I bought a new j-45 in 2020. I was intending on buying a d-18 to go with my d-35 and hd-28 but after playing the two side by side off the rack I grinned at my wife and said I want it. If you can play both and see what you think. The d-18 was painful to my fingers and would have to be set up. The j-45 was a pleasure to play and a different tone from the d-18. I know the j-45 cost a little more but to me wort it. The shorter scale is more comfortable and less string tension because of this. I am a short person so it just fits me. I guess I have the best of both worlds and God has blessed me so much.
Amazing, beautiful guitars. I think my favorite is the Hummingbird. When he was playing the J-45 the picture came to my mind of the Carter Family or other bluegrass, folk artists or styles of music. The Hummingbird reminded me of Led Zeppelin Misty Mountain Hop or any number of other acoustic rock songs.
I’ve never seen the L-00 before. Now I want one. My brother inherited a 1957 J-45 from our uncle. Total fretless wonder but plays and sounds absolutely beautiful. It’s a tank too, always stays in tune. It has a headstock break, but with a guitar that age a break can be a good thing. You can play it without worry. I’d rather have a player than a collectors piece any day.
J45 has it here by a country mile but that’s only because I like the depth it offers that SJ sounds great too and depending on the song you would want to have that one to but man that J45 is something else !
From your playing comparison, the Humming Bird really stands out, I can actually hear your picking when you hit the strings, as well as the notes, a very balanced guitar, and has volume. I may be biased, I own a similar one, the song writer, witch is very close to humming bird. Overall, I’m a true Gibson fan, you can’t go wrong with anything they make! 🔥
Just bought a 2019 hummingbird standard mahogany despite my favorite guitar being the sj200. I strum hard and attack my guitar when I play but the hummingbird can keep up no problem. I bought it because I also love fingerpicking and I'm a little soft when I finger pick but it definitely fills the gaps with that big body. Love the hummingbird and falling more in love everytime I open the case
The boxy guitars with square shoulders and not much of a waist from what I believe, allows the sound waves to buffet, or bounce back and forth inside the guitar from tail to shoulders and back.. creating a boom that to me (when they are played hard) is quite disturbing. You don't get this with the more balanced Gibson J-45 as the two ends of the box are different and the waist blocks a straight shot from end to end so it breaks up the boom. The most extreme boomy guitar is the Martin D-28 and it is well liked by some for this very thing- but the buffeting sound drives me crazy.
Unfortunately, youtube videos don't impart the best sound from an instrument. The L-00 is a great couch guitar and very easy to play. The SJ series are crisp if you play them that way, sing for a very long time, and they are LOUD. They are excellent for slide when played top up in your lap and sound best with a heavy solid steel slide, not the round ones, used by many pedal steel players. I never played a parlor but after watching this video finding one is now on the list. I don't care for the dreadnought shape, but like the SJ the sound they make hangs in the air for a long time. Hummingbirds and Doves are just wonderful sounding, too. The fact of physics is the smaller guitars respond better to a light touch and fingerstyle than the larger models, and they are quieter. My remarks are based on my personal knowledge, not on the video. Excellent video, though.
THANKS so much for this, it is so educational! A few odd comments: 1. That Parlor really squeaks jumping around frets! 2, The 00 REALLY snaps... it's rather percussive! 3. I actually expected the super jumbo to boom much more than it did, I was a little disappointed (I mean the thing's HUGE! The hummingbird seemed to push the sound more.
Great demo, always have wondered much about the size and how many Gibson and and the sub categories they go through which I think is crazy, little metal genres. You are a great player can fall asleep to your playing which is a GOOD thing not a negative, just bought a new Hummingbird, (You were out, I did check). Would really be interested to see a comparison of a Walnut, Rosewood, Mahogany Hummingbird. I have the studio walnut hummingbird and fell in love playing leading to the purchase of the traditional mahogany hummingbird, keep on keeping on and thank you, stay safe!!!
