Korena
Product detailSKU #1500000320104

Gibson Custom1952 J-185 Acoustic Guitar Vintage Sunburst

Gibson Custom
brightarticulatedynamicfolksinger songwritercountry
Gibson Custom 1952 J-185 Acoustic Guitar Vintage Sunburst
1/13

Independent shopping perspective

The Korena take

In Vintage Sunburst, the Custom 1952 J-185 combines a thermally aged Sitka spruce top with flame maple back and sides. The J-185 was designed slightly smaller than the SJ-200 while retaining related appointments, making that body-size distinction central to its identity. It has a mahogany V neck, rosewood fingerboard, 24.75-inch scale, and 20 frets. Details include traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing with hide glue, a bone nut and saddle, and mother-of-pearl Maltese cross inlays on the open-slot bridge.

Gibson Custom 1952 J-185 Acoustic Guitar Vintage Sunburst product detail
Product studyGibson Custom 1952 J-185 Acoustic Guitar Vintage Sunburst
Gibson Custom 1952 J-185 Acoustic Guitar Vintage Sunburst alternate view
Alternate view

Strong match

Who this is for

  • Players wanting a J-185 body that is slightly smaller than the SJ-200.
  • Players who value the J-185’s mother-of-pearl Maltese cross bridge inlays.

Consider the trade-offs

When to look elsewhere

  • Players who require an onboard pickup or preamp.
  • Players who need a cutaway body.

What matters in use

The specifications, translated

Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.

Gibson Custom 1952 J-185 Acoustic Guitar Vintage Sunburst construction detail

Detail 01

V neck shape

The mahogany neck uses the specified V profile.

Detail 02

Traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing with hide glue

This is the guitar’s listed bracing construction.

Detail 03

Open-slot belly-up bridge

The bridge has rear string holes and Maltese cross mother-of-pearl inlays.

Final check

Know before you order

  1. 01No pickup or preamp is listed.
  2. 02There is no cutaway.
  3. 03A case and Gibson Accessory Kit are included.
Gibson Custom 1952 J-185 Acoustic Guitar Vintage Sunburst close-up

Product questions

Before you decide

Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.

01How does the J-185 compare in size with the SJ-200?

The J-185 was made slightly smaller than the SJ-200.

02What woods are used?

It has a thermally aged Sitka spruce top, flame maple back and sides, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard.

03Where is it made?

The country of origin is the United States.

Reference

Full specifications

The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.

2 detailsPickups & controls
Pickup Preamp
No
Bridge
Belly up, holes at rear, open slot
6 detailsPlayability
Nut Width
1.72
Number of Frets
20
Number of Strings
6
Saddle Amp Nut
Bone
Scale Length
24.75
Neck Shape
V
11 detailsBody & build
Color
Brown
Top Material
Thermally Aged Sitka spruce
Body Finish
Thin nitro VOS finish
Neck Wood
Mahogany
Fingerboard Material
Rosewood
Back Amp Sides
Flame maple
Country of Origin
United States
Body Style
V
Color Finish
Sunburst
Tuning Machines
Gotoh Keystone
Body Shape
V
1 detailsIn the box
Case or Gig Bag
Included
3 detailsOther
Accessories
Includes Gibson Accessory Kit
Bracing Pattern
Traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing with hide glue
Cutaway
No

Complete your setup

Worth comparing

More from Gibson Custom