Gibson J-150 Acoustic

I am a finger style acoustic guitar player. Alot of chuck and mute stuff... this guitar suits my style better than any I've ever played.

I had to take it into the store that I bought it from about 3 months after purchase. I tune down 1/2 step and I was getting some buzz... since the free setup, no problems. Other than that... this guitar makes me a better player.

I've had the guitar for a few years now, it's the only guitar I'll gig with. Outside of the pickup battery going dead I haven't had any problems.

I've only dealt with Gibson support once. I've got a '91 Les Paul Standard. The neck broke right at the nut. Sent it in and they repaired the neck for $250. Haven't had a problem since. I wouldn't say that I was pleased with the fact that the guitar broke, but... as far as support goes, they fixed the guitar and I've been playing it ever since (over 15 years)

I've been playing for over 35 years. I own a Gibson Les Paul Standard, a Fender Mexi-Tele, a Washburn EA-44, and a Guild Bass. I'd have to say that the 2 favorites of the bunch have to be 1 - the J-150 (by a landslide) and 2 - the Mexi-Tele < just love the way it sounds. I'd replace any of the 2 Gibsons or the Mexi-tele (probably with an American Tele).

The J-150 gives me room to experiment. I can play the guitar any way I want to and it sounds good. It lets me stretch my wings so to speak. I can pull just about anything off with it. It has made me a better guitar player.

Everything you expect of a Gibson. I didn't plan on purchasing this guitar but I played it and had to have it. The pick up system sounds great with lots of head room. In some rooms I have to use a feedback buster if the bottom C gets a bit woofy. I also have a bunch of Matons and a Martin D-18. This guitar is a standout.

It really is the ultimate strummers guitar and it is real nice picked.
It doesn't cut through like my D-18 on flat picking stuff but that's why I have a D-18

No faults to mention.

Now the bummer part. Unfortunately the neck has started to lift/twist. This has resulted in the bass strings lifting high around the 10-12th fret. I have taken it back to the place of purchase and they adjusted the neck to the point where the neck is straight on the treble side but still much higher on the bass side and has a definite under bow. I am running 12 - 54s and I'm tuned down a half step. I take all the normal care with heat, humidity, storage etc. They have told me it will have to go back to Gibson and have mentioned a solution may be compression fretting. I suppose at this point I'm apprehensive but we'll see how it's dealt with. Crap happens. Bummer !

We'll see how this pans out

I've been playing professionally for about 20 years. I still do 3+ gigs a week and at the moment most of them are acoustic gigs. I buy and sell a few guitars on ebay so the population is floating (it keeps the wife guessing too) At the moment I have : USA std tele, 60s Danelectro longhorn, Gretsch 6120, Custom thinline tele, Gretsch Baritone, 51'Fender T8 triple neck lap steel, Rickenbacher '41 B6 lap steel, Fender deluxe 6 lap steel, Brauchli custom weissenborn, 2 x Regal dobros, National steel tricone, Custom Jazz bass, Martin D-18, Gibson SJ-150, Maton MJ 707, Maton EM-325 12 string, Fender 65 deluxe, Fender Pro Jr. I think that's about it. except for pedals, PA's etc etc

As manufactured from Gibson Montana.

Simply the best sound I've ever heard from a guitar. I own a Taylor, Larrivee, Martin, Tacoma (2) and this is the best sounding guitar out of all of them The sound resonates and carries so well. Rich full sound. Love everything about it. I loved the sound so much I bought a Gibson J100X. It doesn't get better than this.

Nice and low, big booming sound. I actually had to lower the action a bit as it was high from the factory set up. Did not find any flaws with it. The pick up (Fishman) works great when plugged in. I have found no flaws with her!!

The Gibson name says it all. It seems so far that the finish is holding up well. Very dependable and of course would not go to any gig without a back up but she hasn't failed me yet. This guitar is meant to last a lifetime.

Very friendly, respond to emails quickly.

Have been playing for 10 years and have been playing Taylors, Larrivee, Martin and Tacoma and believe me there is nothing that sounds like a Gibson Jumbo. In a heartbeat I would replace this guitar if stolen (god forbid!!). Whenever I play among friends and family people have to take a second look at this beautiful piece of art. The pickguard, the maple, the pearl inlays and the mustache bridge. Superb!! I love the beautiful look and design of the guitar. It is one of the most gorgeous instruments you'll ever see. Trust me folks, if you take music seriously, you will not be dissappointed with this guitar!!!

