What I like about this guitar is that it utilizes less exotic material (in this case Maple in place of Mahogany for the neck, and Walnut in place of Rosewood and/or ebony for the back & sides and the fretboard) and Gibson was able to make a very nice and great sounding guitar out of more plentiful and non-traditional tone woods.
I own the Gibson J-15 and as Tony says, it is a Killer guitar! Sat in the store and played several martins and taylors and gibsons all 4-500 dollars more and the J-15 had a better tone to my ears than all. I should point out, ive owned over 50 guitars, and i love Martin, Ibanez, Guild, Yamaha, and Takamine as well. It irks me tho how people want you to choose between brands, that is just ridiculous. Every brand has good and mediocre models, this is by FAR one of the best Gibson has ever done. My Martin has a different, more bass responsive tone, this has a better midrange, the Taylor i owned was bright and chimey, there is no wrong tone, it is all what is right for you and the sound you want to achieve. Dont limit yourself to one brand.
Agreed I wound up deciding on a martin 000-15 between it and the j-15 because it had more bite and mid range which I preferred and it was one of the lightest guitars I have ever held which really captivated me but both great guitars
Dalton Peters I played both side by side (000-15m and Gibson j15) but took the j15 because the electronics, great sound and gorgeous looks. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like the Martin also though.
Thank you for displaying common sense. These postings are too often filled with dumb and gratuitous arguments from knuckleheads with low self-esteem trying to impress others with declarations that unless you only love Martin you are an inferior person and an idiot. I own a Martin 000-15m because I love hog guitars. But I chose the Guild D20 for a dreadnaught over the Martin DM15. I love folk and country and didn't want a bass heavy extra-warm sound, although the Guild bass is outstanding. I am still loving my 04 Tacoma DM9 too. I play to impress my own ears. I have no need to impose my choices on anyone.
I bought mine from L&M here on the west coast. It sounded as good as any of the other Gibson's they had in their "expensive" guitar room. I couldn't believe how cheap it was. Walnut doesn't get enough love, for some reason. I can't wait to grow old with this bad boy. My Taylor an Martin are just totally different in woods, therefor different sounds of course (and older). I can't wait to hear this in 5 or 10 years, when it's broken in nicely. I'm thinking they won't be this cheap for very long (I'm guessing) Go PLAY one. This beauty flew out of the door with me immediately.
I've had mine for over a year now and I can't say anything negative about it. Tone, playability, construction, all top notch. I was originally shopping for a Martin or a Taylor when I pulled a J-45 off the wall at Guitar Center. The tone blew the others away! Then I A-B'd a J-35 and a J-15 at Wildwood Guitars in Louisville, CO. I couldn't hear an $800 improvement in the J-35. I could on the J-45 but didn't have an extra $1000 burning a hole in my pocket.
I hope to buy one of these within the month. I played one at a Guitar Center store in Sacramento. It plays so well and it sounds awesome. I thought it sounded better than all the other new Gibson models. I can't wait to finally buy one. This guitar has a wonderful sound.
We like this model allot and regularly stock them in our store in Bozeman, MT. We might even be able to get one in a sunburst finish! Let me know if I can help you with anything.... info@acousticletter.com Thanks... -Chad
I've had this guitar since the beginning of 2016. It's probably the nicest guitar I've ever owned. I have a little collection but this one just gets better and better. I use elixir with 13 e string - wow!. The strings need a couple of weeks to start sounding how I want them but the wait is worth it. The best studio guitar ever and at gigs through a pa or on the street through an Acus one for street it's sublime..Juist get it - I actually a/b'd yesterday against a 3500 euro Lakewood and it blew it away..
People seem to think this a cheap guitar because it isn't as much as a J-45 or its the cheapest acoustic guitar Gibson makes in the acoustic line. Lets get a few facts straight. Gibson does not make bad acoustic guitar. Also Walnut grows the same in about every part of the world so they are using all North American tonewoods. Look at the price of walnut boards vs. Mahogany. If you get an American piece of Mahogany its still about $7 for a thin piece where walnut is about $5. Gibson imports Mahogany from Handores this raises the cost of Mahogany up to $12 a piece. Are you starting to see my point? For the money the materials are cheaper only because Mahogany cost more. 100 years or more ago Mahogany was used on furniture because it was considered a cheap wood compared to other types they used back then. Now its considered one of the most sought after materials there is for furniture or guitars. My point is its got just as good of fine craftsmanship as any other model Gibson acoustic for sell from Montana. Trust your ears and your hands and don't be a tone snob!
Arnold Deal Not only that, but the J-15, J-29 and J-35 use "better," more vintage bracing than the J-45. I don't actually think it's better, just different, but usually people want to pay bigger bucks for vintage features. The J-15 is a steal at this price and every bit as good as any other Gibson.
