Here we have a Gibson J185 Original Jumbo bodied steel string in Antique Natural finish, built during 2005 at the Gibson Acoustic plant in Bozeman, Montana. The J-185 is a very good but likely under-appreciated guitar, being overshadowed by the better known and slightly larger J-200.

The Gibson J185 and J200 have many similarities and the key differences are not always seen at first glance. Both feature the Jumbo body shape, Sitka Spruce top with Figured Maple for the sides and back, and Rosewood for the fingerboard and bridge. The J-185 however has a Mahogany neck 2ith 24.75 inch scale length to the J-200’s Maple neck with 25.5 inch scale length. As well, the J-185’s body is .75 inches smaller than the J-200’s 16.75 inch body width. These differences can make the J-185 more comfortable to the average-height player.

This Gibson J-185 Original dates to July 12, 2005 and was built at Bozeman, Montana. It is in good overall condition, with little fret or finish wear. It did develop a separation in the top’s center seam, below the bridge and this was repaired at The Twelfth Fret Repair Shop. Overall, this is a very nice guitar to play, with good action, great tone, and comfortable physical proportions.

The original Gibson branded arched top hard shell case is included.

Here’s the builder on the Gibson J185 Original:

“The Gibson J185 is believed by many to be one of Gibson’s best acoustic instruments, yet it seems to be fairly obscure, much to the delight of devoted Gibson lovers. Originally released in the early 1950s and designed to be slight smaller than its larger companion, the SJ-200, the J-185 still offers superior performance and tone. The J-185 Original maintains unsurpassed balance of lows, mids, and highs, with equal response to every note on the fretboard. Acclaimed by many as the perfect body size and shape for any player. “

Gibson J185 Original Specifications: