GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS
～The world's first collection of SJ materials that unravels the mysteries of the guitar.
Since our founding in 1989, we have traveled the world in pursuit of fascinating instruments.
The American market in particular has been a treasure trove of attractive guitars since that time. The relationship of trust with American collectors that we have built through many deals continues to this day.
Among these American collectors, pre-war "pre-war" models are called the treasures of the American market. Our specialty, Martin's flagship model "D-45" is a typical example, and many "Pre-War" D-45s have traveled across the sea to our customers. We are very proud of our flagship model "D-45".
Having witnessed these historic guitars, the "King of the Flat Tops" SJ-200 is another special model for us.
However, there are not many records of the vintage J-200, as it was a top-of-the-line model and only a small number of units were shipped.
After searching the world over for vintage SJ-200s since the company's inception, we finally came across an extremely rare collection owned by a collector. After four years of negotiations, we finally had this opportunity.
The SJ-200s introduced here are the first time in the world that such a large number of guitars have been introduced at the same time. I was surprised at how much I could learn by touching the actual guitars, and it was a series of unexpected discoveries.
It was a dream that we have been pursuing, and we were able to introduce it to the world in this way.
We hope that this will be an inspiration to all Gibson lovers in their adventures.
〜 The birth of the SJ-200, and now 〜
The SJ-200 was released in 1938 as the flagship model of the Gibson Jumbo series.
It has attracted famous musicians such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Page, and in Japan, Kiyoshiro Imawano, Masanori Sera, and Kazuyoshi Saito.
The "Top of the Line" reigns as Gibson's flagship model even today.
Here we introduce some of the vintage SJ-200/J-200s we have collected.
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 Introduction
GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS
〜The world's first collection of SJ documents that unravels the mysteries of the guitar.
Book Introduction
In addition to the five guitars introduced above, we have succeeded in compiling a total of 20 SJ/J-200s in one book.
Some of them include the SJ-200 made in 1938, the first year of mass production, and the prewar SJ-200 Maple, of which only two are said to exist in the world.
Based on the detailed photographs of the SJ-200s, we have also been able to elucidate the evolution of each part, such as the pickguard and tuners, as well as the bracing pattern using the Transparent Image System.
Furthermore, it should be noted that all of the pieces presented here have been measured by us and stored in our data archive.
The production period was one year, and this is a collection of materials that has never before been undertaken to the point of being unprecedented.
from Advance Guitars/TCGAKKI
Please lend me "your" SJ/J-200!
This time, we were able to realize one of our dreams: to publish the world's first SJ data book by compiling a total of 20 vintage SJ-200/J-200s, including 4 pre-war models, into a single volume. It was a great pleasure for me to publish this book, which I created with all my love and passion for the instruments.
I would like to publish a second volume (Volume 2) with more data and more materials, and I would like to make it my next goal to publish an even more voluminous book. We would like to ask for your cooperation in this endeavor.
Can you lend us your SJ-200/J-200? This time, we are especially looking for 1960's specs. (If you have any other rare specs, please let us know!) We will take pictures and specs of each part and return it to you. We will also give you a copy of this book, "GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS" and "GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS VOL. 2" if you wish.
[Campaign Details]
The loan period is approximately 2 weeks, and shipping costs will be borne by us.
The photos and specs of the borrowed guitars will be published in the Vol. 2 issue of the magazine.
GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS" or Vol.2 of the same book will be donated free of charge.
We will take responsibility for the #instrument. Please note that we do not promise publication according to the contents of the book.
Want to build Volume 2 with Advance Guitars?