What the heck is the difference between the Gibson J-45 and Gibson Southern Jumbo?!
Vložit
- čas přidán 28. 04. 2020
- For 2020 Gibson Guitars has relaunched their line of acoustic guitars with models falling into two categories - Original Collection and Modern Collection. The launch of the Original collection brought back a fan favorite, the Gibson Souther Jumbo! But, what is the Southern Jumbo? Is it just a dressed up J-45 or are their more differences between these two guitars? That is a common question so today we address their differences and their similarities by looking at the relaunched Gibson Souther Jumbo and the 50s J-45 Original.
Demo starts at 6:56
Shop Gibson Guitars - www.alamomusic.com/brands/Gib...
Shop Guitars - www.alamomusic.com/guitars/
Guitar Buyers Guide → bit.ly/2kssXsR
Interested in a different guitar? Talk to an expert here → bit.ly/findmyguitar
__________________________________________________________________
CZcams: Pianos and Keyboards - bit.ly/YTpianos
♪ Contact us: www.alamomusic.com/contact
♩ Call toll-free: (844)251-1922
♬ Connect:
Twitter → / alamomusic
Instagram → / alamoguitarco
Facebook → / alamoguitar
#gibsonguitars #gibsonj45 #alamomusic #gibsonsouthernjumbo #gibsonacoustic #chrismckee #gibsonj-45 #gibsonoriginal - Hudba
And not to forget: The Southern Jumbo also has binding on the neck!
I’ve always loved the sound of a J-45. The first time I heard one in person was watching live music at a bar and I thought WOW that guitar sounds unbelievable. I was hooked. I wanted that sound but I like the look of the SJ better. I just bought this EXACT Southern Jumbo used in this video from Alamo Music!!! Thank you Chris for the great content!
I just played one in store. I think I’m gonna buy a southern jumbo. That thing was amazing. So much clarity and note separation
instablaster...
Isnt Southern Jumbos neck is a little bit wider then J-45?
@@terott2654 The 1942 Southern Jumbo has a 1.77" nut width. They cost a bit more though, like $5k.
I also prefer the Southern Jumbo.
It's mostly because of the appearance.The split parallelogram dresses it up a bit and the binding looks better to me. Thanks for the video.
I like a guitar for sound it makes not fancy bits but i get your point
I really enjoy hearing you play the guitar. You play beautifully, and make it look so effortlessly! Thank you for recording!
My grandmother left me her 1942 Gibson j45...its in awesome shape...ill cherish it forever 😎
Very nice!
Lucky You! You'd better never part with that guitar!
@@1funkybasslady you've got that right.😎
I'll give you $500 dollars and a jar of pickles for it???!!!
@@JOESEMTEX69 I'm more of a jalapeno guy 😂
very informative and straight to the point... thank you for that!
Just ordered my SJ and simply can’t wait for its arrival in the coming weeks!
There is actually a never talked about difference in these two models. That being the bridges are actually different. The placement of the pins on the j45 are as far back as possible while the Southern Jumbo pin holes are closer to the saddle which allows for a steeper break angle and is a functionally better design.
Open tuning machines also heavily (BA-DUM-TSS) affect the sound.
The lighter - the better.
Let’s ask Kris Kristofferson to weigh in.
Does Chris not respond to these questions? If not, I am disappointed in him as I assumed he really seemed committed to educating consumers with "truths." Maybe not.
Wow, really? I own an old SJ and always thought the differences as cosmetic between the two. Thanks you. Fascinaring. Gotta look into.
@@superfuzzymomma Old ones are different. Im speaking of the current builds. But if we talk about the really old ones from the 40s Southern Jumbos had belly bridges and j45s rectangle bridges. Not sure what era your guitar is.
Love my southern jumbo and thanks for doing this video. I looked and looked for a video when I was trying to decide between the j-45 and the southern jumbo and couldn’t find one. I ultimately decided to spend the extra money for the southern jumbo and no regrets.
Being that this comment was written three months ago I'd assume you still have the guitar and am here to tell you you made a very wise choice if you pay attention to pin placement, you'll notice it's very different from the j45 and on the sothern jumbo it's a much better position. I have a original 1970s model sothern jumbo and I'd never let go of it.
Another great insightful review. Nice work again Chris.
