Leonard McCoy Posted June 28, 2022 Share Posted June 28, 2022 A Tribute to One of the World's Greatest Singer-Songwriters "With his long dark hair and beard, slender frame, and black Gibson J-180 Cat Stevens stood as the embodiment of the 1970s singer-songwriter, a modern troubadour on a quest for spiritual enlightenment through music. And it was on his J-180 that he wrote and recorded many of his most beloved hits including "Wild World," "Peace Train," "Father and Son," and many more. "Bought in London’s famous Selmer's Music Shop in 1969, Cat was initially drawn to the J-180’s elegant style, however, its percussive quality soon became an essential component of the intimate sound of his seminal albums ‘Tea For The Tillerman’ and ‘Teaser And The Firecat.’ At the end of the 1970s, Cat sold all of his musical equipment, including his J-180, with the proceeds going to charity. However, in the decades since he has been reunited with the original guitar and acquired a vintage backup to tour with. "The Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop is proud to introduce the Cat Stevens J-180, which is based on the guitar that helped define his legend. It features a thermally aged Sitka spruce top, mother of pearl moon and star headstock and graduated star fretboard inlays, and an interior label hand-signed by Yusuf / Cat Stevens. Limited to only 50 units globally, a Certificate of Authenticity and a selection of patches, pins, and stickers inspired by the iconic artwork of Cat Stevens are included, along with a Cat Stevens hardshell case." $7,499.00 Cat Stevens J-180 Collector's Edition Specifications Body Body Shape J-180 Body Material Maple Top Thermally Aged Sitka Spruce Back Maple Side Maple Bracing Traditional Hand Scalloped X-bracing Finish Nitrocellulose VOS Neck Material Mahogany Profile 60s Custom Scale Length 24.75" / 628.65mm Fingerboard Material Rosewood Fingerboard Radius 12" Number Of Frets 20 Frets Standard Small Crown Nut Material Bone Nut Width 1.73" / 43.815mm Inlays Graduated Mother of Pearl Stars Joint Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body Joint; Hot Hide Glue Headstock inlay Gibson Logo and Moon and Star in Mother of Pearl Hardware Tuner Plating Nickel Bridge Belly Up Adjustable, Pinless Saddle Material Black TUSQ, Adjustable Tuning Machines Keystone Waffleback Pickguard Tortoise J-180 Double Moustache TrussRod Adjustable Truss Rod Cover Cat Stevens; Extra Black and White TRC Included in the Case Bridge Pins None Electronics Under Saddle Pickup LR Baggs M1 Soundhole Pickup Controls Volume Control on the Pickup Output Jack 1/4" Endpin Jack Preamp LR Baggs M1 Miscellaneous Strings Gauge .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053 Case Cat Stevens Case Included Accessories Certificate of Authenticity and a selection of patches, pins, and stickers inspired by the iconic artwork of Cat Stevens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard McCoy Posted June 28, 2022 Author Share Posted June 28, 2022 Cat was actually playing the prototype a while back: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted June 28, 2022 Share Posted June 28, 2022 Love that Kermit The Frog green in the case. $7500. At least they don't say sold out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoSoxBiker Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 I saw this come through in an email and figured the resident Cat Stevens / Yusef expert would be all over it. Leanard McCoy, are you getting one? 🙂 I know lots of folks were leery of baked tops on Maple B&S. I can say that the thermally aged Sitka does very well with the Maple B&S on my Artist Series Frank Hannon Love Dove. Hopefully it works out well for folks with this rather pricey J-180. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBSinTo Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 This just another example of Gibson's business model which includes a clause that states "there must be an inverse relationship between the outrageous prices we'll charge, and the looks of our products". The large slab of pickguard material that looks like it was salvaged from some cheap kitchen table is especially appealing. What an ugly guitar. RBSinTo 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boyd Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 Haha, I was thinking the exact same thing... the more expensive it is, the uglier it gets. 🤣 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave F Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 I’ve always liked the pick guards on the Everly type models. The 180 I had was a very nice guitar but the sound wasn’t what I was looking for. Plugged in it was great. I’m thinking I should had kept it. I’ve always like Cat/Yusuf’s music. If I was a big fan, I’d probably go after one of these. I’m a sucker for signature models and have had my share of them plus I have the new Elvis J200 on order. