Gibson J-200

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Gibson J-200 (Super Jumbo 200) is an acoustic guitar model produced by the Gibson Guitar Corporation.

The Gibson Super Jumbo 200 is one the world's most famous acoustic guitars. Its extensive use by artists has made the J-200 also known as the SJ-200, one of the most widely played acoustic guitars of our time. So much so, that it has become an icon for players of almost all musical styles from Rock to Folk and Blues to Bluegrass. The Gibson Super Jumbo first appeared in 1937, when it was made for and presented by Gibson, to Hollywood singing star Ray Whitley as the world's biggest and fanciest acoustic guitar. Other singing celebrities also obtained Super Jumbos, such as Roy Rogers and Gene Autry.

In 1938 the SJ-200 went into production. The most striking features of the SJ-200 include its carved Moustache Madagascar rosewood bridge, with its double bar Mother-of-Pearl inlays; its engraved, multi colour celluloid pickguard; its Mother-of-Pearl crown fretboard and headstock inlays; flamed maple back and sides; spruce top; maple neck and headstock. The Deluxe model, now known as the Elite custom features; ebony bridge and fretboard; spruce top and flamed maple neck; Abalone crowns and rosette. Early models made from rosewood are highly prized by collectors. The Gibson J-200 was originally made in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Emmylou Harris has said of this instrument: "It is simply a thing of beauty, an American original with its shape and appearance. Nothing else even comes close." All Gibson acoustic guitars are now hand crafted in Bozeman, Montana. Each SJ-200 is full of expression and beauty. None are ordinary, and no two are alike. Their proud owners almost always give them names and treat them like members of the family.

They have been played by hundreds of very different guitarists over the years, such as The Everly Brothers, Rob Thomas, Pete Townshend, Jimmy Page, Sheryl Crow, Ron Wood, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Bryan Adams, Brian Jones, Albert Lee, Scotty Moore, Jeff Beck, David Gilmour, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Holly, Keith Richards, Dave Van Ronk, Elvis Presley, John Prine, Lefty Frizzell, Richard Ashcroft, Slim Whitman, Ville Valo, Chris Martin and Reverend Gary Davis.