Gibson Limited Edition J-45 Koa Elite Acoustic-Electric Guitar (With Case)
The highly figured grain of its koa back and sides and LR Baggs Element VTC pickup give this J-45 an exotic look and powerful, well-balanced tone.
Overall User Ratings (based on 5 ratings)
Submitted December 20, 2014 by nick r in Miami , FL
"Gibson Limited Edition J-45 Koa Elite "
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I just can't say how blown away I am by this amazing exquisite instrument. I'm a lifetime musician/teacher with over 30 years experience and this is one of my all time favorites. Complex overtones and superb response right out of the case. It only gets better over time as that wonderful Adirondack spruce opens up and the Koa......it's just to die for. Having owned and played everything out there from Goodall to vintage Martins and Breedlove etc., this is the one I've been searching for.
Musical Background:
I have a doctorate in Music and have been at it for over 30 years.
Musical Style:
Everything and then some but especially jazz.
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Submitted March 14, 2015 by Mike C in Jackson, TN
"Gibson Limited Edition J-45 Koa Elite"
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Super guitar. I have been playing for over 40 years. I have had D Martins, Taylors, played many Gibsons. Vintage B25, J45's, Jumbos. I have a Martin D-16- Jumbo 12 string I really like. This guitar is unbelievable-looks beautiful and the tone is great. I originally ordered a J45 standard blem. Didn't work out and ZZ took it back with no fuss. Great company by the way. Anyhow....at that point I decided to upgrade. I saw the two reviews which were stellar on this instrument and decided to take a chance. This Gibson is top notch. Got the blem so there is a small mark on the neck that will probably rub out. The sound is very clear. Much more treble than the standard which I like. The KOA seems to be much lighter as the guitar feels much lighter than the standard. The Montana Sunset burst is beautiful. I like it better than the standard or the honeyburst on the last 75 Koa Limited editions made in 2011 or so. And the Koa back and sides are really unbelievable. Absolutely beautiful. Plugged in you can really control the bass and treble balance with the LR Baggs tone control. It will take me awhile to get used to the vintage open tuners and the old style Gibson logo but they are neat and tuners hold tune perfectly. I highly recommend this guitar especially if you like a slightly more treble top end on your J45. And the custom shop workmanship is stellar. Gibson quality is at a new high certainly with custom shop instruments like this. I have read only 65 will be built so I would get one as soon as you can. They are very special and limited instruments. Understated and elegant. Highly recommended. I will keep mine for sure. Listen to the music professor's review and buy one...while you can..I did.
Musical Background:
Was pro now home.
Musical Style:
All types of music.
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Submitted December 10, 2014 by Anthony T in Margaretville, NY
"Great guitar"
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I just received this guitar and not only is it beautiful, but sounds incredible. I have a 2014 new taylor 814 12 fret and the craftsmanship on the Gibson is equally as good. The koa and sunburst finish are unbelievable. The sound and playability are so sweet. I had reservations about ordering a j45, but let me tell you this guitar is a work of art... I now have my two dream guitars. This is the second guitar I have purchased from zzounds they are great ....I would not buy from any other place ..5 Star service...
Sound
Full sweet sound
Features
Koa sweet sound, red spruce bright and will open up
Ease of Use
Setup was a little high but I have small hands and need all my guitars setup accordingly.
Quality
Craftsmanship is stellar on this guitar.a work of art.
Value
It's hard to say...is it worth it yes and no. its on the same level as Martin and taylor but if you want a great playing, sounding, looking acoustic it's going to cost you.
Manufacturer Support
I gave it 3 stars haven't had to use it.
The Wow Factor
Even if I couldn't play its just a joy to look at. it's a work of art.
Musical Background:
Playing acoustic guitar 15 years....jam at home....
Musical Style:
Blues,country ,soft rock
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Submitted January 7, 2016 by Tom Cooper in Pomeroy, WA
"Sweet"
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My first Gibson thanks to zZounds. Guitar is absolutely gorgeous. Build quality and finish are perfect. Setup out of the box is exactly what Gibson stated on the inspection sheet. The string on it when it arrived were dead, it had been in its box for a year. With a set of elixirs it is bright and loud with decent midrange and great bass. The controls for the pickup are in the edge of the sound hole. Out of sight but easy to access. Just feels incredible in my hands and that new guitar smell. Intonation is excellent. Could not have made a better choice.
Musical Background:
Thirty years playing strictly amateur. Also play Tuba and piano.
Musical Style:
I play a bit of everything.
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Submitted December 4, 2016 by Thomas Cooper in Pomeroy, WA
"1 year Koa J45"
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Had it a year now . Getting sweeter all the time. Beautiful looks and sound. Every day I'm thankful I got it when I had the chance. Thanks zZounds.
Musical Background:
Several decades.
Musical Style:
All.
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