I own a J-15, for me it is a well-rounded guitar with a decent punch. I just bought the SJ-200 and will arrive in few days. This video re-affirm why I would like to get my hands on the king of flat tops.
I have the j15 walnut its a mix of highs and mids, that round shoulder really brings out the best of both worlds from strumming and picking. Now am saving up for a j45 coz the difference in tone of mahogany from a walnut is so different.
Love my J-15! I've considered adding a 45, but I think if I do decide to add to the collection, it'll either be a songwriter or a hummingbird next (or maybe even a Martin D-18, lol). I think I just need some square shoulder dread in my life.
I've been playing acoustic guitars for 45 year's, what makes me laugh is a £3.000 Gibson or Martin top of the range guitars don't really sound any better than a tanglewood or gretch, you can get for about £300, what an absolute con, but no surprise is it, it's called greed, obviously, as usual.
Thanks for your videos guys really appreciate the effort that goes into these. It’s not quite the same but I bought a G-45 Studio with help from your videos, with the hope it’ll be a good all rounder, particularly with an emphasis on Chet inspired finger picking.
Damn Chris, you’re Owning in these vids as of late. Must be the experience built up over the years. You can feel the confidence in your presentation and voice. Can’t wait for more 10 things you need to know about “X builder” before you buy one.
I’ll tell you what I hate. Whenever anyone describes the L-00, they say “it’s a fingerpicking or a blues style guitar”. I have a 1937 L-00 and I flatpick the hell out of that thing. I don’t know what it was in it’s previous life but, it’s a Tony Rice/Billy Strings/Mollt Tuttle copycat now! And I love it
Great sounds. Definitely worth playing as they do have their individual sound. I do mostly comping , with some finger and fills, so the j-45 has the best sound for me. Guess it’s time to start saving up! Thanks for the breakdown and playing , this is a great video for someone looking for a gibson, or just interested in guitars in general!
@@AlamoMusic I love how they get bluesy when you dig in. I like playing a few Zeppelin n acdc riffs n have them sound old timey I make it work on my guild m20 I'm just looking for a spruce top to add to my guitarsenal for more flavor. Def a fan of chunky necks as I started on a classical guitar.. the shape of the l00 and even the Martin 0-18 is really appealing I've played them just not in the same room.. n vintage examples of the lg2 are fantastic. I play Light strumming w fingers & a bit of fingerpickery. Any input is greatly appreciated
Great review Can you please tell me the body depth on the guitar? My Martin body depth in 5 inch. Thank you. Was hoping one of those guitars were thinner so to peak maybe like 4 inch or something.
What exactly do you mean by tightening of the sound because of bringing in the waste? Does tighten mean you get less bass response? And/or does it mean that there is better separation between the lower-end sounds?
Iv played a guild all my life and would love to buy a Gipson j45 but worried the short scale would have the frets too close together for my fat hands,can you tell the difference our is it not noticeable?
Anyone know of a good triple 000 baritone guitar? Do they make such a thing? I love the rich low end bass sound but hate the massive size. Anything from $500-$800 range.
For me dreadnaughts and super jumbo bodies, but the one that looks like a peanut I kinda like the tone of those. I have both but did try a peanut at a music store sounds really good.
Hey It is a very Nice vedio for guidence . I want to learn guitar . I am a beginner and want to buy it . I am from india . 5 feets tall . Which guitar i should choose
The SJ200 here didn’t sound like it should. An SJ200 when played more lightly sounds absolutely beautiful. When you absolutely hammer one like here it can sound tinny and loses all its harmonic richness. It's a fallacy that certain players bash the shit out of them. Pete Townshend comes to mind. He actually strummed his SJ200 in a very controlled manner to get thr best out if it, like on Pinball Wizard
I played the hummingbird for the first time today and at first I was not impressed but then after an hour of so it kinda grew on me....I’m a big Taylor fan and I still think they are way better.
