2016 Gibson Custom 1938 Reissue SJ-200, Sunburst

A superb 2016 Gibson Custom 1938 Reissue SJ-200, finished in classic Sunburst. A fantastic reissue of Gibson’s most celebrated jumbo acoustic.

First introduced in the late 1930s as Gibson’s top-of-the-line flat-top, the SJ-200 was an instrument built in very limited numbers for serious performers and TV stars. The design was big, bold, beautifully appointed and grand. The earlier examples were built with Rosewood back and sides, giving them a slightly different voice to their Maple successors with a richer, deeper and more complex tonal character. Paired with the large Super Jumbo body, it produces a huge, open voice with plenty of projection, but there is also a lovely sweetness and complexity to the tone. It has the power and headroom for big, full-bodied strumming, yet responds beautifully to a lighter touch, with enough clarity and separation to make it a very rewarding fingerstyle guitar too.

Visually, it is every inch the "King of the Flat-Tops." The Sunburst finish is beautifully executed, with a rich amber centre fading into the darker perimeter, giving the guitar a wonderfully vintage look. The large body, open moustache bridge, gold Grover Imperial tuners, decorative pickguard and high-end appointments adding up to a fantastic looking, classy instrument. 

The neck has a comfortable feel, with a D profile substantial enough to suit the character of the guitar without feeling cumbersome. It plays very well across the board. Dig in and it delivers a huge, piano-like acoustic voice; play with a softer touch and the rosewood body brings out a lovely warmth and harmonic richness.

Condition is very good overall, with only light signs of careful use and no issues affecting playability or performance. A wonderful recreation of Gibson’s pre-war flagship acoustic, complete with its original hard case.