Gibson J-45 vs SJ-200 vs Hummingbird - The Ultimate Gibson Showdown!
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- čas přidán 5. 07. 2022
- Today it's the ultimate Gibson Comparison… the J-45 vs the Hummingbird vs the J-200. Which one do you think sounds the best in this showdown?
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J-45 vs J-200 vs Hummingbird is more of a wish list then a showdown! 😂.
I couldn't decide so I ended up with one of each! 😁
I can't afford any of them lol
That’s awesome!!! I have 2 , 1 to go and I’m there with you !🎊 🎉🎊
I need the j-200
I know I needed all three but could only afford one Gibson and one Epiphone. So I ended up with a Gibson J45 and a Epiphone Hummingbird IBG. The J200 I kinda want the Gibson, have been comparing them side by side but damn the price! :D
Gibson acoustics are just beautiful. Would love to own all 3!
Gibson J45 still sounds so good after all this years holy shit :)
Such a pleasure to hear these 3 back to back. Q is such a good musician!
Ok, I have no real personal experience with any of these fine Gibsons, but initially, the Hummingbird sounds the most Martin(ish) to me.. the most chimey and bright. The J-200 would likely be my overall choice because it is the ultimate. But I’d be happy as a pearl in a clam whenever I finally own a J-45. They are all really dream guitars for me… would love all three.
J45 for me, lovely warmth in the low end beautiful simple looks the perfect acoustic
I’ve never played the other two but I love my hummingbird and this answered a lot of my curiosity about the 45 and 200
Fabulous. I am a Gibson devotee...I own a j-200 early Bozeman production,completed February of 1990...it blows away every acoustic I have ever heard. Keep up the great work guys!
What are the woods? Why would it blow away every other acoustic you have ever heard? That's a very bold statement.
I have a 2006 J200 in blonde maple. It is like a Steinway piano. Just a fantastic guitar. It’s the best guitar I’ve ever owned, and I’ve owned some very, very nice guitars. I hope to own a Hummingbird someday as well. All classics. Great video.
Great video, as allways Paul and Quentin. I would like to see you make a comparison of J45 and the Epiphone Texan USA
Love it. Let the guitars do the singing. Like the 200 but haven't found one with a neck I can play for hours. Finally found a J45 with a good feeling neck and great sound. Thanks Quinton and Paul. And whoever is doing the mystical video with Quinton changing guitars while his fingers never leave the strings!
They all sound great in their own way! I love my J45.
I own a J200 and am wanting a Hummingbird next. Great vid.
Brings back memories ... my first "good" guitar was an early '60's J-45 in the "Cherry Sunburst" finish on that Hummingbird.
Great comparison! Thanks.
I heard the difference, and I liked them all, thanks guys!
I went to a local guitar store wanting to buy a Martin D-18. The store also had a new Gibson J45 and a used J45 True Vintage. I tried the Martin, then the J45 and then the J45TV. I walked out the door with the J45TV. It was so much lighter and played so much better than a regular J45. I haven't played a SJ200 or a Hummingbird but I am quite happy with the TV. I know one thing, I don't search for guitars any more. =)
The J-200 is notably louder and has a nice deep sound. I know what I would buy.
I had a Sheryl Crow Country & Western and wore it out, which basically is a Hummingbird without the bling and I loved it. An ‘94 J-45 (in natural but no J-50) from the Ferguson-Era is the keeper. Beside a Keb Mo Signature, a Sheryl Crow Southern Jumbo and an Atkin 000-28. As much as I like the shirt and the slogan I’ll never own one of those big J-200s.
This is the video I’ve been waiting for.
I would love to own all 3 of these guitars plus the Gibson Dove. That would be my acoustic "dream team " Someday I will. 😊
The Hummingbird is my dream guitar, but I would take any of these in a heartbeat. They are all beautiful instruments. Great comparison.
great video guys! hummingbird is my pick.
Great comparison. What is the neck shape/width differential between the HBird and the J-45? Also, same strings on all, or not? Or, what is the impact of string choice on these three?
That J-200 is LOUD. The Hummingbird's a big ole BOOMBOX.
Out of these 3, for me the J-45 was the sweetest. Followed closely by the Hummingbird.
In person I’ve, out of 20+ played, never played a ‘loud’ J200. The good ones are rare.
Great demo ! Please follow up with a Dove 😅 in the mix. Toppers❤️
Hummingbird always win !
