Gibson SJ-200 / J-200 document book
~The world's first collection of documents unraveling the mystery of the legendary guitar~

GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS

Realized after four years of negotiations: The journey to unraveling the mysteries of the legendary SJ-200 collection.

 

Since our founding in 1989, we have traveled the world in pursuit of fascinating musical instruments.
The American market, in particular, has always been a treasure trove of attractive guitars. The trusting relationships we've built with American collectors through numerous deals continue to this day.

Among these American collectors, pre-war models are considered priceless treasures. The Martin D-45, our specialty, is a prime example, and many pre-war D-45s have crossed the ocean and traveled to our customers.
Having witnessed such historical guitars, the SJ-200, known as the "King of the Flat Top," is also a special model for us.
However, as vintage J-200s were the top-of-the-line model, only a small number were produced, and there isn't much detailed documentation available.

 

Since its founding, the company had been searching the world for vintage SJ-200s, and eventually came across an extremely rare collection owned by a certain collector. After four years of negotiations, we were finally able to secure this opportunity.

The number of SJ-200s featured here is unprecedented; it's rare to see so many existing and showcased simultaneously anywhere in the world. Touching and handling the actual guitars revealed an astonishing amount of information, leading to a series of unexpected discoveries.

Being able to share the dream we've been pursuing like this.
And I hope this will serve as a starting point for the adventures of all Gibson lovers.

(This is Advance Guitars' first published book.)

〜 The birth of the SJ-200, and the present day 〜
The SJ-200 was released in 1938 as the flagship model of Gibson's Jumbo Series.
It has captivated renowned musicians such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and Jimmy Page, as well as in Japan, Kiyoshiro Imawano, Masanori Sera, and Kazuyoshi Saito.
Even today, it reigns as Gibson's flagship model, the "Top of the Line."

Let's take a look at some of the vintage SJ-200/J-200 guitars 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, 20frets
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, 20frets
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 SJ (Super Junior) reference book that unravels the mysteries of the legendary guitar~

Book Introduction
In addition to the five models mentioned above, I have successfully compiled information on a total of 20 SJ/J-200 models into a single book.
Among them are an SJ-200 from 1938, the first year of mass production, and a pre-war SJ-200 Maple, said to be one of only two in the world.
Based on detailed photographs of these parts, we have traced the evolution of components such as the pickguard and tuners, and have also used a transparent image system to decipher the bracing pattern.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that all the data presented here is based on actual measurements taken by us.
This collection of materials, which took a year to produce, delves into unprecedented areas.

Advance Guitars/TCGAKKI

Please lend me your SJ/J-200!

This time, I was able to realize a dream: to compile a total of 20 vintage SJ-200/J-200 guitars, including four pre-war models, into one volume and publish the world's first comprehensive collection of SJ-200 information. I poured all my love and passion for these instruments into creating this book, so the joy of its publication is all the greater.

My next goal is to collect even more data, enrich the materials, and publish an even more substantial second volume (Volume 2). Therefore, I would like to ask for your cooperation.

Would you be willing to lend me your SJ-200/J-200? This time, we are particularly looking for a guitar from the 1960s. (We'd also love to hear from anyone with other rare specifications!) We will photograph it, measure its specifications, and return it to you. We will also give a free copy of the book "GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS" and "GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS VOL.2" to anyone who requests it.

[Campaign details]
The rental period is approximately two weeks, and shipping costs will be covered by our store.
- The photos and specifications of the guitar we borrowed are featured in Vol. 2 of the magazine.
- You will receive a free copy of "GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS" or Vol. 2.
#We will take care of your instrument responsibly. Please note that we cannot guarantee publication based on the content of the book.

Why not join Advance Guitars in creating Volume 2?!

Author of this article:Advance Guitars Store Manager Inoue - Vintage Guitar Researcher

Having been involved with musical instruments since childhood, he is an expert who has been involved in the appraisal and sale of thousands of vintage guitars. He has strong connections with collectors and dealers overseas. Believing that "the history of a guitar changes with even a single color or stamp," he strives to provide detailed and passionate explanations.

Qualifications and experience: Eight years of experience as a musical instrument appraiser, contributing articles and supervision to Guitar Magazine and other publications.

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