Thoughts on the J45 - almost one year later

[Gary Blanchard]

As many know, I was the king of the cheap guitar. For almost 50 years I played inexpensive guitars and was quite happy to do so. As I approached fifty years of playing, I decided I would treat myself to a better guitar, but only if I felt the instrument stood out from what I was playing. For the past 50 years I considered three brands: Martin, Guild, and Gibson.

Anyway, last year I got the J45, and, after having it for about 11 months, find myself loving it more as time goes by. It just feels so nice to play; it also sounds better with time. I love that the electronics are pretty well hidden and that it does not have a cutaway. (I'm a cowboy chord guy. Who needs upper fret access. ) Plugged in the guitar is also nice. No pickup really delivers to total acoustic sound, but I am able to get pretty good tone from this.

I realize that finding "the" guitar is a very personal thing. I am happy that I decided to take the plunge and spend more than $600 on a guitar.

 

[Gary Blanchard]

 

[gtrjunior]

Agreed....playing the right guitar is just a magical thing. The words are hard to find to describe it.

 

[jelloman]

Conrats, Gary...

Agreed....playing the right guitar is just a magical thing. The words are hard to find to describe it.

...and you can't put a price tag on it...

 

[parrotheada1a]

Very cool Gary. But I have to ask, do you regret not buying something better at an earlier time?

 

[DFB]

Agreed....playing the right guitar is just a magical thing. The words are hard to find to describe it.

It doesn't have to be an expensive guitar . My Epi 339Pro is just right for me
Fun guitar to play,sounds great
Feels right in my hands .

 

[Gary Blanchard]

Very cool Gary. But I have to ask, do you regret not buying something better at an earlier time?

No sense in regretting it; I could not have done it at an earlier time. Events came together that allowed this to happen, so I am just happy it happened now.

It doesn't have to be an expensive guitar . My Epi 339Pro is just right for me
Fun guitar to play,sounds great
Feels right in my hands .

I totally agree. My Epiphone Masterbuilt comes close to the sound and feel of the Gibson and is a nice second guitar for open tuning.

 

[Chad]

My dad did the same thing. Finally broke down and bought a very nice Martin after 40+ years with his Yahmaha.

 

[Gary Blanchard]

My dad did the same thing. Finally broke down and bought a very nice Martin after 40+ years with his Yahmaha.

After 50 years I figured it wasn't a passing fancy.

 

[gtrjunior]

Up until fairly recently, I was in much the same boat.... always had decent equipment but was never in a position to own truly NICE gear.
Now I find myself fortunate enough to be able to afford some nice stuff. I'm grateful to be in that position today.

 

[Gary Blanchard]

Up until fairly recently, I was in much the same boat.... always had second equipment but was never in a position to own truly NICE gear.
Now I find myself fortunate enough to be able to afford some nice stuff. I'm grateful to be in that position today.

I am also happy that I am playing and writing enough to make it worthwhile.

 

[jp_nyc]

Happy hear that it worked out well.

 

[Gary Blanchard]

Happy hear that it worked out well.

We always post New Guitar Day threads, but the thrill of a new guitar can sometimes wear off. I thought an update was a good idea.

FWIW, I still have my two Luna Trinity guitars, 6 and 12-string. They remind me of Yvonne DeVilliers and the wonderful attitude she brought to making and selling guitars.

 

[mr_brockburst58]

Love to see this. I used to buy and sell so much , my bandmates called me Flip. I have added a couple of new things to my herd, but I have kept everything that I purchased since 2011. I have a 2014 J-35 and I love playing the guitar. It has helped me finally get to a place where I really enjoy playing acoustic, and I am, being truthful, an electric player at heart.

 

[Freeman Keller]

I've heard you play it, Gary, and it suits you perfectly. As I recall it was a TV show and an original song.

 

[Denverdave]

I'm glad that guitar is treating you well!

About 15 years ago I was playing a lot of solo coffee house gigs and working hard of fingerstyle acoustic playing. I heard about a luthier who had just left Larrivee and started his own company. So I ordered a custom built acoustic from him for a dirt cheap price for a custom (about $2500.00 at the time). That guitar has ruined me for other acoustics. Selling is was an economic necessity but still a mistake. Having a great acoustic is a truly wonderful thing. I hope in the next couple of years to purchase the acoustic that I'll keep...

 

[Gary Blanchard]

I've heard you play it, Gary, and it suits you perfectly. As I recall it was a TV show and an original song.

Thanks, Freeman. It really does suit me.

 

[bsman]

I'm really happy you've finally found "the one". I'm still searching (I've been through a two Tacomas, a Martin SWOMGT, a Martin 000-15 custom, and a few others). Funny enough, the one that comes closest so far is an MIK Takamine 12-string...

 

[nuke_diver]

I thought the J-45 I played was one of, if not the best, sounding guitar I ever played. I've always thought about getting a really good guitar but I would have to get rid of one to make room and I know it won't do anything to make me better. Now that I don't have a regular pay day I can think of a lot better things to do with my $$. But I sure understand the attraction