Gibson Songwriter

[jjbigfly]

I have been thinking about a Gibson Songwriter. Is this a sign of old age brain fade? Or could this be a positive experience? Been a long time since I have owned or played anything from Gibson, but I am looking for a change. I have always appreciated dreads and wonder how the current models are. I have touched two of the J-45’s but was underwhelmed. But I understand that store demos are not always the best representation of an instrument, so I am trolling for opinions (a sure sign of brain fade asking if I should buy another instrument on this forum) from those that are familiar with the Songwriter.
For the record, I don’t really write songs so there could be legal issues involved, but I don’t see any SongPLAYER models…..

[Seb_274]

I seem to recall songwriter being Rosewood and not Mahogany (like J-45 and Hummingbird). I guess its very similar to a Rosewood Hummingbird. I recently tried the J-45 and like you, was not very impressed and ended up buying a Hummingbird.

[Ryan51]

I would get the Songwriter only if they guarantee that you will be able to write a hit country song. Otherwise, the J-45 or Southern Jumbo might work just as well for writing songs.

[dnf777]

Lately, I have had a Gibson awakening in my guitar world, and have really enjoyed the change. While I love my old 45, and 185, I recently bought a LG-2 banner from a fellow AGFer, and havent touched anything else since!

If it feels right….GO for it, and dont worry why!

[Wade Hampton]

The examples of Gibson Songwriter models that I’ve had a chance to play have been remarkably consistent in how good they sounded, much more so than J-45’s. The J-45’s have tended to be a bit more hit or miss, but the overwhelming majority of Songwriters I’ve played have been guitars I could imagine owning. It’s a musically successful design.


Wade Hampton Miller

[Nick84]

Try a songwriter you won’t be disappointed! It’s longer scale than the J45 at 25.5” and it’s more of a canon than the 45s and hummingbirds.

It’s probably one of Gibsons most underrated models. Mine is a 2023 model and the fit and finish are fantastic. It sounded great out the box, even better after a set up.

I’m actually a fan of the barn door Fishman preamp and matrix under saddle pickup it came with, very easy to get a acceptable live tone.

[lowrider]

I've played with two people who have Songwriters. I don't know much about the guitar but they are good players and sound fantastic playing that guitar.

[Nickster]

I sold mine a few years back and still regret it. They are wonderful guitars.

[Dok]

The Songwriter Deluxe sounds fantastic in every demo I've seen. I love that it's longer scale, too. Have never played one but it's definitely on my list of guitars to check out if one ever becomes available locally.

[Denandannie]

I have a new songwriter purchased from Sweetwater about a month ago. Had them do a finger style set up. Plays great and sounds even better. You won’t be disappointed. I also changed to medium strings.
Let me know if you have additional questions.

[jjbigfly]

Alright, alright. I will go and play a bit more on the Songwriter. Then I will need to put one up for sale.
I do not have any stupid rule about one in, one out. But I do have a rule about being able to pay for the incoming one. If anyone feels bad for me I accept donations….or gifts.

[SKYHIGH]

PNW? Where are you located?

[jjbigfly]

I am in Portland, which also happens to be in Oregon.
And yourself?

John

[abn556]

I have always been interested in the Songwriter. I have played a few over the years and they always seem to sound good. Its a good looking guitar as well.

[mikealpine]

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

The examples of Gibson Songwriter models that I’ve had a chance to play have been remarkably consistent in how good they sounded, much more so than J-45’s. The J-45’s have tended to be a bit more hit or miss, but the overwhelming majority of Songwriters I’ve played have been guitars I could imagine owning. It’s a musically successful design.


Wade Hampton Miller

Originally Posted by Nick84

Try a songwriter you won’t be disappointed! It’s longer scale than the J45 at 25.5” and it’s more of a canon than the 45s and hummingbirds.

It’s probably one of Gibsons most underrated models. Mine is a 2023 model and the fit and finish are fantastic. It sounded great out the box, even better after a set up.

I’m actually a fan of the barn door Fishman preamp and matrix under saddle pickup it came with, very easy to get a acceptable live tone.

The above reflect my opinion, as well. I went to Alto Music to play a few guitars, having decided that a new Martin HD-28 neck wasn’t comfortable. I played a Takamine that sounded very nice acoustically, amazing when plugged in. Then I played a Songwriter EC and acoustically it was just “more” of everything I wanted. Big, rich, powerful. But the preamp was dead, so I didn’t buy it. Found a used one that seemed like a great deal, bought it. This one sounded like I recalled from the store. It has the barn door, which never bothered me, and it sounded great at my last couple of gigs. I think it stacks up to everything out there in dreadnought land in, or even somewhat above its price.