
( Brand: Gibson ), ( Model: J-185EC ), ( Part Type: Acoustic Guitar Preamp ), ( Body Type: Jumbo ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Country//region Of Manufacture: United States )
The Gibson EC-30 Fitzgerald leading the J-185EC series is a unique and captivating intersection of traditional acoustic guitar design and modern electric amplification technology. This masterpiece, featuring the legendary Gibson round-shouldered body shape, offers an enticing blend of warm acoustic tone and effortless plug-and-play electric amplification. Let's delve deeper into the intricacies that make this guitar a failsafe addition to any musician's arsenal.
At its heart, the J-185EC boasts a solid Sitka spruce top and Mahogany back and sides. The Sitka spruce top is known for its superior tonal qualities, delivering rich, balanced sound with exceptional clarity and projection. In contrast, the Mahogany back and sides contribute to the instrument's familiar warm and robust tone, creating an enchanting symphony of harmonics when strummed or picked.
Further enhancing the tonal vibrancy of this remarkable instrument is the Fishman Acoustic Matrix Plus-T Projected pickup system. This state-of-the-art electric preamp with Blendable K&K Pure Isotic undersaddle pickup regulates and isolates the sound from each string, providing a full-bodied, well-balanced electric signal that resonates both on stage and in the studio.
The guitar's body is aesthetically supplemented by a stunning natural finish, painting a picture of simplicity and elegance. Additionally, an exquisite 5-ply body binding in cream and tortoise shell encloses the rounded body, while the 14-fret mahogany neck attaches to the body with the classic "Dovewing" headstock.
Comfort and playability have not been overlooked with the J-185EC. Its custom-designedicional compensated rosewood bridge maintains consistent string tension across all frets and offers superior intonation for enhanced instrument accuracy. The groovy nod to vintage style comes in the form of a "Gibson Deluxe Tuners," gearing up the machine heads with locking tulip key buttons for smooth tuning and swift gear changes.
Numerous psychical features of this guitar ensure ease of use and reliability on gigs or recording sessions. Notably, the EC-30 includes a volume knob, treble and bass tone controls, and a blend control. This setup enables musicians to fine-tune their sound for various settings and environments, making this guitar an ideal partner for every performance.
The Gibson EC-30 J-185EC guitar is an extraordinary instrument, offering a unique blend of exquisite acoustic tone, versatile electric amplification options, and a timeless design. This guitar is perfect for musicians who crave the authenticity of an acoustic guitar with the convenience and flexibility of electric amplification. So, if you desire to elevate your performances with an uncompromising instrument loaded with both sonic depth and visual allure, the Gibson EC-30 J-185EC is your perfect choice.
The Gibson EC-30 J-185 185EC BKE (9/2001) and 185 EC OHC (12/2001) are semi-acoustic guitars with distinctive tonal qualities and Fishman Acoustic Blender preamps. Understanding the unique features, advantages, and potential drawbacks of this particular model can aid potential buyers in making an informed decision.
J-185 Guitar Features:- The J-185 model was first introduced in the 1960s, and it's known for its warm and dynamic tone.
- The guitar features a maple neck with a 24.75-inch scale length, rosewood fingerboard, and 14-degree headstock.
- The body is made of mahogany with a maple top, which contributes to its well-balanced acoustic sound.
- The EC variants retain the typical J-185 tonality while integrating the Fishman Blender preamp.
Fishman Acoustic Blender Preamp:- The Fishman Blender preamp provides players an additional control over their tone and volume by blending acoustic and electric sounds.
- The onboard tone controls, notch filter, phase reversal, and volume control enhance its flexibility.
- It also comes with a battery-powered system, allowing players to use it without an external power source, which can be useful during live performances or rehearsals.
Advantages of the Gibson EC-30 J-185:1. Blended Tone: The Fishman Blender preamp incorporates the definitive J-185 tone with the versatility of electric amplification.
2. Tone Shaping: The tone controls, phase reversal, and notch filter offer artists the opportunity to fine-tune their instrument's sound to their desired preferences.
3. Portability: The battery-powered preamp enables players to interact directly with their sound without the need for external amps or power sources.
4. Vintage Tone: The J-185 design and construction maintain its classic, resonant sound that's desirable among guitar enthusiasts.
Potential Drawbacks of the Gibson EC-30 J-185:1. Cost: The combination of a high-end guitar brand like Gibson and a Fishman preamp adds to the high price tag.
2. Extra Equipment: Some players might find it unnecessary to have the Fishman Blender preamp, especially if they don't regularly perform or spend time recording.
3. Tonal Coloration: The preamp may subtly alter the guitar's natural tone depending on personal preferences.
4. Battery Life: The preamp runs on a 9-volt battery, which may require frequent replacement depending on playing frequency and style.
Conclusion:The Gibson EC-30 J-185 guitar, with its 185EC BKE and 185 EC OHC versions, flaunts vintage character and Fishman technology that enhances its versatility and playability. The Fishman Blender preamp offers numerous advantages for performing artists, such as convenient tone shaping and volume control options. However, it does come with a premium price tag that may deter some buyers. Careful consideration of your playing style, desired features, and budget will ultimately help you decide whether the Gibson EC-30 J-185 is the right choice for you.
Recommendation:If you're looking for a versatile guitar that offers both classic acoustic tonality and the ability to perform and record electrically, the Gibson EC-30 J-185 with the Fishman Acoustic Blender preamp could be the optimal choice for you. Alternatively, if you want a more traditional acoustic guitar with no additional electronics, you might consider the original Gibson J-185 model.
The original Gibson hard shell case is included. Other tasteful cosmetic touches include a small bating tortoise pick guard and abalone sound hole rosette. With a spruce top and highly figured maple back, sides, and neck, the tone is rich and defined, with great percussive cut and top end character.
The original orange Gibson label is intact and visible through the sound hole as well. A very versatile and powerful sounding Gibson acoustic, this guitar has similar looks to a scaled down j 2 boasting a more manageable 16 lower bout, and full body depth. There is sparingly little cosmetic wear on the guitar, with only light wear in the pick path on the bass side of the sound hole, and a few assorted small finish scratches and nicks in the nitro lacquer, none of which penetrate through the finish. The maple spruce tone wood combo ensures great string to string clarity and resonance, and the sheer depth of the body adds warmth and bloom to single note lines and complex chord voicing.
The wide nut is a hand carved bone replacement which is a vast improvement over the stock nut, adding sustain and clarity and accenting the glassy and precise tone of the ebony board.
The quilt figuring on the back is tight and consistent across the entire piece of wood, and the same goes for the sides, which have a prominent grain pattern in addition to the figuring. Outfitted with a fishman prefix plus preamp and boasting a treble side cutaway for easier access to the higher frets, this guitar has both the good looks of a classic Gibson and a few small touches that add versatility for the modern player.
Up for sale, a 2001 Gibson j 185ec acoustic electric guitar in exceptional condition and in perfect working order. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs.
The head stock boasts a pearled inlay ed Gibson logo and a set of original gold plated Grover automatic tuners that turn very smoothly and are some of the most reliable gears on the market for stable tuning over long sessions and gigs the ebony fret board is bound and inlay ed with pearled split parallelograms, evoking the top tier Gibson model's of yesteryear.
The three piece maple neck has a comfortable medium c profile, with gorgeous, deep flame figuring in the wood and a gloss nitro lacquer finish. The carved ebony bridge has the original compensated saddle to ensure proper intonation, and the saddle has ample height for future adjustment if desired.
The Puzo pickup driven preamp is lively and responsive, doing a great job of delivering an authentic and nuanced acoustic tone when more volume is needed than what the guitar can provide otherwise.