Class of ’25

This year’s acoustic scene is in rude health, boasting innovation and classic craft

- Dave Burrluck

GIBSON J-45 SPECIAL £1,699

A trio of Specials launched earlier this year — comprising a J-45, Hummingbird and L-00 - and they're more than just a price-point exercise in bringing a Gibson electro under £2k. ‘Good guitar on a budget’ sums up this Sitka spruce/ mahogany J-45 with utile neck wood, which includes the LR Baggs Element Bronze system and its soundhole volume control. Our review sample came very well set up. It's a good player and exactly the sort of guitar to take on a gig: a versatile all-rounder with strong tonal projection. www.gibson.com

LR BAGGS AEG-1 £2,015