Gibson J-180 Everly Brothers Signature

In 1962, Gibson collaborated with The Everly Brothers to produce the Everly Brothers Flat top. It had a thin J-185-style body with an adjustable bridge. Two unusual features on this model were the star-shaped inlays on the rosewood fingerboard, and the large double tortoise shell pickguards (replaced by black pickguards from 1968 onwards). These large pickguards covered most of the top of the body to such extent that the tone was limited. The standard finish on the guitar was black, but some were natural or sunburst finish. In 1963 only around 45 were made with a natural top and walnut back and sides but from 1968 natural top and walnut back and sides was the standard finish.

The Everly Brothers Flattop was discontinued in 1972 after around 440 had been made, but was reissued by Gibson in 1986 under the name J-180. In 1992 it was again called The Everly Brothers guitar until 1994 when the name went back to the J-180.

The Everly Brothers used these guitars in the 1960s but there were many other notable players.