If you say so…I own both and several others, and nothing compares to the SJ200.
I’ve always wanted to try the sj200.
I just got a J45 earlier this year and totally love it. That J200 sounds awesome too. It's very powerful!!!! The J45 is warmer. I recently recorded and released a solo album called Chasing Ghosts in the Dark, where I used two Martins (1988-D35, and 1990-J40). I wish I had the J45 when I was recording in the fall of 2021. Anyone that can get one of these three Gibson's should. You can't go wrong with any of them.
I went into this thinking J45. Liking the hummingbird a little more.
I think I like the SJ-200 the best in the video. I know that when I play these guitars myself that the SJ-200 is usually my favorite Gibson, closely followed by the Dove and then the Hummingbird. Rarely like the sound of the J45 - although they are supposed to be really easy to record with.
I wondered when you filmed this since they are so scarce, I thought maybe it it the one I bought last year.
I'm a Martin guy... Those both sound great
Very good comparison. My preference?
1) J-200
2) Hummingbird
3) J-45
If I could buy all three, I would not purchase the J-45. It sounded good enough but it was thin on the low end. The other two were very nice. I, too, would have enjoyed a dove thrown in the mix.
Thank you for this comparison.
Remember ALL guitars whatever make, even with same spec vary from instrument to instrument. I have owned a selection of these Gibsons and the one that stood out way above was a 45, but it happened to be a top example.
@@maxwellfan55 You're absolutely right.
Not that I expect anyone to notice, but if someone did, they would see that for at least a year, I've been saying exactly the same thing in the comments here. Two examples:
1) Martin D-28 1937 Authentic. I played two brand new instruments just a couple of weeks apart in different stores. One was subdued and uninteresting while the other was gripping, loud, and very alive. Same model year, different results. Some might mistakenly say that the more subdued guitar simply needed to age which brings me to ...
2) Gibson J-200. A) A 1958 J-200 that rang out loudly with rich tone and articulation. B) A 1954 J-200. I thought for sure that the added age would imbue the instrument with more volume, tone, and clarity than the 1958 J-200. No such luck; this instrument was dead (with good strings on it). C) A 1965 J-200 with a tune-o-matic bridge. It had a great tone but felt like it was running through a compressor with no ability to get more volume out of it past a certain point no matter how vigorously my attack was (likely influenced greatly by the bridge).
I find that if I had the opportunity to relive my life from my teens with what I've learned to this point, my selection of acoustic instruments would lean towards new instruments built from 2010 going forward with some older instruments in the mix. Brand loyalty would not be a factor. The only consideration would be if the instrument in my hands was what I wanted to keep playing and never put down.
@@uvp5000 You make many critical and fascinating points for buyers, collectors, players alike, who should take note of your wisdom. And I agree with you all the way.
Now throw into this mix the stubborn daily temperament of each and every guitar (some worse than others!). As in - one day the guitar sounds great, next day lame - then throw in humidity, the right strings, even the right bridge pins/saddle/nut etc. and you've got an even bigger conundrum.
I once owned an HD28, HD35 and D41 at the same time, all dreads closely similar specs, yet all tonally different. There was no way in telling which day a particular guitar was "on form" or not.
Like you, these days I just go for whatever guitar performs best and most consistently to my liking (looks/playability also a factor), and these are usually the well made, but cheaper variety of instrument.
I used to be an insufferable badge snob until I traded it for quantity and variation in my collection. And I DO play ALL my guitars, not just look at them. Of course I still greatly admire these top end instruments demo'd here, although more often than not the ones I've owned in the past generally stayed in their cases, rarely played out in sessions for fear of damage.
Thanks for your interesting comments.
Ps. The most loveable yet stubborn AND infuriating guitar I ever owned was a black Gibson J-180! I would like to have it back but it would only talk sweetly to me about 1 day in each month, seriously. A bit like being married!
@@maxwellfan55 You just had to mention daily temperament, didn't you? I've lost count of how many times I would indulge in a little "guitar party" by playing some of my nicer acoustics with the idea of "rating" which of them was my "favorite". I ran into the same experiences you described. I was able to isolate one very annoying, unpredictable variable beyond, humidity, strings, pick, etc.; ME (the most irritating variable of all). Same guitar, different day: Hey! Why does it sound different? Could the variable be me? Nah. Wait, what?
Like you, I used to be a snob. In my case, I was a smug, arrogant snob with a superiority complex (which is an inferiority complex projected outward). My god, what a jerk I've been.
