Music

Up for sale is an amazing-sounding 1954 Gibson J-185 that has lived quite a life! Check out the included demo video.These guitars are already rare enough, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen one valued at sub-five figures, as this one is. Many Gibson players and fans deem this the ultimate vintage Gibson model, because it seems to do everything well. The guitar has a beautiful tone and commanding voice that sounds unlike any other vintage guitar body size. Fewer than 1,000 of these were made between 1951 and 1959, when they were discontinued, which is one of the reasons they’re so coveted.This old road warrior is in fair condition thanks to the following modifications and repairs: refinish, sanded peghead veneer, rebound back, areas of touch-up on top, repaired heel crack, replaced bridge (J-200-style), a few (now-filled) holes drilled through the bridge, and several cleated top and back cracks. The pickguard and tuners have also been replaced, although the pickguard certainly looks old to me. Despite all of this, it’s structurally solid (all repairs have been evaluated and given the “thumbs up”) and is actually playing really great thanks to a neck reset and refret. The scale length is 24.75”, and the nut width is 1 11/16”.The book value on a ‘50s J-185 in great/excellent condition is $18-23k. I recently had Music City Vintage Guitars appraise this J-185 for $7,500; I'm asking $7,400 here. Comes with newer Gibson hardshell case with pink interior.