Head to head
Gibson J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Left-Handed, Walnut Burst vs Gibson L-00 Special, Satin Wine Red
The verdict
The Gibson L-00 Special, Satin Wine Red comes out ahead overall — 80 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
No standout advantage.
Gibson L-00 Special, Satin Wine Red wins on
- Better build (96 vs 91)
- Better sound (68 vs 60)
- Better value (77 vs 63)
- Lower price ($1,999 vs $2,549)
Scorecard
| Metric | J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Left-Handed, Walnut Burst | L-00 Special, Satin Wine Red |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 74 | 80 |
| Build | 91 | 96 |
| Playability | 75 | 75 |
| Sound | 60 | 68 |
| Value | 63 | 77 |
Full specifications
| Spec | J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Left-Handed, Walnut Burst | L-00 Special, Satin Wine Red |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Gibson | Gibson |
| Type | Acoustic | Acoustic |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | US | US |
| Body wood | Walnut | Solid Mahogany |
| Neck wood | Mahogany | Utile |
| Fretboard | Walnut | Rosewood |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 20 | 19 |
| Scale | 24.75" | 24.75" |
| Pickups | LR Baggs™ Element | LR Baggs Element Bronze |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $2,549 | $1,999 |
| Accessories | Includes Gibson Accessory Kit | — |
| Back | Walnut | Solid Mahogany |
| Binding | Multi-ply top, single-ply back | Single-ply Cream, Top and Back |
| Body Finish | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer | Satin Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Body shape | J-185 | L-00 |
| Body Styles | Jumbo | Small Body |
| Bracing | Traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing | Traditional Scalloped X-bracing |
| Bridge | Traditional belly up | Rectangular; Rosewood |
| Bridge Pins | Tusq | — |
| Case | Hardshell Case | Premium Soft Shell |
| Controls | 1 Volume | Soundhole Mounted Volume |
| Fretboard inlay | Mother-of-pearl dots | Mother-of-Pearl Dot |
| Fretboard radius | 406.4mm / 16.0in | 304.8mm / 12.0in |
| Fret Count | 20 | 19 |
| Joint | Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body | Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body Joint; Hot Hide Glue |
| Model | MCJB85WLHBL | MCSBL0SPCWR |
| Nut | Tusq | TUSQ |
| Nut width | 43.81mm / 1.72in | 43.82mm / 1.73in |
| Output Jack | 1/4" Endpin Jack | 1/4" Endpin |
| Pickguard | J-185 Modern | L-00; Tortoise |
| Profile | Advanced Response | SlimTaper |
| Saddle Material | Tusq | TUSQ |
| Scale length | 628.65mm / 24.75in | 628.65mm / 24.75in |
| Side | Walnut | Solid Mahogany |
| String gauges | .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053 | .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053 |
| Top wood | Sitka Spruce | Solid Sitka Spruce |
| Truss rod | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Truss Rod Cover | B/W | 2-ply Black |
| Tuner Plating | Nickel | Chrome |
| Tuners | Mini Grover Rotomatic with Kidney Buttons | Grover Mini Rotomatic |
| Under Saddle Pickup | LR Baggs™ Element | LR Baggs Element Bronze |
| Headstock Inlay | — | Gibson Logo in Gold Silkscreen |
| Preamp | — | LR Baggs Element Bronze |
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