Head to head
Gibson Cat Stevens J-180 Collector's Edition, Ebony vs Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst
The verdict
The Gibson Cat Stevens J-180 Collector's Edition, Ebony and Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst 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
No standout advantage.
Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst wins on
- Lower price ($3,199 vs $7,499)
Scorecard
| Metric | Cat Stevens J-180 Collector's Edition, Ebony | J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Gibson | Gibson |
| Type | Acoustic | Acoustic |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | US | US |
| Body wood | Maple | Mahogany |
| Neck wood | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 20 | 20 |
| Scale | 24.75" | 24.75" |
| Pickups | LR Baggs M1 Soundhole Pickup | LR Baggs VTC |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $7,499 | $3,199 |
| 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 | Mahogany |
| Body Finish | Nitrocellulose VOS | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Body shape | J-180 | J-45 |
| Body Styles | Jumbo | Round Shoulder |
| Bracing | Traditional Hand Scalloped X-bracing | Traditional hand scalloped X-bracing |
| Bridge | Belly Up Adjustable, Pinless | Traditional belly up |
| Bridge Pins | None | Tusq |
| Case | Cat Stevens Case Included | Hardshell Case |
| Controls | Volume Control on the Pickup | Volume and Tone Controls |
| Fretboard inlay | Graduated Mother of Pearl Stars | Mother-of-pearl dots |
| 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 | OCRS4550VS |
| 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 | 50's, Tortoise |
| 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 | Mahogany |
| Top wood | Thermally Aged Sitka Spruce | Sitka Spruce |
| Truss rod | Adjustable | — |
| Truss Rod Cover | Cat Stevens; Extra Black and White TRC Included in the Case | Black |
| Tuner Plating | Nickel | Nickel |
| Tuners | Keystone Waffleback | Grover Strap Cream Button |
| Under Saddle Pickup | LR Baggs M1 Soundhole Pickup | LR Baggs VTC |
| Binding | — | Multi-ply top, single-ply back |
| Finish | — | Nickel |
| String gauges | — | 0.053, 0.042, 0.032, 0.024, 0.016, 0.012 |
More Cat Stevens J-180 Collector's Edition, Ebony comparisons
- Cat Stevens J-180 Collector's Edition, Ebony vs SJ-200 Standard, Tri Burst
- Cat Stevens J-180 Collector's Edition, Ebony vs 1960 Hummingbird Reissue, Heavy Aged, Washed Cherry Sunburst
- Cat Stevens J-180 Collector's Edition, Ebony vs J-45 EC Studio, Vintage Sunburst
- Cat Stevens J-180 Collector's Edition, Ebony vs J-200, Aged Vintage Sunburst Gloss