Gibson J45 vs Songwriter

tomjax · July 2021

Are there any folks here that play a Gibson Songwriter and could comment on how it compares tone wise to the J45? I've been trying to track a Songwriter down to demo, but it seems no dealers in the north of England have any in stock. Surprisingly, there's no YouTube videos comparing the two either.

I like the idea of a Songwriter, but I already own a rosewood J45, and I'm wondering if there's enough contrast between the two to justify owning both.

Winny_Pooh · July 2021

Never seen a songwriter in the flesh...it has a long scale like an advanced jumbo so will sound "harder" and play with more Martin like tension. If that's what you want.
( based on owning an AJ and have played many J45s)
To me it's an ugly looking thing

tomjax · July 2021

I like the idea of a guitar that has the Gibson tone but with more mid range punch and clarity.

Winny_Pooh · July 2021

I wouldn't say that rosewood has midrange punch, it's hollow if anything. More of a mahogany trait... sounds like you are describing a mahogany OM or 00-18 (brighter) or D18 (fuller low & low mids).

24 3/4 scale guitars with mahogany have a soft midrange and it just gets more nasal and louder than bass/treble balance when you reduce the body size.

tomjax · July 2021

I understand the wood issues, I have a range of mahogany and rosewood guitars, but from all I've heard about the Songwriter it's a guitar with more mid punch, which is why I'm interested to hear thoughts from anybody that knows both guitars well.

BingMan · July 2021

if you want Gibson vibe with mid range punch and clarity check out the Collings CJ35. Has it in spades IMO

tomjax · July 2021

BingMan said:

if you want Gibson vibe with mid range punch and clarity check out the Collings CJ35. Has it in spades IMO

Just missed one at Glenn's Guitars that I was hoping to demo; it went before I could book a journey south. Thanks for the heads up on the CJ35 though, it does look a great guitar, but not many around on the used market.

BingMan · July 2021

Yeah I saw that one on Glenns too... very good price as well. I own one have often toyed with selling it as I have too many guitars and only two arms... but every time I pick it up I remember why I got it in the first place! Great guitar!

tomjax · July 2021

Thanks, do drop me a PM if you do decide to sell.

I'm surprised there aren't more Songwriter players out there though, I thought I might get a few responses from owners.

TimmyO · July 2021

@Estheroid had/has a Songwriter iirc - she may be able to offer some insight (although not sure if she still frequents? Paging @noisepolluter )

noisepolluter · July 2021

Going purely off the ones we’ve got between us, the Songwriter has more treble and bass and is slightly more strident whereas the J45 is a bit more mid-focused and softer sounding. The Songwriter I suppose is a bit more like some of the Martin dreads I’ve played both in terms of body size and tonal balance. Just run this past Estheroid and she concurs.

tomjax · July 2021

Thanks, that's helpful and great to hear from somebody that plays one. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.

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Gibson J45 vs Songwriter

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