GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS
The World's First SJ Reference Collection to Unravel the Mystery of the Phantom Guitar is Born
Since our founding in 1989, we have traveled the world in pursuit of captivating instruments.
Among them, the American market has always been a treasure trove of attractive guitars. The trust we built with American collectors through countless deals continues to this day.
Among such American collectors, the pre-war "Pre-War" models are considered the most prized treasures. The Martin D-45, our flagship model, is a prime example of this, and many Pre-War D-45s have crossed the ocean to find their way to our customers.
For those of us who have witnessed these historic guitars firsthand, the SJ-200, known as the "King of the Flat Top," is also one of the special models.
However, as the top-of-the-line model, the vintage J-200 was produced in limited quantities, and detailed documentation is scarce.
Since our founding, we've been searching worldwide for vintage SJ-200s. During this quest, we finally came across an extremely rare collection held by a collector. After four years of negotiations, we finally secured this opportunity.
The SJ-200 models featured here represent an unprecedented gathering of such a large number of instruments from around the world, all presented simultaneously. Hands-on experience with these actual guitars revealed a surprising wealth of insights, a continuous stream of unexpected discoveries.
To be able to introduce the dream we have pursued in this way.
And I hope this serves as a clue to the adventure for all who love Gibson.
(This is the first book published by Advance Guitars)
〜 The Birth of the SJ-200 and Its Current Status 〜
The SJ-200 was released in 1938 as the flagship model of Gibson's Jumbo series.
Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Page, and in Japan, Kiyoshiro Imawano, Kiminori Sera, Kazuyoshi Saito—it has captivated renowned musicians like these.
The "top of the line" model that reigns supreme as Gibson's flagship even today.
Let's introduce some of the vintage SJ-200/J-200 models gathered here.
1939 SJ-200
【Model Specifications】
Body Style: Super Jumbo
Bracing Pattern: Single X Non-scalloped
Top: Spruce
Back & Side: Brazilian Rosewood
Neck: Maple/Rosewood/Maple
Fingerboard: Ebony, 20 frets
Scale length & Nut Width: 660mm & 44.5mm
Fingerboard Inlays: Pearl
Bridge: Ebony Open Mustache
Bridge Inlay: Pearl Block Inlay
Tuners: Grover Imperial
Pickguard: YELLOW dots, Single border
Finish: Sunburst
1941 SJ-200
【Model Specifications】
Body Style: Super Jumbo
Bracing Pattern: Single X Non-scalloped
Top: Spruce
Back & Side: Rosewood
Neck: Maple/Rosewood/Maple
Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood, 20 frets
Scale length & Nut Width: 648mm & 43.0mm
Fingerboard Inlays: Pearl
Bridge: Ebony Open Mustache
Bridge Inlay: Pearl Block Inlay
Tuners: Kluson Sealfast
Pickguard: YELLOW dots, Single border
Finish: Sunburst
1950 J-200N
【Model Specifications】
Body Style: Super Jumbo
Bracing Pattern: Single X Non-scalloped
Top: Spruce
Back & Side: Maple
Neck: Maple/Rosewood/Maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood, 20 frets
Scale length & Nut Width: 647mm & 42.7mm
Fingerboard Inlays: Pearl
Bridge: Ebony Open Mustache
Bridge Inlay: Pearl Block Inlay
Tuners: Grover 102G (Replaced)
Pickguard: YELLOW dots, Single border
Finish: Natural
1956 J-200 Custom
【Model Specifications】
Body Style: Super Jumbo
Bracing Pattern: Double X Non-scalloped
Top: Spruce
Back & Side: Brazilian Rosewood
Neck: Super 400-Style, Maple/Rosewood/Maple
Fingerboard: Ebony
Scale length & Nut Width: 643mm & 42.1mm
Fingerboard Inlays: Pearl
Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood Open Mustache
Bridge Inlay: Pearl Block Inlay
Tuners: Kluson Sealfast
Pickguard: Yellow dots, no borders
Finish: Sunburst
1960 J-200
【Model Specifications】
Body Style: Super Jumbo
Bracing Pattern: Double X Non-scalloped
Top: Spruce
Back & Side: Maple
Neck: Maple/Rosewood/Maple
Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood
Scale length & Nut Width: 642mm & 42.7mm
Fingerboard Inlays: Pearl
Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood Open Mustache
Bridge Inlay: Pearl Block Inlay
Tuners: Grover 102G
Pickguard: Yellow dots, no borders
Finish: Sunburst
New Book Announcement
GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS
The World's First SJ Collection: Unraveling the Mystery of the Phantom Guitar
Book Introduction
In addition to the five models introduced above, we have successfully compiled a single volume covering all 20 SJ/J-200 models.
Among them are an SJ-200 made in 1938, the first year of mass production, and a pre-war SJ-200 Maple, said to be one of only two in existence worldwide.
Based on photographs of these details, we have traced the evolution of individual components such as pickguards and tuners, and have also used the Transparent Image System to decipher the bracing patterns.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that all specimens introduced here are stored as data based on actual measurements taken by our team.
This collection of materials took one year to produce and delves into uncharted territory.
Advance Guitars/TCGAKKI
Please lend me your SJ/J-200!
This time, I've fulfilled a dream by compiling a total of 20 vintage SJ-200/J-200 guitars, including four pre-war models, into a single volume, publishing the world's first SJ reference book. Having poured my utmost love and passion for these instruments into creating this book, the joy of its publication was truly profound.
And we aim to gather even more data and enrich our materials, making the publication of an expanded second volume (Volume 2) our next goal. That's why we'd like to ask for your cooperation.
Would you be willing to lend me your SJ-200/J-200? We are specifically seeking instruments from the 1960s this time. (If you have any other rare specifications, please let us know!) We will photograph the instrument and record its specifications before returning it to you. Additionally, we will present you with a copy of the book "GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS" and "GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS VOL.2" upon request.
[Campaign Details]
・The rental period is approximately two weeks, with shipping costs covered by our store.
・The guitar photo and specifications featured in Vol.2 are reproduced here.
・A complimentary copy of "GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS" or its Vol. 2 edition.
#We will take responsibility for storing your instruments. Please note that we cannot guarantee publication based solely on the content of the book.
Would you like to create Volume 2 together with Advance Guitars?!