Gibson SJ-200 Sunburst A2723 (1949)

This 1949 Gibson SJ-200 comes to us from the estate of a longtime client. It's been with the same owner, alongside an enviable stash of herringbones, Flatheads, Southern Jumbos, L-00 ... you name it, and this gentleman had it. It's worth mentioning this fact to reinforce the idea that this guitar's last owner had exceptional taste: if he saw fit to own an instrument, it was unfailingly great.

This J-200 is a fairly early one, as far as the model's second era is concerned. Postwar J-200s, with their Maple bodies, rose to prominence as the "King of the Flattops" in the rock n' roll era. The tobacco-sunburst guitars from the late 1940's and early 1950's are reliably powerful sounding; and the subject instrument is no exception to the rule. Its voice is wide-open, bright, and woody, offering the expected volume and projection for an ambitious heavy-handed strummer.

This guitar is collection-worthy when viewed through the lens of condition as well. The structure is all-original, shows no cracks, and displays only the expected lacquer checking and minor playwear. It's likely the finish was buffed at some point, but there is no evidence of overspray or other finish modification. Its setup remains excellent as well -- we have it strung with .012-.054 bronze strings.

Priced with its original hard case, which is also in very good condition.