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
Close up of a Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar lying on a wooden floor
Acoustic Guitars Best acoustic guitars 2025: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets
The new Gibson Murphy Lab Light Aged Acoustics released on 9 September 2025, all lined up in a wood-panneled show room with round windows and a rural landscape outside.
Guitars Gibson expands acoustic Murphy Lab collection with five Light Aged classics – including a Nick Lucas 1929 reissue
Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs plays his signature Epiphone Riviera [left], while Gem Archer plays his new Masterbilt Sheraton: Epiphone released the two signature Oasis guitars simultaneously—coincidentally or not, on the 30th anniversary of Wonderwall.
Artists Epiphone goes 'madferit' as it rolls out signature semi-hollows for Oasis's Bonehead and Gem Archer
Gretsch Electromatic CVT: The bolt-on double-cut assumes a familiar form to the Jack Antonoff signature model, and features dual humbuckers, a wraparound tailpiece, and some neat vintage finishes.
Guitars Like the Jack Antonoff signature Gretsch? Then you are going to love the CVT Electromatic
“The most talked-about guitar of the summer is coming to the Gibson Garage London”: P-90s, Light Aging from the Murphy Lab, handwritten Oasis lyrics… The Gibson Custom Noel Gallagher Les Paul Standard has been unveiled and is here photographed in the Gibson Garage, with a variety of close-ups to show every detail.
Artists Gibson unveils Custom Noel Gallagher Les Paul: hand-signed, limited run – the ultimate Oasis guitar?
The Noel Gallagher Les Paul Standard enters the Gibson mainline range, sporting the same ebony finish and dual-P-90 configuration that made it the electric guitar of 2025.
Artists Gibson celebrates the 30th anniversary of Oasis’ Wonderwall by releasing the most talked-about electric guitar of 2025
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.
Artists Jason Isbell shares unorthodox tone tip for new acoustics as he reveals not one but two signature Martins – and a set of strings
Harley Benton CLF-50E Parlor Metallic: the compact-bodied acoustic has been launched with a range of metallic finishes.
Guitars Harley Benton’s new acoustic is a compact parlour with a solid top and metallic colour finish – and it is just $250
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.
Artists Enter, the Raven: Kirk Hammett’s Custom Shop Gibson acoustic dresses up the Hummingbird for Halloween
The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Hummingbird photographed in all its glory, in close-up and against a wheat-coloured rug.
Acoustic Guitars “One of the handsomest guitars around, it plays great, and punches well above its weight in the tone stakes”: Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe EC review
Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1959 Les Paul Custom: a the dual-pickup Custom was a lesser-spotted model in the Gibson catalogue in the '50s – they didn't make many of them. But Bonamassa presents us with one and this 'Black Beauty' is equipped with a Bigsby.
Artists Epiphone raids Joe Bonamassa’s Nerdville archive for another reproduction of a vintage unicorn
The Sterling By Music Man Kaizen is a more affordable version of the Animals As Leaders guitarist Tosin Abasi's signature model, and is offered here in Firemist Purple Satin and Stealth Black.
Artists Sterling By Music Man unveils affordable version of Tosin Abasi’s futuristic Kaizen signature model
Jackson Pro Origins 1985 San Dimas: these retro S-styles take the high-performance electric guitar brand back to the '80s, offering single and dual-humbucker platforms for shred with the choice of rosewood or maple fingerboards – and what about that "Two-Face" black-and-white finish?
Guitars “These guitars empower metal artists with the authentic, crushing tone that built Jackson’s legendary reputation”: Jackson takes us back to the heyday of shred with the Pro Origins 1985 San Dimas series – and what about that Two Face finish?
Gibson Custom SJ-200 Monarch #100: this stunning one-of-one jumbo is replete with all kinds of rococo flourishes, from the diamond and gold crown inlay on the headstock, to the 14k gold rope binding, Gibson calls it the "ultimate custom" acoustic and not without some justification.
Guitars Gibson gives the “King of the Flat-Tops” a whole new meaning with the $99,999 SJ-200 Monarch #100
Loog Guitars x Gibson: these child-friendly 3-strings reimagine the Les Paul and SG for young beginners.
Guitars Gibson teams up with Loog for child-friendly 3-string versions of its most famous electric guitars
More
  • Radiohead's secret code
  • Blackbird
  • Spooky samples - free
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Captain Fantastic
  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 is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.

