Gibson L200 Emmylou Harris

The flame maple neck and back and MOP fretboard inlays are terrific features that make this guitar stand out.
Handcrafted in: Bozeman, MT
Body
Body Style: L-Series Small
Top Species: Solid Sitka Spruce
Back and Sides: Solid Curly Maple
Marquetry: Checkerboard
Body Binding: 6-ply top; 4-ply back
NECK
Species: Curly Maple
Scale: 24-3/4"
Angle: 3
Joint: 14
Profile: Round
FINGERBOARD
Species: Rosewood
Binding: Single ply white with tortoise side dots
Number of Frets: 20
Inlay: MOP Crowns
Nut Width: 1.725
Peghead Angle: 17
Other Inlays: Bound headstock
BRIDGE
Bridge: Rosewood Moustache
Bridge Inlay: Double MOP
Pins: White
HARDWARE
Tuners: Gold Gotoh with Pearloid Keystone buttons
Pickguard: Custom engraved
Pickup: Schertler Bluestick

This guitar has a terrific balanced sound. The top rsonates forever and I can feel it all the way up the neck. I have a Martin Clapton and Martin Steve Miller that I paid big money for that do not vibrate like this guitar. It is not as bright as most maple guitars and I find the sound great for strumming and has great response to finger picking that is not a "tinkly" as most guitars.

Bought it used so I did have the saddle replaced with bone. Overall the finish is good, but some of the binding along the neck has some low spots where it is not even with the rosewood. The MOP inlays are very neat and clean with no glue or gaps. The binding around the headstock where it comes into the neck has some flaws. The body binding and back seam are well done. The wood selection for the maple neck and back was great and the flame is even and IN YOUR FACE. The fretboard and bridge are medium dark rosewood and it looks like some attempt was made to make sure they matched in color. I do like Gibson finishes because scratches and dings can be buffed out with Novus 2 Fine Scratch Remover. It works great on Gibsons, but not so well on PRS and Fender guitars. I have an Alvarez that has better quality details than this Gibson, but the overall beauty and materials used in this guitar make up for the flaws. My Martins have better detail work on them as well, but don't sound as good. I might feel differently if I paid retail for it.

I have a few different Gibson's and they all seem pretty reliable and sturdy.

The case quality does not match the quality of the guitar and Martin and Taylor cases are MUCH nicer.

No experience directly with Gibson.

Playing 12 years

Martin Clapton, Martin Steve Miller, Gibson Firebird VII, Gibson Les Paul Standard, Gibson SG Standard, Robin Ranger Pro, Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster and Telecaster, Alvarez AJ60SC, PRS Custom 22

I would love one in Sunburst

I was looking for an affordable SJ200 and I do not feel like I compromised anything to get this L-200

Esti 2003 Maple body, short scale, 14 Fret to body - small body, about the size of a Martin 000. Rosewood Fretboard, sitka top. REal MOP crowns on the fretboard and headstock MOP adorned. Finish quality seems high, despite what I hear about Gibson lately. Hardrock maple neck. Neck is narrow, I usually go for 1 3/4 at the nut. But this neck works really well -- jumbo frets (large as in easy to play). My friend plays a Gibson les paul (vintage) and he says it's a typical gibson feel to the neck. That must be good, cause I like it and I'm pretty picky about necks. Lastly, comes with factory installed Schertler Bluestick? transducer pickup system - I'm no expert in this area, but I think it sounds good plugged in - but don't quote me, I'm pretty much pickup ignorant.

Well, it sounds kinda maple like - go figure?? Seriously, couldn't ask for a 'better' sounding guitar, different, but not better. Got that maple ring and clarity. Bass is good (not boomy like Martin, which I also like) - it both fingerpicks and strums great. it came with 13's on it and tone was better, I have 12's on it now. may go back to 13's, but it needs a setup first.

Like I said, it really doesn't get ANY better. Different perhaps, but not better. I had a guild JF30 before, loved the sound, but 17 inch body just wasn't comfy to haul or play. This has a great maple jumbo sound with a 000 body size - how can you go wrong.

Very satisfied - even if I'd paid full retail ($3600 + tax - which I didn't) but if I had, it has that kind of fit and finish - I'm happy oh, one minor exception, the neck is a 3 piece lengthwise laminated, maple-mahogony-maple - great for eliminating deadspots on the fretboard. but ... you can actually feel a little seam on the back of the neck. apparantly needed one more sanding before finish coat. well, it's minor, and most time I don't even notice, so I'll drop this to a 9

seems very sturdy

been playin about 30 years. own Martins D18, HD28, Alverez masterclass, Lowden, Takamine Nashville, Gretsch 6000 series, Breedlove US made, Santa Cruz