EXCELLENT comparison video. One of the best of any kind I've seen. Not all that mumbling-stumbling, rambling introduction so common, explaining the different specs by holding up the different tops, and then comparing the two playing small pieces right after one another. A+
I have been buying , trading , SELLING guitars for 48 years....I have never made another guitar purchase as well as my j35....just an absolute treasure and lots less than some others I have bought...
My J35 I've been playing now for about 8 months, still finding out what strings she likes etc. It has started to open up in the last 2 weeks and the tone has become a bit more complex, fuller and richer. Really pleasing. To me the J45 sounds more conservative, the j35 is a bit more edgy, even unpredictable and will make for a great experience over time as the guitar ages. I wouldn't say no to a j45 either. Two beautiful guitars.
J45 is well rounded, and sounds more balanced. You really hear the difference in those guitars that have the "scooped" EQ sound that's so instantly pleasing to everyone- when you throw a capo on them. They get very "ringy" at the B string the higher you go. It's probably the main reason the J45 is so revered as a recording go-to.
I've had the J-35 since new. Bought it in 2015. To me, it has more character to it than the J-45. It has aged well and sounds fuller now. The video doesn't really show it, maybe it's the light or the particular example, but the one I've got has beautiful wood grain on the top as well as on the back and sides. Here, it looks a bit pale. If anyone's got a chance to grab a second-hand one, it's absolutely worth it.
I would dare say the J-35 comes off sounding more like a Martin here. Like when you hear two guitarists playing and one is playing a J-45 Gibson and the other is playing a Martin 18 or 16
As I have said in more previous comments, this is THE BEST youtube chanel to compare acoustics. I was boring Toni with my comments, but again I must say thank you for helping me choose my instrument. It is j45 and I love it, the best indeed for the beauty of the sound. our ears are tricky, you may not notice the reasons why 45 sounds the best alltogether. The moment when you play the thing in your room after midnight... says it all
Well.. what's the best Guitar... hard question to answer. I had a budget of £1,200.00 and wanted to but a quality guitar that did what I wanted it to. I tried Martins and Taylors, but maybe it was the ones I tried but to my ears they sounded unresponsive and dead, sorry M & T lovers they just did!!!! In saying that I did try 3 different J45' s and everyone did have a different sound. then.. I tried a J35. The sound quality 35 to 45 is really pretty significant, for my money and to my ears the J35 just rocks, she is sweet, great bass, mid and treble. I have had my J35 a little over a year now, played 40+ gigs and just can't fault 'her 'at all. Maybe she is a cuddly, fun loving little blonde but I would not swap my J35 for anything. Over a year the tone wood had got deeper quality to it and the guitar just sounds better everyday. Advice? Buy the J35 and with the spare two hundred quid take your girlfriend or boyfriend out for dinner and confess you just bought 'another' guitar......
J45 has darker sound, more blended chorded tone. J35 has bright sound, more individual string definition, tons of sustained harmonics. A strummer / singer will love the J45, a picker will enjoy the clarity of the J35, a great lead guitar to pop through the mix. Brightness will mellow with time, as the finish and top break in with play.
@@roberteccles3896 I have owned both of the guitars for a long time, j15 and j35. And they are quite different in every way other than their shapes. J15 is quieter, woodier and drier, and it's super cool if you want something like that. However, j35 is punchier and cuts all the other sounds like a blade. Also it is one of the few instruments that you can play bluegrass, blues and jazz on at the same time because of the combined sound of woodiness and punch.
I own 6 gibson acoustics from j15 to j200 I'm really not interested in your expert opinion i just play and listen thank god i don't meet you in a music shop selling guitars you would bore the shit out of me and leave within 2 minutes I've been playing since 1969 and you people are so far up your own arse and don't know it
And THAT folks is how you do a GREAT demo! This video made up my mind once and for all. It is not a case of which is better at all folks...only which is better for YOU. Two great guitars, but the J-45 is definitely for (me). It's the complete warm/big/classic acoustic tone I've loved forever on countless records. Sold! :)
I have a J-45 and a J-35. The both have wonderful qualities; however, what really matters is what you need in a guitar. To attempt to say one is better than the other is pointless and narrow in focus. Both of these instruments have such amazing tonal qualities--they are both excellent. Myself, unlike some of the other commenters I love the fire stripe pick guard, on the 35. It gives the guitar such a classic look. Personally, I don't believe that you can go wrong either way. The 45, is some what more muted then the 35 or, less punchy so, dependent on how you command the instrument, will dictate your preference. Put them both in your guitar stable--it'll be fine!
Glad to read a valuable comment from an actual owner / player of both. And your comments pretty much coincide with what I was hearing. While both have wonderful tonal attributes, the 35 did seem to be a bit punchier and more responsive. Again, both beautiful instruments. I have a 40 year old Hummingbird that I love, but I am getting less and less willing to take it out to play due to it's value and well preserved condition. I think J-35 may be in my near future for a really nice, reasonably priced work horse.
Dave Morgan i completely agree.i own both too and the j45 (mine is southern jumbo..) is a bit less noisier but overall has a more beautiful sound in high notes.and i prefer the neck in terms of playability.but for the price the j35 is also a good guitar.would buy again.
Dave Morgan I agree! I have a 45 and it is definitely a more modern sounding guitar. Have played a lot of 35s, as there's just something about them I find intriguing... similar woods, but so different sounding. Have played two particularly nice ones the past few weeks and finally started to understand the tone Gibson was going for - a more vintage, dry sound. I am seriously considering getting one.
In my opinion, the tone of the 45 sounds more mature, and the 35 sounds new. I wonder how the 35 would sound in 20 years? I have a J45 and, even brand new, it sounded like an older, well-played guitar, and not so bright, but in a good way.... As I write this, I realize I don't have the vocabulary to fully describe what I mean, but I love my J45, and the only guitar I own that I love as much is a '53 Martin 000-18, which sounded muddy until I got a neck reset and a re-fret. Now it has a clean, mature tone that is bright, but not new, although because it's not nearly as deep in the bout as the J45, it's not nearly as loud... There's a first world problem if I've ever heard one. They're both utterly different, and utterly perfect in their own way...