Now, I'm someone who is pleased to have partially dislodged my cranium from my lower gastrointestinal tract just enough to start keeping a more open mind. For me, Frank Zappa's words "Shut up and play your guitar" have been something of a guiding principle. The other thing that has helped is learning to listen more than I talk (I've got a long way to go with this one). Now I can appreciate other musicians' experiences, music, and the instruments they play more than I did previously. The maturation process has been rewarding but rarely easy.
With respect to guitars having overlapping qualities of a spouse, sometimes, yes they do.
@@maxwellfan55 Oops, I didn't put this in my previous comment: Thank you for sharing your experiences. I find myself in agreement with you as well. Your insights have proved valuable to me.
Just ordered and fitted a handmade rosewood pickguard inlaid with abalone, from an exceptional craftsman in Vietnam. It’s for my 2001 custom model…looks great only 100 quid.and will last forever. Search handmade custom pickguard for gibson hummingbird…it’ll come up.
Very nice comparison, but its would been even better if you would have include the Dove as well. This particular Hummingbird sounded really good, not as huge as the JS-200. but still a great sounding guitar. Keep up the great work!
As an owner of all three that you featured I really loved this comparison. The only difference being that my J45 is a Slash edition and my Hummingbird is a 60’s reissue. I have to agree that the Hummingbird is the better if the two smaller ones. But that J200 brings a symphony behind it! One of the few “J200 Everyone should own one” T-shirt club.
Dang! Total envy.. Hats off to you. So the Hummingbird bests the J45?
I gotta stop watching these videos haha, getting a J45 this weekend, and got a preorder SJ200 coming in mid of next year!
@@markola rub it in why don’t you!! Have fun.. someday that’ll be me too..
@@michaelaiello9525 lol! I can be you! Sweetwater/musicians friend has 48months interest free, about $100 a month for 4yrs haha that’s how I’ve done it! Haha
@@markola yeah , still paying about $1400 off from Sweetwater. the Gibby’s offer is 36 months right now.
I have a custom Martin to sell first.. then exactly, I wait for the next at least 36 month promo (not sure I’ll catch this one) .. but 48 months.. dang!! Great timing!
Had a beautiful hummingbird as my first guitar but sold it when times got hard and always regret it. When I manage to get the funds I will get either a J45 or SJ200 though I am still torn as hell on which one to pick. I have smaller hands so maybe the J45 for the slimmer neck but then the SJ200 :(
and do it again with the Dove as well please...
Whatever your guitar preference or affordability, don't these 3 classic Gibsons bring such joy? Who saw Mick Jagger recently playing his Hummingbird on stage at Hyde Park, London and didn't think... "Wow!"?
I absolutely love the sound of the Hummingbird in this demo. Would love to hear it compared to a new Martin D18. Martin costs less I think.
I have had a modern d-18 and traded it for the hummingbird even though I also have a J-45 standard .
Now I just need the J-200…
Reason I traded the d-18 is because I already have a D-41 that has the Martin sound… So the hummingbird has that classic
folk sound the D-18 lacks !
I like the comment someone made about including a Dove in the comparison. I have a 67 Epiphone Frontier with the Wester Rope pickguard. Maple back and sides in sunburst. Sort of Gram Parsons take on a Gibson Dove. It is the best sounding vintage Gibson acoustic I have. Long scale 25.5 I think. Just sounds fantastic. Only knock is that it has the narrow 1 9/16th nut width. An outstanding guitar and looker in the same family as the hummingbird and Dove.
That Hummingbird stood out for me, but they all sounded great. What video's can't tell you is how the guitar feels ergonomically. the J-200 looks like a beast and I felt the Hummingbird and J-45 would be more balanced for recording.
The hummingbird has the sweetest tone
Excellent versus
As a pro musician I've owned all 3 of these guitars and a number of each, my main stage guitar plugged in has been a J200 they just look so cool, however as a singer, song writing and vocal a compliment I found the J45 outstanding it lets the vocal sit just right in the mix, the Hummingbird also does this beautifully, although the J45 is least expensive of the 3 if I had to chose to keep just one guitar ! it would be the J45
Hummingbird here. Did the same test today at work (I sell guitar gear at the largest music store in my state) and the Hummingbird won. All four experienced guitar players listening picked the Hummingbird. Best balance, sweetest top end.