The Gibson J-15 is an excellent guitar. The sound of this guitar on it's own is fantastic, and it's truly a uniquely beautiful instrument. The LR Baggs Element sounds incredible. Just an all around fine instrument!
***** Supposedly the Element senses top vibrations and stuff. I don't know. They all sound like rubber bands to me personally and nothing like the guitar they're in. A $300 Fender and a $5000 Gibson or Martin all sound the same with the same Element pickup and same sound system.
I just bought one of these and could not be happier. I bought mine used for $1,158 out the door in excellent condition. This guitar is always in tune and is a pleasure to play. I may buy another one in case Gibson discontinues it. Beautiful guitar. I love it. Thank you Gibson!! Very nice playing by the way man.
I bought mine a week ago and haven't been able to put it down--this is a really fun to play guitar and the grain on the walnut back is excellent. Lots of midrange and pretty good bass response--sounds great playing bluegrass.
J-15 or J-45? I like the, J-45, sound, feel and looks. The Tobacco brown and sunburst yellow face makes the J-45 very cool looking. After playing both the J-15 and J-45 numerous times at the guitar store the biggest difference I can see/hear other than looks is a thousand bucks. I have a feeling the J-15 is going to replace the J-45 as the workhorse guitar most regularly sold and the J-45 will go more towards custom, making the 45 more valuable and costly. Therefore my theory, buy the J-15 as a player, the J-45 as an investment. Unless yer old like me then screw the investment.
I was in the market for a mid $1000 guitar lately.I played the Taylor 2014CE Dlx, and thought to bright. I played some of the martins and just couldn’t get in to them, the only one I could see my self with did not have electronics. I decided to wait and come home and do some research and found out about this guitar. I then went and found one and played it, this guitar is the all around package. It sounds awesome in every way you play it, fingerstlye, flat pick, and best of all (for me) the guitar is awesome strumming. If you are looking at guitars and are in between the Martins and Taylor’s, this guitar is for you. TLDR: Don’t Settle for a mid price point Martin or Taylor, give this Gibson a play side by side with them.
Walnut is so underrated as a tonewood. This is a great sounding guitar. I'd love to see a three-way shootout between the J-15, J-29 and J-35. I think I actually would choose this one. Gibson hit a home run. Although I'd still prefer a D-18 :)
Just picked up a used one for $1000 in mint condition to have a nice dreadnought to keep at home so I didnt always have to play my 2000 Taylor 914c. It’s a great guitar and compared to Martins, Taylor’s, Gibson’s, etc 3 or 4 times the price, I liked it the best!
The other day in GC I was comparing the J-15 sound to a D-18 and I kept coming back to the J-15. Maybe it was just a dud D-18 or maybe it was a really good J-15. I need to do further testing.
Been going into play trying to decide on my next baby. Always owned Taylor, Martin, or Ovation. This is the one for me next. So lively and beautiful in the midrange. Perfect for Celtic fingerstyle guitar but I find blues works (I will miss the Martin bass depth)---but just fascinating to my ears. Especially for the price! It sounds very unique and resonates with my soul. ymmv :P
Picked up one of these on sale last weekend. Don’t know how to play guitar yet, but I didn’t like the sound of most other guitars, even some more expensive ones. Prefer the sound of this over the j35. Did lots of UA-cam reviews then went in store to Long And McQuade and heard this one. Loved it.
Played one today at GC next to Martin gpcpa4r...the walnet sounded much thinner than rosewood, but the neck was much better on this j15. Wish i could have combined the two.
Nick Cowie I just sold my J 200 and bought a 2017 one for £830 and a lovely Faith Mercury Parlour for £400 . I've now got a better sounding Gibson ( to my ears) an excellent "armchair guitar" and £800 change! I wanted a J 15 as soon as I tried it. I love the walnut. Just superb, as is the Faith.
I own one. It's a premium guitar, that gets better with age and smells delicious. Works well with Tommy Emmanuel signature 12 gauge strings the orange packet. Save yourself time and listen to me, I've tried all the strings on this guitar TE Martin strings are just superb the best.
The J15 isn't a great guitar... for the buck. It's a great guitar for how it sounds! To me, for the buck kind of implies a lesser guitar. IMO , there is nothing lesser about the J15. It has its own great sound. I am betting that down the road 10 or 15 years, this will be a guitar that is extremely sought after for its own qualities.
My concern is the walnut fretboard and long term wear. If it's North American Walnut, it's hardness is 1010 on the Janka Hardness Scale, while ebony is 3220 and Rosewood is 1780.. If it's Brazilian walnut 3684 or Caribbean Walnnut (1380) I wouldn't be concerned.
