Gibson SJ-200

This Gibson SJ-200 Custom 2000 is from Acoustic Guitar magazine's 10th Anniversary Collection.

A spectacular example of the craftsmanship of Gibson Acoustics' Custom Shop luthiers, this 10th Anniversary guitar is based on Gibson's SJ-200 Custom Vine, but has its own appointments, making it a one-of-a-kind work of art. This guitar is a true testimony that the fine art of luthierie is alive and well in the 21st century.

The mother-of-pearl vine in the headstock design curls around Acoustic Guitar's 10th Anniversary logo, providing a distinctive frame that draws the eye to it. The elaborate mother-of-pearl vine inlaid in the bound ebony fingerboard is complemented beautifully by the abalone rosette and trim on the top. But this guitar is so much more than pleasing to the eye! Its hand-selected Sitka spruce top, and flamed maple back, sides, and neck contribute perfectly to that magnificent Gibson jumbo-body tone.

From the December 2000 issue of Acoustic Guitar Magazine:

Gibson opted for flamed maple when designing its contribution to the collection, the jumbo-size SJ-200, also known as the King of the Flattops. The spectacular Custom Vine instrument we received was built under the direction of Ren Ferguson, Gibson Montana’s chief luthier. It features gorgeous flamed maple back and sides, a three-piece neck, a Sitka spruce top, and ebony mustache bridge and fingerboard. “The wood for these guitars sounded good before we even started building,” says Ferguson. The elaborate vine inlay in the fingerboard was created with abalone, which also frames the entire body of the SJ-200. According to Ferguson, “the inlay pattern was originally developed for a Japanese custom order, and we adapted it.” The A.G. anniversary logo is integrated into the design of the headstock, and even the pick- guard was custom-designed to contribute to this guitar’s one-of-a-kind look.

See all lots from the April 2020 sale.