Acoustic Guitar "huh! 50 short stories that will make you say
Shinnuma, the most gourmand staff member of TC, tells you about the acoustic guitar!
I know what an acoustic guitar is! and "Of course I know that!", to the serious "Oh my gosh! to the serious "Hee~! We've collected 50 small stories!
Please take a moment to read them!
Part 1! When it comes to acoustic guitars, there are two major brands! We have narrowed down the small stories about [Martin] and [Gibson]! We have squeezed out 50 stories about [Martin] and [Gibson]!
What does "Martin Dreadnought" mean?
Dreadnought" appears as an expression of guitar body size.
What does it mean? Let us explain!
Dreadnought" is a certain size of Martin guitars. The "Dreadnought" is the mainstay of Martin guitars and accounts for 80% of all sales!
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The photo shows a 1948 D-28 in our store! |
The original appeared in 1916.
Martin made it exclusively for their business partner, Didson. Yes, it is true. It was a special model on order!
At the time, small guitars were the mainstream. What's with the big guitar? I am sure everyone thought so!
The size and surprise of the guitar led it to be called the "Dreadnought," a very large battleship of the British Royal Navy at the time!
Incidentally, in Japanese, the name is also expressed as "Super Dreadnought! The "Do" in "Dokyu" refers to the "Dreadnought"!
In 1931, after Didson went out of business, the D-18 and D-28 were added to Martin's official lineup.
The story behind the Martin D-35
The D-18, D-28, and D-45 are the three traditional Martin models that come to mind.
The D-35 is a model with a different character from these three models and has been very popular for many years.
The "D-35" was introduced in 1965 as a 3-piece back model.
Basically, Martin guitars have a two-piece back.
The three-piece back does not exist until the Stauffer model from the mid-1800s, so it is no exaggeration to say that the "D-35" was the first model with a three-piece back.
In the 1960s, the modern folk boom led to so many Martin guitars being sold that production could not keep up!
The main spec of the guitar was Hakaranda veneer.
These woods were quarter sawn, which means that only a quarter of the log was used. What luxury!
At that time, the stock of Hakaranda was getting scarce.
One day, Bob Johnson, who worked in Martin's computer department, suggested a three-piece back, which could be expected to supply wood even from small boards.
This idea was vehemently opposed within the company. Bob Johnson was a complete amateur when it came to making guitars!
Nevertheless, he decided to give it a try, and here is the prototype. The result was a guitar with a low, subdued tone! The "D-35" was born!
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The photo shows our 1969 "D-35," and since we're here, we'd like to show you the back view! |
By the mid-1970s, the D-35 had sold more guitars than the D-28, and quickly became a popular model!
It's a good story that Martin's flexible work style, such as the production team that made prototypes despite opposition, and above all, the computer department's input, led to the creation of a famous instrument.☆
I'm sorry, we can't make it in time, can you wait 3 years?
After World War II, the American music scene was greatly developed, and people's lives were enriched by the reflection of the United States.
Of course, public interest in acoustic music, pioneered by the folk movement, was also on the rise!
From around 1948 to the 1970s, Martin enjoyed an unprecedented growth period of about 30 years.
The demand for Martin guitars far exceeded the company's manufacturing capacity, and in the 1960s, there were back orders for more than three years' worth of guitars!
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Pictured is a 1965 D-28! |
Apparently, the reason for the lack of production capacity was the factory facilities.
The factory, which had been expanded and remodeled many times, was a complex facility with many stairs and was far from efficient.
Finally, in 1964, the then Martin III began a major construction of a new factory, and a new era was ushered in.
Was this guitar also waiting for several years after the order was placed?
The back strip of the Martin D-28.
The D-28 is one of the most popular Martin guitars.
The back of the D-28 is called the "backstrip," which is a jointed material in the center.
In fact, there are two types of back strip designs!
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The one on the right side of the photo is commonly known as the "checker" design. |
This is the standard pattern used on D-28s from 1947 onward.
The second pattern on the left side of the photo is called "Zigzag"!
This pattern was used on D-28s produced between 1934 and 1947!
If the "back strip" pattern on your casual D-28 was "zig-zag"...
This is important!
Watch out for the Martin glue!
Martin changed the glue after 1975!
The glue used until then was an animal glue called "Nikawa", which was replaced by "Titebond", a standard industrial glue used in modern times.
If we talk about which one is better, it will become a big story, not a small one.
I still prefer the classic [NIKKAWA]!
If so, you should buy one made in 1974 or earlier!
No, no, I don't care about glue! I want to feel the quality of the piece!
If so, you should get one made in 1976 or later!
