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
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
NAMM 2026
Tech NAMM 2026: Rumours, predictions and live updates from the world’s biggest music technology show
A black and white photo of Chris Isaak playing his Silvertone 1446 in 1987. On the right, a cutout of the recently reissued guitar in black and sunburst finishes, with the black version offered with a Bigsby B70 vibrato.
Guitars Silvertone resurrects the cult semi-hollow electric guitar loved by Elvis Costello, Hubert Sumlin and Chris Isaak
Taylor Next Generation Grand Auditorium: the two refreshed cutaway electro-acoustic guitars are photographed in front of a green sofa and a vintage hi-fi unit.
Guitars Taylor refreshes flagship acoustic with a trio of game-changing features – meet the Next Generation Grand Auditorium
Kiss
Artists “It’s the exact same model Paul McCartney played on Yesterday”: The metal star whose most prized guitar is an acoustic
Tim Tournier of Myles Kennedy shows off his prototype EVH Gear bass, a prototype four-string that was given to him by Wolfgang Van Halen.
Artists “There’s only two of these on the planet”: Myles Kennedy bassist Tim Tournier on the EVH bass Wolfgang Van Halen gave him
Boss GX-1 Guitar Effects Processor
Guitars Boss tackles budget rivals head-on with feature-packed entry-level GX series multi-fx pedals for guitar and bass
The new models of theMartin Road Series 2026 are photographed in a living space.
Guitars Has Martin redefined the workhorse acoustic? Legendary brand announces blockbuster refresh of its Road Series
Squier Sonic Series: featuring mini-Stratocasters, single-humbucker Esquires and cult offsets too, the Fender-owned budget brand has made a big play for the beginner market in 2026
Guitars Squier unveils huge Sonic Series refresh – super-affordable, beginner and child-friendly versions of classic Fender models
Ed Sheeran with his new PRS SE Ed Sheeran Cosmic Splash Hollowbody Baritone Piezo, a limited edition signature guitar featuring his own original artwork.
Artists PRS and Ed Sheeran team up for SE Hollowbody Piezo Baritone featuring pop superstar’s own artwork
Slash wears a top hat and plays a Gibson SG live with Guns N' Roses, with pink and blue lights in the background.
Artists “The SG that I had at the Ozzy gig, that guitar needed a louder pickup but I still wanted that true-to-life guitar sound that I like”: Slash and Seymour Duncan dial up the raunch with the Guns N’ Roses legend’s signature 3.0 humbuckers
Keith Richards tries out the meticulous Custom Shop replica of his original 1960 Gibson ES-355, with many more replicas in the background.
Artists Gibson surprise launches $19,999 Keith Richards Collector’s Edition 1960 ES-355, signed by the man himself
Epiphone Blues King Studio
Acoustic Guitars "Where this guitar truly shines is under the fingers of a blues or folk picker": Epiphone Blues King Studio review
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: It's all about guitars with hundreds slashed off Gibson, Fender, Strandberg, and more
Mark Tremonti throws the horns and points to something during a live performance with Creed. His signature PRS singlecut is strapped on his shoulder.
Artists “I had no idea that he was that good”: Mark Tremonti on Alter Bridge’s “secret weapon” and his soloing strategies
Neural DSP Quad Cortex mini: it still has the same four rotary footswitches, the 7" touchscreen, but it's more than 50 per cent smaller than Neural's game-changing original amp modeller.
Guitars “Our goal has been to define the standard for what an all-in-one digital rig can be”: Neural DSP’s game-changing Quad Cortex amp modeller just got a lot smaller – but it’s got the same sounds, the same power, and a 7” touchscreen too
More
  • NAMM 2026: Rumours, predictions and live updates
  • Mad World
  • The Cure's "happy land"
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Guitars
  2. Acoustic Guitars

Gibson Montana reveals 2018 acoustic guitar range

News
By Michael Astley-Brown ( Guitarist, Acoustic Magazine, Total Guitar ) 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.

