1954 Gibson J-185 – Sunburst (Ex Bill Carlisle)
This 1954 Gibson J-185 in Sunburst is an incredible instrument, comes in an incredible package, and had an incredible original owner!! This guitar was owned by country legend Bill Carlisle, nicknamed Jumpin’ Bill Carlisle for his tendency to jump around the stage during his performances. This guitar sounds fantastic and plays beautifully, which is no surprise to us given its owner and the years of seasoning it received. In the mid-60s, Carlisle added these large scalloped guards. We believe they have been reglued since then. There is also an added strap button at the neck heel to aid Carlisle in supporting this guitar during his high-energy performances. Carlisle signed this guitar’s case, and inside, you will find many accompanying pictures and memorabilia. We have written a detailed blog post about this guitar’s history and Carlisle’s. It would be impossible to fit everything we need into this description nor fully convey our appreciation for Carlisle as a person and musician, so we recommend reading the blog post here for more info.
Overall Condition: 6, well worn throughout, as can be expected from an instrument owned by a professional country musician
Specifications
- finish_details Sunburst, Original, Fair Condition, a good deal of playwear, bucklerash, finish checking, and marks from years of use
- body_material Spruce Top, Curly Maple Back and Sides
- neck_material Mahogany
- fretboard_material Rosewood
- neck_profile Full C
- weight 4 lbs 5 oz
- scale_length 24-3/4"
- pickup_readings N/A
- tubes
- speakers
- electronics N/A
- nut_width 1-11/16"
- hardware Added pickguards and strap button, repro tuning buttons, otherwise Original, Good Condition, playwear throughout, gold plating on tuners still well intact
- includes Non-original Grey Vox Case with gold lining (signed by Bill Carlisle), Multiple photos and headshots of Carlisle with and without this guitar, a note with his name and number, a handwritten lyric sheet, and a card memorializing Carlisle’s passing in 2003
- year
Well Strung Guitars
Upon receipt, if you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you must notify WSG within 24 hours. We will refund your money as soon as the merchandise is returned to us in the same condition as when it shipped out. The customer is responsible for all shipping, insurance, and bank fees that may be incurred throughout the return process. All returns must be packaged in the same materials that the guitar was sent out to ensure the safety of the instrument. All claims regarding loss or damage are the responsibility of the purchaser.