Rob Lawhon I have a J35 & I Love it, I also have Hummingbird & I Love it. I played a J45 and Im saving for it. You can never have too many Gutars; My wife disagrees 😎
I'm seeing this seven years later. Great job on the technical comparison! Both sound great, just depends on your application and style. I prefer the J-45, a little more tonally defined. Better for finger picking, and a bit more chimey. And again, great job on the technical comparison and differences explained. Especially for us techy geeks.
J-35...The one guitar I own that is not for sale. It's played twice a week in a group and in between for practice and relaxation. It has travelled many miles down the road and sounds better by the day. Not for sale.
Dark Starla I hate Gibson's, Martins, Taylor's, Washburn, Fender, and all of every guitar maker except Cory. Cost a from Indonesia are the best. I hate everything else. College is stupid. Cable internet is too slow for my liking.
yeah, i kept thinking, the J35 sounded "not finished," like it "needs something," like, it sounded like it needed more work to make it a guitar, it was loud but not full. By comparison, the J45 sounded ...like a guitar is supposed to sound, it didn't need anything, it was nice to listen to without being distracting. balanced is a good word for it. For me, the J35 sounds harsh, too. Not smooth.
Thanks for an excellent sound comparison and explanation of the bracing differences, Tony. I'm a bluegrass style flatpicker, and I'd been looking for a guitar with a different sound for a while; something unlike the Martins I've played for many years. I bought a secondhand J-35 recently (made in 2017), and it's a truly amazing guitar. It has the distinctive tone I wanted, quite different from that of any other flat top I've played. There are lots of beautiful harmonic overtones around the middle regions of the fretboard, with plenty of punch and volume overall - amazing value for money as well. Thanks for the review!
Nice comparison....thanks. The J35 speaks a lot more quickly, heavier on the fundamentals, while the J45 has a slower, but more complex bloom......very player and style dependent as to which is more suitable....
It's kind of funny how Taylor fans seem to hate everything but Taylor. I have a Martin HD28 and think the higher end Martins (HD18, D35, etc) are about as "beautiful" sounding as a guitar can get. But I really want one of these J35's for songs that don't have such a rich tone and more of a quick simple finger picking style. They sound great, and play easily. Taylors? It sounds like you are listening to the strings rather than the wood.
I have a D-28 but have always had a longing for a J45. I'd definitely pick the 45 here, not necessarily because it sounds better but because it just has the sound. Of the 45s I've played the TV was head and shoulders above the standard, but the standard is still great. I just wish it didn't come with Tusq and the 2lbs of Grover tuners.
Listening on fairly good monitor and interface playback gear, not these little desk top speakers. This demo's such a good change from the often strum-a couple-of-chords that these guitars receive and the A-B is perfect. So obvious! Why don't all dems do it like that? Thank you! So you can hear the differences and make up your mind. I was looking for a J50 when Gibson announced bankruptcy, seems the J50 isn't around any more but I thought I'd get myself loaded before they stopped making everything. Looked at the specifications (solid mahogany, sitka, nitro, hard case Kluson, all that stuff) and bought a J35 new about a year and a half ago. I didn't know about the different bracing but......very happy with my guitar. I play fingerstyle with thumbpick and National nickel picks, use Gibson Masterbuilt bronze strings (Earthwood if I can't get those at times) gave the truss rod a small yank or two and then it's just time to "free up" a bit. It's a really beautiful guitar, silver-slinky, powerful, direct, quick and dynamically sweet but it was good "straight from the box". No buyer's regret here, a really good guitar a bit (quite a bit) cheaper than the J45 or the Advanced Jumbo. I wouldn't turn down a J45 for Christmas but honestly - no need. It's a peach and a cracker, play it every day. It comes with an L. R. Baggs electro system. I never use these but it's very discreet, there if you want it. WARNING - the hard case weighs a ton.
great comparison. love how you switched guitars in mid-play, that really gives a super comparison !! I love them both .. the J-45 is the "fuller" sound all around, but the J-35 is no slouch, and at $1000. cheaper is a killer deal !!! if I was looking to save a few bucks the 35 would be my choice, if cash was no option the 45 is my pick... great review guys .....
I just got one of these 2013 J-35 last week, and holy smokes, I usually avoided Gibson guitars, but I was comparing it with a few Martins (usually a Martin guy), other Gibsons, a couple Larrivee (i own one), Guilds, Yamahas etc, all around the 1999-2020 time span, and I was amazed the best sounding/playing thing was the J-35. I've played some brand new ones and they felt like I was playing a piece of plastic, almost like a toy, but this one knocked my socks off. I think it's gonna become my main guitar now, maybe this and the Larrivee D09 from 1987 I own, both have their own feeling they provide, but I really was not expecting this from this J-35.
I've recently played both of these and there is a big difference, but not a bad difference. The J-35 sounds like a Gibson/Martin crossbreed - very clear, prominent bass sound. The J-45 of course replying with its signature mid-range. The J-35 personally appeals for its lower price and for offering a different voice but with the comfort of a round-shoulder Gibson. In an ideal world I'd have both though!
The J35 sounds a bit too peaky to me. The upper treble seems a little harsher, and the bass sounds a bit more... boxy? I think the treble probably isn't actually any louder, it just has a bit of a void in the upper midrange that makes it seem more out of place. The J45 sounds really nice to me.
The advanced bracing on the J-35 and my Advanced Jumbo does also seem to compress the sound the guitars produce and it's noticeable in the treble because we've evolved to hear treble particularly clearly (so baby gets a response when it cries). To my ears the J-35 is much less laid back than the J-45.
up until the end of the video i was leaning 35, but the last strumming comparison really proves the 45 is the way to go. I'll take the depth and richness of the 45 over the slightly boomier 35 any day. Then again, I really wouldn't take either, because I am a Martin man...to my ear, no mahogany dread beats my CS-D18GE Sinker Mahogany.
At first I thought the 35 was a little brighter and louder but after listening closely I really like the 45. I always have. I don't own one. I play a 3 series Larrivee but I will get myself a j-45 someday.
O and I guess the J45 has a pickup (usually) where as the J35 does not (again usually) but acoustically they are identical as a model, keep in mind that every piece of wood is different and thus every guitar will sound different even if it is made to the same spec
I'm confused over the nut and saddle material on the J-45. In a previous video you said that the J-45 had a black graphite nut and a white graphite saddle. In this one you said they're both TUSQ. Gibsons web site now says the 45 has graphite nut and TUSQ saddle. I know I'm picking gnat crap outta pepper here, but I own a 2013 J-45 and I'd love to know for certain what the materials are.
