Detail 01
12th-fret neck joint
The bridge sits deeper in the lower bout, supporting the fuller, more immediate response described for this design.
Product detailSKU #1500000475199
GibsonJ-185 Century 12-Fret Acoustic Guitar - Ebony
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Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Built around a jumbo body and 12th-fret neck joint, the Ebony J-185 Century places its bridge farther into the lower bout for a fuller, faster response with added warmth and low-end presence. Its Sitka spruce top, mahogany body and scalloped X-bracing are voiced for clear attack across a broad dynamic range. The SlimTaper mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and 24.75-inch scale keep the playing position relaxed, while the satin nitro finish and early flat-top-inspired appointments give it a restrained vintage presentation.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Fingerstyle passages that need sensitivity to lighter picking and clear separation between strings.
- Expressive acoustic strumming across a wide dynamic range.
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players who require more than the instrument’s 19 frets.
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.
Detail 02
Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides
This pairing combines clarity and dynamic range with depth and focused midrange.
Detail 03
Scalloped X-bracing
The top responds quickly as picking attack changes while retaining clarity across the strings.
Detail 04
Century Collection tweed hardshell case
A matching tweed hardshell case is included for transport and storage.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Right-handed, six-string steel-string configuration.
- 02The neck joins the body at the 12th fret.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Does the J-185 Century include a case?
Yes. It includes a Century Collection tweed hardshell case.
02How many frets does it have?
It has 19 frets.
03What finish is this version?
Ebony, with a satin nitrocellulose lacquer body finish.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
7 detailsPlayability
- Nut Material
- Bone
- String Type
- Steel
- Orientation
- Right handed
- Neck Profile
- SlimTaper 12-fret
- Number of Frets
- 19
- Number of Strings
- 6
- Scale Length
- 24.75
20 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Black
- Saddle Material
- Bone
- Bridge Pins
- TUSQ
- Bridge Material
- Rosewood
- Neck Meets Body At
- 12th fret
- Binding
- Single-ply top, single-ply back
- Side Material
- Mahogany
- Top Material
- Sitka spruce
- Body Size Class
- Jumbo
- Body Finish
- Satin nitrocellulose lacquer
- Inlays
- Mother-of-pearl dots
- Hardware Finish
- Nickel
- Neck Wood
- Mahogany
- Fingerboard Material
- Rosewood
- Neck Joint
- Compound dovetail
- Back Material
- Mahogany
- Available Colors
- Ebony, Vintage Amber, Vintage Sunburst
- Fingerboard Radius
- 12 inch
- Tuning Machines
- Open-back Golden Age strap tuners with cream buttons
- Body Construction
- Solid
1 detailsIn the box
- Case or Gig Bag
- Century Collection tweed hardshell
4 detailsOther
- Model
- J-185 Century
- Bracing Pattern
- Scalloped X-bracing
- Product Type
- Acoustic guitar
- Series
- Century Collection