Based on your video & through my headphones both seem quite similar in regards to sustain & tonality. Perhaps marginally more perceived brightness heard from the Southern Jumbo(?)
With my comparatively short fingers, relative to my large hands, I’d prefer the feel of the slightly slimmer neck profile of the Southern Jumbo.
Both sweet sounding guitars.
BTW. That second tune sounded familiar. Be most grateful if you’d remind me of its origin?
I also love the split parallelogram inlays, the tuners, and headstock inlays. These nice aesthetic improvements, but not over-the-top. They are both very nice guitars, but I would go with the SJ personally. I also really like the round-shoulder design over Gibson's other shapes as well as the under-stated pick guard. I'm not a fan of some of the giant-sized pick guards on a lot of Gibson acoustics.
Great reviw. Do you have the measurements on the depth and the waist? i think it's great when reviewers tell the waist and depth of guitars as the make a difference. Thanks.
I'd pick the one with the better tone, but my heart lies with the SJ because of those quintessential Gibson appointments, and the fact that Hank Williams played one.
In my opinion these are two of the best acoustic guitars anyone can buy, comfortable body shape, versatile for any style, full sounding yet articulate-not boomy, plus that killer sunburst.
Finally because it's a Gibson acoustic guitar, and I'd be proud to own one.
Hank also played a Martin d-28. Niel Young now owns that guitar which he calls Hank.
These are both nice. Gibson also has their Custom Shop Historic guitars. The J45s in that collection sound even more awesome. Thanks Chrs.
I’ve been wanting to purchase another J 45 for at least five years but other things have been more of a priority. After watching this video, which I’m glad you did, there’s no way I would not spend the extra $300 for the southern jumbo. In my opinion when you were spending that kind of money $300 doesn’t even come into play. Hopefully I’ll have that soon, I’m 66 years old and I’m still wanting it, LOL. Thank you very much for doing the comparison. They both sound really good but I just want those little extras if I’m going to be able to get it. Keep the videos coming so a 66-year-old Hoosier can keep watching and enjoying!
Totally agree with you.
Don't wait. I turn 58 in June and about 3 years ago I reorganized my priorities so I could afford some new instruments, a bucket-list of sorts. For years my priorities have been determined through the viewpoint of being a responsible adult. I felt it was time to move myself up on that list so I could enjoy these instruments and amplifiers while I was still able to play.
As such, I've got some really nice instruments and amplifiers that I really love to play/enjoy.
There are downsides to this, I have crap automobiles now. What that means is I drive less and play guitar more!
BTW, that Southern Jumbo is beautiful and the extra $300 or so for the upgrades is a no-brainer.
@@hkguitar1984 I couldn't agree with this comment more if I tried... new owner of my dream guitars.. Martin HD28 & Gibson SJ
@@richardjackson1745 Most excellent choices. I really enjoy my electric guitars and amplifiers. That said, it is the Martin acoustic I have that raises the hair on my arms when I play. A well built Acoustic is an actual machine the way notes and harmonics are amplified.
Its been a while for me, after reading your comment I am going to play my Martin when I get home from work this afternoon.
Enjoy Yourself Richard, your future self will look back and thank your past self.
Going to have to listen again, but the sound of the j45 had the xtra little magic
Hi Chris, great review. What song are you playing at 13:00 minutes in the vid??
One big difference left out is the spacing between the saddle, and bridge pins. The J45 has a wider spacing, so less angle of attack on the strings going over the bridge. What exactly that does to sound & tone...I don't know. But there has to be an effect.
What about the difference in bridge pin placement? Looks like it is different.... any affect on the sound?
The bridge pins on the SJ are closer to the saddle than the 45, which creates a different break angle for the strings.
Outstanding job on this comparison. I prefer the tone of the J45. A bit sweeter, smoother mids, not as crispy on the top end as the SJ. Nearly identical to my J45TV. I do prefer the aesthetics of the SJ more. I’m all about tone. If I were choosing between the two, I would definitely walk with the J45.
Which one is nearly identical to your J45TV? cause I love the tone of J45TV. J45 ? or SJ?
The bridge pins are higher on the bridge for the SJ vs the J45. Any idea what that's about?
Thanks for the demo! Ill take 'em both
What is that song you play at 10:13?! You play it in every video of yours that I've seen and it's so beautiful 😩 I want to play it!