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimt Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 There was a Everly model from the 90s that had the pinless bridge. I think it might of been one of the Montana specials. Not a fan of Sig guitars. A cheap guitar and a record would be just fine in this case Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 (edited) I do not find the guitar ugly. And the pinless ADJ bridge is a nice touch. Looks to be far better thought out than the wacky wrap around ADJ bridge Kay came up with in the later-1950s. That said if somebody handed me $7500 and told me the only thing I could spend it on would be a Bozeman -made Gibson this one would not be high on my list. Even if I felt I could make peace with a signature guitar (model names excepted), I am not enough of a Cat Stevens fan to be swayed by the extras included with the guitar.. For whatever reason, the sensitive singer/songwriter types have never had much staying power with me. Edited June 29, 2022 by zombywoof Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBSinTo Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 1 hour ago, zombywoof said: I do not find the guitar ugly. And the pinless ADJ bridge is a nice touch. Looks to be far better thought out than the wacky wrap around ADJ bridge Kay came up with in the later-1950s. That said if somebody handed me $7500 and told me the only thing I could spend it on would be a Bozeman -made Gibson this one would not be high on my list. Even if I felt I could make peace with a signature guitar (model names excepted), I am not enough of a Cat Stevens fan to be swayed by the extras included with the guitar.. For whatever reason, the sensitive singer/songwriter types have never had much staying power with me. zombywoof, With the $7,500.00, one could grab a plane ticket from Bozeman to Nazareth, buy a really good looking and wonderfully sounding guitar, and still have change left over. Send me the money, and I'll show you how its done. RBSinTo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 (edited) 3 hours ago, zombywoof said: I do not find the guitar ugly. And the pinless ADJ bridge is a nice touch. Looks to be far better thought out than the wacky wrap around ADJ bridge Kay came up with in the later-1950s. That said if somebody handed me $7500 and told me the only thing I could spend it on would be a Bozeman -made Gibson this one would not be high on my list. Even if I felt I could make peace with a signature guitar (model names excepted), I am not enough of a Cat Stevens fan to be swayed by the extras included with the guitar.. For whatever reason, the sensitive singer/songwriter types have never had much staying power with me. But you get stickers (I love stickers on cases), and pins, and a nice COA with a nice photo of Mr. Cat/Yusuf/ Georgiou playing an older one. Plus it already comes gig ready with that eye sore pickup. The star and moon inlay is a nice touch, but doesn't need it. Not sure why a guitar needs that much p/g, but I guess if your gonna beat the hell out of it (and you know your not, your going to baby it and show it to your friends so they can drool) it comes in handy. And who doesn't want a big white cat on their guitar case? You will be able to tell your guitar apart from others with that. If I had 7.5k I'd go get a Preston Thomson 000 in hog and still have 1.5k, or in EIRW and have 1k in my pocket for strings. Edited June 29, 2022 by Sgt. Pepper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 (edited) 40 minutes ago, Sgt. Pepper said: But you get stickers (I love stickers on cases), and pins, and a nice COA with a nice photo of Mr. Cat/Yusuf/ Georgiou playing an older one. Plus it already comes gig ready with that eye sore pickup. The star and moon inlay is a nice touch, but doesn't need it. Not sure why a guitar needs that much p/g, but I guess if your gonna beat the hell out of it (and you know your not, your going to baby it and show it to your friends so they can drool) it comes in hand. And who doesn't want a big white cat on their guitar case? You will be able to tell your guitar apart from others with that. If I had 7.5k I'd go get a Preston Thomson 000 in hog and still have 1.5k, or in EIRW and have 1k in my pocket for strings. Don't get me wrong. I do love swag especially the kind I can slap on a guitar case. But the scenario I came up with is I would be restricted to spending the loot on a Bozeman-made guitar, What that might be I do not have clue as I have nothing on my radar. But with that much cash stuffed in my pocket it sure would be a fun hunt. Edited June 29, 2022 by zombywoof Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimt Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 I kind of see as. Why would you want someone elses name on your guitar? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 (edited) 22 minutes ago, slimt said: I kind of see as. Why would you want someone elses name on your guitar? So you can pay $7500 for it. Why else, and give it to Gibson willingly. But remember anyone who has a Les Paul, has someone else's name on their guitar. I think Gibson is someone else's name too. Its not mine. Edited June 29, 2022 by Sgt. Pepper 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimt Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 25 minutes ago, Sgt. Pepper said: So you can pay $7500 for it. Why else, and give it to Gibson willingly. But remember anyone who has a Les Paul, has someone else's name on their guitar. I think Gibson is someone else's name too. Its not mine. A inventor that put Gibson pretty much on the map with a strong following , seems like the right thing. a Entertainer , well not so much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 Just now, slimt said: A inventor that put Gibson pretty much on the map with a strong following , seems like the right thing. a Entertainer , well not so much I know, I was pulling your leg. All mine have some CF dudes name one them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard McCoy Posted June 29, 2022 Author Share Posted June 29, 2022 (edited) 6 hours ago, BoSoxBiker said: I saw this come through in an email and figured the resident Cat Stevens / Yusef expert would be all over it. Leanard McCoy, are you getting one? 