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...
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+
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! :)
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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......
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.
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 .....
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!
I've managed to get a little lower J45 sound out of my J35 by installing ebony bridge pins, Martin SP coated 12-54 strings, and a tusq All Parts saddle. I really like it now.
Thank you. These videos are informative but manufacturers expect you to change out the pins, get a final setup and experiment with strings. The challenge of any acoustic is not only to hear it off the wall but to pay close attention and try to hear the potential after you play it a while and change out pins and perhaps even nut and saddle. Always save the old ones. I have a maple jumbo that was piercingly bright and I went with bone pins and Daddarrio NB strings. Wow! What a difference.
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 ...
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....
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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
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).
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.
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.
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 😎
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'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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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 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.
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.
Ive been to the gibson factory in montana where they make almost all of their acoustics and guess what guys, THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO THEY ARE THE SAME!! you pay for a better more detailed finish and better tuners and somehow they charge you $500 more for the J45.
Good test ! Thanks ..... 2 superb guitars ...could happily live with either guitar tbh, but the J45 wins out for me ! its looks visually way nicer which is a plus for me ( We buy with our eyes!) and the sound is crisper and better defined. But I wouldn't say No to a J35 ! but as I own a J45 ... I'll stick with that !! ...Happily !
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.
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.
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.
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...
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+
Great demo guys!
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!
Excellent review, as always. Thank you for all the effort that you guys put into your videos.
you demos are always well done. thank you
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.
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! :)
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.
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
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
Very good comparison. To test the sound, the chords played beside each other works great.
I like both and hear a layered sweetness to the 35.
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.
Banner head-stock decal, vintage style tuners, 40's pick-guard style. Give me that J-35 all day.
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.
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 !
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.
Great video, I think they both have a great voice
I'm amazed at how substantial the difference in sound is!!!
The color on the 45 is enough for me to fall in love.
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
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.
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 .....
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.
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!
I've managed to get a little lower J45 sound out of my J35 by installing ebony bridge pins, Martin SP coated 12-54 strings, and a tusq All Parts saddle. I really like it now.
Thank you. These videos are informative but manufacturers expect you to change out the pins, get a final setup and experiment with strings.
The challenge of any acoustic is not only to hear it off the wall but to pay close attention and try to hear the potential after you play it a while and change out pins and perhaps even nut and saddle. Always save the old ones.
I have a maple jumbo that was piercingly bright and I went with bone pins and Daddarrio NB strings. Wow! What a difference.
Both beautiful sounding guitars....
Great demo!!!!
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 ...
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....
thanks, it s really usefull stuff you are doing , cheers berh
I agree, the 45 has a more balanced tone, though both sound good. Another excellent and informative review.
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!
Good to hear:)
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.
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.
Does it mean that the J 35 has the True Vintage bracing? Because it was described like that in the Gibson bracing video...
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?
Great review ! I just bought that exact J35. But I have to admit the 45 sounds a bit nicer to my ears
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.
Oh and my vote is BOTH. I own a 45 and have played several 35's. They're both amazing.
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.
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.
J 45 for me if I had to choose between the two
perfect timeing for this video
Its amazing how much difference just changing the bracing can make... J-45!
Yeah, I got it now thank you so much :) cheers
that's how you do a comparison.
Actually going to buy one tomorrow
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).
J-45 for me too! No contest.
Tony what's up with the new Robinson Cursoe look?
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
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
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).
Great video. I think ill take the 35.
Hello, what the blues fingerpincking at 3:53 please? Would love to learn it :)
wow what a difference,,,,, really good review...... i have to say the 45 is warmer and better balanced...
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.
With the J-35 having the Advanced Jumbo bracing I'd love to see a comparison of the J-35 and the J-45tv.
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.
Just bought a used j-35 from this period. What a guitar, in perfect condition!
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)!!! 😁
You guys should do a J45 vs LG2 comparison
Like both
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).
j 45 has deeper sound with more bass an the j 35 is a little more lighter but they both sound awesome
J45 sounds better to my ears, but I do love that vintage Gibson logo on the J35. Great video, thanks for posting!
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!
Both are awesome guitars... but what about that t-shirt? I love it!
I notice you guys cut short the time of the j35 strums. makes it automatically j45 sound more dynamic
...both sounded great ...the J45 sounded warmer and thicker ...but the J35 may cut better during live play ...my opinion....cheers
I love my J35. It sounds really good. I is it had a cutaway.
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.
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.
J45 for me more articulation, would like to see a demo with J45 Mahogany and the J45 Rosewood.
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.
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.
I like the 35 for strumming, and the 45 for picking.
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.
Terrific comparison. I prefer the 45. Keep the vids coming. :) What's your fav Gibson acoustic?
the 35 has a Thicker so does that mean it's harder to play especially for longer periods of time?
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
Hmmmm.....so what would the new Martin D18 sound like against the new Gibson J35 and J45 models?
The J35 had a bit more projection but the J45 seemed to have the best overall tonal balance...
J-35 like you said has a more "scooped" sounds vs the J-45. I prefer the 45
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?
Good review, thanks. J-45 tone has a bit more depth and lustre, but J-35 is a good guitar for the money.
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.
For my style i would go for the J-35 on this :-)
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.
whats the thickness of the bracing on the j 45?
I liked the j35 better, great video!
Ive been to the gibson factory in montana where they make almost all of their acoustics and guess what guys, THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO THEY ARE THE SAME!! you pay for a better more detailed finish and better tuners and somehow they charge you $500 more for the J45.
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.
Good test ! Thanks ..... 2 superb guitars ...could happily live with either guitar tbh, but the J45 wins out for me ! its looks visually way nicer which is a plus for me ( We buy with our eyes!) and the sound is crisper and better defined. But I wouldn't say No to a J35 ! but as I own a J45 ... I'll stick with that !! ...Happily !
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.
i guess i want both...
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.
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.