copy of a gibson j45. the martin has more volume and bottom end and the taylor is easier to play but that hofner just sounds wonderful. but dont count out guilds either, all mine are old but the new ones ive played have been nice.

check out everything you can and see what sounds best to you. who knows maybe there is an old breedlove that is the perfect guitar for you just waiting. its best if you can bring some one else whos ears you respect along with you. what it sounds like to you while you play isnt the same as what it sounds like in front of it. listen both ways.

if the strings are really bad then ask some one at the store if they would mind changing them. if you are serious about getting a good guitar then it shouldnt be a big deal.

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

A mate up in Green Bay has owned a few Gibby acoustics through the years. Nice guitars. However, I will go with what Jeremy says above...actually all of the above comments!

 

[voggin]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

I love gibson acoustics. I just can't afford them!

There are lots of nice acoustics in your price range from a number of companies. Any one of them will be a great guitar, so it will all come down to your taste.

Damn, though, that songwriter is gorgeous!

 

[phil_104]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

Yeah, I guess I should perhaps be clearer with my question as to opinions, lol

I always, always use my ears and hands before my eyes when picking a guitar. I know that I'm going to have to go into the store with an open mind, there is no doubt there, thus the luxury of the store near my place. I'll play everything in my price range.

I guess what I was asking, is that I often hear guys around here who have had Taylor or Martin guitars for over 30 years. Have no seen many dudes with Gibsons, so I don't know how they hold up in the long run.

I played the songwriter deluxe studio, and I was blown away, it's everything I've ever wanted in an acoustic. But by the time I buy, that specific one will be long gone. I guess I had more of a concern about how it would do, if I intend to keep it as my main acoustic for the next 40 years or so.

Up to now, great advice though. Keep it coming!

Edit : I should also note that my store has a reputation of getting only the best guitars in. They will return guitars they find to be sub-par, so ordering wouldn't be so bad.

 

[Bass_Medic_05]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

I like the looks of the Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Studio, but really they are both fine looking guitars

 

[jeremy]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

gibsons hold up fine. i know people that have had gibsons for a decade or longer, some longer than ive been alive, and just like any well made solid wood guitar they get better with age.

i wouldnt buy anything that you cant put your hands on, there is too much variability. of course youll probably end up with a good guitar but wouldnt you rather have a great guitar?

 

[phil_104]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

gibsons hold up fine. i know people that have had gibsons for a decade or longer, some longer than ive been alive, and just like any well made solid wood guitar they get better with age.

i wouldnt buy anything that you cant put your hands on, there is too much variability. of course youll probably end up with a good guitar but wouldnt you rather have a great guitar?

Yeah I would. I'm a lucky **** in the sense that the store I go to, are really, really good about stocking products if you show interest. I've seen them bring in a guitar because someone displayed interest. They have over 80 Taylors, 40 Martins, and 20 Gibsons at any given time.

Good to hear they hold up though.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

I REALLY like the looks of that Songwriter Deluxe. When I bought my Taylor (which Jolly now has) a few years back, I played a bunch of acoustics, both new and used. I looked at and played several Gibson's. I doubt that I played either of the models you linked to though. Whatever Gibby's I played were dreadnoughts.

I remember really liking the tone of several of them. Really rich and full tone. Different from the Martin's and Taylor's, but very good. I also remember the playability being very nice. I would put it in between the Martin and Taylor. The necks felt very comfortable in my hand and the action was decent. I just remember the tone being very full and complex. I just didn't want to spend the $$ on the Gibby, and I was also convinced that I wanted a cutaway guitar.

I wouldn't be overly concerned about the Gibson holding up over time. I think they are well built enough that if you find one that you love the feel and tone of it will give you great service for years to come.

It's would be very hard for me to pick a guitar blindfolded, even figuratively, because I am such a brand name snob as well as being driven by how an instrument looks. It can be a great playing and sounding guitar, but if it's fugly I'll never be able to love it or play it. Stoopid but true.

Best of luck getting exactly what you want. A Gibson acoustic would be a great investment.

 

[phil_104]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

Jeff, that's how I want to treat it right now, as an investment. Truth is I could go to the store and pick up a 200 series Taylor today if I wanted to, but I don't want to get caught in the cycle of getting one, selling, to buy something I should of gotten off the bat.

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

I've never been much of a fan of Gibson acoustics. The only one I've ever liked was a J-200. I love those guitars, but I'm not going to pay what they want for one of those. I played a Gibson Brad Paisley model about a month ago. Like most Gibson acoustics, it was a beautiful, well made, and great playing guitar, but I just didn't care for the tone of it.

I guess I just really like the sound of Taylor's. They're exactly what I want to hear with my ears when I play an acoustic.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

Some years ago, the local mom-n-pop guitar store had a Hummingbird hanging high on the wall with "ask for assistance" on it. I reached up and strummed the strings low to high. It was badly in need of tuning, but it still had a full, rich sound.

