Head to head
Gibson Cat Stevens J-180 Collector's Edition, Ebony vs Gibson Hummingbird Custom Koa, Antique Natural
The verdict
The Gibson Cat Stevens J-180 Collector's Edition, Ebony and Gibson Hummingbird Custom Koa, Antique Natural are closely matched overall — 74 to 74 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
Gibson Cat Stevens J-180 Collector's Edition, Ebony wins on
- Lower price ($7,499 vs $8,999)
Gibson Hummingbird Custom Koa, Antique Natural wins on
No standout advantage.
Scorecard
| Metric | Cat Stevens J-180 Collector's Edition, Ebony | Hummingbird Custom Koa, Antique Natural |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 74 | 74 |
| Build | 91 | 91 |
| Playability | 75 | 75 |
| Sound | 60 | 60 |
| Value | 63 | 63 |
Full specifications
| Spec | Cat Stevens J-180 Collector's Edition, Ebony | Hummingbird Custom Koa, Antique Natural |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Gibson | Gibson |
| Type | Acoustic | Acoustic |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | US | US |
| Body wood | Maple | Koa |
| Neck wood | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Ebony |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 20 | 20 |
| Scale | 24.75" | 24.75" |
| Pickups | LR Baggs M1 Soundhole Pickup | None |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $7,499 | $8,999 |
| Accessories | Certificate of Authenticity and a selection of patches, pins, and stickers inspired by the iconic artwork of Cat Stevens | Includes Gibson Accessory Kit |
| Back | Maple | Koa |
| Body Finish | Nitrocellulose VOS | Nitrocellulose |
| Body shape | J-180 | Hummingbird |
| Body Styles | Jumbo | Square Shoulder |
| Bracing | Traditional Hand Scalloped X-bracing | Traditional Hand-Scalloped X-Bracing |
| Bridge | Belly Up Adjustable, Pinless | Traditional Belly up |
| Bridge Pins | None | Bone |
| Case | Cat Stevens Case Included | Hardshell Case |
| Controls | Volume Control on the Pickup | None |
| Fretboard inlay | Graduated Mother of Pearl Stars | Hummingbird Custom |
| Fretboard radius | 304.8mm / 12.0in | 304.8mm / 12.0in |
| Fret Count | 20 | 20 |
| Joint | Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body Joint; Hot Hide Glue | Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body |
| Model | AMJBCSEB | SSHCANGE |
| Nut | Bone | Bone |
| Nut width | 43.82mm / 1.73in | 43.81mm / 1.72in |
| Output Jack | 1/4" Endpin Jack | — |
| Pickguard | Tortoise J-180 Double Moustache | Hummingbird, Mother of Pearl and Abalone Inlay |
| Preamp | LR Baggs M1 | — |
| Profile | 60s Custom | Rounded |
| Saddle Material | Black TUSQ, Adjustable | Bone |
| Scale length | 628.65mm / 24.75in | 628.65mm / 24.75in |
| Side | Maple | Koa |
| Top wood | Thermally Aged Sitka Spruce | Sitka Spruce |
| Truss rod | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Truss Rod Cover | Cat Stevens; Extra Black and White TRC Included in the Case | B/W |
| Tuner Plating | Nickel | Gold |
| Tuners | Keystone Waffleback | Grover, Engraved Kidney Knobs |
| Under Saddle Pickup | LR Baggs M1 Soundhole Pickup | None |
| Binding | — | Multi-ply Abalone Top, Multi-ply Back |
| String gauges | — | .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053 |
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