Gibson J-185 Vintage vs J 200

[jw3571]

Is there any difference in tone between these two or is the J 185 really just a stripped down J200. They are both maple back and sides.

[cliff_the_stiff]

I believe that they are different body sizes, and I also think that 185 is a short scale? Gibson aficionados please correct me if I’m wrong.
My buddies SJ-200 is one of the best sounding guitars i’ve ever played.

[Mattface]

From Gibson's Website

A Jumbo with unparalleled tonal balance
The J-185 is believed by many to be one of Gibson's best acoustic instruments, yet it seems to be fairly obscure, much to the delight of devoted Gibson lovers. Originally released in the early 1950s and designed to be slight smaller than its larger companion, the SJ-200, the J-185 still offers superior performance and tone. The J-185 Original maintains unsurpassed balance of lows, mids, and highs, with equal response to every note on the fretboard. Acclaimed by many as the perfect body size and shape for any player.

I don't really know any more about it than that, but I'm interested in this model as I like looks of the j200 and I like the idea of a "Small Jumbo"

[llew]

The SJ-200 is a much bigger guitar than the J-185. And while I didn't own them simultaneously the SJ-200 has a bigger voice as well IMO. The J-185 is "Gibson" short scale (24.75") while the SJ-200 is standard scale. (25.5")

[Brucebubs]

SJ-200 has a 17" lower bout and 4.75" depth.
SJ-185 has a 16" lower bout and 4 7/8" depth.

[dnf777]

While the j-185 is smaller than the 200, I wouldnt call it a small-bodied guitar. Im 6-2, and find the 185 a perfect fit for me, although thats purely a personal preference. As for tone, not sure how you compare the two, but neither is lacking in fullness and richness. I guess if you lean on them, the 200 has a little more volume.

[EZYPIKINS]

Having small hands I went with the J-185 for the 24.3/4 scale. Love the tone. I'd still like a 200, but I play my 185 every day. Only guitar I have that I play every day.

[aeisen93]

Just saw this new Epiphone online and was wondering if it is the exact same size as a Gibson J200. I can't find the dimensions of this guitar...

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...-antique-gloss

[zombywoof]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

SJ-200 has a 17" lower bout and 4.75" depth.
SJ-185 has a 16" lower bout and 4 7/8" depth.

The J200 acquired a 4 7/8" deep body in the early-1950s so about the same time as the J-185 was introduced.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by zombywoof

The J200 acquired a 4 7/8" deep body in the early-1950s so about the same time as the J-185 was introduced.

You're right of course, I'm in a metric country and decimal inches is completely foreign to me.

[donlyn]

Originally Posted by aeisen93

Just saw this new Epiphone online and was wondering if it is the exact same size as a Gibson J200. I can't find the dimensions of this guitar...

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...-antique-gloss

aeisen93,

Following your link, there is a phone number for Sweetwater to call for help, so give it a try and ask the dimensions of the lower bout and depth.

For what it's worth I own both a Gibson J-200 and an Epiphone EJ-200 and they have nearly the same measurements of 17" width and 4+7/8" depth. I would be surprised if the current dimensions are different, given that Epiphone is directly referencing the Gibson model.

Bruce alerted me to this new Epiphone J-200, and it looks good with it's solid wood construction. Wouldn't mind playing one to check it out.

Don
.

[andyenobs]

The J185 should be easier to play because of its shorter scale length but does it sound as good. I am keen to hear from those that know. I have a deposit on a SJ 200 and have been waiting 5 months so far but I am wondering whether a J185 would be a better bet and I would save some money.
I'm in the UK and have to say Gibson's lack of a delivery schedule is an absolute disgrace. It shows how little respect they have for their customers.

[malcolm kelt]

Hi, I don't know where you are in the UK, Coda Music has a couple of J185's in stock, one a lovely historic model, and one SJ200.
I have dealt with them for a number of years and find them a great shop. Worth also giving the owner Chris a call as he always has new stock coming in, a lot of nice Gibsons recently.

[koolimy]

I haven't played any of the Gibsons but I have assembled a long scale J-185 w/ Cherry back and sides and Adirondack Spruce top from a kit. I think saying that a J-185 is a stripped down J-200 is doing it a huge disservice. The J-185 has a very rich, warm, thumpy tone of its own, and might be more suitable for quite a lot of styles compared to the J-200. It is very versatile, as it is the "Small Jumbo" shape that many builders, including Taylor, use as their do-it-all guitar (The Grand Auditorium shape is similar in size to the J-185). I actually think it may be easier to get a good sound out of a J-185 compared to a J-200. Quite a few people here on the forums have called the J-200 the "Whispering Giant", probably because the J-200 has such a large body that it might be easy to overbuild it to keep its structural integrity.

Of course this is not to disparage the J-200, as it is an iconic guitar for a good reason. I just wanted to advocate for the J-185, which I believe is a truly great guitar design.

[Sage Runner]

The Gibson J-185 is one of best balanced Guitars you’ll ever play. Originals are scarce and huge money. When reintroduced a few versions sported the longer 25 1/2” scale. You have to make sure and check the specs if you want the original shorter scale which most folks want. New ones are gonna set you fair bit now. I bought new blonde one in 1997 for $1700. The classic J-200 is a wonderful guitar and quite different tone wise. Huge deep bass. Another option is a reissue Gibson J-100 Mahogany body less fancy but a nice guitar as well. Overall the J-185 would be more versatile and if you could only have one flat top a quality hand picked J-185 would be one of my first choices