Randy Johnson I think we'll find it's plenty hard. Have you ever played a guitar with a rosewood or ebony fretboard enough to put divots in it? This one might take less time to do so, but it would still take a LOT of play. People say the same thing about rosewood, but you don't see many fingerboard divots (which usually don't cause problems and can be leveled very easily). By the time the fretboard shows wear, the nickel frets will need redoing, but no one ever complains about nickel frets or talks about how they're inferior to stainless steel.
wow it's a beauty, great video ! does anyone know the chords Tony is playing starting @ 3:47 ? This Gibson is barking those chords out with power and thunder but with clarity and a striking, head-turning force, love it ! Thanks !
I just sold my J 200 and bought a 2017 for £800. I've now got a better sounding guitar( to my ears) and £1200 change! I wanted one as soon as I tried it. I love the walnut. Just superb
I like these better than the new 45s and Jumbo models. It's a very unique sound. Plus I'm so used to just seeing mahogany and rosewood, it's nice to see walnut. And the price is great. It really is worth what you pay. Which isn't the case for most new Gibson's. You're just paying for the name most of the time.
Tony, you're a great player and educator and I've come to respect your opinions. However, a question begs to be asked... The B string is obviously flat, here. Was that accidental & simply went unnoticed, or was the intonation of this instrument so bad that you gave up on tuning it? I think we've all heard lots of acoustics with the "flat B syndrome."
I got one and the neck on the back was rough I'm in talks of getting a replacement, fitness Christmas present and I'm out of retailer warranty overall the guitar rocks but mine has a shit finish
This is such a sick model. There is nothing at $1500 from Martin or Taylor that even remotely compare to the bang this guitar offers. I will say that I have played 4 of these guitars and they have all been noticeably different, so don't order this online. Go to your local Gibson dealer and buy it there. You will be glad that you got to play it before you shell out the cash. The Element pickup is only worth $130, so don't expect the most amazing recording quality from the pickup alone. This is why most people also use a microphone and blend the two recordings for a full sound that is honestly more true to the rich Gibson tone of the J-15.
***** J-15 will cut through the mix much better in my opinion. The 215 doesn't taste like meat or fish to me (and Italian saying). Hard to get a laminated guitar to sound anywhere close.
hi thanks for the great info regarding the Gibson J15 l feel now hearing your review l am totally decided this is the one for me l just can't wait to get over to either Sam Ash or Georges music in August regards allan stoke on trent
allan Gopro I'm glad the review was helpful. I feel like the J15 is the real deal right now in the gibson lineup. We've got 3 J15s in stock now. Give me a call some time.... 855/557-8786. -Chad
thanks for that but l will be getting the J15 or might even go to the J45 from either sam ash or georges music in orlando but l would like to know what other guitars you have in if poss
I just started my new guitar money jar where I'm going to put some money in every time I get paid and put loose change etc. that I don't want. hoping toe other save up for this or a martin ooo15m!
Hi Tony , what do think of the Walnut finger board ? how does it compare to rosewood or ebony, or indeed ,other finger board woods.The j15 does sound good though, better than the j35 in my opinion. and looks better too.
Walnut is much softer than rosewood and ebony, very porous. Bits of fretboard started chipping off on mine after about a month so I sent it back. I love the sound and feel of the J15 though.
tony, I love the way you play guitar. But I am a strumming guitarist. I really was wondering what you would recommend for a guitar under $1000? I love the bluegrass, but I am not that good. Played about 10 years, but I need a next level guitar that brings good sound. I had a takamine but the low E string was buzzing , I hate that! Any info to steer me in the right direction would be great! Thanks!
brewbrody2011 martin dreadnuaghts are a bluegrass staple, i just got a eastman dreadnaught though and it has taken the limelight from my martin, i highly recommend looking them up. best bang for the buck i swear by it!
brewbrody2011 You can get a J-15 for not much more than $1000. Don't know if I'd play bluegrass on it (you could, but it won't play bluegrass like a Martin D-28 or anything), but it will strum with the best of them. Great guitar to accompany the voice. Not necessarily intended to "cut through" a bluegrass band or peel paint from the walls though. Short scale, which gives it a nice, warm tone.
fujfkb Personally, I don't think anything beats a Gibson when it comes to accompanying voice. Martins will usually have more oomph. Both should record really well. The J-15 is a better deal, comparing with the D-18 and other upscale Martins (and comparing well with the upscale Gibsons, too)
relicsun I had the D16GT which sounded dark. Didn't like the treble either. Flimsy over-priced guitar with a fretboard that didn't look or feel natural. Gloss was very sensitive too. Anything marked it from a string popping to a bump. For a couple hundred bucks you can pickup a Yamaha with the same quality. Can't vouch for the RGT but I did try the J15 and it was instant love. Returned the Martin for the Gibson. Will comment more when it arrives.