I had myself all talked into a Banner Reissue J-45 based upon reviews and CZcams - torrified Adirondack, hide glue, etc. I went to a shop and played that guitar alongside a 50's J-45 and the Gibson Southern Jumbo original. All were nice guitars, but interestingly - I pulled the trigger on the SJ. It had better string separation; less mids; but a more "sophisticated" sound - It also hands down played the best. Goes to show, you simply must put your hands on them and hear them in person - you might be surprised.
Both are great sounding, beautiful guitars! Great demo showing their tonal pallet! Although I have always been a Martin gal, somehow I'm drawn to the Gibby J-45's tone. Love it for fingerstyle playing. Another great review and explanation of the differences between these two models. You're right...the $300 uncharge for the Southern Jumbo is well worth it. I guess I'm something of a guitar snob when it comes to those priced over $2K. Gotta have the aesthetics along with the three most important features -- TONE, TONE & TONE!
Tone is king!
@@AlamoMusic YUP!! Without tone nothing else matters!
Don't forget the importance of TONE!
Just got one of these 45's this week and I'm very impressed!
The neck definitely feels chunkier than my J-15 but still comfy. I think it adds to that old guitar feel. Normally I don't like bursts but I think it fits right in with the 50's appointments. I got lucky mine has a very dark top.
Im happy with my choice. The SJ was tempting but I've never liked the split parallelograms.
I like the J45 SJ.
I'm used to a slim neck profile. I have a few nice electric guitars, plus one recently purchased, thanks John!
I only have one acoustic. Don't sound right... Does it?
Hmmm....🤔
so with southern jumbo, it comes with more bragging rights...got it! lol!
Seriously, the SJ sounds brighter, with more clarity...maybe due to those bridge pins being closer...??
Happy new year, Chris! 🐰❤️🎸🎵✨🤝✌️
can you do a comparison between these new J-45 and the Martin D-18?
Hi Alamo, Hi Christ...
Could you make a comparison betweet Taylor 314ce VS Martin Gpc16e? I think it's the best guitar comparison around $2000 👍 I hope you make it true, thank you...
I like the regular J45 over SJ, the standard has nice shimmery sound while SJ has bolder tones, which sounds like a departure from the core tonality of a standard J45. Nice playing 🤘
They are both really nice, but are as you mentioned a little different in sound, as are 2 different j45's. But, my J45 sounds just like the one in the video, so I guess a lot of them sound that way. I also like the round neck to do the thumb over thing a little more comfortable. Love the J45 laying on my bed ... heh heh!
@@bennyblanko3 Indeed a great choice with J45 - it’s a keeper!!
Nice and clear. Thanks.
Nice playing Chris
I have the new 50s j-45, and the neck is actually pretty damn chunky. I love it. Bigger than my 1958 reissue les Paul... And I thought that was big! Great for big hands/long fingers like mine
I’m not happy with the newer thin profile necks. Love the look of the sj but I would have to go with the thicker neck
What song did u play on 0.34?
i have a aj elite custom shop version but i also dont know what all the diffrences are
Always had an eye on the j45 , but , that may have changed! I'd be looking at 2nd hand or a great trade in to buy one of these and so far best price dictates the outcome ! Course I'd need to play them first . Great demo Chris . I may just be in the southern jumbo camp now !
Thanks for the demo! I prefer the SJ, however it's one of those things for me, man, I wish I had bought the other one now, BUT,
If I had the money, I'd go back and buy the other one and I would keep both! Then my dilemma would be I could only play one at a time! In the end, I'd still be content owning both! Thx again.
First, Chris, Thanks. I love your comparison videos. I was surprised that I heard a difference and liked the plain J45 better than the Jumbo. I couldn't tell you, however, what the difference that I heard is. Likely that no two acoustic guitars sound identical. I'm a beginner and won't be spending big bucks on a guitar anytime soon, and then I'd have to try them to decide.
I read that the bridge pin placement is closer to the bridge which may change the tension on the bridge??
They both sound good but i must go with the Southern Jumbo. Been a proud owner since two years ago and the sound is just beautiful & full. Plus i like the look of it when compared to the J45. The Gibson Southern Jumbo is a guitar’s guitar.
