Gibson J45 A/E first impressions

Awhile back my good friend Jeff took delivery of his new J45 "lefty", and in a post in Chat I mentioned that when I had a chance to look at it I would post my impressions.

So here you go:  This instrument is exactly what one would expect from a maker with Gibson's reputation.
The folks over in Bozeman do a great job on putting these things together, with no defects or boxes un-checked in the assembly/fit/finish department. This one is the rosewood burst finish model with Indian Rosewood back and sides and Sitka Spruce top, 22 frets, Rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and comes factory fitted wilth an LR Baggs pickup. This is the Studio version, with dot inlays and cream binding on the body but not the neck, Tusq nut and saddle.

Sounds great as one would expect and intonation/setup is well executed. The dreadnaught body is large, but not as large as say a J200 Epiphone and is less "boomy" but still quite full and mellow. Thankfully this model does not come with the normal "Lefty tariff" we have come to anticipate, the up-charge you usually see when shopping for guitars built for the "Off-handed". This one did ship with a very nice Gibson branded hard case included in the price. For the money I would rate this a good value at the MSRP $2,400 USD (as of today).

Now for the little stuff that might bother some players:  Number one the fret ends could have had a little more filing and polishing, some would not pass the "nylon stocking test" the neck is 1.72" wide and the 16" radius feels a bit flat to my hands. I didn't notice the fret wires so much as Jeff because my hands are a little larger and the neck seems narrower than my 12 string by quite a bit, for some folks coming off an electric, that additional width might feel like a veritable table leg. Something one gets used to quickly but is something to be aware of.

Over all if you are in the market for a Gibson, and you are left handed (or not), and this is in your price range. This one should be on your "gotta play it" list.