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Average Price: $4,542

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$200

$601+

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Description

The Gibson J-185 12 String Natural effortlessly bridges the past and present, offering musicians a piece of Gibson's storied history with a modern twist. Originally launched in the 1950s, the J-185 has been a favorite among artists who appreciate its rich, jangly tones and impeccable craftsmanship. Now, this 12-string version amplifies that legacy, delivering a lush and resonant sound that only a Gibson can provide.

Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid Eastern maple back and sides, this guitar promises a robust tonal foundation. The mahogany neck with a comfortable V profile and a rosewood fingerboard ensures smooth playability across all 20 frets. Whether you're strumming chords or picking intricate melodies, the J-185's jumbo body enhances projection, making it perfect for both stage and studio.

Gibson's attention to detail is evident in the Maltese cross bridge wing inlays and the mini nickel Grover tuners, which offer stable tuning and a touch of classic elegance. Each note resonates with clarity, whether you're leading a folk ensemble or composing your next hit. With its timeless appeal and exquisite sound, the Gibson J-185 12 String Natural is not just a guitar; it's an invitation to create music that endures.

Key Features:

  • Body Type: Jumbo
  • Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
  • Back & Side Wood: Solid Eastern Maple
  • Neck Wood: Mahogany with V profile
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood, 20 frets
  • Scale Length: 24-3/4"
  • Tuning Machines: Mini nickel Grover
  • Bridge: Belly up
  • Includes Hardshell Case

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 type of wood is used for the Gibson J-185 12-String's body?

The Gibson J-185 12-String features a body made from maple for the back and sides, with a spruce top, providing a bright and resonant tone that's well-suited for 12-string guitars.

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

While the Gibson J-185 12-String offers exceptional sound quality, its jumbo body size and 12-string setup may be more challenging for beginners compared to a standard 6-string guitar.

Does the Gibson J-185 12-String have a built-in pickup?

No, the Gibson J-185 12-String does not come with a built-in pickup, making it ideal for pure acoustic performances but requiring external amplification for live settings.

How does the jumbo body shape affect the sound of the Gibson J-185 12-String?

The jumbo body shape of the Gibson J-185 12-String provides a full, rich sound with enhanced bass response, making it excellent for strumming and providing a powerful projection.

What is the neck material of the Gibson J-185 12-String?

The Gibson J-185 12-String features a mahogany neck, which contributes to its warm tone and robust sustain, complementing the bright sound of the maple body.

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique 1950s-inspired design with rare Gibson body

  • Smooth playing neck with optimal width for 12-string clarity

  • Articulate sound quality with tight bass and balanced range

  • Exceptional construction enhances chords and intricate runs

  • Potential investment value; price likely to appreciate

CONS

  • Reports of structural issues, including sunken shoulders

  • Some units may have neck twisting and high action problems

  • Quality control inconsistencies can affect playability

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 Natural.

Build quality

  • The J-185 12-string has a beautiful sunburst finish with evenly dark fretboard, inspired by Paul McCartney's custom specs.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Initial setup after shipping required professional adjustment; resonance and volume improved significantly post-setup.

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  • It's been observed that many 12-string guitars, including the J-185, often require a professional setup to avoid fret buzz and achieve optimal playability.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the strong bass and low-end presence, which stands out compared to other 12-string guitars.

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  • Users who have tried a friend's Gibson J-185 12-string describe its sound as uniquely captivating, prompting them to prefer it over other brands like Epiphone or Furch.

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Features and functionality

  • The guitar held its tuning well during live performances, maintaining a clear and resonant tone.

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  • The J-185's design is appreciated for its ease of playability, even past the 12th fret, which is beneficial for complex compositions.

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Value and pricing

  • Priced lower than a new standard left-handed Gibson Hummingbird, offering significant value for a custom-spec model.

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Comparisons

  • Owners who have tried multiple brands note that Guild models offer a more mellow tone compared to the brighter sound of Taylor 12-string guitars.

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Use cases and applications

  • Some musicians prefer the Gibson J-185 12-string for its versatile tone, which suits both blues and folk styles akin to artists like John Fahey and Robbie Basho.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Bay uses Gibson J-185 12 String Natural

James Bay

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

James Bay holding a Gibson J-185 12 String (Natural finish) while performing a live show in Chicago. He says, "12 STRINGS in Chicago tonight."

Lately James has been using this Gibson J-185 12 String live when playing 'If You Ever Want To Be In Love'. Here from the Hurricane festival in Germany July 6th, 2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMSCy_1w0Mw

See how Peter Murphy uses Gibson J-185 12 String Natural

Peter Murphy

Singer

Bauhaus

...
Verified via YouTube

At 25:31 of this video of Murphy performing at Amoeba Records, he can be seen playing a Gibson J-185 12 String Natural guitar.

See how Nick Wheeler uses Gibson J-185 12 String Natural

Nick Wheeler

Guitarist, Drummer

The All-American Rejects

...
Verified via YouTube

he plays it live in this performance

See how Chris Dreja uses Gibson J-185 12 String Natural

Chris Dreja

Guitarist, Bassist

The Yardbirds

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 1965 performance of "Heart Full of Soul" by The Yardbirds, Chris Dreja is seen playing a Gibson J-185 12 String Natural guitar, equipped with a pickup for amplification.

See how Enrique Bunbury uses Gibson J-185 12 String Natural

Enrique Bunbury

Composer

Héroes del Silencio

...
Verified via Photo

Bunbury with a Gibson J-185 12 String Natural

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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