2006 Gibson J-185
Gibson’s J-185 model was introduced in 1951 as the second-most expensive flat-top in the lineup, behind the J-200. It featured a 16” small-jumbo body that was unique among Gibson’s acoustic guitar offerings but shared its shape with the popular L-50 and ES-125 models, as well as Gibson’s earlier 16” archtops. By today’s standards the 50’s J-185 is the best post-war flat-top Gibson made and is arguably the most valuable and collectable acoustic guitar Gibson built after 1946. Unfortunately for most of us, the J-185 was discontinued in 1958 with a production of less than 1000 instruments.
Gibson’s modern take on the model is one of the company’s more accurate recreations. It features the same 16” body of maple and sitka spruce, similarly adorned bridge, fingerboard, and headstock, and a pickguard shape that’s along the lines of the original’s. The mahogany neck, its shape, nut width and scale are the same as well.
This example is in very nice shape, crack-free, and without repairs. It shows average fretwear, and not much wear to its finish apart from some marring around the endpin caused by a strap. Newer bone nut and saddle, fresh set-up with EJ-16s. LR Baggs Element undersaddle pickup.
1-11/16” nut width, 24.9” scale. Rounded C-shaped neck.
With original hardshell case
Gibson’s modern take on the model is one of the company’s more accurate recreations. It features the same 16” body of maple and sitka spruce, similarly adorned bridge, fingerboard, and headstock, and a pickguard shape that’s along the lines of the original’s. The mahogany neck, its shape, nut width and scale are the same as well.
This example is in very nice shape, crack-free, and without repairs. It shows average fretwear, and not much wear to its finish apart from some marring around the endpin caused by a strap. Newer bone nut and saddle, fresh set-up with EJ-16s. LR Baggs Element undersaddle pickup.
1-11/16” nut width, 24.9” scale. Rounded C-shaped neck.
With original hardshell case