![gibson j 200 acoustic guitar gibson j 200 acoustic guitar](https://max.guitars/media/catalog/product/cache/72269915de88ed6ece6209277c94ce43/g/i/gibson_montana_j-200_deluxe_10029059_1.jpg)
In credit to the guitar’s original design, there have been very few changes since. Due to this change, the early Rosewood models are rare and highly sought after items. Gibson also changed the name to the “J-200” during this time, dropping the “Super” as demand for higher-end guitars fell. As a result Gibson only produced six flat top models during this time.Īfter 1947, the materials used changed from Rosewood to Maple. Production of the SJ-200 stopped briefly during WWII due to material shortages and production restrictions and the company had to streamline its range. With its curvaceous body, fancy inlays and decorations this iconic guitar soon became Gibson’s top of the line model and was often referred to as the “King of the Flat Tops”. The Gibson SJ-200 in this range was first produced in 1939. The result was the prototype of the Super Jumbo, which first appeared in the Gibson catalogue in 1938. One such artist, Ray Whitley approached Gibson in 1937 requesting they build a guitar to outdo his rival western guitar stars. At the time, Martin’s large-bodied Dreadnought guitars were favoured by up and coming singing cowboy artists.
Gibson j 200 acoustic guitar series#
In order to respond to this ongoing trend, Gibson started production of a series of flat top acoustic guitars in 1937.
![gibson j 200 acoustic guitar gibson j 200 acoustic guitar](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zIWk95K20bc/maxresdefault.jpg)
Originally, acoustic guitars were much smaller (often referred to as “Parlour” sized) and were only played at home or more intimate concerts.Īs the guitar became an increasingly more important feature in popular music, manufacturers soon realised they had to make the bodies larger so they could be heard more easily in group and live settings.
![gibson j 200 acoustic guitar gibson j 200 acoustic guitar](https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/j~QAAOSwKdRhy~M~/s-l300.jpg)
It’s almost strange to think that not so long ago, the humble acoustic was front and centre of the stage. We have come to associate live music with electric guitars and rows of Marshall amps. To understand why this particular model has had such a long-lasting appeal, let’s take a quick look into its rich history: With its new J-200s, Gibson is continuing to hold its rightful place as one of the great guitar makers.The Gibson SJ-200 is one of the most iconic and recognisable acoustic guitars ever made. Whether you buy one or not, you owe it to yourself to try one out, as this is one cool historical guitar. List price for this axe is $4,925, but it can easily be had for more than a thousand dollars less. Since new ownership took over in the 1980s, the quality of all Gibson products has improved, and the company is staying as viable as any guitar maker out there because of the craftsmanship on guitars like this one.
![gibson j 200 acoustic guitar gibson j 200 acoustic guitar](https://www.gak.co.uk/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,width=1500,height=1500,format=auto/https://58eca9fdf76150b92bfa-3586c28d09a33a8c605ed79290ca82aa.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/gibson-acoustic-sj-200-standard-vintage-sunburst-left-handed-838825.jpg)
Older J-200s are in high demand, especially ones from the days when the guitar was typically called the Super Jumbo, and ones made before the Norlin years when many Gibson products went south. The controls are pretty convenient, just inside the top of the soundhole, but working the several switches can take some practice unless you find just one tone combination you like and stick with it, adjusting your tone with the controls on the PA or amp as needed. The J-200 comes with built-in Fishman Ellipse Aura electronics, with a switch for selecting four tonal images. The tortoise pickguard is Gibson’s standard Super Jumbo shape with the traditional floral and vine design, and the guitar has the love-it-or-hate-it moustache bridge. The guitar is gorgeous both sonically and aesthetically, featuring the old Gibson crown peghead logo (sometimes called the “thistle” logo), which has since been used on the pegheads of many Gibson models.