In retro-spec I would take my comment back. The D16GT has a different character and not on par with the more expensive Martins. But if the D16GT was my guitar and setup correctly I would be perfectly happy. The J-15 is different. It's a Jumbo no doubt. Wish my action was a hair lower. I have a Taylor 314 that is my go to guitar. Made some minor improvements and I got lucky and it's very comfortable to play even though it doesn't have the depth the J-15 has. The J-15 is my go to guitar if I'm recording. Also, the finish is stunning. I took off the pick guard which is terrible. Should have heated it a little on the sides first when I started to remove it as I can see evidence with a magnifying glass. Used a card that is thinner than a credit card and it worked great. Love my J-15 but I may love my 314 better in certain cases. The Taylor has more sustain and projects slightly louder for mids and trebles. But the J-15 projects bass and has incredible tone over all
The J-15 is very comparable to other guitars in the same price range. The J-15 features all solid wood construction, Dovetail neck joint/ Hide Glue construction. So it's really a great guitar that is built the right way.
Considering the martin is like 1000 dollars more its not a fair comparison. Compare the J-15 with guitars in its price range like the Taylor 314 or Martin 0015s
Richard Rampton Actually, I think the J-15 is good enough to hold its own against an HD-28, despite the massive price difference. The HD-28 is made to peel paint from walls with volume, knock your guts out with bass, and be a loud instrument that cuts through a bluegrass band. The J-15 is warmer and softer with a shorter scale and a great folk or rock instrument.
I bought one. I love it to death. This is probably the nicest guitar I've ever owned, and I'm really proud of it.
What I like about this guitar is that it utilizes less exotic material (in this case Maple in place of Mahogany for the neck, and Walnut in place of Rosewood and/or ebony for the back & sides and the fretboard) and Gibson was able to make a very nice and great sounding guitar out of more plentiful and non-traditional tone woods.
I own the Gibson J-15 and as Tony says, it is a Killer guitar! Sat in the store and played several martins and taylors and gibsons all 4-500 dollars more and the J-15 had a better tone to my ears than all. I should point out, ive owned over 50 guitars, and i love Martin, Ibanez, Guild, Yamaha, and Takamine as well. It irks me tho how people want you to choose between brands, that is just ridiculous. Every brand has good and mediocre models, this is by FAR one of the best Gibson has ever done. My Martin has a different, more bass responsive tone, this has a better midrange, the Taylor i owned was bright and chimey, there is no wrong tone, it is all what is right for you and the sound you want to achieve. Dont limit yourself to one brand.
+TheBarnabascolins How dare you haha!? It's not possible to have more than one name on one's headstocks...
Agreed I wound up deciding on a martin 000-15 between it and the j-15 because it had more bite and mid range which I preferred and it was one of the lightest guitars I have ever held which really captivated me but both great guitars
Dalton Peters I played both side by side (000-15m and Gibson j15) but took the j15 because the electronics, great sound and gorgeous looks. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like the Martin also though.
Thank you for displaying common sense. These postings are too often filled with dumb and gratuitous arguments from knuckleheads with low self-esteem trying to impress others with declarations that unless you only love Martin you are an inferior person and an idiot.
I own a Martin 000-15m because I love hog guitars. But I chose the Guild D20 for a dreadnaught over the Martin DM15. I love folk and country and didn't want a bass heavy extra-warm sound, although the Guild bass is outstanding. I am still loving my 04 Tacoma DM9 too.
I play to impress my own ears. I have no need to impose my choices on anyone.
I picked one up, strummed a g chord, & bought it there & then, 2 years on, it's got better with age
Has to be one of the best value-for-the-money American made guitars ever built. I love mine.
strummed this in a store one time and it easily stood out. great sound.
The first riff blew me away! I literally said "WOW" out load at my desk at work.
I bought mine from L&M here on the west coast. It sounded as good as any of the other Gibson's they had in their "expensive" guitar room. I couldn't believe how cheap it was. Walnut doesn't get enough love, for some reason. I can't wait to grow old with this bad boy. My Taylor an Martin are just totally different in woods, therefor different sounds of course (and older). I can't wait to hear this in 5 or 10 years, when it's broken in nicely. I'm thinking they won't be this cheap for very long (I'm guessing) Go PLAY one. This beauty flew out of the door with me immediately.
I’m trading for one tomorrow!! How has the aging process been going with your J15 ?
