What the heck is the difference between the Gibson J-45 and Gibson Southern Jumbo?!

For 2020 Gibson Guitars has relaunched their line of acoustic guitars with models falling into two categories - Original Collection and Modern Collection. The launch of the Original collection brought back a fan favorite, the Gibson Souther Jumbo! But, what is the Southern Jumbo? Is it just a dressed up J-45 or are their more differences between these two guitars? That is a common question so today we address their differences and their similarities by looking at the relaunched Gibson Souther Jumbo and the 50s J-45 Original.
Demo starts at 6:56

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[onnodejong]

And not to forget: The Southern Jumbo also has binding on the neck!

[neilbranco]

I’ve always loved the sound of a J-45. The first time I heard one in person was watching live music at a bar and I thought WOW that guitar sounds unbelievable. I was hooked. I wanted that sound but I like the look of the SJ better. I just bought this EXACT Southern Jumbo used in this video from Alamo Music!!! Thank you Chris for the great content!

[RedEyedPatriot]

My grandmother left me her 1942 Gibson j45...its in awesome shape...ill cherish it forever 😎

[danielcoleman]

I also prefer the Southern Jumbo.
It's mostly because of the appearance.The split parallelogram dresses it up a bit and the binding looks better to me. Thanks for the video.

[mojobrando]

There is actually a never talked about difference in these two models. That being the bridges are actually different. The placement of the pins on the j45 are as far back as possible while the Southern Jumbo pin holes are closer to the saddle which allows for a steeper break angle and is a functionally better design.

[maxwellfan]

I'd pick the one with the better tone, but my heart lies with the SJ because of those quintessential Gibson appointments, and the fact that Hank Williams played one.
In my opinion these are two of the best acoustic guitars anyone can buy, comfortable body shape, versatile for any style, full sounding yet articulate-not boomy, plus that killer sunburst.
Finally because it's a Gibson acoustic guitar, and I'd be proud to own one.

[jamesdahl]

I’ve been wanting to purchase another J 45 for at least five years but other things have been more of a priority. After watching this video, which I’m glad you did, there’s no way I would not spend the extra $300 for the southern jumbo. In my opinion when you were spending that kind of money $300 doesn’t even come into play. Hopefully I’ll have that soon, I’m 66 years old and I’m still wanting it, LOL. Thank you very much for doing the comparison. They both sound really good but I just want those little extras if I’m going to be able to get it. Keep the videos coming so a 66-year-old Hoosier can keep watching and enjoying!

[aarongreen]

Love my southern jumbo and thanks for doing this video. I looked and looked for a video when I was trying to decide between the j-45 and the southern jumbo and couldn’t find one. I ultimately decided to spend the extra money for the southern jumbo and no regrets.

[susdigital]

One big difference left out is the spacing between the saddle, and bridge pins. The J45 has a wider spacing, so less angle of attack on the strings going over the bridge. What exactly that does to sound & tone...I don't know. But there has to be an effect.

[snuttodd]

Going to have to listen again, but the sound of the j45 had the xtra little magic

[VaibhavMittalIndia]

I like the regular J45 over SJ, the standard has nice shimmery sound while SJ has bolder tones, which sounds like a departure from the core tonality of a standard J45. Nice playing 🤘

[AmpAHolic-wnmr]

Outstanding job on this comparison. I prefer the tone of the J45. A bit sweeter, smoother mids, not as crispy on the top end as the SJ. Nearly identical to my J45TV. I do prefer the aesthetics of the SJ more. I’m all about tone. If I were choosing between the two, I would definitely walk with the J45.

[dereknichols]

I really enjoy hearing you play the guitar. You play beautifully, and make it look so effortlessly! Thank you for recording!

[alexandergriggs]

I had myself all talked into a Banner Reissue J-45 based upon reviews and Youtube - torrified Adirondack, hide glue, etc. I went to a shop and played that guitar alongside a 50's J-45 and the Gibson Southern Jumbo original. All were nice guitars, but interestingly - I pulled the trigger on the SJ. It had better string separation; less mids; but a more "sophisticated" sound - It also hands down played the best. Goes to show, you simply must put your hands on them and hear them in person - you might be surprised.

[trevorcarmean]

The bridge pins on the SJ are closer to the saddle than the 45, which creates a different break angle for the strings.

[billsiopes]

Chris, I bought an SJ today. I played both of these side by side and they had very different voices! Both sounded great, but the SJ was fuller and warmer than the J45. The J45 almost became brittle at some points up the neck (still sounded good though) whereas the SJ just kept the round warm sound. Not sure if it was the wood, the build or whatever.... but it was real and 2 others trustworthy musicians thought the same. Both were incredible guitars, but SJ was one of the best J45’s I’ve ever played. The aesthetic didn’t hurt either hehe.
Thanks for your reviews, love em!

[EveningCrow]

Just got one of these 45's this week and I'm very impressed!

The neck definitely feels chunkier than my J-15 but still comfy. I think it adds to that old guitar feel. Normally I don't like bursts but I think it fits right in with the 50's appointments. I got lucky mine has a very dark top.

Im happy with my choice. The SJ was tempting but I've never liked the split parallelograms.

[williamvanvugt]

A Gibson SJ is NOT just a gussied up J45 (as some "experts" have written). Gibson reserved their best woods for the SJ, and they did more refined work, especially sanding. I own both SJs and J45s from the 40s. They are both wonderful. But the SJ has a more refined sound, a deeper tone, and smoother overtones. At least to my ear, and I have played a dozen or so of both, over the past 50 years or so. For what is is

[itslikethesamebutdifferent]

They both sound good but i must go with the Southern Jumbo. Been a proud owner since two years ago and the sound is just beautiful & full. Plus i like the look of it when compared to the J45. The Gibson Southern Jumbo is a guitar’s guitar.

[masonburnsmusic]

I have the new 50s j-45, and the neck is actually pretty damn chunky. I love it. Bigger than my 1958 reissue les Paul... And I thought that was big! Great for big hands/long fingers like mine