Thanks!! .. question: Are the signature Gibson's like Guthrie SJ considered custom shop guitars?
Is there a model that has the bigger rounded neck of the 50's. J-45 but with some of the fancier appointments of the So. Jumbo?.
my question would be how does the different neck profile affect the sound? I thought the J45 had slightly more impact ... did you notice that as a player?
What is that jig you guys always play when you open? It’s a blue grass jig of some kind.
I definitely hear a difference. Maybe some of that comes from playing differently due to the neck profile? The break angle could also make a difference. Then there is also the variation in the tone woods which is why trying before you buy is important but, dang, Alamo Music is a long ways from here. The neck profile is a huge deal in that it can make the difference in how long you can comfortably play. Hand size and shape is a deciding factor on which profile will feel more comfortable. So again, you need to hold one to know which feels right. Obviously, you need to buy both so you can take your time deciding then sell off the one you like less...
Found my new guitar. Sounds great. ‘Preciate it!
I like that j-45 so much I'm going to pick one up this afternoon - thank you for the review. In 1971 I bought a Gibson SJN which many years later someone called a southern jumbo. Trouble is it had a square shoulder dreadnought body shape - just like a Hummingbird, but with a plainer pick guard. So to me a southern jumbo is a Humming bird without the artwork
There’s definitely a difference in sound from what I’m hearing. The J-45 is warmer sounding and the southern jumbo is crisper and cleaner and more articulate. You can hear all the notes clearer. And because of that, that’s the one I’d go with. Is there a difference in which one is easier to play for lead stuff? Bending, fast picking? Thanks and great review!
As unconventional as it may be can you PLEASE contrast the J45 to the L00? I know you can play anything on any guitar I'm just curious how the l00 sounds strumming, I've narrowed it down to these two, I heard a video with a vintage l00 and a vintage lg2, preferred the l00.. so I'm very curious to hear the flavors of both in contrast to each other. Thank you!!
I would pay $300 more just for the split parallelogram inlays. But I can hear a little deeper resonance in the SJ than the J-45 too.
You're right....sound pretty much the same. I like both. Thank you Alamo music for all you do. I'm a petite gal so I went for a Gibson 50's LG2. ......a shunk down J-45 ! 🎸🎸🎸
Ok, in case you're wondering, SJ round tone, more bass and mellow, less treble to the point the High E almost gets lost. J45 more mid-range and trebles really ring out. Nice playing by the way
J-45👍
Chris, I bought an SJ today. I played both of these side by side and they had very different voices! Both sounded great, but the SJ was fuller and warmer than the J45. The J45 almost became brittle at some points up the neck (still sounded good though) whereas the SJ just kept the round warm sound. Not sure if it was the wood, the build or whatever.... but it was real and 2 others trustworthy musicians thought the same. Both were incredible guitars, but SJ was one of the best J45’s I’ve ever played. The aesthetic didn’t hurt either hehe.
Thanks for your reviews, love em!
I dig he Southern Jumbo. I love those kind of tuners (they work great!) and the split parallelogram inlays are nice. It's not a fancy guitar, but I guess compared to the J-45 it is! lol
What strings are you using?
To my ears there is a definite difference in timbre (tone). I much prefer the Southern Jumbo, especially for fingerstyle playing. It has a bit sweeter tone with less edge on the terrible strings. I love the look of the SJ too. 😁
nice demo - but the J 45 was a bit more pleasing to my ear. Makes me wonder if they both had the same string set.
You might want to specify which J45 you’re talking about. Jeez!!
@@jamesdahl6949 NOT the Southern Jumbo - ok? jeeez...should've been obvious
J-46’s generally come with phosphor bronze whereas the SJ comes with 80/20.
A Gibson SJ is NOT just a gussied up J45 (as some "experts" have written). Gibson reserved their best woods for the SJ, and they did more refined work, especially sanding. I own both SJs and J45s from the 40s. They are both wonderful. But the SJ has a more refined sound, a deeper tone, and smoother overtones. At least to my ear, and I have played a dozen or so of both, over the past 50 years or so. For what is is worth.....
Right? So many people on line stating that the SJ is just "a J-45 with more bling" and they probably never tried one. I own both like you, and they are very different sounding guitars. The J45 more punchy and mid-rangy, the SJ sweeter with a fuller but well defined tone.