I'll have one someday, but that's a lot of cheddar.

I did find an older one in a 2nd hand store for $600 that had been through a neck repair (cut and reset). It was pretty but sounded dead.
My old pawn shop Gretsch Dorado (made in Japan and imported by Gretsch) sounded way better, even though it's only good for slide.

 

[firebirdV]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

What's your background with acoustic?

If you really don't play much currently, then it will be difficult to determine what your preferences are. I would have never guessed that I don't like most Taylors when I first started, but now I know that they simply don't match up with my technique (too lightly braced, neck too thin/narrow, etc...).

Most Gibson acoustics tend to sound dead to me. Not being broken in is definitely a part of it, but I suspect I simply don't like most modern Gibsons.

If I was to spend a lot of money on an acoustic, I would take a long look at used Eric Clapton sigs, or maybe an HD-28 if I could find one.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

I'm with Hunter. When I got my Yamaha classical, I played a bunch of guitars. It had nothing to do with the brand or anything.

Just play EVERYTHING under you max cost (including tax!) and get the one that speaks to you.

Or, do what I do: Play an Ovation Celebrity, through a Zoom pedal, into a Crate amp. Spend the rest on Beer!

 

[phil_104]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

What's your background with acoustic?

If you really don't play much currently, then it will be difficult to determine what your preferences are. I would have never guessed that I don't like most Taylors when I first started, but now I know that they simply don't match up with my technique (too lightly braced, neck too thin/narrow, etc...).

Most Gibson acoustics tend to sound dead to me. Not being broken in is definitely a part of it, but I suspect I simply don't like most modern Gibsons.

If I was to spend a lot of money on an acoustic, I would take a long look at used Eric Clapton sigs, or maybe an HD-28 if I could find one.

Interesting info on that bracing preference.

I have a classical guitar training. Nylon strings for 6 years, nails still long and perfectly shaped for string attack on my right hang. I have a classical guitar that I have played so many hours on, I don't even want to think about it.

As far as acoustics, I have what would be a "Grand Auditorium" shape according to Taylor standards, but made by Aria. It's a good guitar that I've had for 10 years now, but it's hard to play. Really hard.

Lately I've been doing a lot of strumming with my band, and it just seems like the projection of a dreadnaught would serve me well. I guess I'll have to do more reading on shape.

I'm with Hunter. When I got my Yamaha classical, I played a bunch of guitars. It had nothing to do with the brand or anything.

Just play EVERYTHING under you max cost (including tax!) and get the one that speaks to you.

Or, do what I do: Play an Ovation Celebrity, through a Zoom pedal, into a Crate amp. Spend the rest on Beer!

Yeah, that's what I do all the time with electrics. I just like to know what I'm talking about when I go in and play, to pick something that feels and sounds good, but also will be good long term.

Oh, and yeah, if I can save some cash for beer, that makes me super happy.

 

[BRHGM]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

J-45, Advance Jumbo Reissue, Songwriter are all well made. The D-28 HD doesn't sound as good as the older Brazilian Rosewood Martins. I would consider a factory Fishman system or a soundhole system before cutting holes in an expensive guitar.

 

[Evan Skopp]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

I own a J45. It was a test guitar that Gibson sent us for some pickup testing. It had an ugly finish flaw in it, but it had The Tone. After we were done with the testing project, I bought it from them. It's still an amazing sounding guitar: way better than any other J45 I've played, new or old. (And I had them install a Southern Jumbo pickguard which totally covered the finish flaw).

 

[Bludave]

Re: Gibson acoustics : Opinions?

If you are looking at an investment.... Look at a Santa Cruz. Hands down they are some of the best produced guitar in the States. seeing that you are in Canada have you considered Larrivee? Another really nice guitar. Linda Manzer apprenticed under Larivee when he was building Classicals a while back.. For me its Santa Cruz. I have 2 a Tony Rice and an OM. The OM is literally my favorite guitar that I own. It speaks to me... no she calls to me. I can here her voice in my head always. Its a lifer for me. The Tony Rice is basically a HD 28 with an enlarged soundhole. Now I would also recommend to not go with electronics or at least not initially. You can always put a really great sounding pickup system down the road. Put the money in the wood.
http://www.santacruzguitar.com/
You can find them used and I would really recommend the SCGC. They make incredible guitars but they are expensive. In essence they make hand made Martins

Now Larivee guitars are made more like a classical but with a whole different bracing patter then a typical classical. They are also very nice guitars.... a bit overbuilt but still very good. Worth a look!

http://www.larrivee.com/

Now when it comes to plugging them in there are some really good options.
http://www.lrbaggs.com/
LR Baggs makes some awesome sound systems and they are generally easy to install(although I would not do it myself)

Another great manufacturer is Fishmen
http://www.fishman.com/products/details.asp?id=91
I really like the Aura system it sounds very natural and also installs pretty simple with very little modification to the guitar. You need to enlarge the endpin for a jack and that's it. The rest just sticks in the soundhole.