Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Superbooth 2026
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
Jared James Nichols plays his Gibson Futura live onstage
Artists “So yes, it’s official: I’ve made the move”: Jared James Nichols switches to Marshall amps
Jake Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet rips a solo on his '61 SG.
Artists Jake Kiszka on the time he went shopping for the world’s most expensive guitar amp in Japan
Gibson L-00 Century
Acoustic Guitars "For blues players and fingerstyle enthusiasts especially, it’s hard to imagine a better-suited companion": Gibson L-00 Century 12-Fret review
Harley Benton refreshes its Pro Series with 41 new Fusion-IV S-styles, mid-priced but offering specs such as quilted maple veneers, sculpted heels, EMGs and locking tuners
Guitars A sub-$600 shred machine with active EMGs and roasted flame maple neck? Harley Benton expands its Pro Series with 41 hot-rodded but affordable S-styles
A Strandberg Boden Original N2.6T headless electric guitar with a Fender Tone Master amp modeler
Electric Guitars “If this is the future of guitar, then sign me up”: Strandberg Boden Original N2.6T review
EVH Gear Wolfgang Special Baked Maple: the high-performance electrics are refreshed with baked maple necks, TOM bridges and Floyd Rose vibratos
Guitars Eddie Van Halen-approved baked maple necks? Check. Flagship pickups? Check. EVH Gear unveils stunning refresh of the Wolfgang Special
Jackson Pro Plus Pure Metal Kelly
Electric Guitars “Everything a headbanger could want from a metal guitar – just as long as you don’t need a neck pickup”: Jackson Pro Plus Pure Metal KE1A Kelly review
The Taylor Jacob Collier GS Mini is a compact five-string acoustic that encourages players to explore Collier's D-A-E-A-D tuning.
Acoustic Guitars “This is quite a hard guitar to categorise – and perhaps Jacob Collier likes it that way... For the right player, though, it could be the key to experiencing guitar anew”: Taylor Jacob Collier GS Mini 5-String review
Fender 75th Anniversary Telecaster Road Worn and Cabronita
Electric Guitars Fender 75th Anniversary Vintera Road Worn 1951 Telecaster & American Professional Classic Cabronita Telecaster review
Sterling By Music Man Joe Dart Collection, ft. the Joe Dart I [left] and the Joe Dart Vision – the bass with no controls
Artists No knobs? No problem – Sterling By Music Man takes bass guitar design minimalism to its logical conclusion with the super-cool Joe Dart Vision
A Harley Benton Fusion IV HH electric guitar lies on a white floor with a rug and guitar cable nearby
Electric Guitars “It certainly appears a lot more expensive than it actually is”: Harley Benton Fusion IV HH FR review
A PRS McCarty 594 on a hard case
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars 2026: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
Harley Benton JA-Baritone HH BK
Guitars Harley Benton drops a sub-$250 baritone that proves you can do low tunings at low prices – and stay fashionably offset
Moog
Synths We speak to Moog Music President Joe Richardson who exclusively reveals what's coming up
Close up of a Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar lying on a wooden floor
Acoustic Guitars Best acoustic guitars 2026: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets
More
  • Superbooth 2026
  • Kate Bush Army Dreamers
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Theory of Feels
  1. Guitars
  2. Acoustic Guitars

Gibson Montana reveals 2018 acoustic guitar range

News
By Michael Astley-Brown published 6 September 2017

Including new parlour shape and Avante Garde models

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Yes, more Gibson! This week has seen the core USA line and Memphis hollowbody range unveiled, and now it’s the turn of the Montana acoustic guitars, which have been popping up at retailers worldwide.

As always, there’s a new Hummingbird and J-45 Standard, but there are a few surprises, too, including the new Avante Garde line, which offers slimline bodies and cutaways, plus a new parlour shape to boot.

Head on through the gallery for a closer look at each model, with specs and street prices.

Page 1 of 8
Page 1 of 8
Gibson Montana Parlor Rosewood AG 2018

Gibson Montana Parlor Rosewood AG 2018

PRESS RELEASE: Gibson has a long history of pioneering small-body acoustic guitar designs. The Parlor Rosewood Avant Garde is the next evolution of what a small-body instrument should sound like.

