Gibson J-185 Review

“Plays and sounds excellently. I would recommend a...”

Written on: 28/11/2007 by kev smith (1 review written)

Good Points
Very distinctive appearance, loud sound when played gently. There is nothing else out there that sounds like a Gibson Jumbo.

Bad Points
I had to have 2 guitars before getting one which has enough bridge height due to the neck set angle being too low, also the first one started to lacquer crack after 6 months of cosseting. The lacquer appeared to be too thick. The replacement guitar has a much thinner more even layer of lacquer over the whole instrument.

General Comments
Plays and sounds excellently. I would recommend a Gibson Jumbo to anyone but follow this advice.

Find an instrument with enough neck set angle to allow for action lowering, or future movement of the guitar.

Find an instrument with a fine even layer of lacquer over the whole instrument. If there are heavy build ups of lacquer on the back of the neck, or at the neck/body joint - find another instrument.

Remember to allow the instrument to acclimatise when you take it out to gigs. Do not open the case for 30 mins. Do NOT leave it in the case, or in your car over night. This is asking for trouble!

Go and play one, you will never want to play another make again.