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Average Price: $4,574

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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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

What kind of sound can I expect from the Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic?

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.

Is the Gibson J-185 12-String suitable for beginners?

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.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic?

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.

Does the Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic have any electronics for amplification?

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.

How does the Gibson J-185 12-String compare to other 12-string guitars in terms of playability?

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.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Gibson Limited Edition J-185 12-String Acoustic Guitar, demo'd by Don Ruffatto

Video thumbnail for Gibson Limited Edition J-185 12-String Acoustic Guitar, demo'd by Don Ruffatto by Musician's Friend

Gibson Limited Edition J-185 12-String Acoustic Guitar, demo'd by Don Ruffatto

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Gibson J185 12 strings by accordoTV

Gibson J185 12 strings

accordoTV

accordoTV

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique combination of 1950s maple jumbo body with 12-string voicing

  • Neck designed for smooth playability without hand cramps

  • Articulate sound with tight bass, not overly boomy

  • Excels in chords, intricate runs, and harmonic complexity

  • Rare and potentially appreciating model, good for collectors

CONS

  • Reports of twisted necks and high action, affecting playability

  • 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

  • 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

  • Initial setup is crucial; guitars delivered from Bozeman in winter may feel thin and rattly until properly adjusted by a professional.

    Source

User experience

  • After setup, the guitar maintains tuning well during live performances, delivering an "angelic" sound with a strong bass and low end.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Cost is less than a new standard left-handed Gibson Hummingbird, offering a reasonable price point for a custom-spec model.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 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.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Emerald Amicus, a short-scale 12-string tuned to D, offers mandolin-like sonic qualities with guitar chord compatibility, appealing to those seeking unique soundscapes.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
lorraine_watts

Great guitar; great guitarist and performer

Fab guitar. My husband has just bought one and it's stunning. Great to see Paul performing brilliantly all over the world

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via YouTube

Paul Mcartney plays his Gibson J-185 12 String for the song "Out There" in this video.

See how Mac DeMarco uses Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic

Mac DeMarco

Singer, Guitarist

Mac DeMarco

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Joe Walsh uses Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic

Joe Walsh

Singer, Guitarist

Eagles

...
Verified via Photo

"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."

See how Sheryl Crow uses Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic

Sheryl Crow

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via 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.

See how Tommy Shaw uses Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic

Tommy Shaw

Guitarist

Styx

...
Verified via Photo

162 years combine ages of these three Gibson instruments. Mandolin circa 1915. Les Paul Jr. circa 1955 J185 12-String. circa 2013 Love love love

See how Colin Meloy uses Gibson J-185 12-String Acoustic

Colin Meloy

Guitarist, Singer

The Decemberists

...
Verified via Photo

In this image you can see Colin Meloy playing the 12-string version of a Gibson J-185 acoustic guitar.

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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