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Pictured is a 1976 D-28! |
I'm so thrilled that you can't tell which way the glue is!
If you are, please find a pinpoint 1975!
See! Somehow the glued surface looks...well, you can't tell.
The material of the Martin pickguard.
Martin's unique teardrop-style pickguard appeared as an option in the 1930s, when the use of steel strings and picks became popular, and became a standard specification with the popularity of dreadnought guitars.
At the time pickguards were first used, "real tortoiseshell" was also used, but most of them were made of tartus shell-colored celluloid.
In 1967, the pickguard was changed to a black acetate pickguard.
There is a reason why the use of "real tortoiseshell," which had a gorgeous appearance and was not subject to import/export regulations at that time, was discontinued!
Tortoiseshell shells do not expand or contract when placed in water. On the other hand, the top material of a guitar expands and contracts slightly every day due to changes in humidity and temperature!
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The photo shows a 1976 Martin D-28! |
The "real tortoiseshell" that does not change and the top material that does change are stuck together...what a mess!
This leads to cracking of the top material!
The reason why the pickguard material was standardized to be celluloid is because celluloid is the closest to the rate of change of wood!
The experience and research of craftsmen is amazing!
The pickguard is made of celluloid and is black!
Martin Small Pickguard
Pickguards are often thought of as a natural part of an acoustic guitar, but they originally existed as an option, and the user could choose whether or not to have one installed when ordering!
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The photo shows an OM-28V made in the prewar style! |
It was actually Martin who made such a pickguard a standard feature!
The first OM model was created in 1929!
It was a "small pickguard" made of tortoiseshell-patterned celluloid with a small teardrop type pickguard!
Of course, it is a "small pickguard"!
History of Martin Pickguards
The pickguard protects the top of the guitar from scratches.
It is also essential as a decorative item that adds color to the appearance. Of course, the Martin D-45, the pinnacle of the acoustic guitar world, is equipped with a pickguard!
Here is a little consideration. Pickguards vary from year to year. Tortoiseshell?
Circa 1932-...
Pickguards became an option around this time.
From 1934, tortoiseshell pickguards became standard equipment.
The same type was used on prewar D-45s!
From around 1966...
From this year, the tortoiseshell pattern is replaced with a black acetate pickguard.
The D-45, reproduced in 1968, was also equipped with a black pickguard in accordance with the specifications of the time.
The paint was oversprayed as it was glued before the body was painted.
[circa 1985-]
Pickguard is black.
However, until 1984, the aforementioned painted pickguard was used, but this caused a problem that the paint was prone to cracking.
From 1985, the pickguard was applied to the painted body.
[Mid-1980s-].
Tortoiseshell pickguards are back on some vintage reissue models, starting with the D-45V released in 1983.
In the 1990s, tortoiseshell pickguards became standard equipment.
The material was changed from acetate to nitrate.
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The photo shows a 1988 D-45 pickguard! |
This model is black and is applied over the painted surface.
Please check out your Martin pickguards, not only D-45s!☆
Martin: Subtle Peg Differences.
The D-28 and D-18 are two of the most popular Martin guitars.
These two guitars have undergone various minor specification changes since they were first produced, and one of the most obvious changes is in the appearance of the pegs!
Both models were equipped with "Schaller" pegs from 1979 to 2007, but in 1992, there was a slight but significant change in appearance!
From 1979 to 1991, the pegs are Schaller, but from 1992 to 2007, they are Schaller type pegs made by Gotoh!
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The left photo shows a 1990 D-18! The right photo is a D-28 from 2001! |
The general-purpose parts are clearly recognizable because they each have the maker's logo, but since both have the "Martin" logo, you can't tell which one is which at a glance!
However, when you look at the pegs of the two companies side by side.... They are quite different!
Comparing the two, you can see that the Goto peg has a larger area in front of the logo, and the shaft connecting to the peg has an angled conical shape!
But it would be interesting if you could check the pegs on your guitars!
Silver sticker on the back of the Martin head.
If you have a Martin guitar from the 1970s, you may find a "shiny silver sticker" on the back of the head.
This sticker was made by Kawase Gakki, the first importer and seller of Martin guitars in Japan!
This is imported, tuned, and managed by an authorized distributor!
This sticker is attached on the back of the head with such a meaning!
For Martin fans of the time, "Kawase Gakki" was truly a sacred place!
I was a student and couldn't afford it then, but I can afford it now!
If you are a person who buys a 1970's Martin with such a thought in your mind, you are in the right place!
You may remember those days by looking at this sticker!☆
The History of the Martin D-28 Bridge and Saddle
The bridge is an important part that transmits the string vibration to the body!
