Novice question: Diff's bet. J-35, 45 and 50

[Darrell]

I am looking at getting a Gibson acoustic.

Was curious as to the differences between the j-35, J-45 and J-50 given the same color and body type (slope sholder)

[Wally]

Darrell, are we talking new or old guitars here? I am not on top of all of the new ones, so I don't know that they are producing a J-35 these days in a slope shoulder.
As for the old ones, these three guitars are all 24 3/4" scales. The J-35 was introduced in the mid-30's and discontinued in 1941. The J-45 was introduced in '42. The differences were minor...white screened logo on the 35, gold screened logo on the 45...different dot markers. The J-50 is simply a J-45 with a natural top as opposed to the sunburst on the J-45. IMO, the best years for a J-45 or J-50 is prior to the introduction of the adjustable bridge in the late '50s'. I own a '46 J-45 that is a wonderful guitar. The 24 3/4" scale is such a difference from the longer 25 1/2" scale that is prevalent on most dreadnaughts.
The new offerings from Gibson that I have played have been excellent guitars. Of course, as with any new instrument, they need a set-up plus a properly compensated saddle. That is true for anything you
pick up. Collings, Santa Cruz and Bourgouise are the only USA built guitars that I have played that have a correct saddle on them.

[Darrell]

On ebay that I was looking at, and a J-50. Both sunburst. I was looking at them because I have access to the seller (lives in my area)

I played a natural J-50 in a store the other day. It looked about 20 years old. It was wonderful.

I plan to sample some J-45's next week. I am partial to the sunburst, but tone is the name of the game for me. It has got to have "that sound".

I find the Gibson's are "woodier" (if that makes sense) sounding than Martins. They also sound more balanced. The Martins have too much low end for my taste. It seems you almost have to play them with a pick.

But that is just my 02 when I put them side by side. I still have many months to testing to do.

[Darrell]

The J-50 on ebay is natural...like you said.

But there is a new J-35 model on ebay. It looks just like a J-45...Just trying to figure out what the difference was...

[Russinator]

http://www.gibson.com/products/montana/1995/1995/j35.html
:wink:

[muffin man]

I play a 2 yr. old J45. I love everything about it. As stated above there is virtually no difference between a j-45 and j-50. They have a great sound and tone that can't be beat.