Play a Gibson Advanced Jumbo when you get a chance

[ssimon64]

Bloody brilliant!
:AOK

[Monkey23]

To each their own, but Gibson acoustics have to be the most overrated guitar company out there. If people (not necessarily you, but most) listened with their ears instead of their eyes, (not to mention ignored name brand recognition) Gibson would never sell another acoustic guitar. At least not for those prices.

[Steve L]

To each their own, but Gibson acoustics have to be the most overrated guitar company out there. If people (not necessarily you, but most) listened with their ears instead of their eyes, (not to mention ignored name brand recognition) Gibson would never sell another acoustic guitar. At least not for those prices.


I don't own one, but I strongly disagree. They have their own unique sound that appeals to some players and some styles of music. There a lots of great guitar sounds on great recordings and in great performances that are Gibson's. And I think their prices are reasonable considering how much some companies are charging today.
I agree that they definitely look cool.

[pepperco]

Bloody brilliant!
:AOK

I absolutely agree.

[PB Wilson]

Next to an L-00, the Advanced Jumbo is my favorite Gibson. Long scale, light bracing, oh yeah. I played one that was superb and one that was pretty good. Like all acoustics, try before you buy.

[IIIBOOMERIII]

I don't know much about the Advanced Jumbo however, the SJ-200 is one of the last dream guitars I do not own. My wife keeps threatening me that she is going to buy me one. I told her she better not cause I want one that is flamed big time or nice quilt. I have seen some UGLY ones. Going to go Google Advanced Jumbo right now!

[davess23]

Gibson isn't "the most overrated guitar company out there," it's the most INCONSISTENT. There's a difference. Their QC is evidently run by somebody with acute bipolar disorder.

I played a good Advanced Jumbo a couple months ago. My standards are pretty high: I generally benchmark guitars against my own, two early '90's Collings acoustics and a '96 custom Santa Cruz. This thing was scary good even though it was brand new. Problem is, the next one off the line could easily be fit only to nail up on the wall of some theme restaurant.

[ssimon64]

To each their own, but Gibson acoustics have to be the most overrated guitar company out there. If people (not necessarily you, but most) listened with their ears instead of their eyes, (not to mention ignored name brand recognition) Gibson would never sell another acoustic guitar. At least not for those prices.

I strongly disagree with you as well, but that's fine. I can agree to disagree with you. Like you said, to each his own.

[ssimon64]

Gibson isn't "the most overrated guitar company out there," it's the most INCONSISTENT. There's a difference. Their QC is evidently run by somebody with acute bipolar disorder.

I played a good Advanced Jumbo a couple months ago. My standards are pretty high: I generally benchmark guitars against my own, two early '90's Collings acoustics and a '96 custom Santa Cruz. This thing was scary good even though it was brand new. Problem is, the next one off the line could easily be fit only to nail up on the wall of some theme restaurant.


You may well be right about Gibson inconsistency. Allthough, I think Gibson Montana does a pretty good job. My AJ was the best guitar purchase I have ever made. I tried several different acoustics at the guitar shop. Mostly other Gibsons and some higher end Martins. As soon as I started playing the AJ I knew it had to be mine.

[Loves_LPs]

I have to ask if Monkey has even heard or played the guitar in question. I am a Martin fan as far as accoustics go, and I have to say, that the Advanced Jumbo sounds BEAUTIFUL to me. I don't care what it looks like. Just my 2 cents.

[Sunburst71]

+1 on the Advanced Jumbo. I spent some time in a GC acoustic room today, and it was my favorite by far of the Martins, Taylors and Breedloves they had there.

[Monkey23]

I have to ask if Monkey has even heard or played the guitar in question. I am a Martin fan as far as accoustics go, and I have to say, that the Advanced Jumbo sounds BEAUTIFUL to me. I don't care what it looks like. Just my 2 cents.