The D-28 is equipped with a "belly bridge" to this day!
There have been many minor changes to the bridge, such as the height of the bridge, the angle of the saddle, the position of the bridge pin hole, and so on!
The reason for this is to improve the strength of the bridge and to make tuning more stable and accurate. Hmmm, corporate effort!
On the right is a 2011 D-28, and on the left is a 1948 D-28!
The 1948 D-28 on the left is a little lower in height and has a long horizontal saddle!
Even in this one photo, there is a big difference!☆
The change of the Martin headstock, part 1.
The headstock is an important part of the guitar maker's design, as it has its own unique shape.
Martin's headstock has a simple design with an angular top and a tapered bottom.
The surface of the headstock is consistently marked with the words "CF Martin & Co. EST 1833"!
The overall width, the shape of the horns, and the typeface of the logo vary depending on the age, but today let's compare the heads from the 1950s and 1960s!
On the right side of the photo is the headstock from the 1950s!
It is slightly narrower and has slightly rounded corners.
In contrast, the left photo shows a headstock from the 1960s!
It is slightly wider than the 1950s, and the corners are even more rounded!
Although the tone does not change with the characteristics of the head, it is interesting to see the differences between the different years!☆
The Transition of Martin Headstocks, Part 2
Here are the changes of Martin headstocks!
We introduce the headstock from 1970's to 1980's and after 1990's!
On the left side of the photo is the headstock from 1970's to 1980's!
The width, which was once a little narrower in the 1960s, has been widened again, and the corners have become a little sharp!
In contrast, the right side of the photo is [headstock from the 1990s onward]!
The corners have become even sharper and sharper looking! The logo in the photo is vintage style, but the logo will be changed to gold leaf from 1994!
The reason why the current heads look so shiny is due in large part to this gold leaf!☆
Martin Forward-Shifted X-Bracing
Bracing" is a very important part of a guitar because it has a great influence on the sound.
The most famous Martin bracing is the "X-bracing".
The bracing used from 1934 to 1938 is commonly known as "Forward Shifted X-Bracing".
Originally used to maintain the strength of the top wood, it was moved slightly toward the soundhole because it interfered with the bridge, resulting in a poor vibration rate.
This is called "Forward Shifted X-Bracing".
The advantage of the forward-shifted X-bracing is that the range from high to low tones is wide, but there are some who argue that the strength of the bracing is questionable and the sound itself tends to lose its contour and become diffused.
It may be more a matter of preference than which is better.
Even in modern times, reissues of guitars are actively using [Forward Shifted X-Bracing], so please consider it as one of the items when choosing a guitar!
The photo shows the two bracings side by side!
The one on the left is the Forward Shifted X-Bracing! You can see the bracing in the sound hole!
What is the C.F. in Martin C.F.?
Martin guitars have "C.F.Martin" in their logo, but what is this "C.F"?
In fact, the official name of the Martin company is "C.F.Martin & Co.", named after the founder, "Christian Frederick Martin"!
C.F.Martin & Co. is a family-owned business, with family members still serving as presidents from generation to generation!
The photo shows the vertical logo of a Martin 000-42! You can see "C.F.☆
What is Martin GOLDEN ERA?
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The photo shows one of our D-18GE "GOLDEN ERA"! |
GOLDEN ERA" is a term used to describe the "good old golden age".
It is a name given to a series of reissued prewar models that were produced by Martin from the early 1930s to the mid-1940s. The model number ends with "GE", so it is very easy to understand!
The History of Martin Rods
Neck warping" is a problem that guitar makers have faced over the years due to the bending of wood.
In 1934, the first "T-shaped steel bar" rod was adopted for guitars.
In 1967, the "T-shaped steel bar" embedded in the neck of the D-28 was replaced with a "square bar.
The reason why they are commonly called "SQ rods" today is because the "square" part of this "square bar" is written in alphabetical characters!
Incidentally, it is believed that the change from the "T-shaped steel bar" to the "square square bar" was due to a problem in manufacturing.
They were researching more efficient ways to manufacture products if they could maintain the same strength!
From there, time went on, and in 1985, the rods on Martin guitars underwent further innovation and were changed to "adjustable rods"!
This was a revolutionary system, which is now widely referred to as a "truss rod", in which a metal rod was inserted and turned with a wrench to compensate for neck bending!
Although it is a matter of taste and subjectivity, the "SQ rod" is often said to have better acoustics, including the density in the neck.
On the other hand, in Japan, where there are four seasons and the climate changes drastically throughout the year, "adjustable rods" that can adjust the neck condition accordingly are very useful.
