Gibson J-45 Studio Rosewood Review

Have owned 2

I bought a walnut model when they first came out and loved that guitar. Swore I'd never part with it … long story short I did and have been regretting it since. I just picked the rosewood Burst version today and it's just as good. Much brighter and much more punch than the walnut. Not sure which I prefer but I'm happy. These are both like a mix of a Martin 000 and a j45 and I'm… read more for it.

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Dream come true!

It's a Gibson! Beautiful sound and appearance.

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Absolutely beautiful guitar with even better sound...

Such a great looking AND sounding guitar. I've always wanted a Gibson, and this one meets every hope and expectation I set for it. And what made it even better was truly impressive customer service and advice from my sales engineer, Jerrod, who made everything super easy for me. Thanks so much!

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I wanted an acoustic guitar.

Fit, Finish and that Gibson neck I knew would be there but the tone.I've found the lows to be growls and punchy with super sweet moss and syrupy highs.This guitar plays and has given me a whole new outlook to what and how I can play.My guy Ashton V. Took some time with me and let me talk while he listened he made no assurance that this would be or could be my guitar.It's been 3… read more weeks now and I'm spending less time with the rest of my haram lol.Enough of this! Back to MY Guitar!Thanks Ashton and Sweetwater!

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Gibson j45 studio rosewoood

Nice surprise, big warm vibrant tone, intonation is very close. The fretboard on these studios are 16" radius instead of the standard 12" radius which makes it even better for playability. The top wood is old growth with even wider grain than most sitka spruce tops enhancing tone and sustain even more. Electronic pickup isn't that great but It's a keeper. Thanks to SE Aaron Regonald… read more @ SW for help with this purchase.

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Gibson j-45 Studio Rosewood

I have been wanting a slope shoulder acoustic for a good while. I took advantage of the special pricing for a demo model and finally ordered one. When I opened it I found a great TKL case, in brown, housing the J-45. Although the description said there would be handling scratches and marks I did not find any. At first strum I noticed an excellent balance and rich bass, but not… read more boomy. Plugged in it is clear and responsive. The more I played it the more I found that the guitar will give as much as you give it, meaning when I dig in with a pick it projects more than any other guitar I have. Every note is pronounced when fingerpicking and the flatter 16 degree radius makes barring and bending easy. After I ordered it I went to three Nashville guitar shops and played a host of Martins, Taylors, Larivees, Epiphiphone Masterbilts, Waterloos, and who knows what else. When I heard this J-45 there was just no comparison, at least not for my ears. I think the studio body tempers the low end just enough to make this guitar still sound very full and rich but without the boominess. The rosewood just provides the warmth that I prefer for my style of playing. I tried the walnut model at the Gibson garage and it lacked tonal response compared to this one. It is obvious in the fit and finish that this is a hand made guitar. From the dozen or so vintage j-45's I have tried, I believe these modern editions are built better, (or at least this one plays better than the $5k + guitars I tried). Sweetwater is the most customer oriented music store that I have found. I have purchased from all of the big online stores and big box brick and mortar stores, but Sweetwater is a cut above them all. Matt Kreager provided excellent support before, during, and after the sale. I do appreciate straight honest talk without pressure. Sweetwater makes you feel like you are a celebrity musician that matters. If I have one tiny criticism throughout this process it is simply that I would have liked to have found a t-shirt in the box. :) I am very pleased with this purchase and with Sweetwater and will buy again.

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Blown Away

Gibson really hit something special here. I feared in the back of my head that this guitar would be too bright because the sides are not as deep as the standard. But this instrument works really well with the rosewood back and sides. It's so comfortable to play and sounds better every day. I think this guitar holds it's ground against the J45 Standard. It's no better or worse.… read more Just a separate instrument with it's own unique voice that has 100% of the build quality of the original. And this is more so a personal preference, but I much prefer the Rosewood burst. The pictures do not do it any justice.

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Gibson J-45 Studio

We arrived at Sweetwater 7-14-21 around 11am and left sometime after 5.30 the people are great here I guess I made the mistake of picking up the J-45 studio first because every Taylor, Martin etc.. and other Gibson I played I compared to it. I read somewhere someone said you don't pick the guitar the guitar picks you I think that was the case because I went in looking for a cutaway… read more and ended up with the J-45 This guitar is balanced in tone very comfortable to hold and play and just a work of art, quality wise for the price point. I also ordered a Fender American pro II Strat. Special thanks to sales engineer Alex Jasiak and Brian and Nate in the guitar shop for there help and patience. If you've never been to Sweetwater's store I highly recommend it is a pleasant fun and unique experience.

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Yea! Rosewood!!

I told myself I'd buy a Gibson if it was rosewood cuz I don't have a rosewood guitar yet. Found one! Great deal! I am not a fan of tusq which is used on the nut, saddle and pins (Not plastic). Very bright sound in my ears. I swapped out the saddle and pins for bone. More smoother and bold. I will say, this is up there with my Martin D18. The rosewood makes it something else. It… read more doesn't sound like a standard J45. Though the body is thinner, it is a loud guitar with a lot of the dead space scooped out. I'm loving it. A LOT. Great value for an American made nitro gloss rosewood guitar.

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Beautiful guitar with warn tone

Playing mostly electric guitars I am a rookie with acoustics. Dave Dunsire is a great resource at SW! Have 700.00 range Martin so this was step up for me. I couldn't be happier with this guitar. Has a nice warm tone and is a joy to play. The electronics sound good and records well. Body is comfortable to hold and feels good. My wife loves it also which makes all the difference!… read more Hummingbird or JS-200 next.....?

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