Up for sale, a 1994 Gibson J-200 Limited Edition 100th Anniversary model jumbo acoustic guitar in 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell 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. Weighing 4lbs 9oz, this J-200 has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with bronze 12-53 strings and easy-playing action.
The two-piece maple neck with walnut center strip has a slender, effortless C-shaped carve with nicely rounded shoulders, measuring .820" deep at the 1st fret and .900" at the 9th. The bound rosewood fretboard features graduated crown inlays and slender banjo frets, ostensibly benefitting from a light fret dress in their lifetime, showing no wear and playing cleanly in every register. The scale length is 25 1/2“, and the nut measures 1.725" in width, 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.
There is a small repaired split running diagonally from the treble-side edge of the nut towards the center of the neck profile carve, cleanly addressed and structurally sound. There are also singular finish chips just south of the bass-side tuner bushings on the headstock face.
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 exhibits prominent lacquer checking across the top, particularly behind the bridge, and the lacquer is notably ambered, highlighting the broad, three-dimensional ripples of flame extending liberally across the back and sides.
There is one slender, repaired split on the bass-side upper bout on top, and cosmetic wear on the instrument includes strum wear across the soundhole, a couple dings on the bass side of the top, and various small finish scratches and dings consistent with honest use on the body as a whole. The smooth nitro gloss is retained on the profile length.
The original brown Lifton-style hardshell case is included.