Here's what Gibson say about the J-200 Standard Guitarįrom its inaugural appearance in 1937, Gibson's SJ-200 set an unmatched standard. Finally they have also started using Plek technology which makes sure the frets are nothing short of perfect giving you the best playing experience. As part of this they are not only using a new sandpaper and polishing compounds for the best finish but they have also modified some of the neck dimensions.īy smoothing out the fretboard edge it will feel a lot more natural in your hands even when you are going for weird and wonderful chord shapes. One big focus for Gibson in 2016 was making sure that the fit and finish are as clean as possible so you have the best experience possible. By utilizing a small microphone that sits just below the soundhole you get the best possible sound out of your guitar. Introducing the LR Baggs Anthem pickup this guitar now sounds just as good amplified as it does purely acoustically. The SJ-200 already had a powerful pickup system but they have taken it up a notch for 2016. By using Maple for the back and sides everything is beautifully balanced and very loud. The larger body produces a lot more low end which with most wood combinations would create a very boomy and resonant sound that can really mess with a mix. With a Sitka Spruce top sitting on an all flamed maple body this guitar giving at a bright tone that is kept in balance by the sheer size of this jumbo body. Including a new enhanced finish, upgraded pickup and some new curves that make it more comfortable to use.Īfter being around for such a long time Gibson has mastered the build of the SJ-200. It currently retails for $899 and comes in two colors - Aged Vintage Sunburst and Aged Natural Antique.The Gibson SJ-2000 has been around for a long time now, since 1937 to be exact so when it came to giving the line a big overhaul for 2016 they realised that there were a few ways they could make it better than ever before. As of 2020, Epiphone released a new "Inspired by Gibson" model of the J-200, which brings the character and specifications of the Gibson model to a wider market. Gibson's brand, Epiphone, produces a more affordable version of the J-200. Gibson also does limited run models, such as the J-200 Koa, the J-200 Trophy, and Montana Gold. The SJ-200 Custom is a high-end model, featuring rosewood back and sides (like the original SJ-200s from the 1930s), a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, gold hardware, Grover Imperial tuners, LR Baggs electronics, an upgraded case, the same three-piece neck as the Standard and Studio, abalone inlays, an engraved pickguard, an older, script-style Gibson logo, and a 'four ribbon bridge' instead of the Standard's 'two ribbon' bridge.Īlong with these three are two reissues, the True Vintage (based on the 1950s construction) and the Western Classic Prewar 200, which is similar in specifications to the original early models (rosewood back and sides, ebony fingerboard, block inlays). It also has a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, an engraved pickguard, and mother-of-pearl crown inlays. The SJ-200 Standard is available in sunburst and natural, featuring LR Baggs electronics, gold hardware, Grover tuners, figured maple back and sides and a three-piece laminate neck (maple/rosewood/maple). The SJ-200 Studio is the lowest model in the line, featuring walnut rather than maple back and sides, chrome hardware, a plain pickguard, natural finish and no fingerboard binding, but it retains the inlays and electronics of the SJ-200 Standard. Gibson currently makes many variations of the J-200. Early models made from rosewood are highly prized by collectors. Due to the weak post-depression economy and wartime austerity, demand for this high-end guitar was very limited and production quantities were small. Gibson changed the name to the J-200 in 1955. In 1947 the materials used for the guitar changed to maple back and sides. The SJ-200 was named for its super-large 16 7/8" flat top body, with a double-braced red spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and sunburst finish. It was made at the Gibson Factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Gibson entered into production of this model in 1937 as its top-of-the-line flat top guitar, initially called the Super Jumbo, changing the name in 1939 to the Super Jumbo 200.