Bilco Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 Hi folks, It's almost time to add something to my one-guitar collection (which is a Martin rosewood dread) and I'm considering making it a Gibson. I've heard alot of good things about new Gibson accoustics over the last couple years. I've never had the chance to play or even hear either of these in person. I have read the specs, though. I think I want short scale as it might help my stiffening-with-age fingers function and feel a little better. I know I like maple since I like the J-200s I've played. Please give me a little feedback on what you like or dislike about each of these models and how they might differ from each other. Thanks, Bilco Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NevadaPic Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 The CJ-165 is in many ways a smaller-bodied J-185. They both have short scale necks but the fingerboard and bridge material differs between ebony (165) and rosewood (185). The CJ-165 normally has no pickguard (although mine does). The CJ-165 has a compact feel to it that is missing in the larger J models. I had both and I had to sell one. I kept the CJ-165. Mine is sunburst finish rosewood back/sides and all things considered its one of the best guitars I have ever played. The ebony makes for a 'fast' fretboard and it's a comfortable guitar to play due to its size. It sounds fantastic and I'm sure a maple version would also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nodehopper Posted October 6, 2008 Share Posted October 6, 2008 Just a very minor clarification to Nevada's reply. The Maple CJ-165 comes with a Rosewood fretboard while his Rosewood models fretboard is ebony. I am not sure why they spec'd different fretboard materials for the two models......but they did. I have the Maple and while the rosewood fretboard is fine...I sure wish it could have been ebony. Secondly I believe the CJ-165 comes with the pick guard in the case so that if you prefer one you can install it. I play with my fingers so I have put the pick guard away in a safe place. I love my CJ-165 and cannot recommend them enough ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acousticat Posted October 6, 2008 Share Posted October 6, 2008 J-185 TV Sunburst Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pschaafs Posted October 7, 2008 Share Posted October 7, 2008 I have been a little underimpressed with the CJ-165 guitars I have played - they just did not seem to have the tone I expected from them. I do like (want) a J-185 though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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