I've had mine for over a year now and I can't say anything negative about it. Tone, playability, construction, all top notch. I was originally shopping for a Martin or a Taylor when I pulled a J-45 off the wall at Guitar Center. The tone blew the others away! Then I A-B'd a J-35 and a J-15 at Wildwood Guitars in Louisville, CO. I couldn't hear an $800 improvement in the J-35. I could on the J-45 but didn't have an extra $1000 burning a hole in my pocket.
I hope to buy one of these within the month. I played one at a Guitar Center store in Sacramento. It plays so well and it sounds awesome. I thought it sounded better than all the other new Gibson models. I can't wait to finally buy one. This guitar has a wonderful sound.
We like this model allot and regularly stock them in our store in Bozeman, MT. We might even be able to get one in a sunburst finish! Let me know if I can help you with anything.... info@acousticletter.com Thanks... -Chad
Do you guys currently have any of these J-15 's with a sunburst finish?
Just got my J15, sounds great and plays great. Couldn't be happier for the price.
I've had this guitar since the beginning of 2016. It's probably the nicest guitar I've ever owned. I have a little collection but this one just gets better and better. I use elixir with 13 e string - wow!. The strings need a couple of weeks to start sounding how I want them but the wait is worth it. The best studio guitar ever and at gigs through a pa or on the street through an Acus one for street it's sublime..Juist get it - I actually a/b'd yesterday against a 3500 euro Lakewood and it blew it away..
Put some Martin Monels on it….even better.
People seem to think this a cheap guitar because it isn't as much as a J-45 or its the cheapest acoustic guitar Gibson makes in the acoustic line. Lets get a few facts straight. Gibson does not make bad acoustic guitar. Also Walnut grows the same in about every part of the world so they are using all North American tonewoods. Look at the price of walnut boards vs. Mahogany. If you get an American piece of Mahogany its still about $7 for a thin piece where walnut is about $5. Gibson imports Mahogany from Handores this raises the cost of Mahogany up to $12 a piece. Are you starting to see my point? For the money the materials are cheaper only because Mahogany cost more. 100 years or more ago Mahogany was used on furniture because it was considered a cheap wood compared to other types they used back then. Now its considered one of the most sought after materials there is for furniture or guitars. My point is its got just as good of fine craftsmanship as any other model Gibson acoustic for sell from Montana. Trust your ears and your hands and don't be a tone snob!
Arnold Deal Not only that, but the J-15, J-29 and J-35 use "better," more vintage bracing than the J-45. I don't actually think it's better, just different, but usually people want to pay bigger bucks for vintage features. The J-15 is a steal at this price and every bit as good as any other Gibson.
The Gibson J-15 is an excellent guitar. The sound of this guitar on it's own is fantastic, and it's truly a uniquely beautiful instrument. The LR Baggs Element sounds incredible. Just an all around fine instrument!
***** The Element just sounds like The Element to me, regardless of what guitar it's in--rubber band sounds. L.R. Baggs Lyric, on the other hand...
Jesse Watson compared to other guitar pick ups though, I think the element just has a warmer, more accurate sound.
***** Supposedly the Element senses top vibrations and stuff. I don't know. They all sound like rubber bands to me personally and nothing like the guitar they're in. A $300 Fender and a $5000 Gibson or Martin all sound the same with the same Element pickup and same sound system.
I just bought one of these and could not be happier. I bought mine used for $1,158 out the door in excellent condition. This guitar is always in tune and is a pleasure to play. I may buy another one in case Gibson discontinues it. Beautiful guitar. I love it. Thank you Gibson!! Very nice playing by the way man.
I bought mine a week ago and haven't been able to put it down--this is a really fun to play guitar and the grain on the walnut back is excellent. Lots of midrange and pretty good bass response--sounds great playing bluegrass.
I sold my Martin to buy one of these - best acoustic I've ever played. Lovely round smooth sound like the best of the vintage J45s
J-15 or J-45? I like the, J-45, sound, feel and looks. The Tobacco brown and sunburst yellow face makes the J-45 very cool looking. After playing both the J-15 and J-45 numerous times at the guitar store the biggest difference I can see/hear other than looks is a thousand bucks. I have a feeling the J-15 is going to replace the J-45 as the workhorse guitar most regularly sold and the J-45 will go more towards custom, making the 45 more valuable and costly. Therefore my theory, buy the J-15 as a player, the J-45 as an investment. Unless yer old like me then screw the investment.
J-45 will stand the test of time and will retain more value. And has a deeper tone with crystal clear highs.
I was in the market for a mid $1000 guitar lately.I played the Taylor 2014CE Dlx, and thought to bright. I played some of the martins and just couldn’t get in to them, the only one I could see my self with did not have electronics. I decided to wait and come home and do some research and found out about this guitar. I then went and found one and played it, this guitar is the all around package. It sounds awesome in every way you play it, fingerstlye, flat pick, and best of all (for me) the guitar is awesome strumming. If you are looking at guitars and are in between the Martins and Taylor’s, this guitar is for you.
