2015 Gibson Custom Shop J-185 Red Spruce - Sunset Burst | USA Mini Jumbo Limited Edition 1 / 75 "AA" Adirondack Spruce Top L.R. Baggs Pickup | CoA OHSC

I am offering here a Gibson Custom Shop J-185 Red Spruce from 2015, a crafted in the Gibson Custom Shop in Bozeman, Montana (USA), all solid timber acoustic guitar limited to only 75 units, featuring a voluminous small-body jumbo design with an extremely resonant “AA” adirondack red spruce top, sides and back made of spectacularly figured flamed big-leaf maple, set mahogany neck with round neck profile, bound rosewood fingerboard with elaborate mother-of-pearl split parallelogram inlays and 43.8mm TUSQ nut, Belly-Up rosewood bridge with TUSQ saddle, as well as Grover Rotomatic tuners in a radiant Sunset Burst Nitro high-gloss finish with tortoise pickguard in excellent condition, including black Gibson luxury hardshell case, manufacturer’s papers, and professional setup with 12-gauge Elixir strings.

First introduced in 1951 as a slightly smaller sibling to the J-200, the J-185 is now considered a classic in Gibson’s acoustic guitar lineup. With its powerful projection, reminiscent of a jumbo, yet featuring the controlled response of a more compact design and body proportions that are not oversized (compared to the SJ-200), it captivates with a character all its own—so it’s no wonder that numerous renowned artists, from Cat Stevens and the Everly Brothers to Jake Bugg and Paul McCartney, rely on the J-185.

The 2015 Limited Edition model presented here, from the Gibson Custom Shop in Montana, was built in a limited run of only 75 units and is based on historical models from the early 1950s. The guitar impresses with its exceptional craftsmanship, select tonewoods, and a compelling vintage aesthetic.

Sonically, the combination of a select “AA” Adirondack spruce top and a solid big-leaf maple body delivers a particularly orchestral, broad, voluminous, yet articulate tone. The top ensures exceptional resonance, quick response, and clear highs with a chorus of overtones and red spruce-typical dynamics, while the maple lends the tone a precise, focused bass response and transparent mids. This makes the guitar ideal for both light and hearty strumming as well as accompaniment with clear projection, but it also handles any type of picking superbly.

A sound sample of the model (available only in the Vintage Sunburst finish) can be found above at the end of the photo gallery.

Additionally, the guitar comes factory-equipped with a high-quality L.R. Baggs Element pickup system, delivering a clear, authentic acoustic sound that shines even in live performances.

The mahogany neck with a comfortable round profile feels great in the hand and offers a modern playing feel, with comfort and smoothness in playability.

Visually, the rare Sunset Burst nitro finish, which beautifully highlights the spectacular flamed maple grain of the body, along with the elaborate split parallelogram mother-of-pearl inlays on the wild-figured rosewood fingerboard, give the instrument a premium appearance, into which the nickel hardware and tortoise pickguard integrate extremely well.

Technical Specifications:

• Origin: Bozeman, MT, USA
• Year of manufacture: 2015
• Body shape: Small Body Jumbo
• Top: Adirondack red spruce (solid)
• Bracing: Traditional X-bracing (hand-scalloped)
• Back / Sides: Big Leaf Maple (solid)
• Neck: Mahogany, set-in
• Neck profile: Round
• Fingerboard: Rosewood with mother-of-pearl split parallelogram inlays, bound
• Fingerboard radius: 12"
• Frets: 20
• Nut: 43.8mm, TUSQ
• Bridge: Belly-up bridge made of rosewood with cross-shaped mother-of-pearl inlays and TUSQ saddle
• Tuners: Grover Rotomatic Nickel
• Pickup: L.R. Baggs Element, active
• Body binding: Cream, 3-ply
• Rosette: Concentric rings, multi-ply
• Pickguard: Tortoise
• Finish: Sunset Burst High Gloss, Nitrocellulose
• Specials: Custom Shop decal on back of headstock
• Scale length: 629mm
• Serial no.: 12185035
• Includes black Gibson luxury hardshell case, manufacturer’s papers (incl. C.o.A.)

This Gibson J-185 Red Spruce is in excellent condition and technically flawless. Visually, there is only occasional superficial wear (see photos). The frets are in top condition.

The instrument has received a professional setup with 12-53 Elixir 80/20 strings, and I (a long-time guitar teacher) will ship it fully insured with DHL for €49.99 within Germany or €99.99 within the EU. Worldwide shipping available—individual shipping costs upon request.

All images shown are of the actual instrument for sale.