Since there is no absolute preference between the two, it would be fun to decide whether to get an SQ-rod guitar or an adjustable-rod guitar, depending on your usage.☆
The figure above is a cross-sectional view of a "T-shaped steel bar," a "square square bar," and an "adjustable rod.
Martin Neck Joints
Here is a short story about Martin "necks"!
Mahogany has been the material of choice for guitars since the beginning, but because the neck was formed by hand by craftsmen, there have been slight differences in size even among similar models.
Initially, all guitars were made with a "12-fret joint," but in 1929, banjo player Perry Bechtel came up with the idea of a "14-fret joint" model, which became the standard form today.
The first "14-fret joint" model completed after the prototype was the "OM-28"!
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The photo shows a "12-fret joint" D-28S made in 1970! |
Of course, "12-fret joint" guitars have existed since then.
After that, "12-fret joint" guitars were still available, but "14-fret joint" guitars were mixed with "12-fret joint" guitars, such as the D-28.
The "12-fret joint" guitars are characterized by a slightly larger body size and fuller sound, which is one of the criteria for choosing the guitar of your choice!
Martin's signature inlays.
The logo with "C.F.MARTIN" written vertically on the head of D-45 and D-42 is called "Type Face Inlay"! This is used only on high-end guitars, and is a sign of a good guitar!
The position mark on the fingerboard also has 3 types of distinctive inlays!
The first one is a snowflake-shaped inlay, commonly known as a "snowflake inlay"!
The diamond inlay is a square or diamond-shaped incision in the shape of a diamond!
And those with a slit design like a cat's eye are called "cat's eye inlays"!
The photo shows our Martin D-42!
It is a gorgeous model with all the above 4 types of inlays!
Martin TREE OF LIFE
This is a very special model of Martin guitar with decorations on the fretboard, pickguard and bridge.
It is called "TREE OF LIFE"!
The pearl inlay represents the vine-shaped "tree of life"!
You don't often get a chance to see the "TREE OF LIFE" in person...
You can see it at !!!!!
It's in our store!
1993 D-45 Deluxe with "TREE OF LIFE"!
It is a work of art! Worth a look!
Martin Volute
The projection on the back of the neck at the base of the head is called a "Volute"!
It is also called "diamond" or "triangular" by Martin because of its shape.
Traditionally, it was thought to prevent the neck from breaking at the nut, but in recent years, it is said to have a strong decorative meaning, inherited from the design often seen on European classical guitars.
It's gorgeous and cool to have a "volute!" That's what I mean!☆
The photo shows a Martin D-28 "volute"!
By the way, the D-35 does not have a "Volute"!☆
It's not that it's not cool, but it's kind of sad to see them side by side!
Martin top material: spruce
The top material is the very entry point of the guitar's sound production, which receives string vibrations and causes vibrations the moment the acoustic guitar is played.
Spruce is by far the most commonly used top material.
Spruce" is an evergreen coniferous tree belonging to the spruce family of the Pinaceae family. It is light, soft, and resilient, with a dense grain that is easy to work and finishes well.
It is used for all kinds of wood products as a good tasteless and odorless wood with almost no fat peculiar to the Pinaceae family.
You probably have one of these cutting boards in your home. It is made of spruce!
But I digress. There are roughly four kinds of "spruce" top material for Martin guitars that you can see in music stores.
Sitka spruce
This is the one that has been mainly used since 1946!
This spruce grows in the northwestern part of North America, from California to Alaska.
In fact, most of it is exported to Asia as split wood. The color is light brown with pinkish tints!
Ingleman Spruce.
Spruce used in custom models since the 1980s.
This spruce grows in the Rocky Mountain area. Lighter than Sitka and white in color with a slight reddish tinge.
It is not a very resistant material, but the sound quality is excellent! It was used in the reproduction D-45 from around 1068 and the D-41 when it was first released!
Adirondack spruce
Used until 1946. It was used until 1946, and then rarely used in the 50's and 60's.
Since the 1990s, it has been used in special limited edition models. It is famous for its use in high-end models such as Golden Era.
Also known as red spruce, this spruce grows from the Adirondacks of New York State to Maine.
It has characteristics between Sitka and Ingleman. Wide grain. Tiger grain is less. It is very difficult to obtain and the transaction price is very high!
German Spruce
German spruce was used in reproduction D-45s from 1968 to the early 1970s.
As the name suggests, it is native to Europe. One of the characteristics of European spruce is that it does not turn reddish over time.
This spruce is familiar to the vintage market, especially to D-45 fans.
The top spruce representing each age and model.
Whether you are a Martin user or a prospective user, please pay attention to the type of spruce!
