This is a really cool SJ-200N Reissue from 1994 known as the 100th Anniversary limited edition, this one being #32 of only 100 made. Its stunning Blonde finish all over makes it the ultimate cowboy guitar. Its got a pretty spruce top w/some outstanding Quilty figured maple back & sides. Its got a killer pickup system w/a pair of small knobs inside the top of the sound hole. On the back of its headstock it states it was completed August 1994. It label is clear & complete w/production # & it even has Gibson’s early COA signed by Master Builder “Ren Ferguson” from Bozeman Montana. Its quite excellent overall & comes in its original brown hard case.
To celebrate the company’s centennial, Gibson offered 12 unique vintage reissue models in 1994, with each model hand-crafted in a limited run of only 100 instruments. This faithful reissue of a 1948 SJ-200N is finished in Antique Natural high gloss nitro lacquer, boasting a solid X-braced Sitka spruce top, paired with solid, highly-figured curly maple back and sides.
The model described by Gibson as “King of the Flat-tops” is truly an impressive instrument both visually and sonically, and few acoustic instruments can match the sheer projection and power of a J-200. With a lower bout that’s 17″ in width, and a body depth of over 4 1/2″, the tone of this particular Gibson Jumbo is particularly broad and relaxed, offering more warmth than a new instrument, and emblematic of the richness afforded a soundboard that’s been worked-in over a matter of decades. The overarching sound highlights both sparkling treble detail and cavernous bass register muscle, taking full advantage of the articulate top end snap of maple and the balanced tone of a solid spruce top.
The two-piece maple neck with walnut center strip has a slender, effortless C-shaped carve with nicely rounded shoulders, The bound rosewood fretboard features graduated crown inlays and slender banjo frets, ideal for comfortable chording and fingerstyle playing if desired. The bound headstock features the Gibson logo and crown inlaid in pearl, along with the original set of gold Gibson Deluxe tuning machines with greened keystone buttons.
On the body, the guitar features both the J-200’s flower and dot silkscreened graphics on the tortoise pickguard, as well as the open moustache rosewood bridge that defines the look of a true Gibson jumbo. The saddle has ample height, accented by pearl inlay. The Antique Natural gloss nitro lacquer has some checking and the lacquer is notably ambered, highlighting the broad, three-dimensional ripples of flame extending liberally across the back and sides.
