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1956 Gibson J-200 Vintage Jumbo Acoustic Guitar Blonde w/ Lifton Case

$24,999.99

+ shipping

Up for sale, a 1956 Gibson J-200 in collector-grade condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Well-kept and crack-free, this Gibson Jumbo is 100% original save for a replacement bone saddle and bridge pins (originals included), and was crafted at the Kalamazoo factory in the same year as Elvis’ iconic J-200.

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 extremely bold, full and even-sounding, with equal presence and power afforded each string. The flame maple back and rims ensure a strong note attack and treble detail, and the instrument offers a warm, relaxed rumble emblematic of a soundboard that's had the opportunity to open up over a number of decades. This particular J-200 has a notable brassy growl in the low end, balanced by the chiming treble bloom, that makes it particularly authoritative even for a J-200. Weighing 5lbs 3oz, this guitar has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with bronze 12-53 strings and easy-playing action.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Two-piece maple (walnut stringer)
-Shape: “Baseball bat” C, full shoulders, measuring .915" deep at 1st fret, .975" at 9th
-Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood, crown mother of pearl inlays, light finger wear behind frets 1-4
-Frets: Slender "banjo" frets, leveled and crowned, grooves favoring the plain strings on frets 1-4, lighter wear extending to fret 7
-Scale Length: 25 1/2"
-Nut: 1 11/16", nylon
-Tuners: Kluson Deluxe single-line, keystone buttons

Body specs:

-Wood: Spruce, maple
-Bracing: X-bracing
-Bridge: Rosewood, open mustache, replacement carved bone saddle and bridge pins (originals included)
-Pickguard: Tortoise, floral design
-Serialization: Orange oval label (Kalamazoo factory), 1956 build date
-Factory Markings: V-prefix FON (1956) stamped on heel block

The gloss nitro lacquer Blonde finish is 100% original with no touch-up or overspray, exhibiting “shattered glass” checking and highlighting curly flame figuring in the maple, particularly dynamic on the back. Cosmetic wear is limited to pick scuffing at the bass side of the soundhole, faint buckle rash central to the back, and a handful of minor dings at the lower bout, primarily concentrated on the rims. The neck profile gloss highlights deep tiger maple figuring, free of palm wear.

The original brown Lifton tolex hardshell case is included, equally as clean as the guitar, along with the original saddle and bridge pins.