1990 J-45 Vintage Sunburst

orangefender · Newbie Alert Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 1

Hi everyone,

I've decided to take the plunge after selling my car to at last buy a decent acoustic. I'm set on getting a J-45.

I mainly play at home and only very occasionally get together with some friends for a jam. I have no intention of ever playing the guitar through an amp and I hope that this acoustic will last me a life time (I'm now 28 so hopefully I've still got 40 -50 years of playing in me).

I love the romance of having a J-45 50's or 60's vintage but from what I've read I think I might easily outlast the guitar and I want something to use and enjoy rather than a museum piece! So I think I've decided that a new or a '79 or later used J-45 is the way to go.

Firstly I would welcome your opinions on where your money would go. Are there any particular periods to look out for or avoid and what sort of money should I be paying?

Secondly, I discovered that my local guitar shop has a 1990 J-45 for sale. It has had one previous owner (apparently a regular customer) and is in very good unmarked condition.

The only points that I noted was that the saddle pegs had a natural wood finish (most I've seen are white - replacements?), and that there is no strap button at the bottom of the guitar. This was apparently removed and the hole widened/drilled by the previous owner so that a pick-up could be fitted which has now been removed. Apparently this can simply be re-plugged?

I played the guitar for sometime and absolutely loved it. The shop has a good selection of high end Martins which I tried but didn't get close to the same enjoyment. They are looking for £1,150 for the J-45 though the sales man said he could go down to £1,050.

Does this sound like a good price for a 1990 J-45? Also, should I be worried about the drilling of the body to fit the pick-up? I don't want to accept any deteriation in sound seeing as I won't be amping the guitar. I can buy a brand new J-45 for the same money - would that be a safer/better option?

Thanks!

Ian

BlueFinn · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:16 pm Post subject:

Ian, The J-45 is a lovely guitar with a deep rich boomy voice. I have a 1954 J-50 which is a blonde version of the J-45. Whenever I sit in with my friends for a session my J-50 cuts right through all the others. I'd say your making a good selection with the J-45 my only comment is, if you can get one new for the same money I'd go that way. You get the warranty that way. Get a new one and have it set-up you will never regret it. That's my two cents worth.