Gibson SJ-200 Reissue

Here's a review from the other Boston, in England.
Mine was born on 239th day of 2003, it's a gorgeous SJ200 vintage sunburst with fitted Fishman under saddle pick up. Usual top Gibson specs. A fine work of art. Not the cheapest, but to me well worth the money. I have 6 other run of the mill lower end electrics and also a Tanglewood Black Mountain TBM230 (also excellent all round, half the Gibson price but then again (in my opinion) half as good all round.
Everything feels and looks right about the SJ-200. When I unpacked it and tried it out... Like a hot day, a hot country, you're spitting feathers and then clink, glug glug glug, ahhhhh! Everytime you pick it up! A simple delight time and time again.

As I play for my own enjoyment, I like it unplugged. So far, I've also tried with my Marshall Bi-chorus 200watt 4 speaker stack and head. Feedback starts at 25% of the max volume due to the response of the under saddle pickup. Control it though and you have a wonderfully crisp sound right across the range. It's hard to explain, it all feels oh so right. Maybe from ignorance, but I've tried Taylors and Martins and they're excellent too, but I can't fault the SJ200 unless you really want to nit-pick. Whatever the depth of your pocket, or musical ability, if you have an ear for music. This will satisfy!

The guitar (I believe it's common and understandable as to why, for Gibson acoustics) needed to be set up by a luthier and a reputable London company has done a pretty good job for the previous owner for ?40). Fine tuning the action and intonation on a guitar is not rocket-science, just adjust a bit at a time and follow the guidance and instructions from a good guitar book (eg Ralph Denyer's The Guitar Handbook was an ?16 gift from my wife 10 years ago -and I'm sure there are other such useful good books in the US), will tell you how to look after and do your own. In recent years, I've modified 10 guitars in total and they all turned from "Pumpkins into Horse drawn carriages", so it's saved me a few quid!.)

I reckon providing I don't smack anyone in the teeth with it and don't abuse it, it will last and last. Probably, it could be one the best investments you could ever make. PLUS you will also get the basic simple pleasure of playing it.
Some guitars are just commercial pieces of crap, I think the SJ200 has a heart and soul as well, if you know where I'm coming from.
It produces a real and natural sound, not the synthesised crap we have to endure from some so-called entertainers. Real quality with a beauty that is more than skin-deep.

Sadly, my original Gibson certificate has got lost with the previous owner(s). I emailed Gibson in the US from England and got a response within 30 minutes. Now, whatever side of the pond you live on, we all understand what's right in this world. Gibson's after sales service service would be given a 100%. They couldn't help me directly, but took the time and trouble to tell me who could.
Faultless!

Been playing for 38 years and am still crap, but I like it, my kids think I'm OK too. I enjoy singing to myself (sometimes in front of the mother in law when I want her to leave quickly).
I wish I'd taken the plunge years ago, but the kids had to be raised and shipped off first. If it was stolen, I'd hunt it down and most probably get in trouble with the law if I found the thief! If I lost it - woh! that's scary but I'd get another if I had to, one way or another.
I love it for what it is and appreciate it for what it is. An enjoyable musical instrument and thoroughly well put together by experienced people.

I own three Gibson acoustics: An SJ-200, L4-A & Songwriter Deluxe cutaway.

I guess for those who are trying to choose what to buy I will ?review? all three. Hopefully I will be allowed to use this same review for all 3 listings. But my score will reflect which guitar model category you are reading from.


Features:

For features: You can get all this info from Gibson.com

Just a quick note on Fishman transducers. I can?t stand any piezo pick-up. I Installed an LR Baggs I-BEAM on my L4-A and use this guitar mostly for recording scratch tracks or will sometime use both the I-BEAM and conventional mics when mixing. Both the LA-4 and Songwriter have cutaway (which I love).

The SJ-200 has the most presence of the 3. It is bright, deep, jangly, loud, pretty etc. It has rich overtones the jump out at you esp. in the treble and bass regions. Even when recording I can pick it out from any other guitar immediately. I also noticed that when mixing, I don?t have to cut any muddy midrange out as with most acoustics. It?s almost as if the carved moustache bridge cuts some of the mid-range while still retaining low & highs. I also highly recommend D?Addario Bluesgrass phosphor bronze strings EJ19 (med-light combo). It seems for all my Gibsons that they don?t come alive without at least medium gauge strings at least on the bottom 3 strings. It really makes a HUGE difference.