@@perryomodeizorini6952 Exactly.
Well, that is a surprise to me. I’ll take your word for it as I have only played a J-45 Standard (with cruddy strings at Guitar Center) and my new 50s J-45 Original, not a Southern Jumbo. I guess I’ll have to wait to play one someday, because absolutely nothing is in stock now, either locally or online.
I have found guitars with thicker necks sound better. My theory is more vibration is transferred to the box and not lost. But idunno for sure. Hd28v, ceo7, etc.. every thick necked guitar I've heard as a little something extra it offers tonally
Love the vids.. I feel like we have a bond.. maybe its we share the same aerodynamic haircut.. lol.. I joke, but I do enjoy the vid's please keep them up.
LOL! We appreciate you!
It's a Southern Jumbo, not J-45 Southern Jumbo
Southern Jumbos had unbound necks, that were introduced in 1947...I just purchased a vintager 1946 SJ and when I saw no bound neck I was concerned that I'd bought an unoriginal guitar.....the neck's the same as my '46 J-45....both wonderful guitars....
No mention of the bound fretboard on the SJ? That's the most important difference to me.
Southern jumbo sounds a little more bass might not be a good thing plugged in but unplugged I'd go with that one. I actually think like the Montana true vintage better. I'm always more torn by the scale length. The shorter scales sometimes get hairy sounding up the neck and I just don't feel like you should spend any amount of money on a new guitar only to have to turn around and pay a luthier to do a set up re-cut slots shave a bridge and or do half a fret dress job! That said I have a J45, thin finish, with grovers. I just deal with random hairy notes. Bc They've got a great sound
I have both a ‘94 J-45 in natural and a Southern Jumbo Sheryl Crow Signature. Well the Southern Jumbo is half an inch deeper in the body.
SJ compresses the mic a bit more probably indicating more low frequency projection
Sounds like the southern jumbo and the J-45 STANDAD have the same neck profile? I always see people playing the 50s version but the standard Isn’t reviewed as much. Imagine you like the slim taper necks more?
3:26 The bridges are different. The pin placement on the Southern Jumbo creates a steeper break angle. Should definitely impact the sound.
Does anyone who owns a J45 like this notice the electronic knobs in the sound-hole buzzing? I had to put blue tap over mine to keep them from buzzing? I don't mind though! Great guitar. Nice nut, setup, neck, and got that sound. I'd say though, if you don't like the sound, there are really great guitars for a lot less. Bought mine used, and worth every penny!
Both very close but, for me, the Southern was just a little bit sweeter. I guess the answer,if you are not too bothered by the appearance, and have the extra $300 is to play several examples of each and buy whichever one speaks (or sings!) to you
Forget the advice to “play them all and compare.” You can’t even find one of them in stock today. It looks like Gibson’s output has been shocked as they double the floor space in Bozeman. Maybe supply issues will disappear next year, but for now there’s nothing. These videos are the best we have today - see those of Music Villa also. Then it’s point and click - that’s how we buy high- end guitars in 2022.
Its strange because the 1942 banner Southern Jumbo from Gibson's Historic line-up has rosewood back/sides.
The rounder neck gives a strong low/mid-low range than the thin neck.
I looked on Gibson's website and the standard J45 and the Southern Jumbo appear to both have the "Slim taper" neck profile. That is very disappointing to me because a prefer a standard C shape neck. Low profile gives me a cramp. So sad!!!! Love the way the SJ looks.
Yet the J-45 in this video does not have the slim taper neck. So, get this model...the 50s...over the J-45 Standard.
Not the same bracing, the SJ has "tucked" bracing in the kerfing the J45 does not.
To me that Jumbo sounds a little warmer than the J-45 but they both sound good.👍🏼
Hi just to say that it's almost the same soundwise but I still like the J45 standard.
They are night and day sound wise
Ahh the neck Shape matters!!
What song is he playing
The bridge pins on the southern jumbo are closer to the saddle.
I have a vintage 1946 J-45 and a vintage 1946 SJ - the critical difference is the 45s bracing stops at the kerfing...the Southern Jumbo bracing goes UNDER the kerfing....the sound difference is very apparent....with the SJ having a richer sound, the 45 is also great and I get compliments on its sound after a performance, a bit less resonant, but still killer. A 1957 SJ is on the way here now....
