Scratching my J-45 itch with a DS-240

[GuildyAsHell]

I’ve been wanting a J-45 for years but with two kids, yadda yadda…I can’t justify the expense in good conscience. So I’ve been researching less expensive slope dred options and just ordered the DS-240 Memoir. It was down to that or the Epiphone IBG J-45. Lots more sound samples for that one, but I liked the reviews of the Guild better and it doesn’t have an 1/8” thick massive pickguard. It should arrive Saturday. I’ve read the few posts in here about them. Anyone have any more recent experience with one?

 

[valleyguy]

I will be interested to hear your reaction, please give us a review when you get it and have spent some time with it.

I've been thinking the same thing as you lately. You can't beat the price.

 

[twocorgis]

I just bought a Epiphone IBG J-45, and like it a lot. Is it as good as my "real" WM45? No, but it's pretty damn good for what I paid for it, and the thick pickguard is being removed soon, and replaced by a spare WM45 pickguard that I happen to have. I've played a couple of DS-240s, and my ears preferred the IBG J-45. YMMV of course, and the Memoir does cost a bit less.

 

[GuildyAsHell]

I just bought a Epiphone IBG J-45, and like it a lot. Is it as good as my "real" WM45? No, but it's pretty damn good for what I paid for it, and the thick pickguard is being removed soon, and replaced by a spare WM45 pickguard that I happen to have. I've played a couple of DS-240s, and my ears preferred the IBG J-45. YMMV of course, and the Memoir does cost a bit less.

Yeah, getting the guitar plus a decent case for about what the IBG costs was what made the decision for me. Plus 30 days to return or exchange is nice.

 

[GuildyAsHell]

It’s here! Now to let it acclimate for a couple hours if I can stand it.

 

[Norrissey]

I don't own one but I have a friend who has a DS-240 that I've played quite a bit. Super impressed with it. Nice sound, great neck, and they are very pretty too.
I expect you will be pleased with your purchase. It also won't be the end of the world if one of your kids sits on it!

 

[davismanLV]

This is me waiting patiently for your review..... I'm almost calm.

 

[GuildyAsHell]

W

This is me waiting patiently for your review..... I'm almost calm.

Well since you got all dolled up…

I have to keep in mind that this is a $529.00 guitar…

There are some fit and finish issues that I don’t care for but I don’t know if that will make me send it back. Specifically some lack of attention to detail at the neck heel joint, and some light discoloration spots on other areas of the neck.
The burst is nice and it doesn’t feel like it’s been dipped in the finish. Neck profile is nice for me. String spacing is oddly narrow at the nut imo. Sound is what I hoped for. Not HUGE on the volume but a nice, fundamental tone, which suits me fine and in my opinion, what a slope dred should sound like.
I’ll post some pics when it’s nicer outside.

 

[GuildyAsHell]

Ok I got a chance to really dig into it, and cosmetic flaws aside, this thing is a cannon. I couldn’t be happier with the tone. I know it’s something people say all the time, but I’ve played many much higher end guitars that didn’t touch this tone wise.

 

[valleyguy]

Thanks for the review, now I'm anxious to try one -- GAS

 

[GuildyAsHell]

Well I did end up sending it back for a replacement. The case I got for it had a sprung hinge and didn’t close properly, so I opted to try to get a less dinged up guitar as well. They (Sweetwater) won’t have more in until the end of the month though.

 

[Wellington]

Is it short scale?

 

[GuildyAsHell]

Is it short scale?

Yes