J45s & J50s (Gibson guitars)

Subject: J45s & J50s
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 08:57 PM

We are having trouble dating some Gibson guitars. Martins are easy, but Gibsons are quite elusive. Could someone answer some questions?

Until recently, the only difference between J45s and J50s was the sunburst top on the J45 and the natural top on the J50.
1. When did these guitars change from a tear-drop pick guard to the pick-guard with the point?
2. When was the adjustable bridge introduced?
3. When was it phased out?
4. When did these two guitars go from a slope shoulder to a square shoulder?
5. When was the black binding introduced and how long was it used?
6. When did the J50 and J45 become distinctive guitars with more than top colour difference?

Thanks to anyone who can help me with these questions. There must be some guitar trivia buffs out there in mudcat land.

Subject: RE: J45s & J50s
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 09:00 PM

I bought a J45 with an adjustable bridge in the early 60's. Can't remember the exact year, and I no longer have it. It might even have been a J50, as I was never much on model numbers. The guitar played good. That was enough for me.

Jerry

Subject: RE: J45s & J50s
From: Shiplap Structure3
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 09:11 PM

Is he suggesting that Martins are an easy lay?
Is this a dating agency?

Subject: RE: J45s & J50s
From: Mooh
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 11:21 PM

The Blue Book often has an overview of model changes and differences...

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: J45s & J50s
From: Deskjet
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 02:50 AM

A trip to the Gibson acoustic discussion forum might help.There's some knowledgable people hanging about there.

Subject: RE: J45s & J50s
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 02:58 AM

J45 still available as round shoulder up to about a year ago - my lodger Jeff Cole bought one, and it is hanging on the wall in my house.

Only months before that J50 was still available in round sholder, I played one in a shop in Denmark Stree, I think it was Rose-Morris.

Only visual difference I noticed was top colour.

Have you tried asking Gibson?