There is no particular one that you have to choose, but please take a moment to look at them when you have a moment.☆
Pictured is a 2013 D-45 Commemorative in our inventory!
The top wood is Adirondack Spruce!
Gibson Adjustable Saddle
GIBSON J-45 from the 60's, one of the most popular vintage guitars.
Most of them are equipped with "adjustable saddle".
Adjustable saddle" has been available as an option since 1956.
It is a unique mechanism not found on Martin flat-top guitars, in which a ceramic or rosewood saddle is mounted in a slot that runs through the bridge/body top/bridge plate.
Guitars.
It is suspended from the guitar body using two screws/anchors.
A metal plate was also used under the saddle for reinforcement.
Japanese makers introduced adjustable saddles in the 60's and 70's, so many people who own vintage Japanese guitars from that time may be familiar with "adjustable saddles" even if they are not GIBSON users.
The simplicity of string height adjustment is a surprisingly pleasant result.
The sound of the GIBSON J-45 is good when playing chords, and the overall sound is crisp, as if to emphasize the sound characteristics that the GIBSON J-45 has always excelled at. It may have been inevitable to install it in the GIBSON J-45.
If you are considering a vintage GIBSON J-45 from the 50s or 60s, of course, there are also current models with "adjustable saddle" made by Custom Shop and others.
Please add the sound of "adjustable saddle" to your comparison list!
Check out the material of Gibson adjustable saddles.
Adjustable bridge" was used on J-45 from 1956 to 1969.
At first, the saddle material was [ceramic], but from around 1965, [rosewood] was also used!
Now let's compare these saddles!
Ceramic] is the top class in terms of the authenticity of the wood!
Ceramic] is one of the best materials in terms of the true brush stroke, and you can get a flat and always stable sound, without any hit or miss like with [cow bone] or [rosewood]!
On the other hand, "Rosewood" has a unique low midrange and a soft sound!
The attack will be a little weaker, but you will get a natural and thick sound!
As mentioned above, the sound is not always perfect, and the gap in sound when replacing is a drawback.
The left photo is 【Ceramic】! The right photo is [Rose Wood]!
Since the bridge part is the same, you can enjoy the change of sound by replacing only the saddle.☆
Gibson Round Shoulder
Also called "round shoulder" or "jumbo," this is a guitar body shape.
It is an adaptation of the jumbo body shape developed by manufacturers such as Regal and National.
Martin changed the body shape when they moved to a 14-fret joint, while Gibson kept the round-shoulder shape and moved the bridge position.
The surviving round-shoulder shape remained the standard body shape for Gibson guitars until around 1969.
Both vintage and modern guitars with the J-45 as a representative body shape are called "Gibson Round Shoulder" guitars!
Gibson Square Shoulder
While the previous day's "Round Shoulder" is called "Gibson Square Shoulder", today we will introduce "Gibson Square Shoulder"!
The "Square Shoulder" is a dreadnought shape that was adopted by Gibson thanks to the popularity of Martin's flat tops in the market.
In contrast to the round shoulder, the shoulder of the guitar next to the sound hole is square.
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The photo shows the "Hummingbird," which is synonymous with the "square shoulder" shape! |
Of course, this type of guitar also inherits Gibson's characteristic sound character!
In the 70's, most flat-top guitars were produced with "square shoulders", but in recent years, "round shoulders" are very popular among Gibson guitars, and "square shoulders" can only be found on some models, mainly reissue models.
Gibson Super Jumbo
As opposed to the round shoulder and square shoulder, today we would like to introduce the "Gibson Super Jumbo"!
The Super Jumbo is characterized by its round, dharma-shaped body.
This design was taken from Gibson's L-5, the flagship model of the archtop lineup.
The use of maple wood, which is in the same vein as the L-5, has also inherited the powerful sound that is a clear expression of Gibson's sound and color.
This originally developed shape defined Gibson's image and later became known as the "king of flat tops.
The photo shows a gorgeous and gorgeous guitar in our store. And it rings like a bell! This is one of the best 1970s SJ-250 Special!
GIBSON Top Belly
If you are looking for a vintage GIBSON guitar, especially a J-45, you may be confused by the different shape of the bridge, right?
This time, we focus on one from the 50's!
This bridge is called "Top Belly"!
It is so called because of the design that there is a peak on the top side from the bridge to the head.
Incidentally, the "Top Belly" design was introduced in products from around 1949, and the saddle on the bridge became a short saddle in 1959, which fits between the pearl dots on both ends of the bridge.
Compared to the long saddle, the short saddle has a softer taste in terms of sound quality!
Adjustable saddle > long saddle > short saddle, in that order, the sound changes from hard to soft quality!