The L4-A has a sound similar to the SJ200. It?s a little ?tighter? sounding with a bit more piano like sound on the wound strings. A little less bass thump and little more midrange, but still has beautiful and maybe a tad more delicate sound. Great for a duo accompaniment. The short scale does make fingering slightly easier.

The Songwriter Deluxe is the warmest of the 3 and projects more like the SJ200. It has great volume/bass and again more midrange. But the midrange has it?s own nicer overtones unlike the other 2. It is bright, dark, warm and booming all at the same time and I also love the way the guitar body resonates while playing (rosewood tends to do that more). So in a way at times it?s my favorite to play (depends on the song & my mood), as they are all a favorite for certain tunes and at certain times.

The SJ-200 is a remarkable guitar. The craftsmanship is a 10. Everything is fit perfectly and of the 3, the intonation is the best (oddly it?s the only one that doesn?t have a compensated saddle). The spruce top has a certain ?cross-grain? that shimmers and the flamed sides back & even neck are mesmerizing. The back especially has and almost 3-d effect to all the ripples & flames ? stunning. It is the lightest of the three, which defies logic seeing as how it?s the biggest of the 3. The only drawback is the pickguard which while beautiful has wore off where my pinky rests very quickly. I e-mailed Gibson and they immediately sent me a ?better? pickguard but it is more red in tone (not as dark as mine so I will keep the current one.) That lower the fit & finish to a 9.0

The action on the Songwriter deluxe was the only one set up perfectly from the factory. I think Gibson doesn?t pay too much attention to set-up probably because of so many different players? styles. I think people should really quit bashing them for this, as any experienced guitar player knows that they need to modify their ax in some fashion. The intonation was pretty good. Fit & Finish 10

The LA-4 probably has the worst (typical) intonation of the 3. This could be due to it?s shorter scale (24 ?? vs. 25 ?? of the other 2). I will definitely have that modified. Of the three it?s the only one with just a little orange peel on the finish but not noticeable unless looked at a certain angle and in a certain light.no biggie for me.
The woods are of apparent high quality. The spruce does have a few micro burrs or anomalies but they are bookmatched so again no problem. The back & sides are maple and stained very dark walnut color. Only in very bright light can you see the flamed maple on back but to most people the sides & back appear to be black. I actually think the LA-4 may be the classiest of the bunch. It really looks gorgeous and kinda? 30?s retro. I also have to mention that it comes with an optional pickguard (like the J-185 EC Blues King Electro) which I installed and definitely adds to it beautiful looks.

With pre-stressed tops and all soild wood construction they are all very well made. I imagine they will last forever & ever. No problem here.

Great Support from Gibson.

I have played guitar for 25 years. I own a total 9 electric/acoustic/classical/bass guitars. By far for looks, price and sound Gibson acoustics are the best deal around.

I just wish that they would get the pickguard stuff right for the price I paid! That alone gives it 9's intead of 10's.

I got a 2004 SJ-200 made in Bozeman, Montana, with curly maple back sides, solid spruce top, all in natural finish with the red translucent pickguard. Not only is this by far the best sounding acoustic I've ever played, it is also the most beautiful. The finish is flawless and thick giving a glassy protective cover that shows the beauty of the wood selected for this guitar.

The sound is incredible and clear. I compare it to my Martin HD-28 this way: the Martin is like a choir where all the voices blend together, but this Gibson SJ-200 is like six perfect voices singing in harmony. It is bright, but not harsh. The bass is resonant and pronounced without being boomy.

The action from the factory was high, so I pulled the bridge and sand the base of it down. Now the action is low and perfect. The finish of the wood and hardware is excellent. When I'm not playing it I just want to look at it.

Too soon to tell about durability.

Very good support. I called and emailed with a couple questions and I got and quick and friendly response.

