Head to head
Gibson J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Walnut Burst vs Gibson SJ-200 Standard, Tri Burst
The verdict
The Gibson J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Walnut Burst and Gibson SJ-200 Standard, Tri Burst are closely matched overall — 74 to 73 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
Gibson J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Walnut Burst wins on
- Lower price ($2,549 vs $5,699)
Gibson SJ-200 Standard, Tri Burst wins on
No standout advantage.
Scorecard
| Metric | J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Walnut Burst | SJ-200 Standard, Tri Burst |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 74 | 73 |
| Build | 91 | 91 |
| Playability | 75 | 72 |
| Sound | 60 | 60 |
| Value | 63 | 62 |
Full specifications
| Spec | J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Walnut Burst | SJ-200 Standard, Tri Burst |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Gibson | Gibson |
| Type | Acoustic | Acoustic |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | US | US |
| Body wood | Walnut | Maple |
| Neck wood | Mahogany | 2-piece Maple |
| Fretboard | Walnut | Indian Rosewood |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 20 | 20 |
| Scale | 24.75" | 25.5" |
| Pickups | LR Baggs™ Element | LR Baggs Anthem |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $2,549 | $5,699 |
| Accessories | Includes Gibson Accessory Kit | — |
| Back | Walnut | AAA Flame Maple |
| Binding | Multi-ply top, single-ply back | 5-ply Top, 3-ply Back |
| Body Finish | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Body shape | J-185 | SJ-200 |
| Body Styles | Jumbo | Super Jumbo |
| Bracing | Traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing | Traditional Hand-Scalloped X-Bracing |
| Bridge | Traditional belly up | Two bar SJ-200 Moustache; Rosewood |
| Bridge Pins | Tusq | TUSQ |
| Case | Hardshell Case | Gibson Hardshell |
| Controls | 1 Volume | Soundhole Mounted Volume, Mix Control (mixes between internal mic and under-saddle piezo pickup), Phase Inversion Switch, Battery Check, Mic Level Control |
| Fretboard inlay | Mother-of-pearl dots | Mother of Pearl Graduated Crowns |
| 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 Joint; Hot Hide Glue |
| Model | MCJB85WLHB | MCJB20TB |
| Nut | Tusq | TUSQ |
| Nut width | 43.81mm / 1.72in | 43.82mm / 1.73in |
| Output Jack | 1/4" Endpin Jack | 1/4" Endpin Jack |
| Pickguard | J-185 Modern | SJ-200 Cream Flower with Border and Dots |
| Profile | Advanced Response | Rounded |
| Saddle Material | Tusq | TUSQ |
| Scale length | 628.65mm / 24.75in | 647.7mm / 25.5in |
| Side | Walnut | AAA Flame Maple |
| String gauges | .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053 | .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053 |
| Top wood | Sitka Spruce | AAA Sitka Spruce |
| Truss rod | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Truss Rod Cover | B/W | 2-ply Bell, Black and White |
| Tuner Plating | Nickel | Gold |
| Tuners | Mini Grover Rotomatic with Kidney Buttons | Grover Rotomatic |
| Under Saddle Pickup | LR Baggs™ Element | LR Baggs Anthem |
| Finish | — | Gold |
| Headstock Inlay | — | Mother of Pearl Gibson Logo and Crown |
| Preamp | — | LR Baggs Anthem |
| Strap Buttons | — | Gold |
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