Description

The Gibson Custom Shop Prewar SJ-200 Rosewood Acoustic Guitar in Light Aged Vintage Sunburst is a masterful recreation of the legendary pre-war SJ-200 models first introduced in 1937. Revered as the “King of the Flat-Tops,” this iconic guitar is celebrated for its commanding stage presence, exceptional projection, and rich, high-quality sound. Crafted with a thermally aged red spruce top and rosewood back and sides, it faithfully captures the essence and character of the original vintage Super Jumbo guitars that have become highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

This Prewar SJ-200 Rosewood features traditional scalloped X-bracing made from red spruce, enhancing its tonal depth and resonance. The guitar is adorned with ornate multi-ply binding on the top, back, and headstock, while the ebony fretboard boasts mother-of-pearl graduated crown inlays, adding to its luxurious aesthetic. The two-piece AAA maple neck with a walnut stringer offers a comfortable D-shaped profile, perfectly balanced for playability. Complemented by gold Grover Imperial tuners and bone nut, saddle, and bridge pins, this guitar delivers both vintage style and modern reliability.

Finished with the Murphy Lab Light Aged treatment, the guitar exhibits a subtle wear that simulates decades of light play, giving it the authentic vibe and feel of a true Gibson Golden Era instrument. The tortoise SJ-200 pickguard with multi-coloured dots and double border completes the vintage look, making this guitar not only a sonic powerhouse but also a stunning visual statement for any player or collector.

Thermally Aged Red Spruce Top

The thermally aged red spruce top is carefully treated to enhance its tonal properties, providing a warm, responsive sound with exceptional clarity and projection. This traditional wood choice, combined with scalloped X-bracing, ensures the guitar delivers a rich, balanced voice that excels in both fingerpicking and strumming styles.

Rosewood Back and Sides

Using rosewood for the back and sides, as in the original pre-war models, contributes to a deep, resonant tone with complex overtones. The three-rope marquetry strip on the back adds a touch of elegance, making this guitar a true collector’s piece with both visual and sonic appeal.

Luxurious Appointments

From the mother-of-pearl Gibson logo and crown inlay on the headstock to the ebony SJ-200 Four-Bar Moustache bridge with mother-of-pearl bars, every detail has been meticulously crafted. These premium appointments not only enhance the guitar’s aesthetic but also contribute to its overall playability and tonal excellence.

Murphy Lab Light Aged Finish

The Light Aged finish by Gibson’s Murphy Lab artisans replicates the look and feel of a vintage instrument that has been lovingly played over decades. This subtle ageing process adds unique character and charm, giving the guitar an authentic vintage presence right out of the case.

Key Features

• Pre-War Rosewood Construction – Faithfully replicates the rare and highly prized rosewood back and sides of the original pre-1947 SJ-200s, delivering a rich, resonant tone with exceptional depth and warmth.
• Thermally Aged Red Spruce Top – Enhances tonal response and projection, providing a dynamic and balanced sound that excels across a variety of playing styles.
• Mother-of-Pearl Inlays and Ornate Binding – Adds a luxurious vintage aesthetic with multi-ply binding and intricate inlays, reflecting the craftsmanship of Gibson’s Golden Era.
• Murphy Lab Light Aged Finish – Simulates decades of natural wear and play, giving the guitar a unique character and authentic vintage feel.

Specifications

Body

• Body Shape: SJ-200
• Top Wood: Thermally Aged Red Spruce
• Back Wood: Rosewood with Three-Rope Marquetry Strip
• Sides Wood: Rosewood
• Bracing: Traditional Scalloped X-Bracing (Red Spruce, Hot Hide Glue)
• Binding: Multi-ply Top, Back, and Headstock; Single-ply Fretboard

Neck

• Neck Wood: Two-Piece AAA Maple with Walnut Stringer
• Neck Profile: D-Shaped
• Nut Width: 1.725″ / 43.815mm
• Fingerboard Wood: Ebony
• Scale Length: 25.5″ / 647.7mm
• Number of Frets: 20
• Inlays: Mother-of-Pearl Graduated Crown

Hardware

• Bridge: Ebony SJ-200 Four-Bar Moustache with Mother-of-Pearl Bars
• Pickguard: Tortoise SJ-200 with Multi-Coloured Dots and Double Border
• Tuners: Grover Imperial
• Plating: Aged Gold
• Nut, Saddle, and Bridge Pins: Bone

Case & SKU

• Case: Period-Correct Pre-War Red Line Hardshell
• SKU: CSJB20PWFVSLA

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