Gibson 1952 J-185, Antique Natural

Full Description

Timeless reissue of a legendary jumbo

The Gibson 1952 J-185 is a masterful recreation of one of the most revered acoustic guitars in Gibson’s history. First introduced in 1951 as a slightly smaller sibling to the SJ-200, the J-185 carved out a legendary reputation for its powerful voice and comfortable feel. This 1952 reissue captures the original spirit with incredible authenticity, blending vintage construction techniques with carefully selected modern enhancements. It retains the famous jumbo body shape, iconic Maltese cross bridge inlays, and a thin nitrocellulose VOS finish that subtly ages over time. Designed for artists and collectors alike, this J-185 delivers a true piece of Gibson’s golden era into your hands.

Thermally aged Sitka spruce top for vintage tone

One of the standout features of the Gibson 1952 J-185 is its thermally aged Sitka spruce top, a premium tonewood that has been expertly treated to replicate the tonal properties of decades-old vintage guitars. This thermal aging process enhances the wood’s resonance, reduces unwanted moisture, and brings out a sweeter, more open sound that only improves with age. The result is a guitar that responds with incredible warmth, clarity, and dynamic range right out of the case. Every note feels rich and full-bodied, making it a perfect match for a wide variety of playing styles, from delicate fingerpicking to bold, rhythmic strumming. This top makes the J-185 not just a visually stunning instrument but a tonal powerhouse as well.

Flame maple back and sides for stunning looks and bright tone

The Gibson 1952 J-185 is not only a joy to hear but a work of art to behold, thanks to its stunning flame maple back and sides. Flame maple offers a balanced tonal palette. Visually, the highly figured maple shimmers under the thin nitrocellulose finish, giving the guitar an elegant and premium appearance that's impossible to ignore. With every angle revealing new depths of flame, this J-185 turns heads while delivering a beautiful sound.

Handcrafted details that elevate performance

Built with traditional methods and attention to fine detail, the Gibson 1952 J-185 embodies the best of Gibson's acoustic craftsmanship. Traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing, assembled with hide glue, ensures optimal top movement and enhanced sustain, giving the guitar a responsive, lively feel. The V-shaped mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard offer vintage-correct playability with a smooth, comfortable grip, while the Gotoh Keystone tuners provide exceptional tuning stability with a classic aesthetic. Every element, from the bone nut and saddle to the period-correct case and accessory kit, is carefully chosen to preserve authenticity and maximise performance. This level of dedication results in an instrument that not only honours its roots but exceeds modern expectations for tone, feel, and durability.

Specifications

• Product Name: Gibson 1952 J-185, Antique Natural
• Product Code: CSRS8552AN

Body

• Body Style: Jumbo
• Body Shape: J-185
• Top: Thermally Aged Sitka spruce
• Back: Flame maple
• Side: Flame maple
• Bracing: Traditional Hand Scalloped X-bracing, with hide glue
• Binding: Multi-ply top, multi-ply back
• Body Finish: Thin Finish Nitrocellulose, VOS

Neck & fretboard

• Profile: V
• Scale Length: 628.65 mm / 24.75 in
• Neck Material: Mahogany
• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
• Fingerboard Radius: 304.8 mm / 12 in
• Fret Count: 20
• Frets: Standard
• Nut Material: Bone
• Nut Width: 43.81 mm / 1.724 in
• Inlays: Mother-of-pearl Parallelograms
• Joint: Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body Joint

Hardware

• Bridge: Belly up, holes at rear, open slot
• Saddle Material: Bone
• Tuning Machines: Gotoh Keystone
• Pickguard: J-185
• Truss Rod Cover: Black
• Bridge Pins: Bone
• Strings Gauge: 0.053, 0.042, 0.032, 0.024, 0.016, 0.012
• Case: Period Correct Case
• Accessories: Includes Gibson Accessory Kit