Of course I've tried it! Look, my post came off much harsher than I meant for it to. I definately don't want to get into to an argument about it. I just find that, to me, Gibson acoustics are nice, but nothing special. The SJ-200 is a particularly dead sounding. But, I don't hate them. In fact, I'd buy one... for about $700. Anything more and I'm getting ripped off.

[Steve L]

Of course I've tried it! Look, my post came off much harsher than I meant for it to. I definately don't want to get into to an argument about it. I just find that, to me, Gibson acoustics are nice, but nothing special. The SJ-200 is a particularly dead sounding. But, I don't hate them. In fact, I'd buy one... for about $700. Anything more and I'm getting ripped off.


I'm not sure how any of us justify the cost of any guitar. I think that most guitars are overpriced, but if that's what the market bears, that's the value!
For example, how much would you be willing to pay for a guitar that you think is "good?" Or, for that matter, do you think a vintage Martin is worth five or six figures? How about a modern copy of the vintage Martin being worth 10 grand in some cases?
In other words, to some the Gibson's are worth their price...not for others. Personally, I don't own a Gibson OR a Martin and NEVER have--currently, just two 13 year old Breedloves and a Kinscherff. And I think I paid fair prices for them even though they were expensive at the time.

[WahmBoomAh]

I got a new Gibson last week ....the best acoustic I`ve ever played ....oh yeah , new to me but made in 1947 ....LG-2 ......I`m done...... to be fought over after my funeral.

[skyboltone]

OK, I think I'd like to chime in here. I bought a Gibbo B-25 natural new in 1964. It was my first "real" guitar. Formerly I had had a $5 Tijuana (sp?) classical that my brother murdered with steel strings and a cardboard Stella turd burst. The B-25 was like going to heaven. All I wanted to do was play that thing.

Unfortunately I had the great misfortune to play a friends '50s Martin 000-28 in about '65 and I was ruined. I tried every kind of Gibson I could find to get that same ring and shimmer. J-200s, Hummingbirds, Doves whatever I could find. All the Gibson's had that same darker percussive tone when compared to Martins. Notice I haven't used the words better or crappy here. For me, I want to hear a guitar chime. I want balance across the scales from bottom to top. I also don't think of the guitar as a primarily percussive instrument. I prefer finger styles to strumming. In other words I prefer the Martin sound. I went on to buy a new '66 D-18 and sold it a few years later to fund a Les Paul.

I'm just now getting interested in an acoustic again. So far the only guitar that blows my mind the way that 000-28 did all those years ago is a Morgan OMM-M. I'm a ways off from purchase but I'll play them all, including the Gibson Advanced Jumbo. Whatever one sounds the best will come home with me. They are worth what we pay for them. And I will say this. I've never been ripped off on any purchase. Anywhere. I take responsibility for what I buy. I've made poor choices but nobody has ever stolen anything out of my wallet.

Dan

[BigRed51]

Unfortunately I had the great misfortune to play a friends '50s Martin 000-28 in about '65 and I was ruined. I tried every kind of Gibson I could find to get that same ring and shimmer. J-200s, Hummingbirds, Doves whatever I could find. All the Gibson's had that same darker percussive tone when compared to Martins. Notice I haven't used the words better or crappy here. For me, I want to hear a guitar chime. I want balance across the scales from bottom to top. I also don't think of the guitar as a primarily percussive instrument. I prefer finger styles to strumming. In other words I prefer the Martin sound.

What many people don't understand, and it is reflected by their comments in forums, is that Gibson has probably the widest variety of sounds of any manufacturer on the planet. The SJ-200 is the ultimate rhythm acoustic, but it has the be PLAYED ... in the hands of a wimpy player, it sounds dead, and it is very sensitive to dead strings. The J-45 is probably the signature Gibson sound, and I personally think that the new ones sound every bit as good as the old ones. The Songwriter is a very versatile guitar ... I consider it the D-28 of the Gibson line. But the Advanced Jumbo is something truly special. About a year ago I started shopping for a Martin 18 or 28 series for bluegrass flatpicking. I was pretty sure I would end up with an HD-28V. But then I played one, and was disappointed in the sound, and found the V neck very difficult to deal with. I wanted a guitar that had a RING to it, clear enough to play miked onstage, and with enough projection to play in outdoor jams. Very much the "Martin" sound you are describing. For weeks, I avoided Gibsons, because I had played one or two 20 years ago and they sounded dead, and I kept hearing people talk about the inconsistent quality, so I repeated what I heard, hoping to sound knowledgeable.

