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Gibson 30th Anniversary Starburst, Transparent Amber (Gibson Hardshell Case Included), Triple Antique vs Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst

Gibson 30th Anniversary Starburst, Transparent Amber (Gibson Hardshell Case Included), Triple Antique
Acoustic$6,599
No ratings yet
69Overall / 100
Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst
Acoustic$3,199
No ratings yet
74Overall / 100

The verdict

The Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst comes out ahead overall — 74 to 69 on our estimated score.

Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.

Gibson 30th Anniversary Starburst, Transparent Amber (Gibson Hardshell Case Included), Triple Antique wins on

No standout advantage.

Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst wins on
  • Better playability (75 vs 64)
  • Better value (63 vs 58)
  • Lower price ($3,199 vs $6,599)

Scorecard

Estimated scores
Metric30th Anniversary Starburst, Transparent Amber (Gibson Hardshell Case Included), Triple AntiqueJ-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst
Overall6974
Build8791
Playability6475
Sound6060
Value5863

Full specifications

Specification comparison
Spec30th Anniversary Starburst, Transparent Amber (Gibson Hardshell Case Included), Triple AntiqueJ-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst
BrandGibsonGibson
TypeAcousticAcoustic
Years——
CountryUSUS
Body wood—Mahogany
Neck wood—Mahogany
Fretboard—Rosewood
Strings66
Frets—20
Scale—24.75"
PickupsLR Baggs™ VTCLR Baggs VTC
Rating——
Price$6,599$3,199
AccessoriesIncludes Gibson Accessory KitIncludes Gibson Accessory Kit
BridgeCustom LineTraditional belly up
Bridge PinsBoneTusq
CaseGibson HardshellHardshell Case
ControlsVolume and Tone controls in soundholeVolume and Tone Controls
ModelMTSBTAG19OCRS4550VS
PickguardNone50's, Tortoise
Saddle MaterialBoneBone
String gauges0.053, 0.042, 0.032, 0.024, 0.016, 0.0120.053, 0.042, 0.032, 0.024, 0.016, 0.012
Truss Rod CoverB/WBlack
Tuner PlatingGoldNickel
TunersGrover Rotomatic w/ kidney buttonsGrover Strap Cream Button
Under Saddle PickupLR Baggs™ VTCLR Baggs VTC
Back—Mahogany
Binding—Multi-ply top, single-ply back
Body Finish—Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shape—J-45
Body Styles—Round Shoulder
Bracing—Traditional hand scalloped X-bracing
Finish—Nickel
Fretboard inlay—Mother-of-pearl dots
Fretboard radius—304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count—20
Joint—Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body
Nut—Bone
Nut width—43.81mm / 1.72in
Profile—Rounded
Scale length—628.65mm / 24.75in
Side—Mahogany
Top wood—Sitka Spruce

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