TLDR: Don’t Settle for a mid price point Martin or Taylor, give this Gibson a play side by side with them.
I have the original J-15 and just bought the burst also.
I really like them
The J15 seams to sound better than the J35 and the J29 reviews that Tony has done, does any body agree ?
+MrRayzer1 Agree
MrRayzer1 I agree.
AGREE
It is better than my J200 which I 've now sold!
Agree
Great no nonsense review. Much apprieciated!
Walnut is so underrated as a tonewood. This is a great sounding guitar. I'd love to see a three-way shootout between the J-15, J-29 and J-35. I think I actually would choose this one. Gibson hit a home run. Although I'd still prefer a D-18 :)
Andertons just did a 15/29/35 shootout. They both preferred the 15.
Yeah, I saw that! Tho to be fair the 35 and 29 use different bracing than the 15 and 45.
Picked one up at guitar center and fell in love! Saving up for one! So siked
Just picked up a used one for $1000 in mint condition to have a nice dreadnought to keep at home so I didnt always have to play my 2000 Taylor 914c. It’s a great guitar and compared to Martins, Taylor’s, Gibson’s, etc 3 or 4 times the price, I liked it the best!
The other day in GC I was comparing the J-15 sound to a D-18 and I kept coming back to the J-15. Maybe it was just a dud D-18 or maybe it was a really good J-15. I need to do further testing.
I was given one as a gift, awesome guitar.
I own one and absolutely love the tone and overall playability ... the only thing I did was sand the back of the neck a bit.
Finally Gibson is trying to make an attempt at offering guitars that are somewhat more affordable! Good for Gibson, and keep them coming.
Been going into play trying to decide on my next baby. Always owned Taylor, Martin, or Ovation. This is the one for me next. So lively and beautiful in the midrange. Perfect for Celtic fingerstyle guitar but I find blues works (I will miss the Martin bass depth)---but just fascinating to my ears. Especially for the price! It sounds very unique and resonates with my soul. ymmv :P
Picked up one of these on sale last weekend. Don’t know how to play guitar yet, but I didn’t like the sound of most other guitars, even some more expensive ones. Prefer the sound of this over the j35. Did lots of UA-cam reviews then went in store to Long And McQuade and heard this one. Loved it.
Played one today at GC next to Martin gpcpa4r...the walnet sounded much thinner than rosewood, but the neck was much better on this j15. Wish i could have combined the two.
Nick Cowie
I just sold my J 200 and bought a 2017 one for £830 and a lovely Faith Mercury Parlour for £400 . I've now got a better sounding Gibson ( to my ears) an excellent "armchair guitar" and £800 change! I wanted a J 15 as soon as I tried it. I love the walnut. Just superb, as is the Faith.
I actually prefer the sound of this guitar to the expensive Gibsons. Nice one!
Me too.
This not a cheap Gibson!!
@@maraviyoso8473 It is the lowest-priced guitar they offer, so for their scale, it is.
If I had to get a second guitar, this would be a finalist.
btw, for people like me who didn't know...TUSQ or "Tusk" is MAN-MADE ivory. :)
Always wondered..... thanks man
dave johnson Thank you.
I bought one yesterday after watching this video
I have it sound fantastic great value for the money
This sounds wonderful!!!!
Just got mine! I love it
Just A/B'd this guitar with two brand new J-45's at a local Sam Ash it completely smoked both of them. I was SO surprised.
Hahaha love the oranges in the background
I own one. It's a premium guitar, that gets better with age and smells delicious. Works well with Tommy Emmanuel signature 12 gauge strings the orange packet. Save yourself time and listen to me, I've tried all the strings on this guitar TE Martin strings are just superb the best.
Couldn't recommend this guitar more. If you're thinking of buying one just go for it...like me, you will not be disappointed!
The J15 isn't a great guitar... for the buck. It's a great guitar for how it sounds!
To me, for the buck kind of implies a lesser guitar.
IMO , there is nothing lesser about the J15. It has its own great sound. I am betting that down the road 10 or 15 years, this will be a guitar that is extremely sought after for its own qualities.
My concern is the walnut fretboard and long term wear. If it's North American Walnut, it's hardness is 1010 on the Janka Hardness Scale, while ebony is 3220 and Rosewood is 1780.. If it's Brazilian walnut 3684 or Caribbean Walnnut (1380) I wouldn't be concerned.
Randy Johnson I think we'll find it's plenty hard. Have you ever played a guitar with a rosewood or ebony fretboard enough to put divots in it? This one might take less time to do so, but it would still take a LOT of play. People say the same thing about rosewood, but you don't see many fingerboard divots (which usually don't cause problems and can be leveled very easily). By the time the fretboard shows wear, the nickel frets will need redoing, but no one ever complains about nickel frets or talks about how they're inferior to stainless steel.