If this were lost or stolen I'd find it or steal it back, or else I'd find another immediately and buy it. I played every acoustic in the GC including the Taylors, Martins and whatever else. This SJ-200 is clearly the best of the bunch. I really can't say the others compare that well.

Brand new Gibson SJ200 re-issue. You know all the specs by now, im sure :-) Beautiful curly maple sides and back, with a solid sitka spruce top. Maple neck with Madagascar Rosewood fingerboard with MOP crown inlays.. Moustache bridge with MOP inlay. 50's issue Gotoh tuners (some people have complained about these, saying they feel cheap and arent the best quality. but i am more than happy with them)
And of course, the signature hand painted pickguard. In all, the guitar is a beautiful example of Gibson guitarcraft.

When i first got the guitar, it came with phospor brionze strings, which had gone completely flat and dull! I restrung it with Elixir Nanowebs (Cutom Lights - 0.11's) Boy oh boy! This is what a Gibson SHOULD sound like! The bass is deep and resonates beautifully. Nice crisp trebles, and the middles have bright sustain. Perfecyly balanced sound, with warmth and depth. The guitar has a unique sound. Sounds awesome when strummed, and is equally responsive to fingerstyle. I play mostly acoustic rock, but this guitar will compliment almost any type of music style. The sound will only improve over time, once the top 'opens up', and the maple body ages!

The action was milimetre perfect from the factory. As low and comfortable as you can get with no buzzing (I got lucky i think, cos most Gibson acoustics require some saddle / nut work to achieve a nice action). The fingerboard feels very comfortable in your hand, and is easy to navigate.The body binding was flawless, and there are no glue blobs to be seen anywhere. The lacquer is evenly applied, with no traces of sloppiness. One gripe however, is that the pickguard is not fully attached (The circular part, i.e. the bottom right hand part of the pickguard as you look down at it, is about 1mm off the top. It moves when pressed, but not significantly. Its not a major flaw at all, but im going to have a luthier look at it. Other than that, the guitar is perfectly constructed. Its a credit to the craftsmen in Montana!

Ive heard it said that the hand painted pickguard design wears off after lengthy playing. This isn't a concern for me, but ive had the guitar about 2 weeks now (thats 2 weeks non stop playing!) and its still intact. In all, the guitar feels perfect, and im sure it will last a lifetime. Whilst its big, its light (due to the maple) and feels sturdy and robust. Perhaps the tuners may loosen after a while, but so far, so very very good!

never had to deal directly with Gibson.

Ive been playing guitar for almost four years, primarily acoustic. I also own a Taylor Big Baby, a Tanglewood TW55 DLX, and an old Yamaha F-310. This guitar is the most all round superb instrument i have ever played. Ive tried Martins and Taylors (the 810 and 615 are nice, but they're not on the same level as this baby!) If it were lost or stolen, i would cry, because i donr know if i would find another SJ200 quite like this one! All in all, an amazing acoustic instrument, which i love, and will have for a lifetime.

Today, we're looking at my Gibson SJ-200. This guitar was built in Gibson's Bozeman, Montana shop in 2000. It's a jumbo body guitar with all the trimmings, as befits Gibson's "king of the flattops". I purchased this guitar used in November 2003.

The body has a bookmatched, solid spruce top and solid bookmatched sides and back of eastern flamed maple. The spruce and maple are of the highest quality. The internal bracing is neat and clean. The body is lavished with multiple bindings front and rear, and there is a checkerboard backstrip down the center of the back. The "moustache" bridge is rosewood and is trimmed with four bars and two dots of mother of pearl.

The neck is made of two pieces of flamed maple laminated to a center strip of rosewood. The bound rosewood fingerboard has 20 frets on a 25 1/2 inch scale. The "cloud" position markers are mother of pearl, and the side position dots are tortoise shell celluloid. The neck is rounded and fairly large, but comfortable. The feel is similar to some early 50's Gibsons I have played. The fingerboard is wide, and the nut width is about 1 3/4 inches. The headstock is bound and trimmed with a "crown" inlay and the Gibson logo in mother of pearl. Gold plated "Kluson deluxe" style tuners are fitted with pearloid
"keysone" style buttons.