I would give the advantage to the J-35 if open chords and bluegrass if a players style. When played up the neck the J-45 seems superior from my perspective. Both sound and look great, as they should (expensive as hell). Personally, even though I play rock and blues I would take the 35, it has a more distinct (boomy, edgy) tone.
They both sound amazing, but at a pinch the J-35 sounds better. J-45 looks nicer tho, except for the headstock, the J-35 has a much cooler headstock. But based purely on the sound, the J-35. Also big props to the editing guy (or gal) the two recording matched up perfectly, can't have been easy.
The J-45 sounded a bit better from the videos, but the J-35s I tried in the stores just responded to my style better than the J-45s. Ended up bringing a J-35 home - clearance price, too. Didn't Gibson formerly string the 35s with 11s instead of 12s back when this video was made?
Both guitars sound great but as in the comparison of the J 45 with a Marin you did the 45 seems a bit muted. The J 35 has a more Martin like ringing resonance to my ear. I don't know how to express this clearly and hope maybe some one can clarify the differences for me in the correct way.
I think of J-45s as being laid back rather than muted ("muted" suggests to me that they don't sound how a good guitar should) but I think you hear the difference the same way I do
This is a great demonstration of how the different bracing patterns affect the tone. I had an Advanced Jumbo for years and the tone never grew on me. It was definitely reminiscent of the J-35. The 1-2k honk in the J-35 really puts me off. It sounds almost "hard" compared to the J-45's softness. Still a great guitar, and for folks looking for that kind of punch the price makes it attractive. There is a reason the J-45 is as legendary as it is though.
that's how i hear it too, more twangy--and for me, not blended. At first, at the beginning of the video, i thought i was going to like the 35 better, because it was louder and i thought that was going to play out a certain way, but it didn't. For me it was like something was wrong with that J35, like it need3d more work, some tweaking of something, to get the sounds to come together. i didn't think the 45 needed anything, compared to other 45s i've heard, only a few, and older, 1930s, this one sounded the best of those i've heard. And one other one. i could like that bigger louder sound of the 35 but this particular example didn't sound good to me. Other 45s i've heard, i would have liked a fuller louder tone. I am used to old small body martins and gibsons, my best sounding acoustic is a 1931 L1, and while they vary a lot, i've learned that generally 12 fret guitars have fuller sound than 14 fret guitars, due to the smaller neck scale, relatively bigger box of the body, bigger voice. but there's the trade off of fewer frets to play on. After getting used to the 12 fret sound, not just any 14 fret is what i'm looking for, and i am looking for a 14 fret acoustic with the size body of a Martin OM or 000 or even 00. i don't want a dreadnought probably but that's why i was looking at this video, to hear the sounds.
I'm not really good at putting what I'm hearing into technical speak, but I think the J45 sounds more mellow and open whereas the J35 sounds a bit muffled and edgy. I'd like to play both though :D
I second dupont .p the J45 has slightly dialled back specific low-mid frequencies that give it a deep bass sound without mudding up the tone and also the somewhat scratchy high mids /lower high so many guitars like to cut through the mix also get in the way of vocals.
J35 is at your face sound that you can tame to go all out.Not dissing the J45, but every guitar needs a match. I prefer the J35's tonal sound and clarity that you can warm up depending on your picking and finger styling drive.If I had a choice? I would have both but a Custom J45 and or the True Vintage.Go BIG for once !!!! Life is short!Peace!
I like both , I like the Grover tuners on the 45 and do think the 45 sounded warmer ... If I had the 35 I'd have to swap the pick guard out and install different tuners ...
With a band: I'd pick the 35 in a heartbeat. As a songwriter: I'd pick the 45. The 35 really rings and sounds quite bright, great to cut through a mix, perhaps too bright for smaller settings. For looks: I'd blend them. I like the correct fretboard of the 35, aswell as the old style tuners and banner. With the finish of the J-45 and a long bone saddle (like the old ones).
Excellent review. Drastically different wood colors on the mahogany of each. Much lighter, more caramel color on the J35. Does Gibson deliberately choose a lighter mahogany for all the J35s in keeping with the models' aesthetics?
Very similar sounding guitars. I test drove the J-35 just yesterday and was very impressed. The J-45 speaks for itself-A classic that does everything well.. I'd probably favor the J-35 simply due to price. I couldn't find anything wrong with...and it comes with a pick up installed. Of course I prefer my '99 Nick Lucas Special to both of these. Thanks for the comparison, Tony.
I'd have to say the J-45 for it's projection, a cleaner sound. The 35 is also a steel for anyone wanting a Gibson acoustic @ a great price. I have a J-45 & an Epiphone AJ500. Love the advanced jumbo sound but again the 45 has a sweeter tone. I guess thats why it became so famous when Gibson upgraded the bracing from the 35. The 45 has an extra fret also ;) ya forgot to mention that one Tony. Love the reviews, keep up the great work!
It depends on what sound you want or like. I like the J-35; however, they're surprisingly close. From this point I would go for the one which felt the best in my hands: I like the large chunky, Gibson neck.
I feel like I think the J45 does better for solo singer song writer work, and the J35 to me sounds like it would be better in a band setting because it just seems to cut like a Martin does in a blue grass group. NOT saying it would cut like a Martin D18 but I think it would do better than the j45 for standing out.
why not just get the d-18? :) I think the 35 sounds alot like my Advanced Jumbo. its almost like a hybrid between a J45 and a d28. you get the mids and great balance just with a bit more bass and treble shimmer. but dont let it fool you it still wont touch a hd28 for bass response.
Great great comparison. Glad you showed and explained the bracing comparison. I would love to see an Advanced Jumbo vs J-35 comparison. Keep up the great work.