Never before has a slim, small-body cutaway guitar offered such a giant sound. Excellent playability and distinctive styling complete the package. World class acoustic tone suitable for home, studio, stage or high-level professional performance.

Full specs

Neck:
Material: Mahogany
Neck Profile: Advanced Response
Scale Length: 24.75"
Fingerboard: Richlite

Body:
Body Shape: J-165
Top: Sitka spruce
Back and Sides: Rosewood
Bracing: Traditional hand scalloped X-bracing
Binding: Multi-ply top, single-ply back
Finish: Nitrocellulose

Hardware:
Hardware Finish: Mini Grover
Bridge: Modern belly down, Richlite
Saddle: Tusq

Electronics:
Pickup: LR Baggs Element VTC
Controls: Volume and Tone controls

Page 2 of 8
Page 2 of 8
Gibson Montana SJ-200 Jumbo 2018

Gibson Montana SJ-200 Jumbo 2018

PRESS RELEASE: From its inaugural appearance in 1937, Gibson's SJ-200 set an unmatched standard.

The 2018 SJ-200 continues a legacy of the world's most famous acoustic guitar, and certainly one of the most popular.

The Super Jumbo has been the "Artist's Choice" for all styles of music, from rock to country. This iconic model is capable of a rich, full sound with a deep bass and crystal clear highs.

Full specs

Body Style: Super Jumbo
Body: Maple
Top: Sitka spruce
Bracing: Traditional, Hand Scalloped X-bracing
Neck Profile: Round
Neck: 2-piece maple
Neck width: 1.725''
Neckjoint: Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale length: Long
Number of frets: 20
Nut: Tusq
Inlay: Mother-of-pearl Crowns
Binding: Multi Ply Top, Multi Ply Back
Hardware: Bridge 2 Bar Moustache, Rosewood
Tuners: Grover Rotomatic
Plating; Gold
Pickup: LR Baggs Anthem
Finishes available: Vintage Sunburst
Case: Gibson Hardshell

Page 3 of 8
Page 3 of 8
Gibson Montana AG Hummingbird Rosewood 2018

Gibson Montana AG Hummingbird Rosewood 2018

PRESS RELEASE: The Hummingbird Rosewood Cutaway is our new modern square shoulder, slim body depth, rosewood cutaway guitar.

Handcrafted with the same time tested build techniques as our most iconic models. Each Gibson Acoustic is full of expression, character, and exquisite beauty and this new modern styled instrument is no different.

Superb for all contemporary styles, whether just cording, or for intricate solo music.

Full specs

Body Style: Square Shoulder
Body: Rosewood
Top: Sitka spruce
Bracing: Traditional Hand Scalloped X-bracing
Neck Profile: Advanced Response
Neck: Mahogany
Neck width: 1.725''
Neckjoint: Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body
Fingerboard: Richlite
Scale length; Long
Number of frets: 20
Nut: Tusq
Inlay: Mother-of-pearl Single Parallelogram
Binding: Multi Ply Top, Single Ply Back
Hardware: Bridge Modern belly down, Richlite
Tuners: Mini Grover
Plating: Nickel
Pickup: LR Baggs VTC
Finishes available: Antique Natural
Case: Gibson Hardshell

Page 4 of 8
Page 4 of 8
Gibson Montana J-45 Walnut Burst AG 2018

Gibson Montana J-45 Walnut Burst AG 2018

PRESS RELEASE: The J-45 Walnut offers an innovative, slim body, round shoulder cutaway guitar with all the traditional build techniques that go into each Gibson Acoustic.

A Solid Sitka Spruce top with traditional hand scalloped bracing is joined by beautiful walnut back and sides which provide a full and balanced tonal range and superior clarity between each string.