FYI martin in one of their videos talks about tone wood in acoustic guitars does not affect the sound/tone as mocih as people have been lead to believe its more about the strings you use the nut and saddel material and body size and demensions there for the woods used wether soild or laminated makes ver litlte difference ,, and for the solid body people out there tone is not affected at all by wood type this part did not come from martin on solid bodies but after over 35 years my self playing and fixing and settingup guitars in my experience and many others we all agree that the wood in a solid body makes no difference at all. the only affect you will notice its sustain bettween how the neck is attached and marterials used for the bridge and nut the tone.sound is the pups in the guitar and how they are setup along with the pups angel and height.. to many people tho tend to not think about trying different amps before chaning pups or even just setting the pups up first sometimes i admit you need to change the pups just because some pups sound like junk either way and they only fix is new pups in that case .. not all pedals will get along with all amps either this again new ball of wax ..
The J45 sounded incredible to me, thanks, well done.
You’re really doing these instruments justice - by what you’re saying about them, but by your playing also. Very nice video!
It is a nice video, dear Stingray, but, it would have been more effective is the playing and the talking had not been segregated from one another.
To my ear, on this video, the Parlor had the purest sound followed by the J45. Really enjoyed this.
All are nice, but Hummingbird sounds the warmest to my ears. Thanks for your explanation and demo.
I bought a new j-45 in 2020. I was intending on buying a d-18 to go with my d-35 and hd-28 but after playing the two side by side off the rack I grinned at my wife and said I want it. If you can play both and see what you think. The d-18 was painful to my fingers and would have to be set up. The j-45 was a pleasure to play and a different tone from the d-18. I know the j-45 cost a little more but to me wort it. The shorter scale is more comfortable and less string tension because of this. I am a short person so it just fits me. I guess I have the best of both worlds and God has blessed me so much.
I have a j45 from 1946. That were built much differently,back then. The new ones are really good,too.
Amazing, beautiful guitars. I think my favorite is the Hummingbird. When he was playing the J-45 the picture came to my mind of the Carter Family or other bluegrass, folk artists or styles of music. The Hummingbird reminded me of Led Zeppelin Misty Mountain Hop or any number of other acoustic rock songs.
Actually I think he used a Hummingbird
That's how you strum a jumbo. I was surprised by the parlor but the J-45 and SJ were awesome.
Every Hummingbird with any tone wood always seems to sound great. I thought the L-00, though completely different sound, was surprisingly good too.
J45 or the SJ200 would be my choices, love the explanation of the shapes and resulting sound. Lets see a Martin version!
The way in which you present your information is exceptional. Thank you!
I’ve never seen the L-00 before. Now I want one.
My brother inherited a 1957 J-45 from our uncle. Total fretless wonder but plays and sounds absolutely beautiful. It’s a tank too, always stays in tune. It has a headstock break, but with a guitar that age a break can be a good thing. You can play it without worry. I’d rather have a player than a collectors piece any day.
The J45 vintage sounds the best to me.
J45 has it here by a country mile but that’s only because I like the depth it offers that SJ sounds great too and depending on the song you would want to have that one to but man that J45 is something else !
From your playing comparison, the Humming Bird really stands out, I can actually hear your picking when you hit the strings, as well as the notes, a very balanced guitar, and has volume. I may be biased, I own a similar one, the song writer, witch is very close to humming bird. Overall, I’m a true Gibson fan, you can’t go wrong with anything they make! 🔥
Just bought a 2019 hummingbird standard mahogany despite my favorite guitar being the sj200. I strum hard and attack my guitar when I play but the hummingbird can keep up no problem. I bought it because I also love fingerpicking and I'm a little soft when I finger pick but it definitely fills the gaps with that big body. Love the hummingbird and falling more in love everytime I open the case
The boxy guitars with square shoulders and not much of a waist from what I believe, allows the sound waves to buffet, or bounce back and forth inside the guitar from tail to shoulders and back.. creating a boom that to me (when they are played hard) is quite disturbing. You don't get this with the more balanced Gibson J-45 as the two ends of the box are different and the waist blocks a straight shot from end to end so it breaks up the boom. The most extreme boomy guitar is the Martin D-28 and it is well liked by some for this very thing- but the buffeting sound drives me crazy.
