The Gibson G-45 Studio has been on my radar for a few weeks now, and after spending some quality time with it, I’m ready to share my in-depth thoughts on this intriguing acoustic guitar. The buzz around the Gibson G-45 centers on its exceptional value proposition, making it a noteworthy contender in the acoustic guitar market.
Gibson G-45 Studio Acoustic Guitar Review: A full shot of the Gibson G-45 Studio, showcasing its round shoulder dreadnought body shape and satin finish.
The Unbeatable Value of the Gibson G-45 Series
The Gibson G-45 Studio and Standard models are quickly gaining recognition as landmark instruments, representing an era of incredible value from Gibson that may be hard to replicate in the future. When new, the Studio retailed for around $1399, a price point virtually unheard of for a genuine, American-made, all-solid wood acoustic guitar complete with a pickup system and a hard case. This combination of features and origin made the G-45 series a compelling choice for players seeking a high-quality, yet accessible Gibson acoustic.
Design and Playability: Comfort and Construction
While some might point out the G-45’s satin finish or its slightly shallower body depth as potential drawbacks, I found these aspects to be quite appealing. The use of walnut for the back and sides, instead of the traditional rosewood or mahogany, also sets it apart. However, these design choices shouldn’t be perceived as compromises in quality. In fact, the shallower body is a welcome feature for many players, myself included, as it enhances playing comfort, especially during extended sessions.
Gibson G-45 guitar heel joint close-up, highlighting the smooth transition and comfortable design for playability.
Addressing Setup Issues: A Common Guitar Shop Problem
My experience with the G-45 wasn’t directly from the factory, as I acquired a used model. It had undergone a setup at a local guitar shop, and unfortunately, this is where things took a turn for the worse. It’s a common issue in many guitar shops: the tendency to aggressively lower the saddle, often resulting in an action that’s far too low and causes unwanted buzzing. I won’t name the specific shop, but suffice to say, I would not recommend their setup services.
The action I encountered was more akin to an electric guitar, with noticeable buzzing even when strumming moderately. Measurements revealed an action around 1/16″ at the 12th fret (low E) with a capo at the 1st fret – far from optimal for an acoustic guitar and indicative of an improperly executed setup.
Gibson G-45 guitar action too low, showing string buzz and the need for saddle adjustment to improve playability.
DIY Saddle Adjustment and Temporary Fixes
To rectify the setup issues, I had to take matters into my own hands. Since there isn’t a readily available drop-in replacement saddle for the G-45, due to its unique 16″ radius and saddle shape, a quick fix was necessary. A future custom bone saddle from a luthier like Jarvis might be on the cards, but for the time being, I opted for a practical solution: walnut shims to match the existing walnut bridge. By inserting two thin strips of walnut, I was able to raise the action to a more playable and buzz-free height.
Walnut shims used to adjust Gibson G-45 guitar saddle height, showcasing a practical solution for setup issues.
Questionable Craftsmanship: Examining the Saddle
Upon closer inspection, the original saddle work revealed some disappointing craftsmanship. The filing was粗糙 and clearly done hastily to force the saddle into the slot. Worse still, the saddle wasn’t even seated at a right angle, indicating a lack of precision and care. It’s frustrating to witness such subpar work, especially when customers are paying for professional services.
Poorly filed Gibson G-45 guitar saddle, revealing shoddy craftsmanship and improper fitting into the bridge slot.
Upgrading Components: Bone Bridge Pins for Enhanced Tone
Beyond the saddle issues, another area for improvement was the bridge pins. The stock plastic pins felt cheap and underwhelming. To potentially enhance the guitar’s tonal qualities, I replaced them with a set of bone bridge pins. While the impact of bridge pins on tone is often debated, many players believe that bone pins can contribute to a richer and more resonant sound.
Bone bridge pins installed on Gibson G-45 guitar, an upgrade from stock plastic pins to potentially improve tone and resonance.
While these adjustments salvaged the immediate playability of the guitar, the thought of a custom bone saddle remains a consideration for the future, should I decide to keep the G-45 long-term.
Sound and Tone: A Round Shoulder Dreadnought Experience
In my opinion, the Gibson G-45 Studio serves as a fantastic entry point into the world of Gibson’s renowned round shoulder dreadnought acoustics. While it may not possess the sheer volume and booming bass of a full-depth J-45 Standard, it undeniably retains that signature “woody” Gibson sound that is particularly well-suited for strumming and Americana-style music.
The G-45’s shallower body contributes significantly to its playing comfort. Measuring approximately 102mm in body depth at the base, it’s about an inch thinner than a standard dreadnought. Does this thinner body affect the bass response? Yes, there is a perceived reduction in bass frequencies. However, for many players, including myself, this trade-off for enhanced comfort is a worthwhile compromise.
Final Verdict: A Highly Recommended Acoustic Guitar
Gibson headstock logo on G-45 guitar, emphasizing the brand recognition and appeal to guitar enthusiasts.
The Gibson G-45 Studio might not win any accolades for being the flashiest or most prestigious guitar at a gathering. However, I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone considering purchasing a quality acoustic at an accessible price point. Many of the features perceived as shortcomings are, in my view, actually advantages. I appreciate the satin finish, the comfortable thinner body, and the unique all-walnut construction.
It’s safe to say, the Gibson G-45 Studio has won me over, and it looks like it’s here to stay.
