J45 / slope-shoulder alternatives?

guitargeek62 · September 2017

So I've got my Taylor up for sale as I have a hankering for a J45 and fancy a change, but don't need two acoustics at all.

I've played a few J45s over the years, including an amazing vintage one from 1950, and generally loved all of them. There was a cheap(er) offering from Tanglewood too that seemed to stand up well against it's more expensive brethren, but what else should I look at in the <£2k range other than a Gibson J45 itself? I'm more than happy to go used, but want to stick with the combination of mahogany back/sides and the shorter scale.

BigLicks67 · September 2017

The Atkin version of the J45 would be worth looking at.

TheBigDipper · September 2017

Brook have a model called the Tavy which is similar (but nicer tone) than my L-shape L'Arrivee. It's sort of J45-ish. I'd have bought one if I'd had the dosh. Lovely strummer, nice enough fingerpicker. Not short scale though, if that's a showstopper.

TheBigDipper · September 2017

The Atkin SJ (super jumbo, but not really that big) might also fit the bill. Oasis in Ringwood had a very nice one a few months ago and may still have it.

guitargeek62 · September 2017

Thanks, will add the Atkins to my list though chances are I'll go for something cheaper unless I find a deal on one!

AliGorie · September 2017

Sloped 12 fret dread by Larrivée blew away everything of that type in the shop a few years ago including a Huss * Dalton (sp?) that was much more expensive. I'm a OM / Jumbo guy but that Larry would have been mine had I needed a guitar.
We discussed theyre sloped dreads and 12 fretters on here a while back - anyone remember the model that so impressed me ?.

TimmyO · September 2017

There always seem to be used J-45s around - should be able to get one for much less than RRP

guitargeek62 · September 2017

@TimmyO - yep, that's what I'll likely end up doing; this is just to see if there's something else that's worth a look otherwise.

ICBM · September 2017

If you fancy a J-35 - which is essentially a blonde J-45 with a 40s-style headstock decal and 'mother of hairbrush' pickguard - I'm selling one, in almost-new condition. There is the slight problem that I'm not prepared to ship it and it's in Scotland, but if you can think of a way of getting it down there you can have it for a grand...

brojangles · September 2017

Eastman E10SS!

camf · September 2017

Nah! Get the real thing! Buy my lovely one that already has all the vintage trappings and none of the heartache.

guitargeek62 · September 2017

camf said:

Nah! Get the real thing! Buy my lovely one that already has all the vintage trappings and none of the heartache.

Probably would if my Taylor had sold already! You sure you don't fancy a trade?

camf · September 2017

Lovely guitar but I've decided acoustic guitars are wasted on me.

guitargeek62 · September 2017

Haha fair enough! They pretty much are on me too, but I know I'm always going to have one so it may as well be something closer to what my head hears!

@CamF - remind me again, what's the neck profile like on yours please? I remember trying a similar year one that had a lovely V profile.

camf · September 2017

It feels more like a soft D to me, than a V but I can check when I get home at the weekend. It's very playable and you will immidiately look like a serious songwriter.

Trude · September 2017

I have an Atkin J45 in the classifieds at the mo. Tis lush.

guitargeek62 · September 2017

@Trude - looks lovely but I'm really after a 'hog backed model, plus my Taylor has to sell first anyways!

Bluesman1989 · September 2017

Have you checked out the Eggle Kanuga? Also TAMCO in Brighton have a nice selection of acoustics. More than likely a Hog backed slope shoulder in there somewhere. Maybe a Bourgeois if you could find one cheapish?

kt66 · October 2017

I'd rather get a used Guild Orpheum than J45

kt66 · October 2017

Pic of Orpheum, stunning guitars

https://58eca9fdf76150b92bfa-3586c28d09a33a8c605ed79290ca82aa.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/guild-custom-shop-orpheum-slope-shoulder-12-fret-mahogany-dreadnought-antique-burst-346056.jpg

mgaw · October 2017

check out James Millman in Bideford, i have recently purchased his j45 style guitar adirondack/walnut it is a superb sounding guitar,

https://www.facebook.com/millmanguitars/?timeline_context_item_type=intro_card_work&timeline_context_item_source=706577941&pnref=lhc

Gagaryn · October 2017

kt66 said:

Pic of Orpheum, stunning guitars

https://58eca9fdf76150b92bfa-3586c28d09a33a8c605ed79290ca82aa.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/guild-custom-shop-orpheum-slope-shoulder-12-fret-mahogany-dreadnought-antique-burst-346056.jpg

Yeah, I pickup one of these - it is a nice guitar. That picture seems to show a satin top, mine is gloss. Might just be a bad photo.

You can see min in this thread if you care! http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/46388/

rustneversleeps · October 2017

You might be surprised but my M36 in classifieds ticks a lot of boxes.

guitargeek62 · October 2017

rustneversleeps said:

You might be surprised but my M36 in classifieds ticks a lot of boxes.

I would be! Looks nice but it’s a J45 I’m after, pretty sure I’m just going to keep things simole and end up with a Gibson one.

CloudNine · October 2017

Have been through a myriad of J45 alternatives. Some lower end ones, and a bunch of really nice ones. Three different Collings CJ's, a Santa Cruz Vintage Southerner, a Bourgeois Slope D, a custom made Slope D by Brook.

Summary from all of the above, and trying plenty of others, is that the only guitars that truly sound like J45's, are Gibson J45's. So I currently own one of them.

daddyash · November 2017

Used Gibson j45 true vintage. Lightweight cannon of a guitar. Love mine.

earwighoney · November 2017

CloudNine said:

Have been through a myriad of J45 alternatives. Some lower end ones, and a bunch of really nice ones. Three different Collings CJ's, a Santa Cruz Vintage Southerner, a Bourgeois Slope D, a custom made Slope D by Brook.

Summary from all of the above, and trying plenty of others, is that the only guitars that truly sound like J45's, are Gibson J45's. So I currently own one of them.

A decent J45 is hard to come across but when it happens they are in their own world. Which isn't to say the alternatives aren't good or exceptional guitars but the great Gibson J45's really have that character.

There are a few 'boutique' builders who make phenomenal J45's but they are incredibly expensive.

pmg · November 2017

daddyash said:

Used Gibson j45 true vintage. Lightweight cannon of a guitar. Love mine.

Wisdom awarded, although like all guitars there can be duds

guitargeek62 · December 2017

brojangles said:

Eastman E10SS!

Now that my Taylor’s sold I’ve been looking at these again - possibly even the V version with the french polish finish rather than nitro, though cosmetically I prefer the traditional sunburst on the normal one.

What’s your experience with them then?

Strat_a_tat_tat · December 2017

CloudNine said:

Have been through a myriad of J45 alternatives. Some lower end ones, and a bunch of really nice ones. Three different Collings CJ's, a Santa Cruz Vintage Southerner, a Bourgeois Slope D, a custom made Slope D by Brook.

Summary from all of the above, and trying plenty of others, is that the only guitars that truly sound like J45's, are Gibson J45's. So I currently own one of them.

Interesting... looks like you've worked your way through a bunch of impressive options. Which model J45 do you now own? Did you find a lot of variation in different Gibson J45s you played?

guitargeek62 · December 2017

Strat_a_tat said:

Did you find a lot of variation in different Gibson J45s you played?

I’m going to jump back in here and say I’ve found plenty of variation in them myself - the first one I played was a ~2005 model that was wonderful, everything I like in an acoustic. I’ve played a few more recent versions that were generally similar but none wowed me. I’ve also played an original ‘47 model that was absolutely amazing, still the best acoustic I’ve ever felt or heard.

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J45 / slope-shoulder alternatives?

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