Unfortunately, youtube videos don't impart the best sound from an instrument. The L-00 is a great couch guitar and very easy to play. The SJ series are crisp if you play them that way, sing for a very long time, and they are LOUD. They are excellent for slide when played top up in your lap and sound best with a heavy solid steel slide, not the round ones, used by many pedal steel players. I never played a parlor but after watching this video finding one is now on the list. I don't care for the dreadnought shape, but like the SJ the sound they make hangs in the air for a long time. Hummingbirds and Doves are just wonderful sounding, too. The fact of physics is the smaller guitars respond better to a light touch and fingerstyle than the larger models, and they are quieter. My remarks are based on my personal knowledge, not on the video. Excellent video, though.
I'm even more happy with my SJ200 after this comparaison 👍
THANKS so much for this, it is so educational! A few odd comments: 1. That Parlor really squeaks jumping around frets! 2, The 00 REALLY snaps... it's rather percussive! 3. I actually expected the super jumbo to boom much more than it did, I was a little disappointed (I mean the thing's HUGE! The hummingbird seemed to push the sound more.
The SJ is not designed to boom. The maple back and maple sides ensure a better balance between individual string volume.
Great demo, always have wondered much about the size and how many Gibson and and the sub categories they go through which I think is crazy, little metal genres. You are a great player can fall asleep to your playing which is a GOOD thing not a negative, just bought a new Hummingbird, (You were out, I did check). Would really be interested to see a comparison of a Walnut, Rosewood, Mahogany Hummingbird. I have the studio walnut hummingbird and fell in love playing leading to the purchase of the traditional mahogany hummingbird, keep on keeping on and thank you, stay safe!!!
Well thank you very much! We appreciate the support and the comment! Will look into making a video like that in the future if we get the chance!
I work at Gibson, amazing company
Do you get staff discount?
I own a J-15, for me it is a well-rounded guitar with a decent punch. I just bought the SJ-200 and will arrive in few days. This video re-affirm why I would like to get my hands on the king of flat tops.
I have the j15 walnut its a mix of highs and mids, that round shoulder really brings out the best of both worlds from strumming and picking. Now am saving up for a j45 coz the difference in tone of mahogany from a walnut is so different.
Love my J-15! I've considered adding a 45, but I think if I do decide to add to the collection, it'll either be a songwriter or a hummingbird next (or maybe even a Martin D-18, lol). I think I just need some square shoulder dread in my life.
J45 for me for sure.
I've been playing acoustic guitars for 45 year's, what makes me laugh is a £3.000 Gibson or Martin top of the range guitars don't really sound any better than a tanglewood or gretch, you can get for about £300, what an absolute con, but no surprise is it, it's called greed, obviously, as usual.
I've been playing a Tanglewood for 15 years, got a J45 last week. Man, if you can't tell the difference you need to get your hearing checked out
@@Dabberontour another sarcastic/ abusive message oh my, what a surprise, I'm completely shocked.
I've been playing acoustic guitars for 45 years son, obviously you know better than me.
@@pauldickinson6943 now then boy, I didn't say how many years I've been playing guitar so calm yourself down lad
I just bought the AG Rosewood and love it. It’s very well made.
Great informative content. So glad I finally found a video explaining the gibson acoustic models.
Great video as always. For me I liked the Hummingbird, it sounded a little freer and less constrained! Not sure if that makes sense or not!
Best demo ever!!!!!
I feel like the J-45 is the best of both worlds totally, a real nice middle ground.
We agree!
Thanks for your videos guys really appreciate the effort that goes into these. It’s not quite the same but I bought a G-45 Studio with help from your videos, with the hope it’ll be a good all rounder, particularly with an emphasis on Chet inspired finger picking.