Great guitar and I just bought one last week.
Awesome guitar, great player!!
Bought it. Love it.
have to get this..what a beauty
wow it's a beauty, great video ! does anyone know the chords Tony is playing starting @ 3:47 ? This Gibson is barking those chords out with power and thunder but with clarity and a striking, head-turning force, love it ! Thanks !
Awesome playing and review! Thanks! :-)
Your videos are great! Thank you!
😍🔥👌❤ my next guitar.
That's got some NICE bass response...
what songs are these again? he always plays the same songs and i found the music once, but lost it.
Damn straight he does lol
I played it side by side with a j45 at Sam ash and as far as my ear is concerned the j15 is better and it's all American.
I just sold my J 200 and bought a 2017 for £800. I've now got a better sounding guitar( to my ears) and £1200 change! I wanted one as soon as I tried it. I love the walnut. Just superb
Nick Cowie did you buy it second hand at that price?
I did but it was only 9 months old - a real bargain
Made in Bozeman Montana!
I bought one too! lol
Curious as to how this compares to the J-35 considering they are only a couple hundred dollars apart. Would love a comparison video!
I like these better than the new 45s and Jumbo models. It's a very unique sound. Plus I'm so used to just seeing mahogany and rosewood, it's nice to see walnut. And the price is great. It really is worth what you pay. Which isn't the case for most new Gibson's. You're just paying for the name most of the time.
Got mine for 900$ best deal I’ve got in a while
this is affordable, and looks like it will be my next guitar :) Love the deep sound.
Well did you buy it? If so, what do you think?
Would LOVE to see a comparison of this guitar to the 2014 Breedlove Oregon series and other guitars at the $1500 price point.
What a great Gibson guitar for the money, native US timbers too.
Tony, you're a great player and educator and I've come to respect your opinions. However, a question begs to be asked... The B string is obviously flat, here. Was that accidental & simply went unnoticed, or was the intonation of this instrument so bad that you gave up on tuning it? I think we've all heard lots of acoustics with the "flat B syndrome."
I'm getting into this as a choice between the J45 or J35
I got one and the neck on the back was rough I'm in talks of getting a replacement, fitness Christmas present and I'm out of retailer warranty overall the guitar rocks but mine has a shit finish
Yo, he played the Bilbo Baggins birthday song!
What a nice guitar
This is such a sick model. There is nothing at $1500 from Martin or Taylor that even remotely compare to the bang this guitar offers. I will say that I have played 4 of these guitars and they have all been noticeably different, so don't order this online. Go to your local Gibson dealer and buy it there. You will be glad that you got to play it before you shell out the cash. The Element pickup is only worth $130, so don't expect the most amazing recording quality from the pickup alone. This is why most people also use a microphone and blend the two recordings for a full sound that is honestly more true to the rich Gibson tone of the J-15.
Ashton Edwards i disagree the Taylor 214ce DLX models are damn good too
I agree the element pick up is not for recording, but for playing live it is decent.
I've been hunting for a good short scale Gibson. This sounds better than the 45 or the 35.
Just picked one up. I'm as giddy as a schoolboy
can you do a comparison of this J-15 and a Taylor 215 ce Deluxe? How do they compare with one another....? Thanks.... Jon
***** J-15 will cut through the mix much better in my opinion. The 215 doesn't taste like meat or fish to me (and Italian saying). Hard to get a laminated guitar to sound anywhere close.
Sounds killer!
hi thanks for the great info regarding the Gibson J15 l feel now hearing your review l am totally decided this is the one for me l just can't wait to get over to either Sam Ash or Georges music in August
regards
allan stoke on trent
allan Gopro I'm glad the review was helpful. I feel like the J15 is the real deal right now in the gibson lineup. We've got 3 J15s in stock now. Give me a call some time.... 855/557-8786. -Chad
thanks for that but l will be getting the J15 or might even go to the J45 from either sam ash or georges music in orlando but l would like to know what other guitars you have in if poss
allan Gopro You can check out our inventory online at www.acousticletter.com. Thanks!
I really like the sound of mine, but i have to say i am a bit annoyed with the sharp fret edges.
How does the J15 sound compared to the Martin DCPA4 or GCPA4 rosewood?
Sounds good man
I see you, clementine apple man!! Hiding out at 1:16. Sneaky, sneaky....
How is the sound J15 compare to Martin DCPA4 rosewood?
I just started my new guitar money jar where I'm going to put some money in every time I get paid and put loose change etc. that I don't want. hoping toe other save up for this or a martin ooo15m!