Please add this to your checklist when looking for a guitar!☆
Gibson Rare Bridge
Gibson bridges are usually made of wood, rosewood, but J-45s from 1962 to 1964 have an adjustable bridge made of [plastic] upper belly!
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The photo shows a 1964! It is equipped with a ceramic saddle! |
You may not notice it at a quick glance, but if you stare at it in front of you, you can see the difference because it is painted black and has no grain!
The change in the soundhole ring of a Gibson J-45, part 1.
Around the soundhole of Gibson J-45, there is a decoration called "soundhole ring".
The first year of sale, from 1942 to 1945, it is commonly called "One Ring"!
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It is embedded and the material is celluloid. The design has 7 layers of white/black/white/black/white/black/white.
From a distance, these 7 layers look like one thick ring, hence the name "one ring"!
Changes in Gibson J-45 soundhole rings, Part 2
Around the soundhole of Gibson J-45, there is a decoration called "soundhole ring"!
From late 1945 to early 1963, white/black/white [one ring] is equipped!
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The photo shows a J-45 made in 1956! |
As from 1942 to early 1945, it is embedded and made of celluloid!
The same "one ring" has a very different texture!
Changes in Gibson J-45 Soundhole Rings Part 3
Around the soundhole of Gibson J-45, there is a decoration called "soundhole ring"!
From the beginning of 1963 to 1969, the soundhole was decorated with 7 layers of rings on the inside and 3 layers of rings on the outside!
It is commonly called "two rings"!
The material is celluloid!
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The photo shows a J-45 made in 1964! |
This "two rings" was originally used on the higher models such as DOVE and Hummingbird!
It may have been adopted to standardize the specifications of acoustic guitars in general.☆
Gibson Pickguards of the 60's
Looking at vintage Gibson round-shoulder guitars, we can find many period changes!
This time, we focus on the pickguard!
From 1955 to 1964, the pickguard was a thin large type, but from 1964, the thickness was changed to a thick large type!
The right photo shows the "thin large type pickguard" used until 1964, and the left photo shows the "thick large type pickguard"!
It is a small change, but it also changes the appearance of the guitar!
Please add this to your enjoyment when you look at vintage guitars!
GIBSON Pickguard Designation
A little history of Gibson pickguards!
The teardrop pickguard was used on the J-45 until around 1954.
Incidentally, the very first J-45s were made of celluloid with a striped pattern!
This is also called "Teardrop", but it is also called "Fire Stripe Pickguard"!
Large pickguard" which is larger than "Teardrop" appeared on J-45 from around 1955!
This is the one that changes thickness, as I mentioned in the other day's short story!☆
From left to right: [Teardrop], [Fire Stripe Pickguard], and [Large Pickguard]!
Which one do you prefer? I'm very impressed with the "Large Pickguard"!
Gibson head logo
Gibson J-45 has traditionally used "Silkscreen Logo".
The logo is transferred from the top of the paint and pasted on the head.
In contrast, the head logo on the Southern Jumbo, for example, is made of mother-of-pearl inlay!
It's not that one is better than the other, but if you scrub and polish the [silkscreen logo] to make the guitar shiny... it will come off! Be careful!
The left photo is the head of J-45, [silkscreen logo]!
The right photo shows a Southern Jumbo head with "mother-of-pearl" inlay!
Gibson J-45 banner logo
One more small story about [Gibson J-45 banner logo] from [Gibson head logo].
The J-45 has had a right ascending logo since it was first released, but the J-45s made before 1946 had the so called "banner logo" with "ONLY A GIBSON IS GOOD ENOUGH" written in a band!
This is used only on the low-priced models including LG!
That's right! This logo is used only on the guitars with the "silk-screened logo" that I wrote about in a small story yesterday!
This is my guess, but I am sure they were trying to make the decoration more luxurious without spending too much time and effort.
Or maybe they had some feelings for Epiphone, which also used the [banner logo].
Gibson J-45 Post War Logo
Among the Gibson brand logos on the head surface, the one with a slanted writing style, which was adopted around 1947, is commonly called the "Post War Logo"!
It is called "Post War" because it was produced in the postwar period.
If you find a J-45 with this logo, it is a great value!
Gibson Crown Inlay
When you look at Gibson acoustic guitars, you will see a crown pattern decoration sitting on the head.
This is commonly known as a "crown inlay"!
Made of mother-of-pearl, this is Gibson's signature head inlay.
This decoration is often used on high-end models in Gibson's lineup such as SJ-200, Southend Jumbo, Country Western, J-160E, Hummingbird, and Dove!
