Gibson J-185 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1957), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, blonde lacquer finish, flame maple back & sides, spruce top, mahogany neck with Brazilian rosewood fingerboard & bridge, brown hard shell case.
The J-185 has gained a reputation as one of the finest of all Gibson flat-tops, although in production for only a fairly short time in the 1950s. With a slightly smaller body and generally lighter construction, these are a more responsive guitar than the full 17" J-200 they otherwise resemble. This blonde beauty from 1957 has spectacular flame maple back and sides, a nice chunky mahogany neck, and a rich and expansive sound.
With a crown headstock inlay, trapeziod fingerboard inlay, unique pearl Maltese crosses on the bridge wings, and gold-plated Kluson deluxe tuners, this is a fairly fancy guitar. There is a second matching totoise celluloid upper pickguard added at some point which does not appear to be adversely affecting the sound and gives the guitar a bit of an Everly Brothers vibe.
Overall length is 41 in. (104.1 cm.), 16 in. (40.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 15/16 in. (12.5 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 1/2 in. (622 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
Well-played, with an added but correct-looking matching upper pickguard. General wear and some small areas of finish touch-up to the top, which is buffed out behind the bridge. One small repaired crack on the top side at the waist. A very nice player and a great gigging example of one of Gibson's finest guitars. Very Good + Condition.