You're very welcome! That a great guitar! Best of luck to you!
@@AlamoMusic You in my opinion are the best with your demos doesn't matter which brand or model.
You're so knowledgable. Great video! It'd be fun to hear new models be compared like the J185 vs J200.
Damn Chris, you’re Owning in these vids as of late.
Must be the experience built up over the years.
You can feel the confidence in your presentation and voice.
Can’t wait for more 10 things you need to know about “X builder” before you buy one.
Very cool intro to Gibson line up.Thank you.
Nice blues on the L-00
Really interested in where and how the J-185 fits in
Santa! I’m diggin’ a J-45!
I'm a hummingbird guy altho I own a martin....all my heros play hummingbirds
I’ll tell you what I hate. Whenever anyone describes the L-00, they say “it’s a fingerpicking or a blues style guitar”. I have a 1937 L-00 and I flatpick the hell out of that thing. I don’t know what it was in it’s previous life but, it’s a Tony Rice/Billy Strings/Mollt Tuttle copycat now! And I love it
I have never played a Gibson acoustic. But man they look and sound great. I personally play a martin. But now you got me thinkin lol
Please do a longer standalone review of the l00 ☺️ thanks
I know how great Gibson acoustic guitars are but I prefer ebony fretboards. I need to open up my mind to these fine instruments.
A few have ebony fretboards and bridges like the J-55 and I think the jumbo.
Great sounds. Definitely worth playing as they do have their individual sound. I do mostly comping , with some finger and fills, so the j-45 has the best sound for me. Guess it’s time to start saving up! Thanks for the breakdown and playing , this is a great video for someone looking for a gibson, or just interested in guitars in general!
Nutt'n like a Gibson!
I don't normally like SJ-200's but that sounded amazing. I've never heard one in real life though. Now I'm confused which to get!
would really appreciate the L00 vs the new LG2!!! thanks!!!
Noted!
@@AlamoMusic I love how they get bluesy when you dig in. I like playing a few Zeppelin n acdc riffs n have them sound old timey I make it work on my guild m20 I'm just looking for a spruce top to add to my guitarsenal for more flavor. Def a fan of chunky necks as I started on a classical guitar.. the shape of the l00 and even the Martin 0-18 is really appealing I've played them just not in the same room.. n vintage examples of the lg2 are fantastic. I play Light strumming w fingers & a bit of fingerpickery. Any input is greatly appreciated
Great review Can you please tell me the body depth on the guitar? My Martin body depth in 5 inch. Thank you. Was hoping one of those guitars were thinner so to peak maybe like 4 inch or something.
Love my j45. What about the j185?
L-00 has a unique sound!
This video is super helpful. Thanks!
I like how in the captions, L-00 became "Altobello".
Chris, one thing is for sure, if I ever visit texas, I must meet you :)
What song were you playing in the demo on the parlor guitar? Sounded really good👍🏼
Thank you! Awesome review!
Amazing video!!!!
The Parlor ❤
@alamomusiccenter I know I am late to the party, but do you see a tonal difference or advantage to the Gibson reversed bridge?
My Dad has a 73 or 74 Gibson
J45/J50.... on the back of the head stock it says j45 j50
What does that mean?
What exactly do you mean by tightening of the sound because of bringing in the waste? Does tighten mean you get less bass response? And/or does it mean that there is better separation between the lower-end sounds?
i thin it means the sound from all six strings are closer together.
why that parlor body doesn't exist in gibson's website?
Wish you would have mentioned the Gibson Advanced Jumbo. I have one and it's an awesome sounding guitar.
Hummingbird comes to papa ❤❤
Iv played a guild all my life and would love to buy a Gipson j45 but worried the short scale would have the frets too close together for my fat hands,can you tell the difference our is it not noticeable?
