Manufactured in small numbers between 1951 and 1959, the Gibson J-185 is often regarded as one of the finest Gibson flat tops ever produced by the company. Designed as a slightly scaled down version of the companies flagship 'Super Jumbo' SJ-200, it features a range of appointments unique to the instrument, and a tone unlike almost any other Gibson acoustic guitar.
This 1952 J-185 is a fantastic example of the model from the first full year of production, and is one of only 24 manufactured in natural that year, with only approx. 270 of this particular model ever made. Although stylistically similar to the J-200, tonally the J-185 is worlds apart, with the smaller 16" wide body providing a punchiness and responsiveness that is unique to these guitars. The pairing of the Maple body, Spruce to and Mahogany neck, as opposed to the Maple neck of the J-200, also gives a rounder, more balanced tonal profile to our ears than the vast majority of J-200's, while retaining the sparkling top end clarity you would expect from a Maple bodied guitar. The moustache bridge of the J-200 is replaced with a rosewood belly up bridge, with pearl inlaid Maltese Cross ornamentation, along with split parallelogram pearl fretboard inlay, pearl crest headstock logo, and factory black stinger to the rear of the headstock.
This guitar is in very good condition for its age and has sustained some minor repair work over the years to keep it playing and sounding as it should. There is the obvious lacquer checking, play wear and patina you would expect to find from an instrument of this age, along with two top cracks which have been professionally repaired. There have been some areas of finish overspray, and the guitar also appears to have had the bridge reglued at some point in its life, along with a neck reset. Otherwise, the guitar is internally and externally original, and retains its rarely seen smaller form fitting Lifton hard case.
This guitar has been given a full service & appraisal by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
