Gibson SJ-200, vintage sunburst, made in USA 2001. Gibson 'Super Jumbo' models were designed in the 1930s, shaped by a battle between Martin, Gibson and Epiphone for who could produce the biggest, loudest flat-top. Sporting a very respectable 17" top width, the SJ-200 launched in 1938, and would shortly go on to the called 'The King of Flat-Tops'. The model has found favour with some pretty noteworthy players: Elvis, the Everly Brothers, Pete Townsend, Bob Dylan... the list goes on. I was pleased to land this 2001 model, as it's a great example of this legendary model. Firstly, the solid flame maple back: phwoar. The sunburst finish lets the gorgeous figuring of the wood do the talking, it's a stunning piece. The moustache bridge, crown inlays, fancy inlaid pickguard, seven-ply binding and gold hardware offer plenty of bling, but a few years of honest play have rounded out the aesthetic to a slightly more understated swagger. The piece of spruce on the top is beautiful too: the tight and consistent grain hints at the very high grade ingredients used all over this guitar. This delivers the signature SJ-200 sound with conviction: expansive, rounded lows with piano-like clarity, warm and wide midrange with a singing harmonic complexity and a piquant, sweet treble. These don't pop up second hand in these parts very often, so if you've been waiting for a juicy jumbo to grace the stage, here's your shot at glory. Long live the King!

Model: Gibson SJ200
Made: USA, 2001, Bozeman Montana
Serial: 01941022
Finish: vintage sunburst, gloss nitro
Body: solid AAA sitka spruce top, solid flame maple back and sides, jumbo size
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 24.75" scale, 12" scale, rounded C profile
Weight: 2.340kg
Mods: basic pickup installed, end pin replaced with jack
Pickup: basic piezo, runs off 9v battery, no controls
Accessories: Gibson hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some scuffs and dimples on the end, dimples on the top edge, a very small chip on the bottom edge in the corner, light scuffs on the back near the serial and scuffs around the posts on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and some rub wear on the back only. The back has scuffs on both shoulders, surface scratches in the middle of the body, dimples along the bottom edge and some scuffs and dimples along the back edge and elbow area. The sides have dimples and scuffs on the top shoulder and elbow area, a couple of light surface scratches in the elbow area and back edge, as well as some scuffs and dimples in the bottom corner and bottom shoulder. The front has checking and scuffs on both shoulders, dimples and rub wear in the elbow area, a dent and some dimples along the back edge and some minor dimples on the bottom bout, as well as some play wear on the guard and shoulders. The pattern on the guard has faded somewhat.
Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. Setup with 12/54 Moonshiners strings.
Fret Life: 8/10, minor wear only