Faux Tortoise

Gibson J185 Original Jumbo Steel String Antique Natural, 2005

On February 7, 2022 /

Here we have a Gibson J185 Original Jumbo bodied steel string in Antique Natural finish, built during 2005 at the Gibson Acoustic plant in Bozeman, Montana. The J-185 is a very good but likely under-appreciated guitar, being overshadowed by the better known and slightly larger J-200. The Gibson J185 and J200 have many similarities and the key differences are not always seen at first glance. Both feature the Jumbo body shape, Sitka Spruce top with Figured Maple for the sides and back, and Rosewood for the fingerboard and bridge.

Used

This instrument has sold

Martin 518 Terz Guitar Natural, 1955

On March 14, 2021 /

The Martin 518 Terz appeared in the Martin catalog from 1898 until 1989 and despite its long production run had one notable players, the great Marty Robbins. Sting has also used the Terz. The Terz is a small bodied instrument that’s tuned up a minor third, meaning the tuning is G-C-F-A#-D-G low to high. The shorter 21.375 inch scale makes this possible without excessive tension. The Martin 518 Terz design was influenced by Viennese Terz styles built by the Stauffer company C F Martin apprenticed with. There were also Italian Terz models with smaller bodies.

Vintage

This instrument has sold

Larrivee OM 40R Legacy Series Natural Satin

On December 22, 2020 /

The Larrivee OM 40R Legacy is simple and elegant orchestra sized guitar that features a Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood sides and back. The squared peghead with open gear tuners and bold rope rosette and top purfling enhance this classic aesthetic. Top it all off with the ebony fret board and bridge and maple body binding and you have an excellent looking instrument.

New

Gibson J185 12 String Guitar Maple Natural, 2001

On July 30, 2020 /

The Gibson J185 12 String was built in Bozeman Montana from 2001 to 2004 and as the name suggests puts the classic J-185 into a 12 string configuration. The J-185 model was originally built from 1951 to 1959 and featured a smaller body than the J-200, but also used Maple sides and back with Sitka Spruce top. The neck is Mahogany with Rosewood used for the bridge and bound fingerboard.

Used

This instrument has sold

SS Stewart Model 4024 Archtop Guitar Sunburst, 1930s

On June 3, 2020 /

Here’s a lovely piece – from the early 1930’s, an SS Stewart Model 4024 archtop guitar, built by either Regal or Harmony and sold through Buegeleisen and Jacobson, owners of the Stewart brand. The SS Stewart company, named for Samuel Swain Stewart was a major producer of banjos between 1878 and 1904, and was bought by B&J (Buegeleisen and Jacobson) a few years after Stewart’s death. Over the years, B&J shifted to producing mostly guitars with the brand, had many companies build the actual instruments including Chicago Musical Instruments, who also built Harmony, Kay, and Silvertone brands.

Vintage

This instrument has sold

Gibson J185 Custom Quilt Natural, 2015

On March 20, 2020 /

Here’s a lovely Gibson J185 Custom Quilt, one of a run of 65 instruments built with sides and back of a fantastic AAA grade Quilted Maple set. Gibson introduced the J-185 in 1951 and was built until 1958, and production resumed again with updated specs in 1990. During 1962, a new Everly Brothers J-180 was designed. Based on the J-185, that model featured an adjustable bridge, star inlays, and top and bottom pickguards, and that was built till 1972.

Used

This instrument has sold

Faux Tortoise

Gibson J185 Original Jumbo Steel String Antique Natural, 2005

Martin 518 Terz Guitar Natural, 1955

Larrivee OM 40R Legacy Series Natural Satin

Gibson J185 12 String Guitar Maple Natural, 2001

SS Stewart Model 4024 Archtop Guitar Sunburst, 1930s

Gibson J185 Custom Quilt Natural, 2015

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