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Guitars > Acoustic Guitars > 6-String Acoustic Guitars > Gibson Acoustic J-185 True Vintage (Antique Natural)

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Gibson Acoustic J-185 True Vintage (Antique Natural) (No Longer Available)

Item ID: J88VANNH

6-string Acoustic Guitar with Solid Spruce Top, Solid Maple Back and Sides, Vintage Finish - Antique Natural - Vintage-style Jumbo

Sorry, the Gibson Acoustic J-185 True Vintage (Antique Natural) is no longer available. We've left this page up for reference only. Check out the great alternatives on this page or call toll-free (800) 222-4700 to speak with a Sweetwater Sales Engineer about similar products.

From Our Research Team:

A True Vintage Gibson Jumbo that Sounds Amazing!

The Gibson J-185 True Vintage gives you legendary Gibson tone and build quality with some authentic vintage touches. This jumbo offers easy playability, thanks to its 24-3/4" scale and comfortable mahogany neck. The body size of the j-185 combines with its solid spruce top and maple back/sides construction to give you a powerful, rich tone that you simply won't find in other guitars. Other features, such as the rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlays, 4-ply binding, and nickel tuning machines make this top-notch guitar sing like a real vintage J-185!

Gibson J-185 True Vintage Jumbo Acoustic at a Glance:
  • A history-making Gibson
  • Quality construction
  • Vintage feel in a modern-day guitar

A history-making Gibson
One of the most-fabled flat-top guitars Gibson ever produced is the Gibson J-185. Introduced in 1951 and discontinued in ’59, only 270 natural-finish and 648 sunburst J-185s were originally made. Guitarists from delta bluesman Skip James to Sons of the Pioneers guitarist Ken Curtis played it as their instrument of choice. Why? In the words of Gibson’s Fabulous Flat-top Guitars (Miller-Freeman, 1994), “The J-185 is one of the nicest Gibson flat-tops ever built.” Many players and collectors bemoan the fact Gibson made so few of them. Now you can enjoy this legendary guitar!

Quality construction
Why do Gibson jumbos sound so distinctive? Why do these guitars project so well? A lot has to do with the confluence of design, construction, and the experience of gifted craftsmen. Gibson jumbos have always had a reputation for being able to cut through in live situations, with a throaty yet rich, balanced tone that made them popular in all genres. The J-185's solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides, and mahogany neck are handmade from high-quality tonewoods that will only improve with age.

Vintage feel in a modern-day guitar
Though the design is over a half-century old, one of Gibson's wisest decisions has been to know not to fix something that certainly isn't broken. The winning design of the J-185 has stayed essentially intact since its initial production, and just a strum will let you know the magic is still there. This True Vintage J-185 is a real looker, too, featuring two distinctive MOP Maltese crosses on the Madagascar rosewood bridge, as well as a distinctive vintage-style finish. This guitar oozes classic vibe right out of the case!

Gibson J-185 Acoustic Guitar Features:
  • Body Type: Jumbo
  • Finish: Antique Natural
  • Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
  • Back Wood: Solid AAA Maple
  • Side Wood: Solid AAA Maple
  • Neck Wood: Mahogany
  • Neck Shape: V profile
  • Fingerboard: Madagascar rosewood
  • Scale Length: 24-3/4"
  • No. of Frets: 20
  • Tuning Machines: Nickel Gotoh
  • Bridge: Rosewood with Maltese cross inlays
  • Case: Premium vintage-style

The Gibson J-185 True Vintage is a great-sounding piece of Gibson history!
Specification Detail
Manufacturer Part Number J88VANNH1
What Does "Special Order" Mean?
A special-order product is one that we don't normally keep in stock. We order it from the manufacturer as soon as you order from us. We have great relationships with all the manufacturers we carry, so we can get your special order to you as fast as or faster than anyone else. Remember that special orders are non-returnable and non-cancelable, so make sure the item is right for you. A Sweetwater Sales Engineer can help you decide - call (800) 222-4700 for assistance!

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See Also: Gibson Acoustic , Gibson Acoustic 6-String Acoustic Guitars

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