As a J-45 Standard user, I think the hummingbird comes out on top on my "Next Gibson Acoustic" wishlist
As others have said, tremendous video! Also, it would be interesting to hear the Dove side-by-side with at least two of these, since it sounded so great in your recent demo video of it.
Yes, we all hear things differently, because the J-200 was my least favorite of these three. I heard the volume, but it sounded a bit muddy to me. Maybe it was so loud that it saturated the mic. I dunno. Anyway, I’d call the Hummingbird #1, with the J-45 a close second.
The J200 sounds much better irl. Its a beast. However Hummingbird is def #1!
@@chrislazz5632 That's really interesting. I was wondering whether the mic got oversaturated by the volume of the J200.
In the early 90’s pre-internet, pre-Craigslist guitar shopping, I had to grab a copy of the Sacramento Bee on a Saturday morning to search through the back section of the want ads. I happened upon what appeared to be a vintage Hummingbird with disgustingly gunky crud covered strings. It was listed for $900 at a pawn shop. It was a fabulous looking vintage guitar and I was immediately drawn to its striking cherry red sunburst top, large rectangular mother-of-pearl fretboard inlays and classic hummingbird pick guard.
I learned early on that it’s best to try and resist being enamored by aesthetics when it comes to buying guitars. After tuning it up I did a few strums with a D-A-G chorded song and it sounded awful. It was dead, dull and had high action. That was the 1st and last time I played a hummingbird. Sadly that experience is forever seared into my memory.
I later read about the acquisition of the Gibson company by Norlin from 1969-1985 what I affectionately refer to as the “dark years”. Rumor has it that the quality control was atrocious. This guitar must have been one of those that slipped past the person at the end of the assembly line. I tried to rationalize that maybe it would sound better with new strings but I wasn’t willing to take the risk of buying it and taking it home to find out that it was still a dog.
To this day I wonder if all it needed was a fresh set of strings and I should’ve grabbed it but at the time. But then I’m reminded that a great sounding guitar should sound great regardless of old crappy strings right? Back then I was a starving young teacher on a limited budget and my dream guitar was a Martin HD-28 which I later found for $800 weeks later. I have been a Martin HD-28 fan ever since that fateful day.
After listening to this video I am convinced that this hummingbird is, like what the other poster eluded, the most “Martin-esque” sounding of the three.
TLDR: The hummingbird was the best sounding guitar IMO 🤪
J45 Standard or 1942 banner re issue ?
I prefer the all around in between ton of the Hummingbird.. J200 way too scooped though great for some songs just not as versatile of a tone.. the J45 is a great all around guitar not quite as bold as the bird..a better finger picking tone.. great vid.
Not everyone chugs on acoustic. What about the finger pickers?
I’ve a j45 but would love a j200 sized j45. The bass n tones would be awesome !!
You want the Advanced Jumbo. Not quite the 200 size but long scale and a cannon.
Taylor guy here but I love that J-200.Then the Hummingbird,J45 third.
Love my Hummingbird, good video guys!
I have had vintage 60s J200s and Hummingbirds. Their pick guards are still good. Some wear, but not too much. I have also owned each from the early 2000s. In a few months the paint had worn off the pick guards where fingers or picks touched. I hated it and sold them. How are the new Gibsons? Will the pickguard paint wear off soon? Will it last? It floored me that Gibson couldn't Make a decent pickguard that will last since it is so important to the look of these iconic guitars.
For me, there is nothing sadder than a brand new looking guitar… they sound and play much better, once they are a little beat up / normal use worn.
@@jed1166 I have lots of highly worn vintage instruments including a 67 cherry sunburst Hummingbird that has tons of wear, some finish flaking of the back, etc. However, while the pickguard shows a lot of wear, the etched painted pickguard still has most of the engraving and paint intact. Same for the J200 and 68 J200s I have owned. The point I am making is that in the late 90s early 2000s new hummingbirds and J200s would lose their paint within a few months. All that was left in some areas of the 2004 J-200 was the white dots. Hopefully on the original and heritage series Gibson is making now, they have solved that problem. I wonder what Quentin thinks? I love true road won guitars too.
@@Winterfell1066 got it! Sounds like you have some really great guitars! I am envious!
I just retired and moved to Phoenix where humidity is usually below 10%, (and temperature is now 109). So, I sold a really nice Japanese Takamine, and an old American Ovation, and bought a RainSong carbon fiber Jumbo from Paul. It sounds great, and is always in tune, but I look forward to spending future summers in a more temperate climate, so I can buy another nice wooden guitar… keep strumming!