The oversize pickguard is made of tortoise celluloid, and features a "western" theme, with engraved cactus flowers with inlaid center dots. The finish on this example is "blonde" or natural. After nearly four years it is starting to take on a beatiful golden hue, and should only become more beatiful with the passing years.

Gibson calls this a "50's SJ-200", and, while apparently not a reproduction of any specific year, it does evoke the style and feel of a 1950's Gibson acoustic.

As this is a "reissue", Gibson doesn't supply the guitar with a pickup. This example did come with a Fishman active pickup installed under the saddle. The salesman told me that the guitar had been special ordered from the factory this way by the original owner. I can't confirm or deny this, but the installation does look "factory".

The guitar came with a TKL hardshell case with blue plush lining and the Gibson Montana logo on the case. It probably came with a humidifier when new, but I bought it used.

All told, the guitar is loaded with all the trimmings.

I'll admit that I had no intention of buying another acoustic guitar. I had purchased a great Gibson Hummingbird only a month before, and was very happy with it. I made the mistake of visiting my local Guitar Center one day, and found this SJ-200 that someone had traded in. I tried it out and I knew I was in serious trouble. This was simply the most toneful SJ I'd ever played.
Even the (typical for Guitar Center) dead strings couldn't hide the tone. Restrung with D'Addario EXP phosphor bronze custom lights, the guitar has simply amazing tone. The jumbo body shape yields deep, rich bass, and the maple body keeps the treble sharp and focused. This is a loud guitar, too. I have, if I say so myself, a very loud and penetrating singing voice. This guitar not only supports my voice, but if I'm not careful, the guitar will drown me out. I've never owned a guitar that could do that!

Like the reviewer below, I am fortunate to own both a Hummingbird and a SJ-200. Similarly, I can't really decide which I like better. The Super Jumbo can't quite duplicate the warmth and sweetness of the 'bird, and the Hummingbird can't match the power and projection of the SJ. This is not a complaint against either guitar. They are, of course, different instruments entirely. Both sound superb.

I am not rating the amplified sound, since the pickup is not a standard fitment on this model, and I haven't used the guitar plugged in enough to have formed an opinion. The rating is for the acoustic tone only.

I bought the guitar used, and it had been tinkered with by the previous owner. There was considerable neck relief when I bought the guitar. While changing strings, I adjusted the truss rod and straightened the neck to discover that the string slots in the nut had been filed to deeply, allowing the open strings to buzz. The owner had compensated with excess neck relief. The proper cure for this would be to replace the nut. Since my guitar tech has been too busy to answer his phone lately, I fixed the problem temporarily by cutting small chips of file card, placing them in the slots, and laminating them with super glue. Problem solved, at least for now.

The previous owner also installed a strap button on the heel of the guitar. I never use strap buttons on acoustic guitars (I play sitting down), and I got tired of running into the button with my hand every time I reached for a high note, so I removed it. I still need to somehow fill the ugly screw hole. There were also a few minor dings on the guitar top. I can't blame Gibson for any of this, of course, as all this was inflicted by the previous owner.

Aside from these issues, everything else was nearly perfect. The workmanship is neat and tidy. The braces are clean, with no gaps or excess glue visible. The inlays and binding are neat and clean, and the lacquer is smooth and glossy. Gibson acoustics are still made nearly entirely by hand, and as such, will never exhibit the machine made "perfection" of other makes. Given that, there's very little I can fault here.

Better players than you and I have been depending on Gibson acoustic guitars since before you were born. The guitars that Gibson turns out of the Bozeman plant are as good as any they've ever made IMO. The SJ-200 is as durable as a solid wood acoustic could be expected to be. The lacquer finish can be damaged more easily than the more modern finishes. It can also be touched up more easily, too.

Of course that means you should treat it with the care it deserves. Of course you would watch the temperature and humididy, wouldn't you? I certainly would. I've already voiced my opinion on strap buttons and acoustic guitars.

The engraving wears off the pickguard very quickly. As I'm a player, and not a collector, it's a small issue, but still a disappointment, and worth mentioning.

I see no reason why I couldn't depend on this guitar.

I bought this guitar used, so there's no warranty.