In this example (comparatively, anyway) the J45 seems to have a smoother transition from bass to treble than the J35 (- which seems to have a hump in the lower mids/upper bass (and also a frequency boost in the lower treble range)). It really boils down to personal taste. Here, I prefer the sound of the J45 (and the looks of the J35). I have never heard two guitars of same make and model that sounds exactly the same, neither will they feel the same. Also, different picking styles, picks, nails (,fake nails), how close to the bridge one picks and even how one fret strings with left hand affects the quality of tone. In addition experienced guitarists will e.g. "sweeten"/adjust thirds, fourths and sevenths in chords by slightly bending - like the guy who does not like like A. Kutcher in this video. "Aligning" intervals like this will also seriously affect how a guitar rings out. The differences in sound quality between these two guitars may offer limited information about general differences in tone between two guitar models - even though different constructions certainly will influence how a guitar sounds. Not to bring this effort down or anything - it is a good video - but it really is worth to mention this as youtube seems to be choking up with thousands of "sound tests" of all kinds of different gear every month. How ever nice a guitar sounds like in a youtube video, one should always actually p l a y it before shelling out the money for it, rather than trusting a video and ordering online. Even expensive builds have their occasional 'dogs' and among the cheaper lines from makers as e.g. Yamaha and Ibanez true diamonds can be found. Just sayin :)
Well, if you like the sound of the the J-45 but the look of a J-35, then you're best bet is to get a J-50 which is a J-45 blonde colored. I think the J-50's of which I have a '63 that has the warmest sound and rings all day long....were made after WW II when they could get decent wood which was all used up for war time purposes which is why they had to put the sunburst and colors on the J-45's of that era to make up for the crappy wood...after the war, better wood, no need for sunburst for the purists...I guess was the reason.
Tony, Your reviews are always very good, but this is the best ever... not easy to compare 2 guitars in a way that you can really, really hear the comparison on a recording... you have just set a new standard for the correct way to do it... thanks! (PS: I liked both guitars, but for vocal accompaniment I would go with the less-bright J-45).
I like the antique headstock logo on the 35. I got one on my rebuilt semicustomized 58 LP Jr. Where the original guy got it is anybody's guess although I understand it came from Northern England (the logo, that is).
When I listen through my phone:) the J45 wins as the mid range comes through my little speaker nicely. But when I put headphones on the J35 comes alive. It sounds more entertaining/ alive as the extra bass steps it up a notch. For the singer songwriter the j45 for the accompanist or lead the j35.
Ni on the same but the 35 seems to have a bit more sparkle , but you wauld have to try both at home ,, if you lent them me I wauld not give them back,,,, thanks for all the cool vids.
I like loud, I like boomy. But the J-45 is the smoother, quality choice. There is bit of harshness to the 35- I am listening to this through M-Audio BX8A monitors. The J-45 verified what I first heard in the stores- it is the most balanced Gibson I played. I loved some of the Jumbos, and other "workhorses," but this is the one that satisfied the most.
umm the last strumming...the 45 sounds more lively, with more present treble. This confuses me because I thought the 35 was brighter and resonant than it actually is (here).. a little disappointed.. Hard decision Thanks for this great video!!! Really fun
it's so, so subjective. i play fingerstyle, so for a start it depends on how hard my nails are feeling, cos they are like steel unless i soak them before i play. then it depends on what material strings, what make, what gauge and how old. then it depends on humidity, how old a guitar might be, how worn the wood, how big / thick the pickguard is, what gauge plectrum you might use, and on and on. i have a 66 j45 i bought in the 70's that i've compared every other guitar i've had to (i've had at least 50 since 2013 and i have 9 at the moment) and my plastic martin OOOX1 i bought for £350 with case is better than them all. i have a friend with a larrivee dreadnought, rosewood, that comes close, very close, but still. the j45 is a good example though, cos over the years various people have played it and said how good it is, and i agree, but i cycle through my guitars and i got the j45 out a couple of months ago and it sounded _unbelievably good_ much better than i remember and as good as the martin. it's been in the case a while again, and i just this minute got it out to have a strum and - yuk, the bass sounds like it's a plywood guitar. i also have a 2000's J35 and it IS good, what i like though id for me it has "the magic neck" it's the ONLY guitar i can barre chords on all the way up the fretboard. i'd recommend j35's but play as many guitars as you can cos one will one day jump out at you, regardless of make model or price. i'll never let go of that martin. like i say it's all very subjective, one thing though, perhaps man made materials are better than wood? the martin is consistently good and even with old strings it just sounds mellow, not dead.
mmmhh. I have both guitars. My J35 sounds really better this one, a little bit more brillant and a lot of medium tones more, generally good balanced tones. Before buying it I tried all model I can found in my region and, believe me, sounds really different.
EXCELLENT comparison video. One of the best of any kind I've seen. Not all that mumbling-stumbling, rambling introduction so common, explaining the different specs by holding up the different tops, and then comparing the two playing small pieces right after one another. A+
I have been buying , trading , SELLING guitars for 48 years....I have never made another guitar purchase as well as my j35....just an absolute treasure and lots less than some others I have bought...
I just bought a J35 and its a demon. I'm in love with it, can't wait to road test it and see how it holds up!
My J35 I've been playing now for about 8 months, still finding out what
strings she likes etc. It has started to open up in the last 2 weeks and
the tone has become a bit more complex, fuller and richer. Really
pleasing. To me the J45 sounds more conservative, the j35 is a bit more
edgy, even unpredictable and will make for a great experience over time
as the guitar ages. I wouldn't say no to a j45 either. Two beautiful
guitars.
J45 is well rounded, and sounds more balanced. You really hear the difference in those guitars that have the "scooped" EQ sound that's so instantly pleasing to everyone- when you throw a capo on them. They get very "ringy" at the B string the higher you go. It's probably the main reason the J45 is so revered as a recording go-to.
I've had the J-35 since new. Bought it in 2015. To me, it has more character to it than the J-45. It has aged well and sounds fuller now. The video doesn't really show it, maybe it's the light or the particular example, but the one I've got has beautiful wood grain on the top as well as on the back and sides. Here, it looks a bit pale. If anyone's got a chance to grab a second-hand one, it's absolutely worth it.
I would go for the J 45
Even I prefer a powerfull Bass responce
The J 45 sound just warmer and nicer to my ears
I would dare say the J-35 comes off sounding more like a Martin here. Like when you hear two guitarists playing and one is playing a J-45 Gibson and the other is playing a Martin 18 or 16
Banner head-stock decal, vintage style tuners, 40's pick-guard style. Give me that J-35 all day.
As I have said in more previous comments, this is THE BEST youtube chanel to compare acoustics. I was boring Toni with my comments, but again I must say thank you for helping me choose my instrument. It is j45 and I love it, the best indeed for the beauty of the sound. our ears are tricky, you may not notice the reasons why 45 sounds the best alltogether. The moment when you play the thing in your room after midnight... says it all
J 45 for me if I had to choose between the two
Good comparison. J45 for me. I looked long and hard for a new acoustic, and finally found what I was looking for when I played it.
