On a recent business trip to Houston, I finally had the chance to visit Fuller’s Guitar, a place I’d heard great things about, especially regarding their selection of Gibson acoustic guitars. As someone on a quest for that quintessential Gibson slope shoulder tone, particularly from a J-35, J-45, or J-50, I was eager to see what they had to offer. While I’m quite happy with my Eastman E6SS-TC, it just doesn’t quite capture that unique Gibson sound I’m after.
My experience at Fuller’s was exceptional, thanks in large part to the outstanding service from John Barker. If you’re planning a visit to Fuller’s Guitar Houston TX, I highly recommend asking for John. His extensive knowledge, patience, and helpful demeanor truly made my three-hour guitar exploration a pleasure. He was incredibly informative and allowed me to thoroughly test a range of Gibson models.
During my time there, I focused on the J-series, starting with the J-35 and J-45 Faded. Interestingly, I initially felt they sounded somewhat thin when playing them myself. However, when John played the same guitars, that perception completely vanished. It highlighted how much projection these instruments have, sounding even better from the listener’s perspective.
Next, I delved into comparing various J-45 models. I played a 50’s J-45, a Standard J-45, and Fuller’s own 50s J-45 Red Spruce edition. Among these three, the Fuller’s 50s J-45 Red Spruce stood out as my favorite. The neck profile felt a touch fuller (pun definitely intended!) than the Standard J-45, which I personally appreciated. Furthermore, the red spruce top seemed to add a certain extra dimension and responsiveness to the tone compared to both the standard Gibson 50s J-45 and the regular Standard model.
Then came the “Gibson Custom Shop Fuller’s Exclusive Early 40’s J-45 Historic Legend Vintage Sunburst” – quite a name to remember! This guitar was a real standout, especially if you prefer a substantial, beefy neck. It delivered an incredible vintage tone, reminiscent of those classic old-time Gibson sounds. However, that neck profile might be a bit much for some players, although I found it quite appealing.
While I didn’t venture into the higher-end Gibson Historic series models in the $4000-$5000 range extensively, I did have the opportunity to play a Custom Shop 1960 Hummingbird Fixed Bridge. This guitar was truly exceptional and possibly the best of all the guitars I played that day at Fuller’s Guitar Houston TX.
What truly impressed me about Fuller’s Guitar was their sheer volume of Gibson acoustics in stock. They currently list over 100 Gibson acoustics, a selection you simply can’t find in my home state of Minnesota. While I didn’t make a purchase on this particular trip to Fuller’s Guitar Houston TX, the experience was invaluable. I left with a much clearer understanding of what I’m looking for in my ideal Gibson acoustic and a very positive impression of Fuller’s Guitar and their knowledgeable staff. It’s definitely a must-visit destination for any Gibson acoustic enthusiast.
