Crossing Platforms, Crossing Genres
One of the most fabled Gibsons of all time, the J-185 was originally released in 1951. Designed to be just slightly smaller in proportion to the larger SJ-200, the J-185 used similar appointments, Sitka spruce and maple back and sides for its construction. This Custom Historic 1952 J-185 is enhanced with a thermally aged Sitka spruce top and gorgeous flame maple back and sides. Sporting classic J-185 appointments including iconic Maltese crosses inlaid in mother-of-pearl on the open slot bridge, this is a rare model, but highly desired by artists and performers worldwide.
Specifications
Body Specs
Body Specs
Back Flame Maple
Binding Multi-ply top, multi-ply back
Body Finish Thin Finish Nitrocellulose, VOS
Body Shape J-185
Body Styles Jumbo
Bracing Traditional Hand Scalloped X-bracing, with hide glue
Side Flame maple
Top Thermally Aged Sitka Spruce
Neck Specs
Neck Specs
Fingerboard Material Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius 304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count 20
Frets Standard
Inlays Mother-of-pearl Parallelograms
Joint Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body Joint
Neck Material Mahogany
Nut Material Bone
Nut Width 43.81mm / 1.72in
Profile V
Scale Length 628.65mm / 24.75in
Electronics Specs
Electronics Specs
Under Saddle Pickup None
Hardware Specs
Hardware Specs
Bridge Belly up, holes at rear, open slot
Bridge Pins Bone
Pickguard J-185
Saddle Material Bone
Truss Rod Cover Black
Tuner Plating Gold
Tuning Machines Gotoh Keystone
Misc Specs
Misc Specs
Accessories Includes Gibson Accessory Kit
Model: CSRS8552AN
Case Period Correct Case
Strings Gauge 0.053, 0.042, 0.032, 0.024, 0.016, 0.012
Gibson Custom 1952 J-185 Reissue, Antique Natural
Gibson Custom 1952 J-185 Reissue, Antique Natural
Lifetime Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shop and play with confidence knowing that your instrument is protected by our limited lifetime warranty. Learn more about warranties and exclusions here .
Case Included
Case Included
Your instrument ships with a factory-supplied hard- or soft-shell case for safe storage and transportation. Please refer to the product specifications for details.
Setup Included
Setup Included
Our craftory-trained technicians perform a final thorough inspection and detailed setup moments before your instrument is packed and shipped to you.
Three Free Months of the Gibson App

Three Free Months of the Gibson App
For a limited time only, receive a three-month subscription to the Gibson App for free with the purchase of this product. Click here to learn more about the Gibson App.
Crossing Platforms, Crossing Genres
One of the most fabled Gibsons of all time, the J-185 was originally released in 1951. Designed to be just slightly smaller in proportion to the larger SJ-200, the J-185 used similar appointments, Sitka spruce and maple back and sides for its construction. This Custom Historic 1952 J-185 is enhanced with a thermally aged Sitka spruce top and gorgeous flame maple back and sides. Sporting classic J-185 appointments including iconic Maltese crosses inlaid in mother-of-pearl on the open slot bridge, this is a rare model, but highly desired by artists and performers worldwide.
Specifications
Body Specs
Body Specs
Back Flame Maple
Binding Multi-ply top, multi-ply back
Body Finish Thin Finish Nitrocellulose, VOS
Body Shape J-185
Body Styles Jumbo
Bracing Traditional Hand Scalloped X-bracing, with hide glue
Side Flame maple
Top Thermally Aged Sitka Spruce
Neck Specs
Neck Specs
Fingerboard Material Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius 304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count 20
Frets Standard
Inlays Mother-of-pearl Parallelograms
Joint Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body Joint
Neck Material Mahogany
Nut Material Bone
Nut Width 43.81mm / 1.72in
Profile V
Scale Length 628.65mm / 24.75in
Electronics Specs
Electronics Specs
Under Saddle Pickup None
Hardware Specs
Hardware Specs
Bridge Belly up, holes at rear, open slot
Bridge Pins Bone
Pickguard J-185
Saddle Material Bone
Truss Rod Cover Black
Tuner Plating Gold
Tuning Machines Gotoh Keystone
Misc Specs
Misc Specs
Accessories Includes Gibson Accessory Kit
Model: CSRS8552AN
Case Period Correct Case
Strings Gauge 0.053, 0.042, 0.032, 0.024, 0.016, 0.012