Well.. what's the best Guitar... hard question to answer.
I had a budget of £1,200.00 and wanted to but a quality guitar that did what I wanted it to. I tried Martins and Taylors, but maybe it was the ones I tried but to my ears they sounded unresponsive and dead, sorry M & T lovers they just did!!!!
In saying that I did try 3 different J45' s and everyone did have a different sound. then.. I tried a J35.
The sound quality 35 to 45 is really pretty significant, for my money and to my ears the J35 just rocks, she is sweet, great bass, mid and treble. I have had my J35 a little over a year now, played 40+ gigs and just can't fault 'her 'at all.
Maybe she is a cuddly, fun loving little blonde but I would not swap my J35 for anything. Over a year the tone wood had got deeper quality to it and the guitar just sounds better everyday.
Advice? Buy the J35 and with the spare two hundred quid take your girlfriend or boyfriend out for dinner and confess you just bought 'another' guitar......
Andy Tricket find you a used Guild DM- 25 ....you won't be disappointed
J45 has darker sound, more blended chorded tone. J35 has bright sound, more individual string definition, tons of sustained harmonics. A strummer / singer will love the J45, a picker will enjoy the clarity of the J35, a great lead guitar to pop through the mix. Brightness will mellow with time, as the finish and top break in with play.
The j35 sounds a bit like the j15
@@roberteccles3896 I have owned both of the guitars for a long time, j15 and j35. And they are quite different in every way other than their shapes. J15 is quieter, woodier and drier, and it's super cool if you want something like that. However, j35 is punchier and cuts all the other sounds like a blade. Also it is one of the few instruments that you can play bluegrass, blues and jazz on at the same time because of the combined sound of woodiness and punch.
I own 6 gibson acoustics from j15 to j200 I'm really not interested in your expert opinion i just play and listen thank god i don't meet you in a music shop selling guitars you would bore the shit out of me and leave within 2 minutes I've been playing since 1969 and you people are so far up your own arse and don't know it
that's how you do a comparison.
And THAT folks is how you do a GREAT demo! This video made up my mind once and for all. It is not a case of which is better at all folks...only which is better for YOU. Two great guitars, but the J-45 is definitely for (me). It's the complete warm/big/classic acoustic tone I've loved forever on countless records. Sold! :)
The color on the 45 is enough for me to fall in love.
I like both and hear a layered sweetness to the 35.
Great demo guys!
I have a J-45 and a J-35. The both have wonderful qualities; however, what really matters is what you need in a guitar. To attempt to say one is better than the other is pointless and narrow in focus. Both of these instruments have such amazing tonal qualities--they are both excellent. Myself, unlike some of the other commenters I love the fire stripe pick guard, on the 35. It gives the guitar such a classic look. Personally, I don't believe that you can go wrong either way. The 45, is some what more muted then the 35 or, less punchy so, dependent on how you command the instrument, will dictate your preference. Put them both in your guitar stable--it'll be fine!
Glad to read a valuable comment from an actual owner / player of both. And your comments pretty much coincide with what I was hearing. While both have wonderful tonal attributes, the 35 did seem to be a bit punchier and more responsive. Again, both beautiful instruments. I have a 40 year old Hummingbird that I love, but I am getting less and less willing to take it out to play due to it's value and well preserved condition. I think J-35 may be in my near future for a really nice, reasonably priced work horse.
Dave Morgan i completely agree.i own both too and the j45 (mine is southern jumbo..) is a bit less noisier but overall has a more beautiful sound in high notes.and i prefer the neck in terms of playability.but for the price the j35 is also a good guitar.would buy again.
Dave Morgan I agree! I have a 45 and it is definitely a more modern sounding guitar. Have played a lot of 35s, as there's just something about them I find intriguing... similar woods, but so different sounding. Have played two particularly nice ones the past few weeks and finally started to understand the tone Gibson was going for - a more vintage, dry sound. I am seriously considering getting one.
In my opinion, the tone of the 45 sounds more mature, and the 35 sounds new. I wonder how the 35 would sound in 20 years? I have a J45 and, even brand new, it sounded like an older, well-played guitar, and not so bright, but in a good way.... As I write this, I realize I don't have the vocabulary to fully describe what I mean, but I love my J45, and the only guitar I own that I love as much is a '53 Martin 000-18, which sounded muddy until I got a neck reset and a re-fret. Now it has a clean, mature tone that is bright, but not new, although because it's not nearly as deep in the bout as the J45, it's not nearly as loud... There's a first world problem if I've ever heard one. They're both utterly different, and utterly perfect in their own way...
Rob Lawhon, sounds like you have some beautiful guitars!
Rob Lawhon I have a J35 & I Love it, I also have Hummingbird & I Love it. I played a J45 and Im saving for it. You can never have too many Gutars; My wife disagrees 😎
Rob Lawhorn ; I'd kill for a '53 Martin 000-18 (as a matter of speech off course)!!! 😁
Does it mean that the J 35 has the True Vintage bracing? Because it was described like that in the Gibson bracing video...
I'm seeing this seven years later. Great job on the technical comparison! Both sound great, just depends on your application and style.
I prefer the J-45, a little more tonally defined. Better for finger picking, and a bit more chimey.
And again, great job on the technical comparison and differences explained. Especially for us techy geeks.
Why settle with just one.
J-35...The one guitar I own that is not for sale. It's played twice a week in a group and in between for practice and relaxation. It has travelled many miles down the road and sounds better by the day. Not for sale.
J45 sounds more balanced.
nerkoids Like neither of them
Dark Starla I hate Gibson's, Martins, Taylor's, Washburn, Fender, and all of every guitar maker except Cory. Cost a from Indonesia are the best. I hate everything else. College is stupid. Cable internet is too slow for my liking.
yeah, i kept thinking, the J35 sounded "not finished," like it "needs something," like, it sounded like it needed more work to make it a guitar, it was loud but not full. By comparison, the J45 sounded ...like a guitar is supposed to sound, it didn't need anything, it was nice to listen to without being distracting. balanced is a good word for it. For me, the J35 sounds harsh, too. Not smooth.
