Head to head
Gibson J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Left-Handed, Walnut Burst vs Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst
The verdict
The Gibson J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Left-Handed, Walnut Burst 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 J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Left-Handed, Walnut Burst wins on
- Lower price ($2,549 vs $3,199)
Gibson J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst wins on
No standout advantage.
Scorecard
| Metric | J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Left-Handed, Walnut Burst | J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 74 | 74 |
| Build | 91 | 91 |
| Playability | 75 | 75 |
| Sound | 60 | 60 |
| Value | 63 | 63 |
Full specifications
| Spec | J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Left-Handed, Walnut Burst | J-45 50s Original, Vintage Sunburst |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Gibson | Gibson |
| Type | Acoustic | Acoustic |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | US | US |
| Body wood | Walnut | Mahogany |
| Neck wood | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Fretboard | Walnut | Rosewood |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 20 | 20 |
| Scale | 24.75" | 24.75" |
| Pickups | LR Baggs™ Element | LR Baggs VTC |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $2,549 | $3,199 |
| Accessories | Includes Gibson Accessory Kit | Includes Gibson Accessory Kit |
| Back | Walnut | Mahogany |
| Binding | Multi-ply top, single-ply back | Multi-ply top, single-ply back |
| Body Finish | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Body shape | J-185 | J-45 |
| Body Styles | Jumbo | Round Shoulder |
| Bracing | Traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing | Traditional hand scalloped X-bracing |
| Bridge | Traditional belly up | Traditional belly up |
| Bridge Pins | Tusq | Tusq |
| Case | Hardshell Case | Hardshell Case |
| Controls | 1 Volume | Volume and Tone Controls |
| Fretboard inlay | Mother-of-pearl dots | Mother-of-pearl dots |
| Fretboard radius | 406.4mm / 16.0in | 304.8mm / 12.0in |
| Fret Count | 20 | 20 |
| Joint | Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body | Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body |
| Model | MCJB85WLHBL | OCRS4550VS |
| Nut | Tusq | Bone |
| Nut width | 43.81mm / 1.72in | 43.81mm / 1.72in |
| Output Jack | 1/4" Endpin Jack | — |
| Pickguard | J-185 Modern | 50's, Tortoise |
| Profile | Advanced Response | Rounded |
| Saddle Material | Tusq | Bone |
| Scale length | 628.65mm / 24.75in | 628.65mm / 24.75in |
| Side | Walnut | Mahogany |
| String gauges | .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053 | 0.053, 0.042, 0.032, 0.024, 0.016, 0.012 |
| Top wood | Sitka Spruce | Sitka Spruce |
| Truss rod | Adjustable | — |
| Truss Rod Cover | B/W | Black |
| Tuner Plating | Nickel | Nickel |
| Tuners | Mini Grover Rotomatic with Kidney Buttons | Grover Strap Cream Button |
| Under Saddle Pickup | LR Baggs™ Element | LR Baggs VTC |
| Finish | — | Nickel |
More J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Left-Handed, Walnut Burst comparisons
- J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Left-Handed, Walnut Burst vs SJ-200 Standard, Tri Burst
- J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Left-Handed, Walnut Burst vs 1960 Hummingbird Reissue, Heavy Aged, Washed Cherry Sunburst
- J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Left-Handed, Walnut Burst vs J-45 EC Studio, Vintage Sunburst
- J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Left-Handed, Walnut Burst vs J-200, Aged Vintage Sunburst Gloss