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The photo shows a 1956 J-185 "Crown Inlay" in our inventory! |
The "crown inlay" does not necessarily mean that the sound is good! It is a mysterious decoration that makes you feel a little bit superior, though it does not necessarily mean that the sound is better because of the "crown inlay"!☆
Gibson Fingerboard Inlays This and That
Inlays that decorate the fingerboard of Gibson guitars!
They not only function as position marks, but are also important decorations that determine the appearance of the guitar.
Here are two of them!
First, the "Trapezoid Inlay"!
This is also called a "dish inlay" because it is designed to look like a plate from the side!
It is famous for use on Southern Jumbo and J-160E!
Next is the "Double Parallelogram Inlay"!
This is an inlay with two parallelograms in a row!
Also famous for its use in Southern Jumbo and Country Western!
The upper photo is [Trapezoid Inlay]!
The lower photo shows "Double Parallelogram Inlay"!
Which one do you prefer?
The change of Gibson J-45 bracing
Top bracing" determines the tone of an acoustic guitar.
The classic Gibson J-45 has top bracing as well.
The top bracing is based on the X-pattern, which imitates the Martin dreadnought, and has consistently been made of maple.
In fact, the top bracing of the J-45 varies from year to year!
There are roughly three patterns, so let's take a look at the differences!
When it was first released
The main brace is high and narrow.
Scalloped finish is also applied.
From the 1950s onward.
The main brace is also taller and narrower, but with narrower scalloped edges.
Some of the scalloped braces are not scalloped, possibly due to the transitional period.
From the mid-1960s onward.
The main bracing is shorter and wider than before.
No scalloping.
The bridge plate became wider and thicker toward the end of the 60s.
Thus, the "top bracing," which has the characteristics of each period, forms a different shape for each production period, even for the same J-45.
This is a proof that Gibson always repeated trial and error in tone character in response to the trends of the times.
The photo shows the top bracing of a late 60's J-45!
Please check out the top bracing of a vintage J-45!☆
About the GIBSON head angle.
Prior to 1965, Gibson headstocks were angled at about 17 degrees to the fingerboard surface.
This may be due to the fact that the headstock is made of wood, but there is a slight variation in the angle from piece to piece.
We measured it again in the store, and there is a considerable difference in the angle!
Well, I guess it is just about the same.
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The photo shows a 1963 Gibson J-45 with a head angle of 17 degrees! |
The head angle was originally added to prevent sound leakage at the nut, but it also causes head cracks, a common cause of accidents!
This angle is the reason why Gibson guitars have a cracked head when they are tipped over.
For the above reasons, as well as to improve productivity, the head angle was changed to [14 degrees] on almost all guitars in 1965!
Gibson Peg Bushing Finish."
Introducing a very unassuming part!
Most acoustic guitars have a post with a hole in the head through which the strings are threaded. The pegs connected to the post are turned in a circular motion to tune the guitar.
A metal part called a "bush" is attached to the post to prevent damage to the wood.
This [bush] was nickel-plated in our company, but it was changed to chrome-plated in the first half of 1965!
Chrome plating is less tarnished than nickel plating and has a bluish-white appearance, making it look shinier and brighter!
We can only imagine that this change of plating material was made to make the new guitars look more beautiful!
No, perhaps it was a matter of cost in the production process...
On the right is a 1963 J-45, [nickel plated]! The color is a little bit muted!
On the left is a 1969 J-45, [chrome plated]! How is it shining?
You may hear some people say, "It's a vintage guitar, so it's not so shiny..." However, you can use it as a trivia to know the age of the guitar and the replacement information of the parts.☆
Gibson Factory Order Number
Gibson acoustic guitars from the 1940s to the early 1960s are stamped with a manufacturing rod number called a "factory order number.
It is located on the neck block in the sound hole.
The Factory Order Numbers from 1952 to 1961 have a letter in the first letter of the alphabet and are called the "Reverse Alphabet System" because they start with "Z" in 1952 and go back to "Y" and "X" every year!
The system consists of a 3- or 4-digit number with the alphabet as the first letter, followed by a space and another 1- or 2-digit number.
The photo shows the neck block of J-160E.
You can see the "Factory Order Number" under the pickups!
The number sequence starting with [Y] confirms that it was made in 1951!
Serial number engraving on Gibson head.
Starting in 1961, all Gibson guitars will have a serial number, which will be engraved on the top of the back of the head.
However, the serial numbers after 10,000 at that time were very complicated and a little bit sloppy.
There are many cases where the same number is used for multiple years, or there are differences in specifications between the year of manufacture as inferred from the [serial number], and there are many inconsistent cases.