300 dolares??? Pero si la southern cuesta como 2000 mas... me pierdo 😑
Doesn’t the SJ have a longer scale?
same i think,,,24.75 as a martin is longer
I have a 1961 Southern Jumbo. Had it since 1970. Love the neck profile. I play once a week with local talent. I'm the worst player in the group!
That don’t matter. You keep playing!
I would like the SJ with dots on the fingerboard. The SJ inlays on the fingerboard are a deterrent to purchase. Your opinion may vary.
SJ also because of the bridge configuration, not mentioned in the video however obvious.
Even though I have owned 15 Martins I am also a Gibson fan , this since 1965 when I bought my 1946 J-45 for $100. Good Gibsons are rare, but when you find one there is nothing like them.
Gibson's nut width historically is their default 1 23/32nds. I prefer 1 3/4- 1 7/8ths.
Oh, and I' go with the Southern Jumbo for the neck shape.
Yeah, I think they both sound great, and I always thought that I wouldn't pay for the extra bling, especially because I think the 45 looks great as it is. Didn't know that about the neck, though, that might be worth the extra bucks for the Jumbo. I'd take either, but I'll have to notice the neck difference if I ever get to do a side-by-side.
Owned both, the neck of the J45 is a limit, kept the SJ
Ok- both of these instruments sound great now, but give them a year and they are going to really open up and sound incredible! My J-45 standard is a year old now and is really coming into its own in terms of tone. I love, love, love that guitar! I do, however, wish it had the pick guard that’s on the J-45 in the video..... Gibson’s stuff that’s coming out of Bozeman right now is crazy good!
Yup, I have a Fender F65 built in1975. I've been playing it since 1982. The tone has gotten really good. Loud too.
I really like these Gibsons, and would dearly like to have one. But I couldn't part with my F65 to get one.
If only the SJ had inlays other than those parallelogram, I would buy it. The split parallelogram inlays only belong to the Hummingbirds imo.
What do you mean? The SJ existed for 2 decades before the hummingbird. The hummingbird stole the inlays from the SJ of anything
Id go with the Jumbo because of the neck shape
Hands down, the Southern Jumbo! The thicker neck helps with sustain and durability. The Southern Jumbo is a little dressier, and a little classier. There is nothing wrong with a J-45. If it was the only one I could find, I would not feel lacking in any way. Indeed, I would feel blessed to have either one! Either one would make a great companion to my Songwriter Standard! Then I would need to get a D-18 to be a companion to my D-28. Afterwards, I would need to start looking at 12 String guitars to make it a big, happy family!
The nutwidth is the same on both and the neck profile of the J45 is actually beefier than the SJ
@@maraviyoso8473 the neck is slimmer on the SJ watch the video. Not talking about the fretboard width.
Great job but I am not convinced. To be honest, no two guitars are the same. I am sure you can find exactly the same amount of difference between two J-45 or two Southern Jumbos as you find between the two examples featured in this video. Wood grain, which tree it comes from, its age, or even microdifferences in the binding, the craftsmanship... That's what makes guitar beautiful. I picked up a cheap Guild guitar on the day I wanted to buy my first Martin, and the reason is that this particular one sounded magical, when all the other similar Guilds I tried in the shop were disappointing - and so were the Martins.
I own a Gibson J-45 Southen Jumbo it plays better than the standard version j-45. Because the neck is smaller. And I love the look and the tone. Give it a try. You will see the difference.
In this video the j45 sounds better.
In another video was the sj.
So depends on the specific guitar.
I like the look of the sj.
You forgot the point out that the the bridge pins on the Southern Jumbo are closer the the bridge than on the J-45
Isn't the "Southern Jumbo" Called the "Country Western" on the inside sticker?
I Can hear some diferentes in the sound. The J45 sounds deeper but the SJ has more presence on the highs
j45 studio wallnut, j45 studio rosewood, j45 standard, j45 50s original, j45 60s original, j45 southern jumbo, j45 Slash, j45 Deluxe rosewood...
Thats a lot of J45's but man, can i just get one?!
I have a Gibson honky-tonk duces which is Southern Jumbo with Rosewood back and side.Sound very different than a regular J45,more like J45 custom Rosewood.