Played this today

[Geoff738]

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...

Folkways is renowned for the meticulous skill of their repair work. If I have a guitar that needs serious work, that is where I would be taking it. And, having handled that particular guitar, I would say the work done was invisible to my eyes. They are also the world’s preeminent authority on pre war Gibson L-00s. They tend to know their stuff, in other words.

Cheers,
Geoff

 

[zombywoof]

By ‘51 Loar was was long gone from Gibson.

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

My L3 was built during the Loar period.

Following the re-tooling of the Daylight Plant and re-organization of workforce starting in 1950, there was no grass growing under Gibson's feet. In quick succession they came out with the CF-100 and J-185.

 

[Wildeman]

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.

That's what I was thinking, one too many zeros
I'll go strum on my beater D28 now

 

[zombywoof]

That's what I was thinking, one too many zeros
I'll go strum on my beater D28 now

Imagine how those of us who are old enough to remember when 1950s Gibsons were simply "used guitars" feel when we see these sticker prices.

 

[memorex]

Those prices blow my mind. I bought this MRG octive mandolin from Eastwood Guitars last year for $650.

 

[Geoff738]

Well, the J185 is listed as on hold. Which means someone bought it at the asking price. All I know is that someone wasn’t me.

Cheers,
Geoff