STANDARD J150. AFTER OWNING OVER 150 GUITARS OVER A 32 YEAR PERIOD, THE MOST FANTASTIC MAPLE WOOD I HAVE EVER SEEN. FISHMAN PICKUP..WHO CARES IF THE PICKGUARD IS PAINTED? DON'T BEAT IT TO DEATH, PLAY IT AND IT WILL LAST..DIDN'T BUY IT FOR THE PICKGAURD ANYWAY. COULD USE A STRAP BUTTON ON THE NECK, BUT THAT KEEPS EVERYONE ELSE FROM USING IT.

BEST YET..I HAVE OWNED EVERYTHING, NO KIDDING. GREAT BASS, EVEN TONE ALL THE WAY DOWN. SOUNDS OFF LIKE A CANNON!! VERY LOUD

ACTION SET JUST RIGHT FROM THE FACTORY. FINISH IS GREAT. NO FLAWS 100% PERFECT

SO FAR SO GOOD. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH GIBSON.

NEVER HAD WARRANTY WORK DONE BEFORE

I HAVE BEEN PLAYING FOR 32 YEARS..AND YES I HAVE HAD EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN. MY BEST FRIEND IN THE WORLD (OTHER THAN MY WIFE) OWNS A MUSIC STORE AND TREATS ME LIKE FAMILY..THIS GUITAR IS THE BEST YET. BLOWS MY '94 DOVE OUT OF THE WATER ON SOUND. MADE ME SELL MY TREASURED VINTAGE GRAMMER, IT SOUNDED PITTIFUL AGAINST THIS BABY. WHY PAY 800.00 MORE FOR J200. THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN BEAT THIS SOUND. OTHER PEOPLE RAVE ABOUT IT.

Well, it's a standard J150, made in 2002. Only "glaring" problem with any of the features is the painted pickguard. After about a week, all the nice squigglies rubbed off, leaving just the etched stuff (small dots) in place. Silly pickguard aside, the features on this guitar are pretty ornate. I would never have bought a guitar like this when I was 20...but I aint 20 no more. It's ornate, but it's a real eye catcher. I've come to appreciate the looks a lot...and out of all my guitars, this is the one they wanna play. Solid Maple/spruce.

This is why I bought it. It has the most balanced sound of any guitar I played outside of a Collings. Loud, but not overbearing. You'd think the "king of Jumbos" would be a loud, booming guitar. It is plenty loud, but there are much louder guitars out there. The tone and even balance of this guitar is what made me keep coming back. I drove all over Texas, played every guitar I could get my hands on... Martins, Taylors, Santa Cruz, Larrivee, Lowden...just about everything. Tone is what I was looking for...and outside of a 3500$ Collings, this was the best. I play with some serious musicians, and the sound of this guitar makes everyone take notice.

It has an installed pickup/preamp in it. Not the best, not the worst. Gonna put an LR BAGGS or McIntyre system in...I prefer those pickup systems over what came with the guitar...but for now, it'll do.

Action needs some work, gets some fret buzz. I have had the guitar for about 2-3 months now, so will have a setup done to fix this. Whether it's a neck, saddle, or fret adjustment...not sure. Finish is beautiful, as is fit. Eye candy.

It's a very well built guitar. Very solid feeling and it reflects in the sound. Havent had it long enough to determine durability

Who knows.

Guitar had been hanging on the wall at Hermes for 6 mos. They had one of their incredible sales (Hermes is the lowest price music shop I've ever been to, and when they have a sale, they REALLY have a sale). Cheapest I found this guitar on the INTERNET was around 1700$. Hermes had it for that price, and then had one of their "1 Day Sales", so I got it for 1399$, w/case.

Overall I love this guitar. It fits me. I play a lot of "Americana" type (Robert Earl Keen, Steve Earl), and I write songs in that vein also. So, you can find me strumming hard, which this guitar handles beautifully. I also love to fingerpick (about half my songs), and surprisingly, this guitar handles it well. I was looking for a guitar that could hold up to heavy strumming, as well as shine when fingerpicked...I found it.

I never thought I'd own one of these blonde, ornate guitars...just didn't seem like me. But I found myself going back to it time and time again...cuz it just sounded good. "You know, their sorta big and gaudy...but damnit if they dont sound good"...musta said that 20 times to people.

