How do you describe the sound of this Gibson? I love it, seems like a special one. To me it sounds dry, like an old martin (my frame of reference is limited), like a 70yo Gibson I guess... There's something buttery about the attack, but probably the player's skill there.
I really cannot tell the difference from an old J45 and a D18. So to the nerds, what are the right words? 'woody low mids' and something bracing, etc.
Re: A question for acoustic guitar snobs
Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2021 5:09 pm
by Molly
quyet wrote: ↑Tue Jul 27, 2021 4:57 pm
How do you describe the sound of this Gibson? I love it, seems like a special one. To me it sounds dry, like an old martin (my frame of reference is limited), like a 70yo Gibson I guess... There's something buttery about the attack, but probably the player's skill there.
I really cannot tell the difference from an old J45 and a D18. So to the nerds, what are the right words? 'woody low mids' and something bracing, etc.
No idea but, shit, he can play. So, is that bluegrass? Excuse my ignorance. Genuine question.
No idea but, shit, he can play. So, is that bluegrass? Excuse my ignorance. Genuine question.
Nope. Ragtime.
Re: A question for acoustic guitar snobs
Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2021 5:56 pm
by robnobcorncob
The player would make anything sound good, but aside from that...
That's not a J45, it is an LG-2 (smaller, like an L-00 but wider in the waist) which is fantastic for finger picking. They hit the sweet spot at a relatively low volume and are very pleasing to the ear for both player and listener.
Looks like a '50s model, tuners are replaced (buttons far too white, the original buttons crumble quite often, not hard to replace the button only).
Sounds like a Gibson, the midrange is there. A Martin of similar size (00-18 perhaps, which like the LG-2 will be Spruce and Mahogany) will sound somewhat similar, but slightly more scooped in the midrange. YMMV and welcome to the rabbit hole.
No idea but, shit, he can play. So, is that bluegrass? Excuse my ignorance. Genuine question.
Nope. Ragtime.
There's a poor taste joke in there at the wife's expense, but I won't go there.
and there goes any hope of sustaining female members....
(oops, but its 'hard' not too)
Re: A question for acoustic guitar snobs
Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2021 7:52 pm
by Slowy
robnobcorncob wrote: ↑Tue Jul 27, 2021 5:56 pm
The player would make anything sound good, but aside from that...
That's not a J45, it is an LG-2 (smaller, like an L-00 but wider in the waist) which is fantastic for finger picking. They hit the sweet spot at a relatively low volume and are very pleasing to the ear for both player and listener.
Looks like a '50s model, tuners are replaced (buttons far too white, the original buttons crumble quite often, not hard to replace the button only).
Sounds like a Gibson, the midrange is there. A Martin of similar size (00-18 perhaps, which like the LG-2 will be Spruce and Mahogany) will sound somewhat similar, but slightly more scooped in the midrange. YMMV and welcome to the rabbit hole.
It's really well recorded. There's no way it's punching out that much presence and volume in the room but it's a great example of why these things are beloved of recording engineers.
And everywhere I look these days, I encounter Sturgill Simpson.
Re: A question for acoustic guitar snobs
Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2021 8:16 pm
by codedog
Slowy wrote: ↑Tue Jul 27, 2021 7:52 pm
And everywhere I look these days, I encounter Sturgill Simpson.
Discovered him through the numerous mentions by Jason Isbell. Quite enjoyed his Tiny Desk solo gig.
Re: A question for acoustic guitar snobs
Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2021 8:48 pm
by Litterick
Dry, like a Martini.
Re: A question for acoustic guitar snobs
Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2021 9:04 pm
by Starfire
It sounds quite a lot like the '37 Harmony parlour I had a few years ago (it needed a little work to keep it going for another ~80 years, so I sold it on to someone who could better afford to fix it up), albeit a bit brighter/with a bit more sustain. Though that's comparing a recorded guitar, as Slowy points out, to one I had in my hands. I feel like some metal fingerpicks and that Art & Lutherie Ami on TradeMe could probably get you in the ballpark for cheap.
Re: A question for acoustic guitar snobs
Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2021 10:31 pm
by standardfour
I have a 1963 LG-0 and it sounds just like that, well it would if I had 30% of the talent that guy has. But it certainly has that seasoned thud and the bright jangly highs. I agree with the ‘dry’ description, i feel like the aged wood starts to sound more ‘boxy’, if that’s even a word. The LG-0 was an absolute student model but it’s maybe the lower quality that adds the character. Highly recommend them, still see them cheap sometimes.
Re: A question for acoustic guitar snobs
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 6:36 pm
by rickenbackerkid
Very dry, some what scoopsedin the upper mids while at the same being boxy in the lower mids. Not too bright - you wouldn't call that an 'airy' sound. I have an LG0, love that dirty dry Gibson sound. Darren Watson plays a 50's LG2 like the one above.