The magazine for serious players image
The magazine for serious players
Subscribe and save today!
More Info
Read more
Taylor Next Generation Grand Auditorium: the two refreshed cutaway electro-acoustic guitars are photographed in front of a green sofa and a vintage hi-fi unit.
Taylor refreshes flagship acoustic with a trio of game-changing features – meet the Next Generation Grand Auditorium
 
 
The new models of theMartin Road Series 2026 are photographed in a living space.
Has Martin redefined the workhorse acoustic? Legendary brand announces blockbuster refresh of its Road Series
 
 
Close up of a Yamaha FG800 acoustic guitar
Best cheap acoustic guitars 2026: Top picks for strummers on a budget
 
 
Jason Isbell with his two new signature acoustics from Martin, the 0-17, a high-end replica of his 1940 model, and the 0-10E Retro, a more affordable version.
Jason Isbell shares unorthodox tone tip for new acoustics as he reveals not one but two signature Martins – and a set of strings
 
 
Close up of a Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar lying on a wooden floor
Best acoustic guitars 2026: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets
 
 
Gibson Custom Kirk Hammett Raven: the Metallica lead guitarist's new signature acoustic is a Halloween-friendly take on the Hummingbird that's limited to 100 units worldwide.
Enter, the Raven: Kirk Hammett’s Custom Shop Gibson acoustic dresses up the Hummingbird for Halloween
 
 
Latest in Acoustic Guitars
TNAG Global founder/CEO Ben Montague [left] and Norman Harris [right] point to each other as they are photographed on the shop floor at Norman's Rare Guitars.
Joe Bonamassa gives his blessing as Norman Harris sells Norman’s Rare Guitars and says the future of his iconic LA store has been secured
 
 
The new models of theMartin Road Series 2026 are photographed in a living space.
Has Martin redefined the workhorse acoustic? Legendary brand announces blockbuster refresh of its Road Series
 
 
Taylor Next Generation Grand Auditorium: the two refreshed cutaway electro-acoustic guitars are photographed in front of a green sofa and a vintage hi-fi unit.
Taylor refreshes flagship acoustic with a trio of game-changing features – meet the Next Generation Grand Auditorium
 
 
Epiphone Blues King Studio
"Where this guitar truly shines is under the fingers of a blues or folk picker": Epiphone Blues King Studio review
 
 
Paul McCartney points to the crowd and raises an eyebrow as he performs with his iconic Höfner Violin Bass
Paul McCartney's favourite bass company is in trouble – Höfner's future uncertain as it files provisional insolvency proceedings
 
 
The Spice Girls
Greg Lester on how he crafted the classic nylon-string guitar solo in the Spice Girls’ 2 Become 1
 
 
Latest in News
PDP Concept Clear Acrylic Kit and Snare with acrylic hoops
"Cutting rimshots and controlled overtones": PDP brings a "world-first" to the acrylic drum market with its latest Concept Acrylic Kit and Snare
 
 
Limited Edition DW MFG True-Cast 14x4" sand-cast snare drum
DW’s Limited Edition MFG True-Cast 14x4” snare brings a piccolo to its sand-cast, machined bell bronze range, but if you want one you’re going to need to be quick
 
 
Neural DSP Quad Cortex mini: it still has the same four rotary footswitches, the 7" touchscreen, but it's more than 50 per cent smaller than Neural's game-changing original amp modeller.
“Our goal has been to define the standard for what an all-in-one digital rig can be”: Neural DSP’s game-changing Quad Cortex amp modeller just got a lot smaller – but it’s got the same sounds, the same power, and a 7” touchscreen too
 
 
Alanis Morissette (L) and Taylor Swift perform onstage during Taylor Swift The 1989 World Tour
Taylor Swift to become youngest woman inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall Of Fame
 
 
Roland Go:Mixer Studio
Roland’s Go:Mixer Studio could be the perfect portable mixer and audio/MIDI interface for your iOS devices,
 
 
British singer and drummer Phil Collins and his son Nic Collins (drummer) of the band Genesis perform live on stage during a concert at Mercedes Benz Arena on March 7, 2022 in Berlin, Germany
“At first I was like, 'Oh God, what is he gonna critique me?'”: How Phil Collins guided his son Nic through his first big gig
 
 

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
  • 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...