Epiphone 1957 SJ-200 Reissue: Inspired by Gibson Custom

The Epiphone 1957 SJ-200 Reissue brings the legendary sound, look, and feel of Gibson’s most iconic acoustic to a more affordable option. Developed in partnership with the Gibson Custom Shop as part of the “Inspired by Gibson Custom” line, this reissue honors the golden-era 1957 model with all-solid tonewoods, authentic detailing, and studio-ready electronics. With its thermally aged Sitka spruce top, figured maple back and sides, and flame maple neck, this SJ-200 packs the tone, projection, and style that earned it the title King of the Flat Tops.

Solid Construction. Super Jumbo Tone

This reissue of the 1957 SJ-200 doesn’t just look the part — it sings like the original. A solid Sitka spruce top, aged using thermal treatment, gives the guitar the warm, open resonance of a well-played vintage acoustic. The figured maple back and sides deliver bright, articulate tone with exceptional projection, while the 2-piece flame maple neck (complete with walnut stringer) and Indian rosewood fingerboard ensure smooth playability and long-lasting sustain. A scalloped X-bracing design rounds out the soundboard, giving your tone clarity, punch, and balance across the entire frequency range.

Ready to Plug In and Perform

Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the onboard LR Baggs Element Bronze VTC pickup system brings the SJ-200’s natural voice to life. An under-saddle piezo captures every nuance, while the active preamp and discreet soundhole-mounted Volume and Tone controls give you easy command of your tone. It’s a no-fuss setup that makes dialing in warm, clear, dynamic acoustic tone effortless.Delivering a tone that is focused, articulate, and deep, the Prelude Port OM makes you sound great. The great tone is thanks to the right combination of classic guitar building with a touch of tech. The slightly smaller size of the vintage OM body shape is comfortable and contributes to the instrument's focus. Michael Kelly's Port Technology, with its offset soundhole delivers the added projection and bigger tone. Add to that the solid spruce top and special bracing and this guitar delivers on sound.

Royal Appointments 

No SJ-200 would be complete without its ornate visuals — and this reissue nails it. A vintage-correct jumbo pickguard with floral artwork, mustache-style rosewood bridge, full body binding, and a multi-ply backstrip give this guitar its unmistakable stage presence. Crown inlays and Epiphone Deluxe keystone tuners top off the look with mid-century elegance and modern stability. From its open-book headstock to its engraved hardware, every inch of this instrument screams vintage class.

Why We Love It

This is one of the finest guitars Epiphone has ever made — period. The 1957 SJ-200 Reissue gives players a piece of Gibson Custom Shop acoustic history with high-end construction, stage-ready electronics, and timeless style, all at an approachable price. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a Super Jumbo, this is your moment.

Features:

• Developed with the Gibson Custom Shop as part of the “Inspired by Gibson Custom” series
• All-solid construction with thermally aged Sitka spruce top and solid figured maple back/sides
• 2-piece flame maple neck with walnut stringer and comfortable C-profile
• Indian rosewood fingerboard with 12" radius and vintage-style Crown inlays
• Scalloped X-bracing for balanced tone and strong projection
• LR Baggs Element Bronze VTC pickup system with under-saddle piezo and soundhole-mounted controls
• Vintage-correct styling with ornate pickguard, Mustache bridge, and deluxe binding
• Epiphone Deluxe tuners and “open book” headstock shape
• Includes hardshell case