Gibson Custom Shop J-200 'Vine' Vintage Sunburst 2002
Gibson Custom J-200 Vine, Vintage Sunburst, made in USA 2002. Here's an unusual one! The J-200 launched in 1937 and was billed as 'The King of Flat-Tops': it was a bigger and louder body than previous production models, and adorned a crown on the headstock, cloud inlays, lot of binding, the ornate pickguard and a the fancy 'moustache' bridge. This 'Vine' limited run takes it even further: the headstock and neck are inlaid with a wildly detailed abalone vine motif, along with an etched guard, fancy inlaid tuners, mother of pearl binding and top-notch tonewoods. The AAA Sitka top is a beautiful book-matched piece, and the figuring on the Flame Maple is outrageously detailed. There's been subsequent limited runs of the Vine since 2002, but they're mostly in the natural finish: it hits different with the Vintage Sunburst, especially with a couple of decades of gentle natural aging to add some checking lines and softness to the look. It's no guarantee that a guitar this fancy sounds as good as it looks, but in this case, this beauty does not disappoint: it's glorious. The low-end fullness is remarkable, balanced by a brimming complexity through the mids and a sweet, expressive treble. It's articulate and clear for fingerstyle, but it really loves a big open chord the most: the volume, richness and low end oomph are really something. These come up for sale very seldom in this neighbourhood, so if you've been waiting for a shot, don't miss out.
Model: Gibson Custom Shop J-200 Vine
Made: USA, 2002, Bozeman Montana
Serial: 01142006
Finish: Vintage Sunburst, gloss poly
Body: solid AAA Sitka Spruce top, solid AAA Flame Maple back and sides, jumbo shape, 426mm across, 120mm deep
Neck: Flame Maple, Ebony fretboard, 24.75" scale, 44mm nut, medium C shape
Weight: 2.300kg
Mods: none
Pickup: none
Accessories: original Gibson case, original docs
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has scuffs on the edges and checking all over. The is clean and smooth in the hands, very minor dimples and some checking lines on the back only. The back has dimples on the top shoulder and elbow area, minor run wear in the middle of the body and widespread minor checking lines. The sides have minor rub wear in the elbow area and bottom edge and minor checking on the whole body. The front has some dimples and a small surface scratch on the bottom bout, dimples along the back edge and elbow area, play wear on the guard and shoulders and minor checking lines around the whole body.
Overall: excellent condition (9/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is reasonably low, neck is straight, intonation is good. Wearing fresh 13/56 Moonshiners phosphor bronze strings.
Fret life: 9/10, minor wear only