Hi Tony , what do think of the Walnut finger board ? how does it compare to rosewood or ebony, or indeed ,other finger board woods.The j15 does sound good though, better than the j35 in my opinion. and looks better too.
Walnut is much softer than rosewood and ebony, very porous. Bits of fretboard started chipping off on mine after about a month so I sent it back. I love the sound and feel of the J15 though.
Hey, Tony.Could you please do a review of the Taylor 210ce? Thanks.
tony, I love the way you play guitar. But I am a strumming guitarist. I really was wondering what you would recommend for a guitar under $1000? I love the bluegrass, but I am not that good. Played about 10 years, but I need a next level guitar that brings good sound. I had a takamine but the low E string was buzzing , I hate that! Any info to steer me in the right direction would be great! Thanks!
1000 is my max!
brewbrody2011 martin dreadnuaghts are a bluegrass staple, i just got a eastman dreadnaught though and it has taken the limelight from my martin, i highly recommend looking them up. best bang for the buck i swear by it!
brewbrody2011 You can get a J-15 for not much more than $1000. Don't know if I'd play bluegrass on it (you could, but it won't play bluegrass like a Martin D-28 or anything), but it will strum with the best of them. Great guitar to accompany the voice. Not necessarily intended to "cut through" a bluegrass band or peel paint from the walls though. Short scale, which gives it a nice, warm tone.
I just order a j15 sound nice bit like a hummingbird sound bright like it ???? Do think the same
What gauge of strings do you have on this guitar please
That's got stage guitar written all over it!
huh?
Maybe Martin D-16GT? I rly wanna see this guitar.
Hello ! does anyone know which songs is he playing at 3:00 ? i've heard it in many guitar reviews and i want to give it a try :P
VERRRRRRRRY nice!
nice tune
Can you answer me please ? How is this compared to a Martin d-16gt ? How does it differ . And what is better for vocals and guitar recording ?
fujfkb Personally, I don't think anything beats a Gibson when it comes to accompanying voice. Martins will usually have more oomph. Both should record really well. The J-15 is a better deal, comparing with the D-18 and other upscale Martins (and comparing well with the upscale Gibsons, too)
Anyone know what he's playing at 1:47?
very good
Please Gibson give us satin necks!
I've been enjoying mine. What strings do you have on that one?
+Jason Ropp Gibsons usually come from the factory with Light gauge 80/20 bronze. I'm sure this one had factory strings when the review was done.
I had the action lowered on the J15 and now it feels harder to play. Like there's more resistance. I don't understand it. Any thoughts?
That doesn't make much sense.... have you tried different gauge strings?
How is this compared to Martin D16RGT.
relicsun I had the D16GT which sounded dark. Didn't like the treble either. Flimsy over-priced guitar with a fretboard that didn't look or feel natural. Gloss was very sensitive too. Anything marked it from a string popping to a bump. For a couple hundred bucks you can pickup a Yamaha with the same quality. Can't vouch for the RGT but I did try the J15 and it was instant love. Returned the Martin for the Gibson. Will comment more when it arrives.
In retro-spec I would take my comment back. The D16GT has a different character and not on par with the more expensive Martins. But if the D16GT was my guitar and setup correctly I would be perfectly happy. The J-15 is different. It's a Jumbo no doubt. Wish my action was a hair lower. I have a Taylor 314 that is my go to guitar. Made some minor improvements and I got lucky and it's very comfortable to play even though it doesn't have the depth the J-15 has. The J-15 is my go to guitar if I'm recording. Also, the finish is stunning. I took off the pick guard which is terrible. Should have heated it a little on the sides first when I started to remove it as I can see evidence with a magnifying glass. Used a card that is thinner than a credit card and it worked great. Love my J-15 but I may love my 314 better in certain cases. The Taylor has more sustain and projects slightly louder for mids and trebles. But the J-15 projects bass and has incredible tone over all
You sold me thx !
are all gibsons solid tops back and sides
Yes
How would the j15 compare to a Martin or Taylor of the same price??
The J-15 is very comparable to other guitars in the same price range. The J-15 features all solid wood construction, Dovetail neck joint/ Hide Glue construction. So it's really a great guitar that is built the right way.
How would you compare this J-15 to a Martin HD-28 for sound quality?
Considering the martin is like 1000 dollars more its not a fair comparison. Compare the J-15 with guitars in its price range like the Taylor 314 or Martin 0015s
Richard Rampton Actually, I think the J-15 is good enough to hold its own against an HD-28, despite the massive price difference. The HD-28 is made to peel paint from walls with volume, knock your guts out with bass, and be a loud instrument that cuts through a bluegrass band. The J-15 is warmer and softer with a shorter scale and a great folk or rock instrument.