Now I love the looks too :)

This guitar is a standard J-150 manufactured on day 129 in 2001. The features are no more and no less than what is advertized.

I went looking for a fingerstyle mahogany or rosewood guitar. But every time I picked up a maple guitar, my ears really perked up when I heard how bright it sounded. So I decided that a large body guitar would give me the strong bottom I was looking for and the maple wood would give me that bright sound that I liked. I would characterize the sound as a very balanced, high quality sound with a great, even punchy, bottom. It is a sound that has taken me places, harmonically, that I otherwise would never go. I'm using 80/20 bronze strings and I like what I hear...alot. Phosphor bronze may be needed on guitars that need brightening up. But this guitar is bright enough. Also, the sound of this guitar when capoed way up the neck is still full and complex.

I am only a bit disappointed in the construction. Overall it is very good. But there is an annoying pencil-line-width brown streak about 3 inches long in the smaller bout on the side. It is a natural feature of the grain but it's not becoming to the otherwise beautiful wood. Also, the tuning heads are just so-so. One knob moves a bit before it really engages. Lastly, the J-150 doesn't have an engraved pick guard like the J-200. The design is painted on or stamped on. Gibson would have done better to just use no pickguard or a plain pickguard for the J-150 instead of this painted-on design.

I think it will last. I'm glad for the lifetime guarantee though.

I emailed Gibson to find out about the paint used in the pickguard in case I try to remove the paint completely. I did get a prompt response but the info was pretty sparse.

I've been teaching myself for 20 some years. I fingerpick and strum bluesy and folky type music. I spend maybe 10-15 hours a week playing. I also own a Washburn Festival Monterey (the first Monterey series) acoustic electric and an electric traveler guitar. If this guitar were lost or stolen, I would feel a great loss and would look for a similar replacement. It's a wonderful guitar.

I won't bother describing the J-150's specs because mine is factory stock made in July 2001. The rating of 8 is compared to all other guitars. I deducted 1 point in recognition that there are guitars that are fancier and more ornate ( but cost a lot more). I also deducted 1 point for the electronic pick-up. Personally I didn't really care that it had an electronic pick-up, but since it has one, there are other guitars with better pick-up's, i.e. balanced acoustic/electronic with built-in equalizer/bias controls. However, I would rate my guitar a 10 if compared only to those in the same class. I like the super-jumbo body style. The pronounced contour between the upper and lower sections seems to fit the lap better than the dreadnaught and other styles. I also like the design of the neck. It's thin and nicely sculpted and contoured which blends well with the body. It is also very light for its size and balances nicely. The cosmetics are a little more ornate than I would prefer. The dandelion pick guard is a little much as is the moustache bridge, but taken for what it is, it is a beautiful guitar that radiates the moment the case is opened.

I've played my guitar every day now for about two months and each time I play it I'm amazed anew with its sound. In fact there are times when I can't walk past the case without getting the guitar out for another fix. Its sound is so full and rich that its almost visceral, affecting not only the sense of hearing but of touch and taste as well. It litterally creates an appetite that begs to be satisfied. I believe this is in large part due to the interaction you feel when you play the guitar. It seems to be alive, the way it resonates, undulates and dances as you play it. You can feel the notes through your whole body. My entire chest cavity reverberates from contact with the guitar body, and my hand and arm vibrates from holding the neck. It has an extraordinary range of expression. It produces a tapestry of sound with the threads of the individual notes woven in the tapestry. You can play it neutral and produce a full, balanced and rounded sound. Or you can dig into the chords and pull out individual notes or emphasize the upper middle or lower sections. Its almost impossible to overpower the guitar. The more energy you put into it, the more it seems to draw in on itself and then broadcast the sound outward to fill up the room. Its like having a loudness button on demand. It has great definition. When playing runs or combos individual notes come out crisp, clear, pure and sustained as do the harmonics, using either a fingersytle or a pick.

The factory set-up plays well enough out of the box. I'm still trying to find out which strings it likes best. So far, I definately like it better with phosphor-bronze and it seems that a light/medium guage will settle in as the best choice, probably 12/ 53's or 54's. Once I get the string selection wired (NPI), the action will need to be tweaked. The nut needs to be lowered slightly, the saddle lowered and rounded slightly and the neck slightly flattened. With that done, it should play like butter. But all that's personal preference. The craftsmanship in its construction is evident. I can find absolutely no flaws in its fit or finish. Its a beatifully made piece of artistry. The finish seems a mile deep and smooth as glass. It also smells wonderful. The scent of the wood and volatiles in the finish combine to produce a bouquet that fills the house when the case is opened. It will be a great disappointment when the fragrance fades with time. I called he factory and suggested they make a conditioner to keep the new smell alive.

