Played this today

[Geoff738]

1956 J185.

For better photos see the Folkways website.

I thought it was nice. Perhaps even very nice. But probably not $25k nice.

Cheers,
Geoff

 

[Geoff738]

https://folkwaymusic.com/vintage-instruments/item/id.4810

Better pictures, more detail about the work it had done.

Cheers,
Geoff

 

[zombywoof]

I have been totally GAS free for about 6 or 7 years now. But even if I was not a price tag of $25K means that guitar would remain a pipe dream. But do not weep for me. I play a 1932 12 fret L1, a 1942 J50 and a 1960 J200 which represents an investment (including repairs) of less than 1/2 what they are asking for that J185.

 

[teletimetx]

Wow - very fine looking. From the website description, they’ve done some cosmetic stuff and even a few brace reglue or crack repairs. Not unusual though.

$25k is out of my range. And I certainly missed the boat in the 80s or so, when you could find some decent J-45s for hundreds of dollars, not thousands, for example.

Nice looking at the pictures, though - so thanks for posting, @Geoff738!! I don’t try think I ever seen any of this model and age in the wild.

 

[Freeman Keller]

Talk about the F5.

 

[teletimetx]

Talk about the F5.

Good idea!

Block inlays? I’m not a source for mando information, so seeing those on an F5 is new to me.

 

[Freeman Keller]

Good idea!

Block inlays? I’m not a source for mando information, so seeing those on an F5 is new to me.

I'm only vagally familiar with the Loar era which all had dots (I think). One picture of a '51 does have block inlays

https://www.om28.com/ProductDetail?product=P220427001

Probably a pretty nice mando

 

[Buckocaster51]

I'm only vagally familiar with the Loar era which all had dots (I think). One picture of a '51 does have block inlays

https://www.om28.com/ProductDetail?product=P220427001

Probably a pretty nice mando

By ‘51 Loar was was long gone from Gibson.

The only thing that Mando has going for it is its age.

 

[Freeman Keller]

By ‘51 Loar was was long gone from Gibson.

The only thing that Mando has going for it is its age.

Yea, I knew that about Loar and the legendary instruments. I really didn't realize that Gibson was making mandolins in the early 50's and had no idea if they were any good. Saw that hanging in Geoff's picture and was curious.,

 

[chezdeluxe]

By ‘51 Loar was was long gone from Gibson.

The only thing that Mando has going for it is its age.

Have you played it ?

 

[Stubee]

Man, I’m outta the vintage guitar loop these days. I didn’t think a 185 would fetch THAT kinda dough. I played one or two vintage ones over the years and though beautiful, their tone didn’t do it for me.

I guess I’m glad I’m no longer in the market.

 

[Geoff738]

If I was smarter I would’ve taken another look at their website before I went. If I had I would’ve seen that they also had a 52 J45. Would have been a good idea to compare and contrast.

Anyhow, I blew that opportunity.

And, just for reference, the $25k asking price is Canuck bux. But with the taxes here would push it over 28k. Which, converted into American dollars? Is still a lot.

Cheers,
Geoff

 

[elihu]

Love it, Geoff.

At a local mom-and-pop music store (that I've been going to for decades) lives my dream acoustic guitar.

The story I've always gotten is that Gibson saved its best woods for the plain tops and (I'm trying to remember) that there were very few (>100...>50?) made in 53.

I've played it many times. It's the best sounding acoustic I've ever experienced. And that's with old strings on it.

https://reverb.com/item/2219840-gibson-sj-200-1953

 

[Stubee]

Love it, Geoff.

At a local mom-and-pop music store (that I've been going to for decades) lives my dream acoustic guitar.

The story I've always gotten is that Gibson saved its best woods for the plain tops and (I'm trying to remember) that there were very few (>100...>50?) made in 53.

I've played it many times. It's the best sounding acoustic I've ever experienced. And that's with old strings on it.

https://reverb.com/item/2219840-gibson-sj-200-1953

Price drop!

 

[Geoff738]

Love it, Geoff.

At a local mom-and-pop music store (that I've been going to for decades) lives my dream acoustic guitar.

The story I've always gotten is that Gibson saved its best woods for the plain tops and (I'm trying to remember) that there were very few (>100...>50?) made in 53.

I've played it many times. It's the best sounding acoustic I've ever experienced. And that's with old strings on it.

https://reverb.com/item/2219840-gibson-sj-200-1953

Listed nine years ago!

Cheers,
Geoff

 

[39martind18]

I have been totally GAS free for about 6 or 7 years now. But even if I was not a price tag of $25K means that guitar would remain a pipe dream. But do not weep for me. I play a 1932 12 fret L1, a 1942 J50 and a 1960 J200 which represents an investment (including repairs) of less than 1/2 what they are asking for that J185.

My Old Guys (1939 Martin D18 and 1933 A Style Mando) extend a hello and best wishes to your Old Guys!

 

[elihu]

Listed nine years ago!

Cheers,
Geoff

No one can afford it!

 

[Geoff738]

No one can afford it!

Well, yeah. But seems to be in line with current prices.

Cheers,
Geoff

 

[Bill Ashton]

Well, that original J185 that started this thread is described as having a neck reset...that's no small surgery, and certainly more than "cosmetic." Without seeing how meticulously that work was done, the blush-is-off-the-rose for me...

 

[Buckocaster51]

Have you played it ?

That one? No.

But several from that period.