Gibson J-200

Gibson J-200 (Super Jumbo 200) is an acoustic guitar model produced by the Gibson Guitar Corporation.

The Gibson Super Jumbo 200 is one the world's most famous acoustic guitars. Its extensive use by artists has made the J-200, also known as the SJ-200, one of the most widely played acoustic guitars of our time. So much so, that it has become an icon for players of almost all musical styles from Rock to Folk and Blues to Bluegrass. The Gibson Super Jumbo first appeared in 1937, when it was made for and presented by Gibson, to Hollywood singing star Ray Whitley as the world's biggest and fanciest acoustic guitar. Other singing celebrities also obtained Super Jumbos, such as Roy Rogers and Gene Autry.

Gibson entered into production of this model in 1938 as its top-of-the-line flat top guitar, initially called the Super Jumbo, changing the name in 1939 to the Super Jumbo 200. It was made at the Gibson Factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The guitar was named for its super large 16 7/8" flat top body, with a double-braced red spruce top and rosewood back and sides, and sunburst finish. The spec changed in 1947, when the name changed to the J-200, with maple back and sides. Gibson changed the name again for the last time to the SJ-200 by the 1950s. Due to the weak post-depression economy and wartime austerity, demand for this high end guitar was very limited and production quantities were small. Early models made from rosewood are highly prized by collectors.

The most striking features of the SJ-200 include its carved Moustache Madagascar rosewood bridge, with its double bar Mother of Pearl inlays; its engraved, multi colour celluloid pickguard; its Mother of Pearl crown fretboard and headstock inlays; flamed maple back and sides; spruce top; maple neck and headstock. The "Deluxe" model, now known as the "Elite" "custom" features; ebony bridge and fretboard; spruce top and flamed maple neck; Abalone crowns and rosette.

Emmylou Harris has said of this instrument: "It is simply a thing of beauty, an American original with its shape and appearance. Nothing else even comes close." All Gibson acoustic guitars are now hand crafted in Bozeman, Montana.

The Gibson J-200 was winner of "Acoustic Guitar's" Gold Player's Choice Award for the Jumbo category in 2000, being praised in particular for its appearance, its rich full tone and its deep bass and crystal clear highs.

Notable J-200 players

External links

* [http://www.gibson.com/products/montana/1996/jumbo/j200.html Gibson J-200]
* [http://www.scottymoore.net/56J200.html The story of Elvis Presley's custom J-200]
* [http://www.fretbase.com/fretbase/2008/08/gibson-j-200-a.html Fretbase, The Gibson J-200: A Modern Classic]