Anyone know of a good triple 000 baritone guitar? Do they make such a thing? I love the rich low end bass sound but hate the massive size. Anything from $500-$800 range.
Hi I have a old Gibson southern jumbo I don’t know what year it was made the number on the head says 922938 made in USA
This is my dream guitar SJ 200♥️😭😭 sana ma regalohan ako ng ganito.😭♥️
Thanks dude, your a legend
Gibson J-200
Thanks Chris
Great video!
Nice i wish you could have added a Songwriter in there as well. Great review.
Good review thanks
🤔 ... Great video mister!
😎🚬
The songwriter series gets lost in the mix but those are great sounding and playing.
Thank you for the helpful information you give. I have a question. Does Gibson make a cutaway in any of their acoustics?
Excellent Thank you
can a jumbo guitar follow a singer to songwriting? maybe street singing?
i do hope you play all the guitars as well
For me dreadnaughts and super jumbo bodies, but the one that looks like a peanut I kinda like the tone of those.
I have both but did try a peanut at a music store sounds really good.
Hey It is a very Nice vedio for guidence . I want to learn guitar . I am a beginner and want to buy it . I am from india . 5 feets tall . Which guitar i should choose
So what size is the J185 ?
Hey great work! Which store do you work at? Do you guys sell anything beside Taylor, Gibson or Martin? Thanks
The SJ200 here didn’t sound like it should. An SJ200 when played more lightly sounds absolutely beautiful. When you absolutely hammer one like here it can sound tinny and loses all its harmonic richness. It's a fallacy that certain players bash the shit out of them. Pete Townshend comes to mind. He actually strummed his SJ200 in a very controlled manner to get thr best out if it, like on Pinball Wizard
J-45 for me
Gibson Dove all the way for me !!
Wow... I also made comparison between J200, hummingbird, j45 but yours are better quality mics.
What's the closest Taylor guitar to Gibson's SJ-200...?
Grand auditorium or a 14 of any trim level
Taylor doesn't really have anything like the sj200
GUILD F55
L-00 for me ( nothing to do with the fact I'm a period new owner)
Ive always thought 'everyone has a J45 im not getting one' i bought one for a significant Birthday coming soon,i now know why 'everyone has one!
What about the Songwriter? My favourite Gibson 🎸
To my ears: L00 > Parlor. J45 > humming bird.
Not a single mention of scale lengths?
No J-185 love!?!?
I enjoyed the video, but I was disappointed you didn't go more in-depth about the tonewoods of each model. Makes all the difference. Thanks.
Thanks! Noted!
Ya but so many models and wood choices too.... that wouldve taken two hours ...very true tho...tonewoods I mean
It seems that the L-00 is more of a parlor guitar than the parlor guitar. More of a parlor tone.
As what would you describe the Parlor guitar?
It helps to hear the different guitars. I prefer the mellow sound of the Parlor.
I played the hummingbird for the first time today and at first I was not impressed but then after an hour of so it kinda grew on me....I’m a big Taylor fan and I still think they are way better.
SJ-200 first and J-45 second for me...
FYI martin in one of their videos talks about tone wood in acoustic guitars does not affect the sound/tone as mocih as people have been lead to believe its more about the strings you use the nut and saddel material and body size and demensions there for the woods used wether soild or laminated makes ver litlte difference ,, and for the solid body people out there tone is not affected at all by wood type this part did not come from martin on solid bodies but after over 35 years my self playing and fixing and settingup guitars in my experience and many others we all agree that the wood in a solid body makes no difference at all. the only affect you will notice its sustain bettween how the neck is attached and marterials used for the bridge and nut the tone.sound is the pups in the guitar and how they are setup along with the pups angel and height.. to many people tho tend to not think about trying different amps before chaning pups or even just setting the pups up first sometimes i admit you need to change the pups just because some pups sound like junk either way and they only fix is new pups in that case .. not all pedals will get along with all amps either this again new ball of wax ..
L00 anytime for me
J 45
J-45.