[MikerDougie]

I am new to the board (first post), everyone seems helpful when asked a question (even the vague ones like this) so I thought I would see if you guys and gals can help with this one.

I have convinced my wife that it is time for my "mid-life crisis" guitar. I am not particularly knowledgeable (I have been noodling by myself for about 10 years), but what I am looking for is a tone that is more mellow and more bassy than bright, but also an easy player for both strumming and picking (I like low action). I can probably spend up to $1500.00 (U.S.), but would rather stay around $1000. I have looked at a Gibson Workingman 45 and Taylor 310s and 410s, but I want to get the most bang for my buck so I am looking for any suggestions and opinions.

Also, in doing research I stumbled across an Epiphone Elitist J-45. Does anyone know about these? Also, does a sunburst finish on a guitar have any effect on tone?

Thanks for the help.

[dadfad]

First of all welcome to the site. The sound you're looking for is pretty much the sound J-45s are known for. They (and similar Gibson jumbos... J-35, J-55, "The Jumbo," etc) are my "guitars of choice" for the stuff I play the most. The Taylor (and I have one) is a very nice guitar. Well-made, very playable and very balanced. In fact a little too balanced for what I like. Not enough "ballz" in the bass. I've only played one of the Workingman series J-45s in a shop. I liked it quite a bit. A little stiff feeling, but I'm used to older guitars and figured it would probably break in well.

The actual Gibson-brand guitars are usually very superior to the Epiphones of the same model. The Elitist sub-name might mean a higher quality than the regular Epi line. I don't know. I would probably go with the Gibson myself. Their lifetime warranty means something about the kind of quality they have.

There are some nice more "budget-friendly" guitars around. Takamine or Alvarez (and others) make some pretty good ones, but they are not Gibsons. You've been playing awhile and it sounds like you know what sound you like and what you want. And it's probably Gibson. Check around and play a few guitars. You might even find a nice used J-45. And generally used Gibsons are in very good condition because the typical Gibson owner takes care of his guitar. Stay clear of the years '69 thru about '85. Not that they are bad guitars, but Gibson was in a state of flux with different owners who tried to lower costs, etc and their acoustic guitars in that era, while still good guitars, are not quite as good as the years before and after.

I understand the mid-life crisis part of your post. I still have them almost daily! Look at it this way... After all this time, you deserve to have a really nice guitar. Like the car-company ads for Cadillac and Lexus. You've worked this hard for a long time and now you deserve a beautiful new toy.*




*Disclaimer: This logic does not work concerning secretaries or the woman down the street.

[MikerDougie]

Thanks for the information. The more I try the Taylors, the less enamored I am. But they sure do play nice...

I tried a Guild tonight, good first impression so I'm going to look into them a little further. I found a used J-45 that sounded really good but the action was too high (I guess I could get that taken care of). Also found an Epiphone Elitist J-45; It didn't grab me, but I think I have a pre-conceived notion about new Epiphones (kind of the red-headed Gibson step-son sort of thing).

I think I will start marking the ones off that don't appeal to me and then work my way backwards. So many choices...

[guitarstrummin63]

i really like my taylor 315

but if you're stuck on gibson, look for used gibsons that aren't old enough to be considered "vintage" because they'll be cheaper than new, good quality, and should be broken in a little to give a nice tone

[ibanezdude70]

Have you considered Martin?

[knot4reel91]

Have you considered Martin?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Martins are a bit over-priced for what they are, I personally have a Taylor 210 that i bought for about $720, I am in love. It is my favorite guitar. It has a great "bassy" tone, not too bright. I think it sounds like something you might be interested in.

Good Luck

[olduvai]

I recently ordered my "mid life crisis" guitar. It is due to arrive in 2 days.
Rather than getting a guitar from one of the well know, mass producers, I found a luthier who is in Nashville who hand made my "crisis" guitar; I chose the shape (dreadnaught) and woods (Indian Rosewood and Engleman) that I wanted for the sound that I like. I thought about the various guitars mentioned above but thought, what the hell, wives only approve of so many mid-life ciris guitars.

It cost a bit over $2000 which is out of your price range (and was out of mine), BUT, having made it to a mid life, don't you desrves a crisis guitar that will keep you happy for years? Anyway, this guitar cost significantly less than the comparable Martin or Collings. Maybe saving for a few more months will open up greater possibilities. Just a thought. Good luck.

[noodle69]

take a look at uk luthier gordon smith
guitar shaped like gibson all made to your own specifications
very low action well handmade guitars at workers prices
ive had mine for 20 yrs and its still brilliant

I am new to the board (first post), everyone seems helpful when asked a question (even the vague ones like this) so I thought I would see if you guys and gals can help with this one.

I have convinced my wife that it is time for my "mid-life crisis" guitar.  I am not particularly knowledgeable (I have been noodling by myself for about 10 years), but what I am looking for is a tone that is more mellow and more bassy than bright, but also an easy player for both strumming and picking (I like low action). I can probably spend up to $1500.00 (U.S.), but would rather stay around $1000.  I have looked at a Gibson Workingman 45 and Taylor 310s and 410s, but I want to get the most bang for my buck so I am looking for any suggestions and opinions.

Also, in doing research I stumbled across an Epiphone Elitist J-45.  Does anyone know about these?  Also, does a sunburst finish on a guitar have any effect on tone?

Thanks for the help.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[ibanezdude70]

I recently ordered my "mid life crisis" guitar. It is due to arrive in 2 days.
Rather than getting a guitar from one of the well know, mass producers, I found a luthier who is in Nashville who hand made my "crisis" guitar; I chose the shape (dreadnaught) and woods (Indian Rosewood and Engleman) that I wanted for the sound that I like. I thought about the various guitars mentioned above but thought, what the hell, wives only approve of so many mid-life ciris guitars.

It cost a bit over $2000 which is out of your price range (and was out of mine), BUT, having made it to a mid life, don't you desrves a crisis guitar that will keep you happy for years? Anyway, this guitar cost significantly less than the comparable Martin or Collings. Maybe saving for a few more months will open up greater possibilities. Just a thought. Good luck.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you don't mind my asking, who is the luthier? Wouldn't be Chuck Tipton, perhaps?

This post has been edited by ibanezdude70: 09 December 2005 - 09:03 PM

[olduvai]

Mike Long.
Very nice guy. Available for questions, discussions, special requests, etc. He is very conscientious and tries hard to keep the price reasonable and affordable.
The woods used were beautiful and top quality. Because it is ALL by hand, it is not Collings perfect but every joint and every key element was rock solid.
I recommend his work. He specializes in the old fashioned Martin HD28 and builds for the guitar specifically for use for Bluegrass music. H told me he has recently been working extensively with Mahagony.
I can't imagine that there is a better buy for a guitar of this type. Beacuse his name is not as known, the resale may not go up, but I don't care as I have no plan to ever sell it.
[Sorry I did not respond faster. I was away from my computer for a few days.]