Had a little tour of Bath and Bristol over the last few days. I was keen to try out the Gibson G-45. What a load of junk.
I played lots of guitars. For anyone with interest;
HD-28VS. Jesus that’s a large guitar. Sounds like an exploding piano. Uncontrollable bass but phenomenal
A miriad of Martin OMs and 000s. The road series and similar weigh a ton and don’t do much for me. Best of bunch by a mile was the 000-17. Really nice but you’re not getting my £1600 without putting some finish on there
Gibson G-45. A lot like the old WM-45 but just looks and feels like it was taken off the production line too soon. Especially the studio. Wow what a sparse thing and tonally nothing great
Tanglewood Java things, not seen those before they have gorgeous ebony BS and sound great. Especially the Cedar top 12 fretter. Very nice
If I wanted to spend just less than £500 my money would likely go here.
Vintage stole the show. (I have slated the v300 before. I take it back).
Paul Brett signature 000 shape. Light as half a feather (I’m big on weight. If it’s super light I generally don’t care what the wood is) all lam mahogany
NINETY NINE POUNDS!!!! And you get strings with it... Had to check with the guy that it was new or used. (For me) it’s was in the same playing field as the Black smoke. Same finish too.
I’m waiting for Black Friday, see if I can get it for £75. I’m so tight.
I prove to myself on every trip, I have VERY cheap taste.
Comments
For a while Tanglewood have been pushing the boundaries of affordable, but well made guitars using some lovely woods.
I have a Vintage v300 MH that I got for a song when they first were issued years ago.
My luthier set it up for me & commented that he'd dressed the frets 'Martin' style, as it just seemed right to.
Having played it back to back with a real Martin 00-15M, I honestly was surprised. My mate that owned the Martin, huffed & puffed for quite a while, but later admitted that he was very impressed by the £75 Vintage 'cheapo'.
I'd say you have VERY good taste
Paul Brett’s involvements have been a real plus. He’s a great bloke and really knows his (Blues) guitar history. He helped me out when I was very green to the blues
Hes a worthy contender for signature guy of the day
I know it wasn't as good a guitar by any sensible definition, but it just sounded better for how I play and the sounds I like.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
This should be stickied at the top of the whole forum as a reminder that all opinions are subjective and valid.
Have a wisdom, like you need one
I went looking for a small acoustic a few years ago. Budget £600. I tried everything locally in my budget, the favourite? Faith Naked Mercury or a £150 Gretsch Jim Dandy.
I found a Faith in Gumtree for a silly price, but that Jim Dandy STILL lingers in my mind.
One, a PRS Private Stock Martin Simpson
The other, a Vintage Paul Brett parlour
One is probably about £10K. The other is £400.
Guess which I prefer? Not a small difference either, one is a nice guitar and the other I couldn't wait to put back in the case.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Actually the PRS case was the best thing about it - a nice Liberty-print sort of thing, posh but not tasteless if you know what I mean...
The PRS was ridiculously overbuilt and heavy - I'm not sure I've ever picked up a heavier acoustic, apart possibly from one of those Garrisons with the GRP skeleton - and sounded like a not great Takamine. It felt lumpy and awkward to play too.
The Vintage, while clearly not as well-made or objectively 'good' in most ways, was just far nicer to play and more interesting-sounding.
The PRS did smell nicer though.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein