It was 1947 when the tonewoods changed the back and sides were now being made of maple, which many guitar aficionados prefer as it allows for clearer separation of the notes. Due to the weak post-depression economy and wartime austerity, demand for this high-end guitar was very limited and production quantities were small. Setting a standard others have been trying to match ever since. From its inaugural appearance in 1937, Gibsons SJ-200 immediately filled a need for a deeper, more balanced and powerful sound, and gave purveyors of the new American music scene of the 1930s a reliable, well-built instrument, capable of projecting the sound of the guitar well beyond that of any other acoustic on the market. The SJ-200 was noted for its super-large 16 7/8 flat top body, with a double-braced red spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and sunburst finish. The J-200 is known as the king of the flat-tops for good reason: it is simply the worlds most famous acoustic guitar, and certainly one of the most desired. Elegant and flamboyant even by Gibsons top-line standards, the J-200 has found fame in the hands of numerous legends: Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Pete Townshend, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jimmy Page, Neil Young, and The Edge, to name but a few. If you have a question about this guitar, please Google alumpsters guitars to ask on-line.Īsk a guitarist to name the ultimate Gibson acoustic, and many will reply that its the J-200. I will also consider reasonable offers in my store, including installment payments and trade-ins.
Most of these models are made so well that they tend to increase in value and improve in the complexity and resonance of their sound as they age, regardless of their appearance. PLEASE READ: As you can see by googling my on-line store ALUMPSTERS GUITARS, I generally sell only Martin, Gibson, Guild, Taylor, Larrivee, and Alvarez-Yairi guitars. Stunning 1993 GIBSON J-200 Acoustic/Electric, Made in USA, VGCond.