Full specs

Body Style: Round Shoulder
Body: Walnut
Top: Sitka spruce
Bracing: Traditional Hand Scalloped X-bracing
Neck Profile: Advanced Response
Neck: 2-piece maple
Neck width: 1.725"
Neckjoint: Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body
Fingerboard: Walnut
Scale length: Short
Number of frets: 20
Nut: Tusq
Inlay: Mother-of-pearl Dots
Binding: Multi Ply Top, Single Ply Back
Hardware: Bridge Rounded Rectangle, Walnut
Tuners: Mini Grover
Plating: Nickel
Pickup: LR Baggs Element
Finishes available: Walnut Burst
Case Gibson: Hardshell

Page 5 of 8
Page 5 of 8
Gibson Montana Hummingbird 2018

Gibson Montana Hummingbird 2018

PRESS RELEASE: Much of the Hummingbird's appeal lies in its versatility. However you attack this flat-top, it pumps out rich, deep tones, and is equally at home strumming first-position chords as it is taking the spotlight for picking lead lines.

Its spacious mahogany body and sweet, select Sitka spruce top are more than capable of nailing down the rhythm in the hands of a rock and roll sideman, or accompanying the most nuanced performance under the fingers of today's alternative singer-songwriter.

Full specs

Body Style: Square Shoulder
Back: Mahogany
Top: Sitka spruce
Bracing: Traditional, Hand Scalloped X-bracing
Neck Profile: Round
Neck: Mahogany
Neck width: 1.725"
Neckjoint: Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale length: Short
Number of frets: 20
Nut: Tusq
Inlay: Mother-of-pearl Parallelogram
Binding: Multi Ply Top, Multi Ply Back
Hardware: Bridge Traditional belly up, Rosewood
Tuners: Grover Rotomatic
Plating: Nickel
Electronics: Pickup LR Baggs VTC
Finishes available: Vintage Cherry Sunburst
Case: Gibson Hardshell

Page 6 of 8
Page 6 of 8
Gibson Montana J-45 Standard 2018

Gibson Montana J-45 Standard 2018

PRESS RELEASE: The J-45 is Gibson's best-selling acoustic of all time. Nicknamed "The Workhorse" and first introduced in 1942, this iconic acoustic has become the cornerstone of its round-shoulder, dreadnought line.

World renowned for its full, balanced expression, warm bass and excellent projection, the J-45 has been refined to carry this legacy to new heights.

This 2018 model delivers a sound with incredible dynamic range, warm mids, and a tight punchy bass.

Full specs

Body: Style Round Shoulder
Body: Mahogany
Top: Sitka spruce
Bracing: Traditional, Hand Scalloped X-bracing
Neck Profile: Slim Taper
Neck: Mahogany
Neck width: 1.725"
Neckjoint: Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale length: Short
Number of frets: 20
Nut: Black
Inlay: Mother-of-pearl dots
Binding: Multi Ply Top Single Ply Back
Hardware: Bridge Traditional, belly up, Rosewood
Tuners: Grover Rotomatic
Plating: Nickel
Pickup: LR Baggs VTC
Finishes available: Vintage Sunburst
Case: Gibson Hardshell
Left-handed version available

Page 7 of 8
Page 7 of 8
Gibson Montana J-15 2018 Acoustic-Electric

Gibson Montana J-15 2018 Acoustic-Electric

PRESS RELEASE: The Gibson J-15 2018 Acoustic-Electric Guitar is hand-built in Bozeman, Montana with the same time-tested luthiery techniques that make our guitars the most sought-after instruments in the world.

This impressive guitar features a dovetail neck-to-body joint secured with hide glue, scalloped bracing, and a hand sprayed nitrocellulose lacquer finish.

Full specs

Body Style: Round Shoulder
Body: Walnut
Top: Sitka spruce
Bracing: Traditional Hand Scalloped X-bracing
Neck Profile: Slim Taper
Neck: 2-piece maple
Neck width: 1.725"
Neckjoint: Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body
Fingerboard: Walnut
Scale length: Short
Number of frets: 20
Nut: Tusq
Inlay: Mother-of-pearl dots
Binding: Multi Ply Top Single Ply Back
Bridge: Rectangular, closed slot, Walnut
Tuners: Mini Grover
Plating: Nickel
Pickup: LR Baggs Element
Finishes available: Antique Natural
Case Gibson: Hardshell

Page 8 of 8
Page 8 of 8
Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown
Social Links Navigation

Mike has been Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com since 2019, and an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict for far longer. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and 15 years' experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. His writing also appears in the The Cambridge Companion to the Electric Guitar. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock as Maebe.