The magazine for serious players image
The magazine for serious players
Subscribe and save today!
More Info
Read more
The new Gibson Murphy Lab Light Aged Acoustics released on 9 September 2025, all lined up in a wood-panneled show room with round windows and a rural landscape outside.
Gibson expands acoustic Murphy Lab collection with five Light Aged classics – including a Nick Lucas 1929 reissue
 
 
Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs plays his signature Epiphone Riviera [left], while Gem Archer plays his new Masterbilt Sheraton: Epiphone released the two signature Oasis guitars simultaneously—coincidentally or not, on the 30th anniversary of Wonderwall.
Epiphone goes 'madferit' as it rolls out signature semi-hollows for Oasis's Bonehead and Gem Archer
 
 
Gretsch Electromatic CVT: The bolt-on double-cut assumes a familiar form to the Jack Antonoff signature model, and features dual humbuckers, a wraparound tailpiece, and some neat vintage finishes.
Like the Jack Antonoff signature Gretsch? Then you are going to love the CVT Electromatic
 
 
“The most talked-about guitar of the summer is coming to the Gibson Garage London”: P-90s, Light Aging from the Murphy Lab, handwritten Oasis lyrics… The Gibson Custom Noel Gallagher Les Paul Standard has been unveiled and is here photographed in the Gibson Garage, with a variety of close-ups to show every detail.
Gibson unveils Custom Noel Gallagher Les Paul: hand-signed, limited run – the ultimate Oasis guitar?
 
 
The Noel Gallagher Les Paul Standard enters the Gibson mainline range, sporting the same ebony finish and dual-P-90 configuration that made it the electric guitar of 2025.
Gibson celebrates the 30th anniversary of Oasis’ Wonderwall by releasing the most talked-about electric guitar of 2025
 
 
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
 
 
Latest in Acoustic Guitars
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
 
 
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
 
 
Loog Hello Kitty Fender Stratocaster
Fender x Loog’s Hello Kitty Stratocaster it might be the cutest beginner guitar of all time
 
 
Harley Benton CLG-650SM-CE Black: the handsome but affordable cutaway acoustic isd photographed against a patterned rug on a wooden floor.
“If you're looking for a do-it-all acoustic guitar for well under $500, then there really aren't many better options”: Harley Benton CLG-650SM-CE review
 
 
Harley Benton CLF-50E Parlor Metallic: the compact-bodied acoustic has been launched with a range of metallic finishes.
Harley Benton’s new acoustic is a compact parlour with a solid top and metallic colour finish – and it is just $250
 
 
Jacob Collier
Jacob Collier says that the problem with using AI for music making is that “it’s almost too perfect”
 
 
Latest in News
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 12: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Drake performs live on stage during day two of Wireless Festival 2025 at Finsbury Park on July 12, 2025 in London, England. Drake is headlining an unprecedented all three nights of Wireless Festival. (Photo by Simone Joyner/Getty Images for ABA)
Drake’s live sound engineer on why he has to be at the top of his game from first song to last
 
 
waves
Waves is teasing a free plugin release for Black Friday – sign up today to be first in line
 
 
Walrus Audio DFX-1 Percussion Processing Unit next to a cymbal
“For percussionists who want to take matters into their own hands”: Walrus launch the DFX-1, an effects unit built for drummers
 
 
IK Multimedia Tonex Plug: the new headphones amp is fully compatible with the brand's state-of-the-art modelling platform, giving players the opportunity to play anywhere, anytime, and access thousands of different tones while doing so.
IK Multimedia unveils the Tonex Plug – is this pocket-sized powerhouse a gamechanger for headphone amps?
 
 
Radiohead Live 2025 graphic, black and white
Everything In Its Right Place: Radiohead switch up their setlist on the second night of reunion tour
 
 
A selection of Waves plugins on a fluorescent green background
Waves just made the first move on Black Friday with 3 jaw-dropping offers - and one’s completely free
 
 

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...