All Black Gibson J45 Custom

[litprof]

Does anyone here know much about Gibson J45s? I'm more of a Martin guy, but I just inherited this guitar. It was my grandmother's. She was given this guitar in the early 60s. I think it's unusual because it's all black, and I've never seen one all black. It also has a tag on the headstock that says "Custom." I assume that has something to do with the color.

I've played this thing every day this week, and I've noticed that it doesn't have the sound my Martins have. It has great low end, but overall, it seems to lack sustain and even sounds a little boxy and dead.

Again, I'm not that familiar with Gibsons. Maybe that's the way these sound.

Another thing I've noticed is that there are two large screws on the bridge, I assume used for raising and lowering the action. I tend to play with my hand resting on the tailpiece, and when I'm strumming, that top screw chews the heck out of the palm of my hand...right there in the fleshy part near the wrist. I'm wondering if there's any way to update the tail piece with something that doesn't have those screws.

The serial number is 108506.

Any comments, help, or thoughts?
I'd insert a picture if I knew how.


Thanks
jmayojscc@yahoo.com[/

[ship of fools]

You could try Photobucket.Com
they are free and very easy to use.Ship

[VintAxe]

Hi litprof,

I don't know much about J45's but I'll tell you what I do know.

The only listing for a Black J45 in the Price Guide is 1968, all the earlier models are listed as Sunburst. The 68 is described as "round shoulders". Does this description fit your instrument.

I also suggest you do not modify the guitar. If it doesn't fit your playing style either hang it on the wall as a reminder of your grandmother or if you are not sentimental, sell it and buy something else you will like better. The 68 model is valued a little over $2,000 in the Price Guide. As soon as you modify the instrument that value will go down.

Hopefully, someone else will come along and be able to tell you more about your guitar.

P.S. Instructions for posting pictures on the Forum are provided in the first Forum section "VintAxe Information".

[litprof]

That's actually really good advice, not modifying the guitar. I really don't want to, and probably won't. And I'm certainly sentimental enough that I'll keep it. Maybe I won't rub the skin off my hands just sitting around the house playing it.

Thanks for the history information, too.

Some day when I'm feeling very computer-savvy I'll try to post a picture.

Litprof

[Ihlegutt]

I bought my self a Gibson J-45:) My Gibson is also all black.. I don't have the problem with those screws that you are talking about. I'm wondering if someone could tell me if those black Gibsons are special? It have an amazing sound. Just got to love this guitar:D I can mail a picture of it if someone wants to see. I gave 1999$ for it btw. And it's a 2006 model. The reg.number is: 03046033

I know Joe Walsh loves this guitar too. He used it alot in the "long road out of eden" concert:)