Gibson introduces the Cat Stevens J-180 Collector’s Edition

Words by Mixdown Staff

A heavily limited run based on the original guitar used in Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ early work

The Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop has introduced the Cat Stevens J-180 Collector’s Edition, based on the original guitar used for his early work.

What you need to know:

The Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop has introduced the Cat Stevens J-180 Collector’s Edition.
A heavily limited run based on the original guitar used in Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ early work.
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.

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The acoustic guitar will be heavily limited to just 50, featuring 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.

A custom Cat Stevens J-180 hardshell case is included. The package includes a certificate of authenticity and a selection of patches, pins, and stickers inspired by the artist’s iconic artwork.

“I really turned a corner when I got my hands on a black Gibson Everly Brothers J-180,” said Yusuf / Cat Stevens. “It was my favourite guitar, and it had a very easy action. I played it almost percussively, and that sound gave real character to my recordings. It looked amazing too! Handling the new model is like going back in time to when I first started playing.”

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,” Gibson said.

Many of his all-time classic songs were written and recorded on his Gibson J-180 including ‘Wild World’, ‘Peace Train’, ‘Father and Son’, and more.

Yusuf / Cat Stevens originally bought his J-180 in London’s famous Selmer’s Music Shop in 1969. Drawn to the J-180’s slim and elegant style, the guitar’s natural percussive quality soon became an essential component of the intimate sound of his first three albums of the 1970s, Mona Bone Jakon, Tea For The Tillerman, and Teaser And The Firecat.

Near the end of decade, Yusuf / Cat Stevens sold all of his musical equipment, including his J-180 with the proceeds going to charity.

In the years since, he has been reunited with the original guitar and has also acquired a second vintage model as a backup that is used for worldwide touring.