Gibson J-200 Standard

This is the current version of the famous Gibson J-200 – used by such great artists as Elvis Presley, John Prine, Emmylou Harris and John Hiatt. The J in the name stands for “Jumbo” because it is (and was when originally introduced in 1938) big. This guitar was a favorite of singing cowboys including Ray Whitley, Gene Autry, Ray “Crash” Corrigan and Tex Ritter.

The Gibson J-200 Standard stands at the top of its class alongside other classics like the Hummingbird and Martin D28. Introduced by Gibson in 1938 as its top-of-the-line model, the Super Jumbo—named for its huge 16 7/8” flattop body—has been played by everyone from country stars like Jean Autry to rock Gods like Pete Townsend. Originally made with a double-braced red spruce top with rosewood sides and back, today’s SJ-200 Modern Classic is uses a Sitka spruce top and maple neck/sides/back. The extra large body, radius top, and hand-scalloped top bracing make the SJ-200 loud and able to cut through in the loudest of acoustic ensembles. It’s great for stumming (Elvis), flatpicking, and finger picking (Jimmy Page on Black Mountainside). It should be noted that fingerpickers have generally preferred lighter gauge strings and/or alternate tunings. In addition to the obvious size of the guitar, its unmistakable look stems from a distinctive rosewood moustache-shaped bridge and engraved multi-colored cellulose pickguard. Add mother of pearl bridge and neck inlays and Grover tuners and what you have is guitar built to last and built to be heard.

The guitar was selected by Acoustic Guitar Magazine as one of the seven guitars that changed the way we play in an article in its November, 2008 issue.