Thanks for an excellent sound comparison and explanation of the bracing differences, Tony.
I'm a bluegrass style flatpicker, and I'd been looking for a guitar with a different sound for a while; something unlike the Martins I've played for many years.
I bought a secondhand J-35 recently (made in 2017), and it's a truly amazing guitar. It has the distinctive tone I wanted, quite different from that of any other flat top I've played. There are lots of beautiful harmonic overtones around the middle regions of the fretboard, with plenty of punch and volume overall - amazing value for money as well. Thanks for the review!
Nice comparison....thanks.
The J35 speaks a lot more quickly, heavier on the fundamentals, while the J45 has a slower, but more complex bloom......very player and style dependent as to which is more suitable....
It's kind of funny how Taylor fans seem to hate everything but Taylor. I have a Martin HD28 and think the higher end Martins (HD18, D35, etc) are about as "beautiful" sounding as a guitar can get. But I really want one of these J35's for songs that don't have such a rich tone and more of a quick simple finger picking style. They sound great, and play easily. Taylors? It sounds like you are listening to the strings rather than the wood.
I have a D-28 but have always had a longing for a J45. I'd definitely pick the 45 here, not necessarily because it sounds better but because it just has the sound. Of the 45s I've played the TV was head and shoulders above the standard, but the standard is still great. I just wish it didn't come with Tusq and the 2lbs of Grover tuners.
Listening on fairly good monitor and interface playback gear, not these little desk top speakers. This demo's such a good change from the often strum-a couple-of-chords that these guitars receive and the A-B is perfect. So obvious! Why don't all dems do it like that? Thank you!
So you can hear the differences and make up your mind. I was looking for a J50 when Gibson announced bankruptcy, seems the J50 isn't around any more but I thought I'd get myself loaded before they stopped making everything. Looked at the specifications (solid mahogany, sitka, nitro, hard case Kluson, all that stuff) and bought a J35 new about a year and a half ago. I didn't know about the different bracing but......very happy with my guitar. I play fingerstyle with thumbpick and National nickel picks, use Gibson Masterbuilt bronze strings (Earthwood if I can't get those at times) gave the truss rod a small yank or two and then it's just time to "free up" a bit. It's a really beautiful guitar, silver-slinky, powerful, direct, quick and dynamically sweet but it was good "straight from the box". No buyer's regret here, a really good guitar a bit (quite a bit) cheaper than the J45 or the Advanced Jumbo. I wouldn't turn down a J45 for Christmas but honestly - no need. It's a peach and a cracker, play it every day. It comes with an L. R. Baggs electro system. I never use these but it's very discreet, there if you want it. WARNING - the hard case weighs a ton.
j 45 has deeper sound with more bass an the j 35 is a little more lighter but they both sound awesome
I'm amazed at how substantial the difference in sound is!!!
...both sounded great ...the J45 sounded warmer and thicker ...but the J35 may cut better during live play ...my opinion....cheers
Just bought a used j-35 from this period. What a guitar, in perfect condition!
Now that we know what these two sound like side by side (thanks!), I'd love to hear how they both sound next to an Eastman E10SS.
great comparison. love how you switched guitars in mid-play, that really gives a super comparison !! I love them both .. the J-45 is the "fuller" sound all around, but the J-35 is no slouch, and at $1000. cheaper is a killer deal !!! if I was looking to save a few bucks the 35 would be my choice, if cash was no option the 45 is my pick... great review guys .....
Oh and my vote is BOTH. I own a 45 and have played several 35's. They're both amazing.
I just got one of these 2013 J-35 last week, and holy smokes, I usually avoided Gibson guitars, but I was comparing it with a few Martins (usually a Martin guy), other Gibsons, a couple Larrivee (i own one), Guilds, Yamahas etc, all around the 1999-2020 time span, and I was amazed the best sounding/playing thing was the J-35. I've played some brand new ones and they felt like I was playing a piece of plastic, almost like a toy, but this one knocked my socks off.
I think it's gonna become my main guitar now, maybe this and the Larrivee D09 from 1987 I own, both have their own feeling they provide, but I really was not expecting this from this J-35.
I've recently played both of these and there is a big difference, but not a bad difference. The J-35 sounds like a Gibson/Martin crossbreed - very clear, prominent bass sound. The J-45 of course replying with its signature mid-range. The J-35 personally appeals for its lower price and for offering a different voice but with the comfort of a round-shoulder Gibson. In an ideal world I'd have both though!
Spot on.
The J35 sounds a bit too peaky to me. The upper treble seems a little harsher, and the bass sounds a bit more... boxy? I think the treble probably isn't actually any louder, it just has a bit of a void in the upper midrange that makes it seem more out of place.
The J45 sounds really nice to me.
The advanced bracing on the J-35 and my Advanced Jumbo does also seem to compress the sound the guitars produce and it's noticeable in the treble because we've evolved to hear treble particularly clearly (so baby gets a response when it cries). To my ears the J-35 is much less laid back than the J-45.
up until the end of the video i was leaning 35, but the last strumming comparison really proves the 45 is the way to go. I'll take the depth and richness of the 45 over the slightly boomier 35 any day. Then again, I really wouldn't take either, because I am a Martin man...to my ear, no mahogany dread beats my CS-D18GE Sinker Mahogany.
At first I thought the 35 was a little brighter and louder but after listening closely I really like the 45. I always have. I don't own one. I play a 3 series Larrivee but I will get myself a j-45 someday.
You won't regret it!
O and I guess the J45 has a pickup (usually) where as the J35 does not (again usually) but acoustically they are identical as a model, keep in mind that every piece of wood is different and thus every guitar will sound different even if it is made to the same spec
Very good comparison. To test the sound, the chords played beside each other works great.
I'm confused over the nut and saddle material on the J-45. In a previous video you said that the J-45 had a black graphite nut and a white graphite saddle. In this one you said they're both TUSQ. Gibsons web site now says the 45 has graphite nut and TUSQ saddle. I know I'm picking gnat crap outta pepper here, but I own a 2013 J-45 and I'd love to know for certain what the materials are.
I would give the advantage to the J-35 if open chords and bluegrass if a players style. When played up the neck the J-45 seems superior from my perspective. Both sound and look great, as they should (expensive as hell). Personally, even though I play rock and blues I would take the 35, it has a more distinct (boomy, edgy) tone.
