Gibson J45 vs Atkin J43! | Guitar Battles #25 | @ TFOA

Coen and Maarten are back with a new episode of Guitar Battles! This one has been requested a couple of times now and we figured it was time to do it... The Gibson J45 vs the Atkin J43. Classic American guitar-making against a British master-luthier. Let us know which one you thought won this battle!

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[stucarr]

I've had 2 j45s, a standard and 50's original series and now I have the atkin j43, couldn't be happier with the atkin, it surpasses the gibsons entirely

[davidguerre]

for my 50th birthday I went to choose a great acoustic guitar.. I already own a sweet Martin OM16Cwe ( Cutaway, Walnut back & Sides) and wanted to find a guitar that is different and speaks to me. I tried the classic ones ( Martin D18, D28, D35, Om28, OO28, Gibson J45, Furch Om Vintage 2, Furch GA yellow, Taylors...etc ) but as soon as I had the Atkin J43 Reserve( with the Torrefied Adirondack top) it resonate in me like no other did !! It's definitely worth the money !! it's a DREAM GUITAR !!!! love instantly !! <3 <3 <3

[lenmusic]

Thank you TFOA for taking the time to do this! As someone who lives in the UK and supports UK luthiers, I REALLY wanted to like the Atkin more than the mass-produced Gibson. But sadly the Gibson sounds (at least to me) a bit warmer and more "classic" with great mid range. The slightly wider neck width of the Gibson would also tip the scales for me.

[ppeterblom]

Great you did some fingerpicking. Good for comparison.

[ejr]

So glad you've done this one! Great to compare - the Gibson with classic & beautiful range of sound for all styles, the Atkin maybe with a little more scooped and modern sound, and also for all styles - noticed you both adjusted your playing in the first few notes for the Atkin to reflect this quite different dynamic it has. They are different - but both guitars are lovely!

[andrewhumphrey]

The Atkin is good, but at almost twice the price of the J 45, The Work Horse wins this fight time. Furthermore, I feel they should offer a nut width of 44 mm vs 43 for a little more room to work with. I really do like the balance of the Atkin though, it is a very well made guitar that will compete more in line with Kevin Kopp and other boutique makers.

[Flatlandish]

Although I'm not a real Gibson fan and although I like the Atkin, my choice would be the Gibson. Those J45 are the ones of Gibson I like the best. Perhaps an idea for the next guitar battle: the Guild D55 natural IR/spruce vs the BSG D-33F jacaranda/german spruce. Or perhaps the Furch Red OMASG vs the BSG OM-33F. Would be nice.

[cougarblue]

J45 for me, it has that warmth and depth that you associate with a good Gibson. The J43 sounds great but it hasn't got the J45 vibe going to my ears and comes over more bright and jangly.

[jimmy]

The passage he played from 2:25 to 5:15 was the defining segment in the comparison of these two instruments.
The J45 has more sparkle in the high end which is one of the things it is known for. The Atkin reminded me a lot of an Eastman 10 SS with its warmer mids and subdued highs. Everyone likes what they like and they both sound great in their own way.
Admittedly I’m a biased J45 owner, but I prefer it in this comparison. I didn’t even think it was close.

[johnsime]

Simple for me - I have a Forty Three and it does everything better than the mass produced Gibson. Old Gibsons are great but when the cost accountants did their thing they lost the essence of a J45. Before I played several J45's when I went to my music shop and the standout winner was the 43. Dry, woody and better balanced to my ears. BUT people still go for the badge and history despite the hand crafted Atkin.

[Jpgr]

I’ve played both. In person the Atkin was the clear winner for me.

[fifthflaw]

Thanks for the scientific review it least in terms of tone. Based purely on sound I’m surprised I massively prefer the Gibson. The Atkins is probably a bit more balanced but the Gibson just has more character. Keep up the good work fellas

[tim]

They both sound incredible. I have a slight lean towards atkin as I think the tone comes across nicely (at least on the recording), but both lovely instruments.

[thomasgaida]

The J45 is on my list because of its classic sound. But I have heard that sound and build quality at Gibson may vary a bit so I would not want to order online and rather have a look at and play the particular guitar before buying.

[dynamohums]

I've aways liked the Akin's I've heard on YT but have to say the J45 wins hand's down. Less muddy, more clarity - and is it actually cheaper??? Amazing what boutique makers charge these days. I reckon the Gibson will hold its value a lot more - not that you should make that your main consideration when buying. Personally I've an Eastman E10SS which sounds great, and love the ebony fingerboard, but I know resale value won't be anywhere near what these are (at least currently - maybe one day they'll get the reputation they deserve).

[Jphenderson]

Great Battle. What strings are you guys using on both of these guitars? I love Martin Lifespan 2.0 PB on my J45! Both sound superb.

[keesklein]

Kunnen jullie productrevieuw van epiphone es335 figured blueberry burst

[westwalnutrecords]

I'd like to see the nineteen vs the 43 and the OM perhaps even dust bowl 000

[davidscotbrown]

Atkin by my ear and a set of JBL monitors. Better consistancy as well.

[DeltaJazzUK]

Couldn't tell them apart in the fingerpicking, which is all that interests me, so I'd go with the Gibson because it looks beautiful whereas the Atkin looks like a schoolkid's woodwork project.