Gibson J45 vs Songwriter

tomjax

Are there any folks here that play a Gibson Songwriter and could comment on how it compares tone wise to the J45? I've been trying to track a Songwriter down to demo, but it seems no dealers in the north of England have any in stock. Surprisingly, there's no YouTube videos comparing the two either.

I like the idea of a Songwriter, but I already own a rosewood J45, and I'm wondering if there's enough contrast between the two to justify owning both. 

Winny_Pooh

Never seen a songwriter in the flesh...it has a long scale like an advanced jumbo so will sound "harder" and play with more Martin like tension. If that's what you want.
( based on owning an AJ and have played many J45s)
To me it's an ugly looking thing

tomjax

I like the idea of a guitar that has the Gibson tone but with more mid range punch and clarity. 

Winny_Pooh

I wouldn't say that rosewood has midrange punch, it's hollow if anything. More of a mahogany trait... sounds like you are describing a mahogany OM or 00-18 (brighter) or D18 (fuller low & low mids).

24 3/4 scale guitars with mahogany have a soft midrange and it just gets more nasal and louder than bass/treble balance when you reduce the body size.

tomjax

I understand the wood issues, I have a range of mahogany and rosewood guitars, but from all I've heard about the Songwriter it's a guitar with more mid punch, which is why I'm interested to hear thoughts from anybody that knows both guitars well. 

BingMan

if you want Gibson vibe with mid range punch and clarity check out the Collings CJ35. Has it in spades IMO
 

tomjax

BingMan said:

if you want Gibson vibe with mid range punch and clarity check out the Collings CJ35. Has it in spades IMO
 

Just missed one at Glenn's Guitars that I was hoping to demo; it went before I could book a journey south.  Thanks for the heads up on the CJ35 though, it does look a great guitar, but not many around on the used market.

BingMan

Yeah I saw that one on Glenns too... very good price as well. I own one have often toyed with selling it as I have too many guitars and only two arms... but every time I pick it up I remember why I got it in the first place! Great guitar!

tomjax

Thanks, do drop me a PM if you do decide to sell.

 I'm surprised there aren't more Songwriter players out there though, I thought I might get a few responses from owners. 

TimmyO

@Estheroid had/has a Songwriter iirc - she may be able to offer some insight (although not sure if she still frequents? Paging @noisepolluter ) 

noisepolluter

Going purely off the ones we’ve got between us, the Songwriter has more treble and bass and is slightly more strident whereas the J45 is a bit more mid-focused and softer sounding. The Songwriter I suppose is a bit more like some of the Martin dreads I’ve played both in terms of body size and tonal balance. Just run this past Estheroid and she concurs. 

tomjax

Thanks, that's helpful and great to hear from somebody that plays one. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.