They both sound amazing, but at a pinch the J-35 sounds better. J-45 looks nicer tho, except for the headstock, the J-35 has a much cooler headstock. But based purely on the sound, the J-35.
Also big props to the editing guy (or gal) the two recording matched up perfectly, can't have been easy.
you demos are always well done. thank you
The J-45 sounded a bit better from the videos, but the J-35s I tried in the stores just responded to my style better than the J-45s. Ended up bringing a J-35 home - clearance price, too.
Didn't Gibson formerly string the 35s with 11s instead of 12s back when this video was made?
100DollarHeadache Are we just listening to different strings? Would not surpise me
@@ThoseWhoDare I bet that is true. That would easily account for the difference I heard.
Kind of like asking do you like cake better than more cake. They are both excellent instruments, but I own and play a J-35.
Great review ! I just bought that exact J35. But I have to admit the 45 sounds a bit nicer to my ears
Both guitars sound great but as in the comparison of the J 45 with a Marin you did the 45 seems a bit muted. The J 35 has a more Martin like ringing resonance to my ear. I don't know how to express this clearly and hope maybe some one can clarify the differences for me in the correct way.
I think of J-45s as being laid back rather than muted ("muted" suggests to me that they don't sound how a good guitar should) but I think you hear the difference the same way I do
This is a great demonstration of how the different bracing patterns affect the tone. I had an Advanced Jumbo for years and the tone never grew on me. It was definitely reminiscent of the J-35. The 1-2k honk in the J-35 really puts me off. It sounds almost "hard" compared to the J-45's softness. Still a great guitar, and for folks looking for that kind of punch the price makes it attractive. There is a reason the J-45 is as legendary as it is though.
Its amazing how much difference just changing the bracing can make... J-45!
The J-35 sounds slightly brighter. Maybe a bit more tinny, which would be ironic given the differences in bracing.
that's how i hear it too, more twangy--and for me, not blended. At first, at the beginning of the video, i thought i was going to like the 35 better, because it was louder and i thought that was going to play out a certain way, but it didn't. For me it was like something was wrong with that J35, like it need3d more work, some tweaking of something, to get the sounds to come together. i didn't think the 45 needed anything, compared to other 45s i've heard, only a few, and older, 1930s, this one sounded the best of those i've heard. And one other one. i could like that bigger louder sound of the 35 but this particular example didn't sound good to me. Other 45s i've heard, i would have liked a fuller louder tone. I am used to old small body martins and gibsons, my best sounding acoustic is a 1931 L1, and while they vary a lot, i've learned that generally 12 fret guitars have fuller sound than 14 fret guitars, due to the smaller neck scale, relatively bigger box of the body, bigger voice. but there's the trade off of fewer frets to play on. After getting used to the 12 fret sound, not just any 14 fret is what i'm looking for, and i am looking for a 14 fret acoustic with the size body of a Martin OM or 000 or even 00.
i don't want a dreadnought probably but that's why i was looking at this video, to hear the sounds.
Great video, I think they both have a great voice
J-45 for me too! No contest.
Tony what's up with the new Robinson Cursoe look?
It's the 45 for me as well. More complex, less brash sounding.
thanks for the demo....both sound good. i have a 45, may buy the 35. i like the size and feel of both. need to play a 35. cheers !
I'm not really good at putting what I'm hearing into technical speak, but I think the J45 sounds more mellow and open whereas the J35 sounds a bit muffled and edgy. I'd like to play both though :D
Don't sell yourself short, pall. You nailed exactly what I also felt about both.
I second dupont .p the J45 has slightly dialled back specific low-mid frequencies that give it a deep bass sound without mudding up the tone and also the somewhat scratchy high mids /lower high so many guitars like to cut through the mix also get in the way of vocals.
Excellent review, as always. Thank you for all the effort that you guys put into your videos.
J35 is at your face sound that you can tame to go all out.Not dissing the J45, but every guitar needs a match. I prefer the J35's tonal sound and clarity that you can warm up depending on your picking and finger styling drive.If I had a choice? I would have both but a Custom J45 and or the True Vintage.Go BIG for once !!!! Life is short!Peace!
I like both , I like the Grover tuners on the 45 and do think the 45 sounded warmer ... If I had the 35 I'd have to swap the pick guard out and install different tuners ...
With a band: I'd pick the 35 in a heartbeat.
As a songwriter: I'd pick the 45. The 35 really rings and sounds quite bright, great to cut through a mix, perhaps too bright for smaller settings.
For looks: I'd blend them. I like the correct fretboard of the 35, aswell as the old style tuners and banner. With the finish of the J-45 and a long bone saddle (like the old ones).
I agree, the 45 has a more balanced tone, though both sound good. Another excellent and informative review.
Excellent review. Drastically different wood colors on the mahogany of each. Much lighter, more caramel color on the J35. Does Gibson deliberately choose a lighter mahogany for all the J35s in keeping with the models' aesthetics?
I love the sound of the J35. It seems like it has more of a melow tone to it. Sounds similar to a Gibson advanced jumbo.
Hello, what the blues fingerpincking at 3:53 please? Would love to learn it :)
J35 is brighter, sound wise.
Very similar sounding guitars. I test drove the J-35 just yesterday and was very impressed. The J-45 speaks for itself-A classic that does everything well.. I'd probably favor the J-35 simply due to price. I couldn't find anything wrong with...and it comes with a pick up installed. Of course I prefer my '99 Nick Lucas Special to both of these. Thanks for the comparison, Tony.
I like the 35 for strumming, and the 45 for picking.
J45 sounds better to my ears, but I do love that vintage Gibson logo on the J35. Great video, thanks for posting!
J-35 like you said has a more "scooped" sounds vs the J-45. I prefer the 45
They both sound great. I think the decider for me will be the difference in how the necks play. Going to go try out tomorrow I think.
Thats what I was wondering. What did think when you played them both?
The J35 had a bit more projection but the J45 seemed to have the best overall tonal balance...
I'd have to say the J-45 for it's projection, a cleaner sound. The 35 is also a steel for anyone wanting a Gibson acoustic @ a great price. I have a J-45 & an Epiphone AJ500. Love the advanced jumbo sound but again the 45 has a sweeter tone. I guess thats why it became so famous when Gibson upgraded the bracing from the 35.
The 45 has an extra fret also ;) ya forgot to mention that one Tony.
