Gibson SJ-150

I just bought this Gibson a couple of weeks ago. It is the same size and build as the SJ-200, King of the Flattops. It has a nirto-cellulose finish and comes from the factory with a Fishman active pickup. The only difference between the 150 and the 200 is a bound fretboard and the pickup.
It is spruce and flamed maple AND beautiful!

I have not owned, nor played a Gibson since the late 70's. They always sounded like they were filled with cotton, to me. But, I bought this as a NOS from eBay, so I was taking a HUGE chance in finding a sound that was "more of the same". Boy, was I happily wrong! It has incredible balance with sweet highs, strong mids and just the right amount of bass. I love the jumbo body size and I suspect the mix is from that particular size. I like it!

The instrument was set up perfectly, woods are well matched and the finish feels good, even after owning so many satin-finish guitars.

I have not taken this onstage, yet. I will, of course, and suspect it will be super. I must say that Gibson should use either Grover, or Kluson tuners on a guitar of this price! They use some generic look-alike and that is all they are. If I have one gripe, it is the tuner quality. I intend to change to Kluson Super Tuners, having already spoken with them about it.

I get very fast response, via email, from Gibson. I have had several factory visits over the years and I would think any issue would be resolved in a timely manner.

I am going to say that this is a well made, incredible sounding guitar that, despite the tuner issue, will give me years of amazing use and satisfaction. I am glad I took the chance on buying this Gibson. I had become really cynical about their acoustics, but now I lean the other way. If you love the jumbo size and sound, give Gibson a chance. I know we live in the "golden age" of lutherie, but there are true masterpieces still coming out of the time-honoured factories. I'm glad I did!