Read more
Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Acoustics 2026: the new all-solid core range takes its design cues from classic high-end Gibson USA builds.
Guitars Epiphone raises the bar for its acoustic guitar range with all-solid builds, rosewood fingerboards and affordable takes on Gibson classics
 
 
Gibson Original Collection (L-R) featuring the SJ-200 60s, J-160E, and the LG-2 50s.
Guitars The Beatles-approved J-160E makes its return as Gibson unveils a trio of Original Collection flat-tops celebrating the golden era of acoustic guitar making
 
 
The Gibson Songwriter Recording Artist Series in cutaway and non-cutaway versions, and in Rosewood Burst or Antique Natural finishes.
Guitars A future player favourite? Gibson unveils the Songwriter Recording Artist acoustics
 
 
Close up of a Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar lying on a wooden floor
Acoustic Guitars Best acoustic guitars 2026: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets
 
 
Gibson L-00 Century
Acoustic Guitars "For blues players and fingerstyle enthusiasts especially, it’s hard to imagine a better-suited companion": Gibson L-00 Century 12-Fret review
 
 
Close up of LR Baggs acoustic guitar pickup
Guitar Pickups Best acoustic guitar pickups 2025: electrify your acoustic for stage, studio and sound fx – our top picks for all budgets
 
 
Latest in Acoustic Guitars
The Taylor Jacob Collier GS Mini is a compact five-string acoustic that encourages players to explore Collier's D-A-E-A-D tuning.
Acoustic Guitars “This is quite a hard guitar to categorise – and perhaps Jacob Collier likes it that way... For the right player, though, it could be the key to experiencing guitar anew”: Taylor Jacob Collier GS Mini 5-String review
 
 
The Martin 00L Biosphere IV is created in tribute to the emperor penguin, and features a family of them on its graphic-finish top.
Guitars Martin marks Earth Day with a custom graphic 00L Biosphere IV acoustic in the name of penguin preservation
 
 
Yamaha has unveiled more concert and dreanought sizes of its cutting-edge TransAcoustic acoustic guitar range, with the TAG Cutaway models offering Bluetooth support
Guitars Yamaha expands TransAcoustic lineup with more guitars that look like regular acoustics but are anything but
 
 
A landscape shot of the iconic Guitar Center logo and shop entrance to its Sunset Boulevard store.
Guitars “We are about to do something insane”: Guitar Center is launching its own guitar brand “from the ground up”
 
 
Gibson L-00 Century
Acoustic Guitars "For blues players and fingerstyle enthusiasts especially, it’s hard to imagine a better-suited companion": Gibson L-00 Century 12-Fret review
 
 
The Gibson Songwriter Recording Artist Series in cutaway and non-cutaway versions, and in Rosewood Burst or Antique Natural finishes.
Guitars A future player favourite? Gibson unveils the Songwriter Recording Artist acoustics
 
 
Latest in News
O'Flynn in the studio
Tech 5 things we learned in the studio with O'Flynn
 
 
Mike D head shot
Singers & Songwriters Mike D of the Beastie Boys breaks silence with debut solo single, Switch Up
 
 
Native Instruments InMusic
Tech InMusic confirms Native Instruments acquisition, bringing it under the same ownership as Moog and Akai Pro
 
 
Korg
Mixers Korg sneakily launches a new effects-packed performance mixer, the NTS-4, at Superbooth
 
 
Deals of the week logo
Tech MusicRadar deals of the week: Just in time for Mother's Day, we've found $700 off an unusual Gibson, $500 off a stunning Ibanez Prestige AZ2204, plus heavy savings on recording and live gear
 
 
Jared James Nichols plays his Gibson Futura on a stage lit up in red-pink.
Artists “I felt like I was levitating off the ground. I felt like I was in Cream in 1968”: Jared James Nichols on why he switched to Marshall amps
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...