Especially in the period from 1961 to 1969, it is necessary to check the specifications of each part to determine the year of manufacture, and not to rely absolutely on the [serial number]!
Incidentally, "serial numbers" from the above period reappear from 1970 to 1975! ..................too much of a sloppy job!
After the early 1970s, "MADE IN U.S.A." will be stamped under the "Serial No.", so please use the presence or absence of that as a guide.☆
The left photo is a J-50 made in 1960, and there is no engraving!
And the right photo is a 1963 J-45, with engraving!
The logo on the Gibson J-45 pickguard.
Some J-45s made from 1968 to 1969 have "Gibson logo mark" printed above the pickguard!
This is the symbol mark of Gibson of the same period!
This printing is very easy to peel off! Therefore, most of them have been burned off due to aging.
If you can find an original guitar with the symbol mark still on it, you are very lucky! Please look for it!
The photo shows a recently reissued J-45!
It has the Gibson logo mark!
Rare Gibson pegs.
You may think that Gibson's pegs are usually made by Cruson or Grover, but for a short period of time in the late 1960's, GOTO Gut pegs were used!
What a strange feeling!
If you find a guitar with these pegs, it's a little rare vintage!☆
Gibson Neck Grip Width Variations.
The adjustable truss rod, now commonplace, is actually a Gibson invention!
The patent was also approved in 1923!
In the days when there were no truss rods, it was not possible to simply correct neck warping, so guitars were built with thicker necks to resist the tension of the strings.
However! With the advent of the adjustable truss rod, guitars could be made with thinner necks than before!
There are trends of the times, but there is also a significant difference in neck thickness between the 1940s and the 1960s!
If you measure the back of the nut and the circumference of the neck, you will see the following changes!
Gibson Neck Grip Width
1940's 72-78mm
1950's: 69-70mm
Early 1960s 64-69mm
Late 1960s 60-66mm
In the late 1960s, "narrow necks" were introduced and the "neck grip" became much thinner!
The upper photo shows a 1940's neck, and the lower photo shows a late 1960's neck!
You can see the difference in thickness!
Nut width change in the Gibson 60's.
Gibson guitars underwent a major change in nut width in the 1960s.
From around 1965, the width of the nut became extremely narrow! This is commonly known as a "narrow neck"!
In the 1940s, the nut width was about 42-46mm, and from the 1950s to the mid-1960s, it was about 42-43mm, but once the "narrow neck" period began, the nut width changed to 39-40mm!
After that, "narrow neck" guitars remained on the market until about 1969!
It's amazing how human beings can feel a difference of just a few millimeters!
Neither is better than the other, so if you are considering a vintage Gibsonm, please check out both guitars!
The top photo shows the early 1960's neck and the bottom is the [narrow neck]!
The lower guitar has a narrower nut width and a narrower neck!
Number of frets on a Gibson J-45
Everyone who plays acoustic guitar wants a Gibson J-45 at least once!
Unlike electric guitars, you rarely play in the high position and rarely count the number of frets on it, but the number is 20!
But! In fact, the J-45 was originally designed with 19 frets!
It was only in mid-1955 that it was fretted at the 20th fret!
The photo shows a 1951 J-45!
The last position marked is the 15th fret, so... you see, there are only 19 frets!
Gibson 1970s square shoulder era.
At the end of 1969, Gibson's flat top underwent a major transformation.
The Hummingbird, introduced in 1960, was the first flat top with a square shoulder.
In 1962, the DOVE was introduced as the top model.
The DOVE was a big hit due to its fashionable appearance, including the hummingbird and dove designs on the pickguard!
With strong sales, the company accelerated the development of the square-shoulder model.
By the end of 1962, Southern Jumbo and Country Western were also converted to square shoulders.
The pickguard was also changed to a 3-point type like that of Hummingbird.
In 1969, the J-45 and J-50, the last strongholds of the round shoulder, were also converted to square shoulders, ending the history of the round shoulder.
With square shoulders, teardrop black pickguards, and normal belly bridges, the J-45 and J-50 of the 1970s were transformed into designs reminiscent of the Martin dreadnought.
The pickguard was soon reverted to a large point type, but the square shoulder continued, and the round shoulder did not return until 1984.
Although it is too early to say that the square-shoulder design was good or bad, the sound of the J-45 was not well accepted, perhaps due to the bracing specifications, and the popularity of the J-45 from this period declined.
In fact, the production of J-45 and J-50 was temporarily stopped in 1983, and after the specification change to round shoulder again in 1985, Gibson started to regain the brilliance of the past.
The photo shows a J-45 from the 1970s.
The photo shows a J-45 from the 1970s, one of the square shoulder guitars that tell the history.