I am very grateful to the salesman at Guitar Center who took the time to let me explain the sound that I wanted. I had found it in a couple of Collings models, but they were well above my budget. But one day I was sitting at GC, and he put a guitar in my hands, and told me "don't look, just play." It was superb. It was loud when I wanted loud, and had the perfect ring when I played with fingerpicks. The neck was fast, and very comfortable to play. I was shocked when I finally looked and saw Gibson on the headstock. A couple of weeks later, during their Memorial Day sale, it came home with me. I still would prefer a Collings D2H ... but it's almost 3x what I paid on their sale, and more than double the current price. I am a satisfied customer! It has what I had thought was a "Martin" sound ... but could never find in a Martin.

Since then, I have played LOTS of Gibsons, and I can assure you that their quality is extremely good, and every bit as consistent as Martin or Taylor. And the prices are well below comparable Taylor and Martin models. I have played at least 8 AJ's since I bought mine, and they have all been superb. The lesson I learned was to learn by getting out and playing guitars, and don't be steered away from certain models by believing guitar forum myths that are most often perpetuated by those who, like I was, are basing their opinions on limited exposure to one or two models, or playing guitars from the 'pre-Bozeman' days.

[Knucklehead]

I've got a few outstanding Martins, as well as a few other nice acoustics; I'd certainly like to acquire one of the Montana Gibson AJs in the very near future.
I've played several at the local GC acoustic rooms, all of them needed string changes and set-up. For strictly finger picked Blues I don't think you can find a better guitar.

[billyguitar]

I have an AJ but it's from about '94 so it is a Montana. I had a guy make a bone saddle and nut for it and that improved the sound a lot. It's also developed some finish cracks when I last looked at it in the top. When i first got it the top bellied up but I loosened the strings and let it sit for a while and it was fine after that. It is a thinner sound than a Martin but has a strong midrange and treble. I still like this guitar a lot. I have played better flattops but I'm happy enough to not care.

[zombywoof]

The SJ-200 is the ultimate rhythm acoustic, but it has the be PLAYED ... in the hands of a wimpy player, it sounds dead, and it is very sensitive to dead strings.

Bingo. I play a 1960 J-200. I would have to agree it ain't very bright and sparkling. It moves alot of air, has a big resonant bass and the notes just seem to go on forever. They are great strummers. But where it really comes to life is when ya cut loose on extended bass runs and high slides ala Barbecue Bob or Son House's "Death Letter."

I have played a ton of acoustics over the last 40 years and IMHO, the Bozeman-made Gibsons are really nice. In fact, my wife owns a mid-90s J-100XTRA. Yeah, some are better sounding than others. But all in all I find the newer ones better balanced than the old ones although usually not quite as loud. Not sure if that is a matter of age or design.

[Deacon]

Bloody brilliant!
:AOK

It's always great to find a guitar that really speaks to you ... or that you can really bond with.

I've played a bunch of Gibson acoustics over the years, and I've never played one that I cared for much at all. Every single one sounded dead and played lifelessly to me.

Just my own impressions, though.

[ssimon64]

It's always great to find a guitar that really speaks to you ... or that you can really bond with.

I've played a bunch of Gibson acoustics over the years, and I've never played one that I cared for much at all. Every single one sounded dead and played lifelessly to me.

Just my own impressions, though.

I'd say you ought to try a new advanced jumbo.

Unless of course you've already tried one and didn't like it. Then I'd say you just don't like Gibsons.

I feel the same way about Taylors. I know a lot of people who like them, but I have never played one that I like.

[Realfi]

Gibson isn't "the most overrated guitar company out there," it's the most INCONSISTENT. There's a difference.


