NGD: 2021 Gibson J-185 52 Historic

Gee Man · #1 10-22-2022, 12:16 PM

There was a thread a couple of weeks ago about this guitar and it gave me an awful case of GAS. A little research and this one was apparently supposed to be mine. Took a chance on fleabay, gave a low offer and was accepted. The guitar is like new, I'm a ver happy camper. I have never owned a maple b&s guitar before and was a little worried it would be too bright, but my concerns were for naught. This beautiful example comes in at a svelte 4 lbs. and has super light finish. Very easy to play, very comfortable neck and low action. Has a great tone, rounder then I expected, nice full tone with deep resonant bass, full mids and clean crisp highs. Also very comfortable body size. Some of the little touches really set this off, such as the tort. side dots, full slot bridge and the quality of the split-parrallelograms, really nice mother of pearl. I'm smitten.

Gee Man · #2 10-22-2022, 12:21 PM

And a quick shot with the J45 TV, they get along really well.

dodge · #3 10-22-2022, 12:31 PM

Congratulations on the J-185. My favorite Gibson it's so comfortable to hold and play. Very versatile model also.

Rev Roy · #4 10-22-2022, 12:42 PM

Nice! These Historics are great guitars. Love my ‘34 Jumbo. Congrats!

J185-4Me · #5 10-22-2022, 01:26 PM

Nice catch, Mr. Gee! I'm glad to see you've snagged one of the "1952 re-issues".

Fred

Brucebubs · #6 10-22-2022, 03:16 PM

Looks fantastic Gee Man.

Nice to see these 'Historics' gaining a little momentum here lately on the AGF!

elninobaby · #7 10-22-2022, 03:27 PM

Those are beautiful instruments. I don’t know which one I covet more! Do you like one over the other?

Gee Man · #8 10-22-2022, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elninobaby

Those are beautiful instruments. I don’t know which one I covet more! Do you like one over the other?

Still in the honeymoon phase with the J-185, but I can't say that one will win out, as they are both different enough that they are hard to even compare. The 185 has a brighter tone that just rings out where as the the J45 is a little darker, although not what I would consider a dark J45, if that makes any sense. My sitka topped standard J45 is darker still. Both of these instruments have a very clear tone with great note separation and balance, but i think the 185 may have more projection. Either way, I am blessed to own both.

Budman1 · #9 10-22-2022, 04:32 PM

Really beautiful guitar.....
I am confused re the headstock spelling,
Looks like Gibsun to me, I’m only curious, nothing else...

cip · #10 03-15-2024, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gee Man

And a quick shot with the J45 TV, they get along really well.

wow, i had no idea it was smaller than the j45 like that. the 45 must be more growly, boomy and bassy?

abn556 · #11 03-15-2024, 10:06 PM

Congrats. Great looking J-185. I played a 52 J-185 at Fullers a few weeks ago. It was an antique natural one. Very cool guitar.

Glennwillow · #12 03-15-2024, 11:05 PM

What a great looking pair of Gibson guitars! Wonderful! Congratulations on the newly acquired J-185!

- Glenn

jmhill · #13 03-16-2024, 03:18 AM

Man, what a stunner!
Congrats on such a fine guitar.
The J-185s are IMO the best guitars Gibson makes. Those and the J200 Parlours are really something special.
Hope it brings you many years of joy!

Cheers!

jck747 · #14 03-16-2024, 08:33 AM

I have a natural finish for sale - 2021 as well - on buy sell if anyone’s interested

Jack

Pickcity · #15 03-16-2024, 06:15 PM

One of the best guitars I ever played was a J-185, probably 20 years ago at GC in Atlanta. It was a used model, blonde maple, highly flamed, incredible playing and sounding, etc…More than any other guitar I’ve played it was the one that I thought the most about “getting away” since I did not buy it. When I found my SJ200 I got that feeling again, except this time I did buy it. That wasn’t happening to me again.

Congrats!