Since the 1930s, Gibson’s full-size, round-shoulder acoustics have shaped the sound of American music, becoming the most frequently recorded acoustic guitars thanks to their rich warmth, expressive character, and remarkable balance across every note. It remains Gibson’s best-selling acoustic of all time. Gibson now proudly unveils a fresh take on this legendary guitar: the J-45 Century 12-Fret. While it embodies the familiar features that players associate with the J-45, this version shifts to a 12-fret neck-to-body joint in place of the standard 14-fret configuration. This change shortens the overall neck length and moves the bridge plate deeper into the body, positioning it closer to the widest part of the top. That placement allows the soundboard to move more efficiently, creating a comfortably played instrument with a warm, punchy, resonant voice—one that responds especially well to fingerstyle technique and lighter picking dynamics.
While the Gibson J-185 may not have achieved the same universal name recognition as models like the J-45™, SJ-200™, and Hummingbird™, it has long held a special place among knowledgeable players, who consider it one of the best-sounding acoustic guitars Gibson has ever made. Originally released in 1951, the J-185’s body outline drew inspiration from the celebrated 1920s L-5 models, sharing much of their silhouette and proportions. Gibson now introduces a fresh interpretation of this beloved platform: the J-185 Century 12-Fret. It carries forward many of the hallmark appointments that define the classic J-185, but the shift to a 12-fret neck-to-body joint sets it apart from the standard 14-fret design. This configuration shortens the neck and moves the bridge plate farther from the waist and closer to the body’s widest point, enhancing top movement and improving playing comfort. The result is a warm, lively, and responsive voice that especially suits fingerstyle players and anyone with a lighter, nuanced touch.
First introduced in the early 1930s, the Gibson L-00 quickly became one of the most recognized small-body acoustics in the Gibson lineup. Gibson now proudly unveils a fresh take on this revered design: the L-00 Century 12-Fret. While it preserves the core attributes that modern L-00 players appreciate, this edition moves to a 12-fret neck-to-body joint rather than the familiar 14-fret layout. This shift is more than cosmetic. With a 12-fret connection, the neck is slightly shorter, and the bridge plate shifts into a more central, more resonant zone of the top. This placement helps the soundboard work more efficiently, improves playing comfort, and yields a warm, articulate, and lively tonality that responds beautifully to fingerstyle techniques and players with a lighter, more nuanced attack.
The iconic style and voice of Gibson acoustics with 12-Fret necks
Gibson J-185 Century 12 Fret
Vintage Amber / Ebony / Vintage Sunburst
RRP $4,999
Gibson J-45 Century 12 Fret
Vintage Amber / Ebony / Vintage Sunburst
RRP $4,999
Gibson L-00 Century 12 Fret
Vintage Amber / Ebony / Vintage Sunburst
RRP $4,499
All models available in right and left handed orientation.
Australis Music Group