I haven't dealt with Gibson about this guitar, but I have had dealings with Gibson's customer service in the past. They've always been friendly and helpful. No complaints here.

I've been playing electric and acoustic guitar since 1967 (37 years). In addition to this guitar, I own a Gibson Hummingbird, and too many other guitars to list here. I have always wanted a Gibson SJ-200, but I was put off by the high price and inconsistent tone from one to the next. I was extremely fortunate to find a clean, used example with incredible tone at an attractive (though still high) price. If it were lost, I'd want another, but the high price might make me hesitate.

I love the tone, the feel, the easy action (once set up to my taste), and the over-the-top "cowboy" look of the guitar. There's nothing I really hate.

This is, like all top end Gibsons, an expensive guitar. My "bang for the buck" rating is based on what I paid, buying used. If I had to pay the "new" price, I probably couldn't be quite so generous.

This guitar is brand new - made July 7, 2003 - received July 17, 2003. The lacquer was barely dry. Made in Bozeman, Montana. 20 frets, 25-1/2" scale.
This guitar has a beautiful spruce top and curly maple sides and back. It is exquisitely made. The back is matched perfectly and, other than a bit of glue on the moustache bridge, there is not a flaw on this guitar. It is really beautiful! The neck is also maple with a Madagascar Rosewood fretboard. It does not come with a pickup, but I'm having a Fishman passive pickup installed this week. It is no wonder they call this guitar the ?King of the Jumbos? it is large, but very light.

It has gold Gotoh tuners with ?perloid" buttons - kind-of cheap for such an expensive guitar. There is lots of mother of pearl on this guitar and a fancy flower-patterned pick guard. It came with a really heavy duty case and a humidifier.

This guitar was so new I got to uncrate it. The action is a bit high, but I figure it will be lowered when the pickup is installed.

I wish they put a front strap button on it - I'll have one installed on the lower heel when the pickup is installed. In fact I'd give this a "Ten" rating, but the abscence of a strap button is just too obvious - even though you rarely see them on high-end guitars.

When I started looking at acoustic guitars, I didn't give this one too close a look. It looked to "cowboy" to me. After playing one, however, I was floored by the wonderful tones emanating from this guitar. I also looked at a Hummingbird which had a great "Blended" sound woody and rich, while the J-200 has a crisper sound that seems to separate and give distinct sound to each individual string. I liked both and couldn't decide, so I told my wife to choose - since it was a birthday present. She surprised me all right - she got me one of each! I can tell this guitar will be the one I reach for most often - it just sounds and plays great! I can't imagine how it will sound when it ages a bit and starts to open up. I play a lot of original material - kind-of folk-rock and a bit of country thrown in. It fits in perfectly. I plan on doing a lot of digital recording blending the Hummingbird and the J-200,. I expect that the blend of the two different sounds will be great.

As stated earlier, this guitar is nearly flawless. A bit of glue on the bridge, but otherwise it is the nicest looking guitar I've ever seen. Even the two pieces of wood on the back are mirror-imaged. They even matched a small knot on one side wioth one almost identical on the other side. The Curly maple back and sides are gorgeous. Fit and finish are perfect - binding all around is even. Frets are good - no problems that I can see or feel. Once the action is lowered a bit it will be perfect, but even now it is a very easy-to-play guitar.

This will be my main gigging guitar - I have no doubt that it will hold up well. I'm still using a Gibson that I bought in 1972 and it has held up well. I expect this one to do at least as well!

I've dealt with Gibson before and they have usually taken good care of me. The Warranty is "lifetime", but most things that can go wrong are due to neglect or misuse, so I figure I won't have much need for it - but it is there if I do need it.

I've been playing guitar for 30 years and own eight guitars, both electric and acoustic, including a Gary Moore Les Paul, a Gibson Hummingbird, a 30 year-old J-40, an ES-335 and a Fender Telecaster. This is the nicest guitar I own. If it is stolen I'd replace it in a minute. I love the looks the sound and the playability - it is the ultimate guitar for me. I looked at Martin, Taylor, Guild and other Gibsons, and this one, with the Hummingbird, stood out way above the rest. I look forward to a lot of years with this guitar!