I ran into some problems with the electronic pick-up. When I tried to put in a fresh battery, the battery snap broke off. I had to get a replacement from radio shack and solder it onto the wires. The strap button/pick-up jack was also loose, which produced fuzzy sounds at first when plugged into the mixer. Other than that and the fact that I hate to take it out of the case for fear to dinging its beautiful finish, I expect it to hold up well. It already sounds like a 40 year old guitar.

I've spoken to the factory several times and they seem extemely responsive, helpful and friendly. Because of the climate I live in, I was especially concerned with storing my guitar so as not to lose its tone.

This rating really starts about ten years ago. I've been playing for about thrity years and until ten years ago it was all on classical concert guitars. Then ten years ago, I wanted to get a steel string guitar. I had a budget of $1,000 and set out to get the best guitar I could for that price. I played every guitar in town and finally settled on a specific Guild DV-52 dreadnaught. The DV-52's seemed to sound the best of all the guitars in my price range and my guitar was the best of the DV-52's I tried. Over the years I've tinkered with the guitar modifyng its action, trying different strings etc to get the best sound and playability. A couple of months ago, I thought it would be fun to go around to all the guitar shops and see if there were any new things I could learn by playing the best guitars in the shops. I went into all the shops and played all the top end guitars. The last thing I wanted to do was to buy a new guitar. I was just having some fun, killing some time, and looking for some new ideas. One of the shops had my J-150 in their "Martin Room" and so I picked it up. As I said above, its a little ornate for my taste so I wasn't really interested in it when I picked it up. But when I played it it sounded so much richer and fuller than all the other brands, there wasn't even a comparason. I played it against all the other Gibson's also, including the J-200 and it beat them hands down. I went to the rest of the shops in town and played their guitars, but that one J-150 just seemed to stand out. So I went home and put new strings on my Guild and the next day, I again went around to the different shops, had them put the same strings on what I thought were their best guitars and played them head to head against my Guild. I played another J-150, a J-200 and a couple of Martins and Taylors. I was feeling pretty good about my Guild. It sounded great against the more expensive guitars. I thought it was equal to the Martin's, close to the Gibson's and just different than the Taylor's. At the last shop, I had them restring my J-150 and when I hit that first chord, I didn't even need to pull my Guild out of the case. With the new strings the sound was so strong and vibrant and the guitar felt so alive that I just asked the kid who was helping me to have pity on an old man and give me the best price he could. You know the old joke of why there are women in Montana....becasue sheep can't cook. Well if my guitar could cook, I'd marry it an live happily ever after. Playing it gives me some small idea of what it must be like for a violinist to play a Stratavari or Guenari. Gibson has crafted a truly fine instrument in this J-150. Anyone wanna buy a used Guild?

My guitar was built in March of 2001 and came with a hard case, Humidifier and a couple of picks. All the wood is solid; the back flamed maple and front spruce, the finish is natural.This is not the top of the line for the Gibson j200's yet it still has more features than the top of the line of many other makes of guitars.The abalone gibson inlay and crown pearl down the rosewood neck. It is a stunner when you pull it out of the case and everyone asks if they can touch it.The only reason I'm giving it a 9 is that I've seen the upper scale Gibson J200's and reserve the 10's for them.

For me the factory set-up was great and plays faster than anything I've played before. The sound is bold and well rounded..when you play the last cord it is still resonating when you put it in the case. It also picks very well.

As I said the action is fast. The solid maple back and neck are well matched and looks if they came from the same tree. The finish is flawless and I grewup working in my fathers furniture refinishing shop so I am very picky about the finish

I can't comment yet except to say that it seems to be built more solid than other guitars.

Never needed them. But came with a outstanding warrenty.

Growing up in Nashville I've played for about 25 years. I looked at Martins, Taylors, Guilds and Gibsons and when I played J-150 for the first time I new I had found the one I wanted. I was in a room playing all the different types of guitars but as soon as i strummed this one I had to have it.