After selling Gibson guitars new and second hand for about 15 years I'd say this is a fair assessment of my experience of this time. I have a J45 from a few years back that I picked as a favourite from the stock of a store that I used to run that specialised in top-end acoustics. It's a pretty nice guitar and is a good all-rounder for me.

I think the last few years have seen better consistency from Gibson.

[dennyman]

My J-45 really opened up after a couple of years of playing. And it always sounded better (to me) tuned down a whole step or in lower open tuning like "D" or "G". Maybe that has something to do with the shorter scale length?

[Traintrack]

I ordered an AJ from Mandolin Brothers and told them I wanted a Perfect guitar no glue no misaligned joints no high frets. They delivered with a handpicked model. Before I ordered it I played about 20 AJ’s and they all were junk, everyone of them had a glaring defect..

I had the AJ for a couple of years and recently sold it for a Collings. The #1 issue with the AJ is string tension. The strings are so tight due to the long scale that there is no doubt in my mind that the structure of this guitar will never hold up over time. My guitar was kept with perfect humidity and used with care. The sound of an AJ is the string tension and the thin top of the guitar. They are bright and loud with this design.

I sold the guitar for a couple of reasons. One was the top was starting to warp a bit. This might be normal for the extra string tension and also might have been the furthest extent of the changes to the guitar. But I did not think this guitar was going to be a great AX in 10 years. I have no faith in Gibson. I had it for 3 years and it opened up a bit in tone but the good warm tone would never be there.

The other reason is you have to have a strong left hand and attach the thing to play it. It needs a very aggressive approach to play it. Think Bluegrass flat pickers.

I always thought it was a fine sounding guitar until I A/B’s with the Collings I now own. It then sounded like a tin can. No kidding. I could not believe the difference. If you want to lay down the cash for one of these, look at some older models and see how they are holding up. Check the bridges and you will see what I am talking about.

I also got killed on the resale of it.

[Dave Orban]

VINTAGE Gibson acoustics are THE shit. Play an old AJ, or an L-OO, and you'll see what I mean.

THe recent ones have been underwhelming to me, but I admit to not having played too many of them. When you've got Collings and Santa Cruz guitars around -- as well as vintage Gibbys -- the new ones seem unappetizing... at least to me.

[ssimon64]

I ordered an AJ from Mandolin Brothers and told them I wanted a Perfect guitar no glue no misaligned joints no high frets. They delivered with a handpicked model. Before I ordered it I played about 20 AJ’s and they all were junk, everyone of them had a glaring defect..

I had the AJ for a couple of years and recently sold it for a Collings. The #1 issue with the AJ is string tension. The strings are so tight due to the long scale that there is no doubt in my mind that the structure of this guitar will never hold up over time. My guitar was kept with perfect humidity and used with care. The sound of an AJ is the string tension and the thin top of the guitar. They are bright and loud with this design.

I sold the guitar for a couple of reasons. One was the top was starting to warp a bit. This might be normal for the extra string tension and also might have been the furthest extent of the changes to the guitar. But I did not think this guitar was going to be a great AX in 10 years. I have no faith in Gibson. I had it for 3 years and it opened up a bit in tone but the good warm tone would never be there.

The other reason is you have to have a strong left hand and attach the thing to play it. It needs a very aggressive approach to play it. Think Bluegrass flat pickers.

I always thought it was a fine sounding guitar until I A/B’s with the Collings I now own. It then sounded like a tin can. No kidding. I could not believe the difference. If you want to lay down the cash for one of these, look at some older models and see how they are holding up. Check the bridges and you will see what I am talking about.

I also got killed on the resale of it.

I quite like long scale and aggressive playing. As far as the structure of the guitar holding up over time, look how long the original advanced jumbos have lasted. The new one are built somewhat sturdier I think. Secondly, all old acoustics need repairs after awhile. Many great old guitars from the golden era have needed neck resets and bridge and crack repairs. I think the advanced jumbo is a fine guitar at a good price. and I think mine would stand up to any collings.