Love the reviews, keep up the great work!
It depends on what sound you want or like. I like the J-35; however, they're surprisingly close. From this point I would go for the one which felt the best in my hands: I like the large chunky, Gibson neck.
I feel like I think the J45 does better for solo singer song writer work, and the J35 to me sounds like it would be better in a band setting because it just seems to cut like a Martin does in a blue grass group. NOT saying it would cut like a Martin D18 but I think it would do better than the j45 for standing out.
why not just get the d-18? :) I think the 35 sounds alot like my Advanced Jumbo. its almost like a hybrid between a J45 and a d28. you get the mids and great balance just with a bit more bass and treble shimmer. but dont let it fool you it still wont touch a hd28 for bass response.
Great great comparison. Glad you showed and explained the bracing comparison. I would love to see an Advanced Jumbo vs J-35 comparison. Keep up the great work.
Both are awesome guitars... but what about that t-shirt? I love it!
In this example (comparatively, anyway) the J45 seems to have a smoother transition from bass to treble than the J35 (- which seems to have a hump in the lower mids/upper bass (and also a frequency boost in the lower treble range)).
It really boils down to personal taste. Here, I prefer the sound of the J45 (and the looks of the J35).
I have never heard two guitars of same make and model that sounds exactly the same, neither will they feel the same. Also, different picking styles, picks, nails (,fake nails), how close to the bridge one picks and even how one fret strings with left hand affects the quality of tone. In addition experienced guitarists will e.g. "sweeten"/adjust thirds, fourths and sevenths in chords by slightly bending - like the guy who does not like like A. Kutcher in this video. "Aligning" intervals like this will also seriously affect how a guitar rings out.
The differences in sound quality between these two guitars may offer limited information about general differences in tone between two guitar models - even though different constructions certainly will influence how a guitar sounds. Not to bring this effort down or anything - it is a good video - but it really is worth to mention this as youtube seems to be choking up with thousands of "sound tests" of all kinds of different gear every month.
How ever nice a guitar sounds like in a youtube video, one should always actually p l a y it before shelling out the money for it, rather than trusting a video and ordering online. Even expensive builds have their occasional 'dogs' and among the cheaper lines from makers as e.g. Yamaha and Ibanez true diamonds can be found. Just sayin :)
Well, if you like the sound of the the J-45 but the look of a J-35, then you're best bet is to get a J-50 which is a J-45 blonde colored. I think the J-50's of which I have a '63 that has the warmest sound and rings all day long....were made after WW II when they could get decent wood which was all used up for war time purposes which is why they had to put the sunburst and colors on the J-45's of that era to make up for the crappy wood...after the war, better wood, no need for sunburst for the purists...I guess was the reason.
Tony,
Your reviews are always very good, but this is the best ever... not easy to compare 2 guitars in a way that you can really, really hear the comparison on a recording... you have just set a new standard for the correct way to do it... thanks! (PS: I liked both guitars, but for vocal accompaniment I would go with the less-bright J-45).
I like the antique headstock logo on the 35. I got one on my rebuilt semicustomized 58 LP Jr. Where the original guy got it is anybody's guess although I understand it came from Northern England (the logo, that is).
When I listen through my phone:) the J45 wins as the mid range comes through my little speaker nicely. But when I put headphones on the J35 comes alive. It sounds more entertaining/ alive as the extra bass steps it up a notch. For the singer songwriter the j45 for the accompanist or lead the j35.
Terrific comparison. I prefer the 45. Keep the vids coming. :) What's your fav Gibson acoustic?
Ni on the same but the 35 seems to have a bit more sparkle , but you wauld have to try both at home ,, if you lent them me I wauld not give them back,,,, thanks for all the cool vids.
From the description I would say I would like the J35 better, but my ears tell me the J45.
Hmmmm.....so what would the new Martin D18 sound like against the new Gibson J35 and J45 models?
I like loud, I like boomy. But the J-45 is the smoother, quality choice. There is bit of harshness to the 35- I am listening to this through M-Audio BX8A monitors. The J-45 verified what I first heard in the stores- it is the most balanced Gibson I played. I loved some of the Jumbos, and other "workhorses," but this is the one that satisfied the most.
Great video. I think ill take the 35.
You guys should do a J45 vs LG2 comparison
J45 definitely sounds more balanced and warmer to my ears, 35 was brighter. My ears prefer the 45
umm the last strumming...the 45 sounds more lively, with more present treble. This confuses me because I thought the 35 was brighter and resonant than it actually is (here).. a little disappointed.. Hard decision
Thanks for this great video!!! Really fun
Both beautiful sounding guitars....
The J35 sounds louder and clearer to me.
it's so, so subjective. i play fingerstyle, so for a start it depends on how hard my nails are feeling, cos they are like steel unless i soak them before i play. then it depends on what material strings, what make, what gauge and how old. then it depends on humidity, how old a guitar might be, how worn the wood, how big / thick the pickguard is, what gauge plectrum you might use, and on and on.
i have a 66 j45 i bought in the 70's that i've compared every other guitar i've had to (i've had at least 50 since 2013 and i have 9 at the moment) and my plastic martin OOOX1 i bought for £350 with case is better than them all. i have a friend with a larrivee dreadnought, rosewood, that comes close, very close, but still. the j45 is a good example though, cos over the years various people have played it and said how good it is, and i agree, but i cycle through my guitars and i got the j45 out a couple of months ago and it sounded _unbelievably good_ much better than i remember and as good as the martin.
it's been in the case a while again, and i just this minute got it out to have a strum and - yuk, the bass sounds like it's a plywood guitar. i also have a 2000's J35 and it IS good, what i like though id for me it has "the magic neck" it's the ONLY guitar i can barre chords on all the way up the fretboard. i'd recommend j35's but play as many guitars as you can cos one will one day jump out at you, regardless of make model or price. i'll never let go of that martin.
like i say it's all very subjective, one thing though, perhaps man made materials are better than wood? the martin is consistently good and even with old strings it just sounds mellow, not dead.
mmmhh.
I have both guitars.
My J35 sounds really better this one, a little bit more brillant and a lot of medium tones more, generally good balanced tones. Before buying it I tried all model I can found in my region and, believe me, sounds really different.
Am I wrong, or does the J-35 have a smaller sound hole? I love my J-35… but I might have to buy a J-45.