@@jed1166coming right behind you - hoping to retire in AZ somewhere
@@sdriza it’s great here! Hot for 3 months, beautiful for 9 months!
I own all three. All great. But I love my J185
Why no J-185 ?
I had 3 models. J-45 standard, J-45 cutaway, J-45 LEGEND 1942 chucky neck, 2006yr, Hummingbird vintage, Two J-200. Among them, J-45 legend was best sound, next one J-45 cutaway. Hummingbird model is looked nice and fancy pickguard but sounds not my favorite.
Sound same to me. Just a little more volume in hummingbird and sj200.
If the SJ-200 wasn’t the most beautiful guitar ever designed, it would be much easier to say the Hummingbird wins the sound test
After I first saw the j200, I can hardly stand to see any other guitars. I can appreciate other ones the Martin D series. But J200 is king
I would love a hummingbird but can't afford one..Wish list i guess..lol
Two great guitars no doubt. But my preference is still a Martin
John Greven all the way!🤩
Not fare lads enticing me into buying a hummingbird 😅
im a j45 lover but man that chuggerknot!!! sounds amazing as well as for the hummingbird I think ill stick with my Martin d42. great video as always guys thanks for taking the time and effort to make these for us! cheers for Vancouver Canada.
I have a HB Pro (not exactly the original Hummingbird, but the tone is pretty much similar) and a J15. I'm a huge slope shouldered guitar fan and the J45 has my vote here.
1. 45
2. hum
3. sj
If you use the guitar in the accompaniment, nothing compares what the j200 gives you
Video needs better audio EQ
Seems like Quenton is the show. Does the guy in the black t shirt even play guitar?
Paul is the store owner and a very proficient drummer I believe .
J-45 the best but i still love my 1999 Taylor 310 more.
I’ve had (and finally sold) each one. The j45 and the hummingbird have something sadder in the sound. And the J200 was too much money on one guitar !😂
Name 3 guitars I'll never be able to own
lol!
You can do it! Just gotta want it enough. I picked up a 60s custom shop HB and never looked back!
@@markola need a better job! Walmart is only a day or two a week
J 200 kills them all...but coming here from a video where Guild killed the j200..f55 if not mistaken (theyre all beautiful and inspiring ofc)
Can i order that t shirt from you?
Yes! musicvilla.com/collections/music-villa-merch
I've tried all these...the J45 was the winner for me everytime.
Hummingbird has a fair amount of lows and low mids, the SJ200 even more.
J-200 is magic!
I will subscribe this channel the day Paul plays guitar in a review.
45 the best,next the Hummingbird… the 45 is like between the Hummingbird and the J 200 in sound I think😉
PS! and the best looking👍🏻
J45 hands down.👍
I can't see the Dove. Justice for the Dove
Weight is a factor here. J 45 wins
There isn't a significant difference in weight between all three, despite the difference in size.
Slope shoulders are also considerd to be a dreadnought according to cf nartin guitars,since they created them.
세 모델의 비교는 다분히 연주자의 취향, 연주 기법 및 개성에 따라 다릅니다
분명한 것은 저 세가지는 전세계 모든 밴드의 기타리스트들이 한두개쯤은 갖고 있으며 더욱 분명한 것은 저는 마틴보다는 깁슨의 카리스마가 훨씬 더 좋고 매력있다는 것입니다..😊😊😊
Can you find Guy play with Heart this Guy IS just dead to me
J 200 !!!!!!!!!!!!
J200✨🎵✨😎👍✨🎵✨
J200 Dove last j 45
I chose J45. It's the most universal variant.
If someone would ask me to describe the sound of the Hummingbird I would say: "Basically it's a J45 that sounds better".
Prob why I picked up the bird instead haha nice eval!
Cringe
I prefer a j45
@@agusg.t.8950 I prefer my J15 over all my other Gibson most of the time. It's a personal choice ;)
@@acousticwalnut J15 was the BEST acoustic guitar made in the last decade. It's a J45, but a bit brighter.
J-45 = short scale
Not the greatest selection of things to play?
The Asians have got it beat why pay upwards of $7000 for the US Models when you can pay $1369 for the Sigma GJA-SG200 or $969 for the Hummingbird.
the pricing of these instruments is ridiculously unfair to average americans. only wealthy people can afford them.
Julie Andrews signature...
🤮👹
How come this other guy dosent play the guitar too.