I owned a TV model. Loved it. Miss it. I'm not sure I agree with the statement that it's brighter than the standard. Maybe some are, mine wasn't and neither was another one I played recently. They differ, significantly. I haven't played any bad ones, but I haven't played any two that sounded exactly the same either.

BTW, with some dickering you could get a new J-45 Standard for around $1800. Used they're around $1400.

The Custom model is superb as well. You'd have to like the rosewood sound though because it has that in abundance.

Buying before playing stinks though. But if you gotta do it, be prepared to maybe send a couple back before you're totally satisfied. I like another poster's idea of having someone demo models for you over the phone, or Skype or put a video on youtube. GC probably wouldn't do that though, but plenty others would.