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Average Price: $4,574
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$200
$601+
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Description
The Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic is a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern craftsmanship, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound that only a 12-string guitar can provide. Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid maple back and sides, this guitar offers a tonal depth and clarity that makes each strum resonate beautifully. Its compact jumbo body shape is designed to enhance sound projection while maintaining comfort during extended play, making it an excellent choice for musicians seeking both volume and versatility.
The J-185's mahogany neck, topped with a rosewood fingerboard, provides a smooth playing experience, ideal for both intricate fingerpicking and robust strumming. The balanced tone and wide dynamic range make this guitar suitable for various playing styles, from folk and rock to blues and beyond. With a distinctive design that includes the signature Gibson crown inlay and a traditional belly-up bridge, the J-185 is as visually striking as it is sonically impressive.
Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic offers an exceptional playing experience with its blend of craftsmanship and sound quality. Its premium materials and meticulous construction ensure that this guitar will be a beloved part of your musical journey for years to come.
Key Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top for enhanced resonance and clarity
- Solid maple back and sides for a rich, balanced tone
- Jumbo body shape for superior sound projection
- Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
- Signature Gibson crown inlay and traditional belly-up bridge
- Suitable for a wide range of musical styles
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | J-185 12-String |
| Finish | Antique Natural, Vintage Sunburst |
| Year | 2000 - 2006 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Jumbo Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Back Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Jumbo |
| Color Family | Brown, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson J-185 |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 12-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Gibson Montana Factory Era |
| Sides Material | Maple |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
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What kind of sound can I expect from the Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic?
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The Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic offers a rich, full-bodied sound with enhanced resonance and sustain, thanks to its jumbo body shape and maple back and sides. It produces shimmering highs and a balanced low end, making it ideal for folk, rock, and country genres.
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Is the Gibson J-185 12-String suitable for beginners?
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While the Gibson J-185 12-String provides excellent tonal quality, its larger body and 12-string configuration may be challenging for beginners. It's better suited for intermediate to advanced players who are comfortable with the additional string tension and finger positioning.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic?
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The Gibson J-185 12-String features a spruce top, maple back and sides, and a rosewood fretboard. The neck is made from mahogany, contributing to its warm tone and sturdy build.
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Does the Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic have any electronics for amplification?
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No, the Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic does not come with built-in electronics or pickups. It is designed as a purely acoustic instrument, focusing on natural sound projection.
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How does the Gibson J-185 12-String compare to other 12-string guitars in terms of playability?
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The Gibson J-185 12-String is known for its comfortable neck profile and smooth playability, which is enhanced by its high-quality craftsmanship. However, the wider neck typical of 12-string guitars may require some adjustment for players used to 6-string models.
Videos
Musician's Friend
Gibson Limited Edition J-185 12-String Acoustic Guitar, demo'd by Don Ruffatto
Reviews
PROS
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Unique combination of 1950s maple jumbo body with 12-string voicing
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Neck designed for smooth playability without hand cramps
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Articulate sound with tight bass, not overly boomy
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Excels in chords, intricate runs, and harmonic complexity
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Rare and potentially appreciating model, good for collectors
CONS
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Reports of twisted necks and high action, affecting playability
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Potential structural issues with sunken shoulders
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic.
Build quality
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The J-185 12-string has a beautiful sunburst finish and evenly dark fretboard, with resonance and volume that stand out compared to other 12-string guitars.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Initial setup is crucial; guitars delivered from Bozeman in winter may feel thin and rattly until properly adjusted by a professional.
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User experience
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After setup, the guitar maintains tuning well during live performances, delivering an "angelic" sound with a strong bass and low end.
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A player who tried a Gibson J-185 12-string found its sound captivating enough to prioritize it over other tested models like the Guild and Epiphone Hummingbird 12.
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Value and pricing
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Cost is less than a new standard left-handed Gibson Hummingbird, offering a reasonable price point for a custom-spec model.
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Comparisons
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The Guild D-1212 is praised for its mellow tone, attributed to its all-solid mahogany construction, contrasting with the brighter sound of Taylor models.
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Use cases and applications
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Fans of artists like John Fahey and Robbie Basho find composing on 12-string guitars, such as the Takamine and Guild, particularly inspiring for filmic and hypnotic music styles.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Paul Mcartney plays his Gibson J-185 12 String for the song "Out There" in this video.
In the Ernie Ball: String Theory video featuring Mac DeMarco at 2:09, a Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic guitar is visible, identifiable by the 12-string headstock.
"Joe Walsh is seen playing a Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic guitar during The Eagles concert in Australia in 2004, as captured in a user-uploaded photo."
Sheryl Crow used a Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic guitar during her 2008 concert in London, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Sherylcrownews.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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