Why isn’t the Gibson AJ as popular as the J-45?

[jpricewood]

Admittedly, I’ve never played an AJ, but I also never really considered one until I heard Jon Randall playing his. From what I’ve read, the advanced jumbo was designed to compete with the D-28 but failed to do so. Despite its initial failure to meet market expectations, many people consider it to be Gibson’s best acoustic. Therefore, I wonder why it didn’t surpass the J-45 in sales at some point in history.

[brencat]

Originally Posted by jpricewood

Admittedly, I’ve never played an AJ, but I also never really considered one until I heard Jon Randall playing his. From what I’ve read, the advanced jumbo was designed to compete with the D-28 but failed to do so. Despite its initial failure to meet market expectations, many people consider it to be Gibson’s best acoustic. Therefore, I wonder why it didn’t surpass the J-45 in sales at some point in history.

Because the longer sustain from the long scale AJ is nothing like the dry, quick, and short sustain short scale sound that Gibson acoustics like the J-45 and Hummingbird built their fame on.

You can't get that Bob Seger "Night Moves" sound with an AJ.

I used to own both, and much preferred the wider dynamic range and versatility of the J-45. The AJ had the J-45 beat hands down in the flatpicking/bluegrass department, but that's about it. My 2c.

[jpricewood]

Originally Posted by brencat

Because the longer sustain from the long scale AJ is nothing like the dry, quick, and short sustain short scale sound that Gibson acoustics like the J-45 and Hummingbird built their fame on.

You can't get that Bob Seger "Night Moves" sound with an AJ.

I used to own both, and much preferred the wider dynamic range and versatility of the J-45. The AJ had the J-45 beat hands down in the flatpicking/bluegrass department, but that's about it. My 2c.

That makes sense. My J-45 is my favorite guitar, and that is because of the resonant thump. However, I didn’t want to miss out if the AJ provides an even deeper Gibson thump.

[Dru Edwards]

Not sure why but I think the best Gibson I ever played was an AJ about 10 years ago. I've always wanted one since.

[00045]

Very simple, the AJ was introduced in 1935 and was too expensive at the time since it was in the Great Depression.
I own a 2013 limited edition 1935 AJ which is built like the Martin Authentic series. One particular instrument was copied, all HHG, Adirondack top and period correct EIR. Great instrument, but is different compared to the J-45. Hog vs RW, short vs long scale.

[Jack the Pearl]

I once owned a J-50. It was a mahogany/sitka spruce version of the J-45, right down to the shorter Gibson neck scale. A fine guitar, but even it was too good for this hobbyist.

The AJ was/is spruce top with rosewood back and sides, and a 25.5" neck scale. A different sound than the J-45. The J-45 has a spruce top with mahogany back and sides and a 24.75" neck scale.

Disclaimer: My J-50 was a "natural finish" top rather than the J-45 burst paint job. But other than this cosmetic difference I always thought they were the same. Maybe not. I can't see, nor could I describe, any differences in the top bracing. If there is a difference. But my comments here regarding the J-45 are based on my experience of the J-50.

Lots of words, but no answer to your question. Right? Sorry, but I guess my point is that these two guitars (the AJ and the J-45) are very different instruments. Each might appeal to a different set of guitar buyers.

My solution is that I own a Blueridge BG-160 as a compromise. It has the Gibson neck scale (I love that) with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides. I think it's a bit more articulate, with a bit more rumble in its tone, than a similar guitar with mahogany back and sides. I love that too. Different strokes for different folks.

[davenumber2]

Aside from the initial production for a short period in the 30’s the AJ was out of production until Bozeman revived it in the early 90’s. The J-45 was produced for that entire period from its inception in 1942 until present (maybe except for a bit in the 80’s). Even since then, the AJ has come and gone from Gibson’s regular production and has never been as easy to get as a J-45, which is Gibson’s flagship model.

[jpricewood]

Originally Posted by davenumber2

Aside from the initial production for a short period in the 30’s the AJ was out of production until Bozeman revived it in the early 90’s. The J-45 was produced for that entire period from its inception in 1942 until present (maybe except for a bit in the 80’s). Even since then, the AJ has come and gone from Gibson’s regular production and has never been as easy to get as a J-45, which is Gibson’s flagship model.

I didn’t know they were out of production so long. Thanks for that info.

[Rosewood99]

Originally Posted by jpricewood

That makes sense. My J-45 is my favorite guitar, and that is because of the resonant thump. However, I didn’t want to miss out if the AJ provides an even deeper Gibson thump.

I have a J 45 Rosewood and that definitely has more thump.

[Glennwillow]

I own a Gibson Advanced Jumbo Luthier's Choice from 2002 (Adi/BRW) and I like it a lot. I have played a few J-45s but never played one that interested me at all. I am not sure why more people seem to like the J-45. Availability may be one reason, but who knows.

- Glenn

[Wade Hampton]

It’s always been a mystery to me why the Gibson Advanced Jumbo has been so neglected over the years it’s been in and out of production. It’s my favorite Gibson acoustic model, and the only Gibson that I own.


whm

[Slimt]

I own a Few AJs from the Custom shop era of Gibson. Really Nice guitars.

[zoopeda]

They’re awesome. Kind of the Gibson answer to the D-28. Good flatpick guitars, powerful, and good strummers. Like others say, must have a lot to do with low production over the years. They look so much like the J-45, I wonder if they just didn’t catch on or if too many people just thought they were the same guitar at a higher price.

[Dotneck]

I liked mine. I might have kept it except for the neck geometry

[Slimt]

Originally Posted by zoopeda

They’re awesome. Kind of the Gibson answer to the D-28. Good flatpick guitars, powerful, and good strummers. Like others say, must have a lot to do with low production over the years. They look so much like the J-45, I wonder if they just didn’t catch on or if too many people just thought they were the same guitar at a higher price.

To be honest. With so few made in the 30s. And nothing remade till 1989 on to present. I dont think to many people knew anything about those. Not like the J45 which never stopped in production. J45s have a good place in music.