🙂 I know lots of folks were leery of baked tops on Maple B&S. I can say that the thermally aged Sitka does very well with the Maple B&S on my Artist Series Frank Hannon Love Dove. Hopefully it works out well for folks with this rather pricey J-180. Probably not, as there are no lefties being made. Limited to only 50 units globally, the guitar is actually a steal for the price. Its value will only skyrocket in price on the secondary market. Edited June 29, 2022 by Leonard McCoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimt Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 55 minutes ago, Sgt. Pepper said: I know, I was pulling your leg. All mine have some CF dudes name one them. I dont mind. 😄 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBSinTo Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 (edited) 18 hours ago, Leonard McCoy said: Probably not, as there are no lefties being made. Limited to only 50 units globally, the guitar is actually a steal for the price. Its value will only skyrocket in price on the secondary market. The steal you refer to is by Gibson, not the purchasers. This "limited edition" business that promises the value of the scarce units will increase is the same silliness pushed by outfits like The Franklin Mint for the various chazerai that they push. I just finished building a classical guitar from a kit. It's the Solo Music Gear RBSinTo Special Edition. Only one in existence. I'm asking $1,200,000.00 for it. At that price it's a steal. RBSinTo Edited June 30, 2022 by RBSinTo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, RBSinTo said: The steal you refer to is by Gibson, not the purchasers. This "limited edition" business that promises the value of the scarce units will increase is the same silliness pushed by outfits like The Franklin Mint for the various chazerai that they push. I just finished building a classical guitar from a kit. It's the Solo Music Gear RBSinTo Special Edition. Only one in existence. I'm asking $1,200,000.00 for it. At that price it's a steal. RBSinTo If yours is not coming with some type of animal silhouette on the guitar case, and if it doesn't have a blue glitter sparkle finish on it, I want to cancel our deal of $1,200,000.00. Not sure if that was CDN or US. If its a "steal", and we know it isn't, at $7500 then what will it be referred to on the after market? I'll go with the word - sodomy. If I were you guys I would put a call in and complaint to Gibson that they are being Handist, as they are only making righthand models of the Cat guitar. Seriously what needs to be done? The bridge and nut has to be reversed and its a lefty? Non of Gibson's tooling can do that? Edited June 30, 2022 by Sgt. Pepper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 You'd have to REALLY like Cat Steven's to go $7.5K on something that fugly. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBSinTo Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 (edited) 2 hours ago, Sgt. Pepper said: If yours is not coming with some type of animal silhouette on the guitar case, and if it doesn't have a blue glitter sparkle finish on it, I want to cancel our deal of $1,200,000.00. Not sure if that was CDN or US. If its a "steal", and we know it isn't, at $7500 then what will it be referred to on the after market? I'll go with the word - sodomy. If I were you guys I would put a call in and complaint to Gibson that they are being Handist, as they are only making righthand models of the Cat guitar. Seriously what needs to be done? The bridge and nut has to be reversed and its a lefty? Non of Gibson's tooling can do that? Chief, The case has the silouette of a Dung Beetle, complete with ball of dung on it , and the guitar's finish, as you requested has been changed by careful application of three coats of Krylon gloss blue spray paint and sprinkled with genuine imitation silver glitter as it dried. And the price quoted was in USD., taxes and shipping extra, of course. It's a steal!!!! RBSinTo Edited June 30, 2022 by RBSinTo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 11 minutes ago, RBSinTo said: Chief, The case has the silouette of a Dung Beetle, complete with ball of dung on it , and the guitar's finish, as you requested has been changed by careful application of three coats of Krylon gloss blue spray paint and sprinkled with genuine imitation silver glitter as it dried. And the price quoted was in USD., taxes and shipping extra, of course. It's a steal!!!! RBSinTo Send me your address and leave the keys under the mat and it will be a steal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 (edited) 2 hours ago, kidblast said: You'd have to REALLY like Cat Steven's to go $7.5K on something that fugly. Not really. You just have to have a profession that affords you the money to buy such a "steal", in the hopes you can price gouge the next guy on the used market to turn a profit. Edited June 30, 2022 by Sgt. Pepper 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jalex Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 The price of this Cat Stevens model almost makes me feel like my Noel Gallagher model was a good deal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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