[the_Chris]

I think the inconsistency is what ruins it for most folks. I've played one or two Gibson jumbos that blew my mind, I liked them more than the typical Martins and Taylors. However, most of them I've played sounded dead and did have playability issues. It's just like with their electrics, when you find a really good one, hold onto it because your chances of finding another like that isn't too likely.

[Realfi]

]I had the AJ for a couple of years and recently sold it for a Collings. The #1 issue with the AJ is string tension. The strings are so tight due to the long scale that there is no doubt in my mind that the structure of this guitar will never hold up over time.

The scale length is not significantly different to Martin Dreadnoughts, most of which also require work after time. I don't really know that this can be avoided with wooden hollow body instruments except by building them in a really heavy and unresponsive way.

[Sherman]

I love the looks and sound of the AJ's. I've always wanted one. In November I pulled the trigger on a short scale version of the guitar (mistake on my part).

The guitar was nicely put together but like others I thought the finish was not up to par for a $2,000 acoustic guitar. The top near where the soundhole and the neck meet was not polished out for one thing. Also, I didn't dig the feel of the short scale as I thought I would. All in all, it was a nice guitar but not worth keeping IMHO. Don't get me wrong, tonewise it was nice.

Just to make sure I was not missing out on anything, I took my Santa Cruz TR to compare to an AJ at the local GC. I know they are different animals alltogether but after playing them side by side I figured I could get close to the AJ sound w/a lower string gauge on my Santa Cruz. So I went to the counter and promptly bought a set of .12 guage strings (had .13's on the guitar). The tone of my Santa Cruz has more of a shimmer to it w/lighter guage strings. I spent $14.00 and saved almost $2,000.00.

Just my $.02.

Sherm

[MYPETGOAT]

Traintrack has one of the coolest Les Pauls in the world. I've seen it.
Flamey.

[Traintrack]

The Original Jumbos were Brazilian Rosewood back and sides. They made around 300 in the thirties. Not enough to compare with the production of today’s AJ's.

If you feel that the Gibson AJ is the CATS ASS Great!


As far as trying to compare the structural integrity of a modern Gibson acoustic with one from the 30's-50's is not even open to discussion. Not even close! Remember I had one for a few years and bought it with plenty of enthusiasm. But it didn’t make the grade in the long run.

[MYPETGOAT]

I like your Les Paul more, Train Track.
It looks vintage.

[Tuberoast]

I have collected many vintage flattops in the past. While Gibsons can be inconsistent, my snob friends drooled over my 58 J-50's sonics. I have played a newer Advanced JUmbo and could tell that with a years strumming it was going to be fantastic. Gibsons either sound dull and muffled or loud and crisp with strong mids

[Traintrack]

Someone shoot that Goat!

[ssimon64]

The Original Jumbos were Brazilian Rosewood back and sides. They made around 300 in the thirties. Not enough to compare with the production of today’s AJ's.

If you feel that the Gibson AJ is the CATS ASS Great!


As far as trying to compare the structural integrity of a modern Gibson acoustic with one from the 30's-50's is not even open to discussion. Not even close! Remember I had one for a few years and bought it with plenty of enthusiasm. But it didn’t make the grade in the long run.

Hey now, everything is open to discussion. I agree that the original advanced jumbos were probably better built, I think they were lighter built also. I think gibson purpousfuly builds them a bit more sturdy now to make sure that they will last. I'd love to have a adirondack top guitar with perfectly quarter sawn brazillian rosewood back and sides, but I'd never have the money to get something like that built today. The new AJ has quarter sawn, straight grain indian rosewood back and sides and a very nice sitka top. No blemishes that I can see, and is a very well built guitar. I have no doubt that it will hold up over time. Anyhow, I can't see paying double for a boutique acoustic that just isn't going to be any better.

I'm not trying to be an asshole and I respect your opinion, I just like to argue. You had one and you didn't like it, I have one and I do like it. Simple as that I guess.:AOK