List price $2850, Cost: $2000 with traded items, Cash $1370.
This is a second attempt to write a review since my computer locked up and I lost my last submission, Oh well, that's life on a computer.:
This is fresh from Bozeman, Montana August, 2000.
This model has all the usual features: solid Sitka sprce top, solid North easter maple sides and back, two piece maple neck with center rosewood stripe, large crown inlays on fretboard, just plain beautiful. An added bonus - This guitr is available in Natural finish only, (unless you special order one from the factory) This guitar came in vintage sunburst! I thought that the extra paint would affect tone, but it doesn't affect the tone at all. Comes with a factory installed Fishman transducer (thinline saddle piezo) pickup.

The tone is full, rich, deep, high. I played this instrument in a room of Guilds, Martins (D35 etc), Takamines, and yes even Taylors, and this guitar had them all beat! The J-150 is a J-200 without white binding around the neck and headstock and one less pearl bar on bridge and different pickguard. They could have renamed this J-200L for "Less". It runs about $1000 less in price than the J200, without sacrificing sound and woods used. The transducer sounds full and warm with crisp highs. I play it through a Fender Acoustasonic SFX amp. I also am comparing it to a Washburn RR150 (Red Rocker 150 - Sammy Hagar signature model see my review) which sounds thinner and less warm than the J-150.

The action is factory setup and suits my style and feel. I've played for 35+ years and own 5 Gibson guitars. Three of which are Acoustics: J-150 & 2-Hummingbirds, 1974, 1964. The 1974 model is a Kalamzoo, MI make, Hummingbird Custom w/natural top. It is the heavier double-X braced Norlin Era - that's when Gibson acoustics went down hill and turned the more discerning customers away. The 1964 Hummingbird (natural top), on the other hand, is hard to beat in the mellowness and sustain dept. This early 60's 'bird has a ton of tone. The J-150 doesn't have the sustain of this guitar, but the Hummingbird doesn't have the boom and full sound this J-150 has either. I expect the J150 to increase in sustain in 15-20 years. Don't get me wrong, the J150 has incredible sustain, but falls a little short of a guitar whose woods have mellowed out over a period of 36 years!
One adittional note about the J150's appearance, the looks of this guitar will dazzle audiences. Perfect bookmatched top and back, I'm awed at its appearance.

I have no doubt that this guitar will dazzle audiences with its look and tone. the strap button is solid. There is no button on the upper bout, just the end pin for the piezo jack. Which seems to be very solid and hopefully reliable. I'm putting a 9 in this category because I'm leary of the the strap setup I have, but is not a refection on the guitar.

I called Bill at Gibson Montana and he stands by willing to assist me with whatever needs I have. hopefully I'll never have to call them, but one never knows either, but that's why they offer a lifetime warranty.

I have been playing for 35+ years. Gibsons: 1977 Les Paul Custom honey sunburst, 2 hummingbirds, 1997 12 string Gibson Nighthawk one-of-a-kind from Gibson's Research and Development department - only one in the world made! If anyone knows of another 12 string Nighthawk, email me, Fender Am Standard Strat with Vintage Noiseless PUs, Washburn RR150, GTR 5 string banjo, mandolin...etc.
If my J-150 were stolen, I'd cry!!!!! I'd collect the insurance $$ and buy another vintage sunburst. Perhaps a J200 with factory installed transducer. I put 9 in this category, because the 10 was for fantastic value, but Gibson products, yes are fantastic, but that comes with a hefty pricetag. The 9 is reflected in the price. But I'd buy another, because the quality is unmatched!

This is a new jumbo model from Gibson Montana. It is a J-200 without the bound neck and headstock. The maple neck, back and sides are beautifully flamey. Rosewood "moustache" bridge. Rosewood board with J-200 fancy inlays. Spruce top. Lacquer finish. Factory transducer. It's beautiful, and the transducer is a nice "feature."

The guitar sounds like a J-200, big full and bright and it can be sweet and sustains well depending upon how and where you pick. A classic sound.

Action fit and finish were well done. The guitar is immaculate and beautifully built.

It appears to have been built with great care to detail, and should be a keeper.

N/A

I've been playing for 25 years, have gone through an army of guitars and amps and lean toward the usual brands (Gibson, Martin, Fender) and traditional models. I have a Martin SPD-16T which is a nice compliment to the J-150. This guitar sounds great, and is so gorgeous I can sit and stare at it. It is a great value for those of you who lust after a J-200 but can't or won't spend the huge bucks.