GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS
Gibson SJ-200 / J-200 Reference Book
~The World's First Reference Collection Unraveling the Mystery of the Legendary Guitar~
Realized after four years of negotiations. The journey to unraveling the legendary SJ-200 collection
Since our founding in 1989, we have traveled the world in search of captivating musical instruments.
Among them, the American market has long been a treasure trove of captivating guitars. The relationships of trust we built with American collectors through countless deals continue to this day.
Among these American collectors, the pre-war “Pre-War” models are considered the ultimate treasures. Martin’s flagship model, the “D-45”—a specialty of ours—is a prime example, and countless “Pre-War” D-45s have crossed the ocean to find their way to our customers.
For us, having witnessed these historic guitars firsthand, the SJ-200—known as the “King of the Flat-Tops”—is also a special model.
However, because the vintage J-200 was a top-of-the-line model, few were produced, and there aren’t many detailed records available.
Since our founding, we have been searching the world for vintage SJ-200s, and eventually, we came across an extremely rare collection owned by a collector. After four years of negotiations, we finally secured this opportunity.
The SJ-200s introduced here represent a collection of unprecedented scale—there is no other instance worldwide where such a large number of these instruments exist and are being showcased simultaneously. Touching the actual guitars revealed an astonishing amount of information, and it was a continuous series of unexpected discoveries.
We are thrilled to be able to share the dream we have pursued.
We hope this will serve as a starting point for the adventure of all Gibson enthusiasts.
(This is Advance Guitars’ first published book.)
~ The Birth of the SJ-200, and Its Present ~
The SJ-200 was released in 1938 as the flagship model of the Gibson Jumbo series.
It has captivated legendary musicians such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and Jimmy Page, as well as Japanese artists like Kiyoshiro Imawano, Kiminori 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 and J-200 models gathered here.
1939 SJ-200
[Model Specifications]
Body Style: Super Jumbo
Bracing Pattern: Single X Non-scalloped
Top: Spruce
Back & Sides: Brazilian Rosewood
Neck: Maple/Rosewood/Maple
Fingerboard: Ebony, 20 frets
Scale Length & Nut Width: 660 mm & 44.5 mm
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 & Sides: Rosewood
Neck: Maple/Rosewood/Maple
Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood, 20 frets
Scale Length & Nut Width: 648 mm & 43.0 mm
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 & Sides: Maple
Neck: Maple/Rosewood/Maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood, 20 frets
Scale Length & Nut Width: 647 mm & 42.7 mm
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 & Sides: Brazilian Rosewood
Neck: Super 400-Style, Maple/Rosewood/Maple
Fingerboard: Ebony
Scale Length & Nut Width: 643 mm & 42.1 mm
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 & Sides: Maple
Neck: Maple/Rosewood/Maple
Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood
Scale Length & Nut Width: 642 mm & 42.7 mm
Fingerboard Inlays: Pearl
Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood Open Mustache
Bridge Inlay: Pearl Block Inlay
Tuners: Grover 102G
Pickguard: Yellow dots, no borders
Finish: Sunburst
New Release
GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS
~The World's First SJ Reference Collection Unraveling the Mystery of the Legendary Guitar~
Book Introduction:
In addition to the five models introduced above, we have successfully compiled a single volume covering a total of 20 SJ/J-200 models.
Among them are an SJ-200 from 1938, the first year of mass production, and a pre-war SJ-200 Maple, of which it is said only two exist in the world.
Based on detailed photographs of these instruments, we have traced the evolution of various parts, such as pickguards and tuners, and have elucidated the bracing patterns using the Transparent Image System.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that data for every single instrument introduced here has been preserved based on actual measurements taken by us.
This reference collection, which took one year to produce, delves deeper than ever before.
Advance Guitars/TCGAKKI
Please lend us “your” SJ/J-200!
This time, we have compiled a total of 20 vintage SJ-200/J-200 guitars—including four pre-war models—into a single volume, realizing our dream of publishing the world’s first SJ reference book. Since we poured our love and passion for these instruments into creating this book, the joy of its publication was all the more profound.
My next goal is to collect even more data, expand the content, and publish a second, even more comprehensive volume (Volume 2). That is why I am asking for your cooperation.
Would you be willing to lend us your SJ-200/J-200? We are particularly seeking models from the 1960s this time. (If you have any other rare specifications, please do let us know!) We will photograph the instrument and record its specifications before returning it to you. Additionally, we will present a copy of this book, “GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS,” and “VOL. 2” to anyone who requests them.
[Campaign Details]
・The loan period is approximately two weeks, and we will cover the shipping costs.
・Photos and specifications of the borrowed guitar will be featured in Vol. 2.
・We will present you with a complimentary copy of “GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS” or “GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS VOL. 2.”
# We will take full responsibility for the instrument during the loan period. Please note that publication is not guaranteed based on the content of the book.
Would you like to help create Volume 2 with Advance Guitars?!
Author: Inoue (Store Manager, Advance Guitars)
In charge of electric and acoustic guitars at TCGAKKI. Later, in 2023, he participated in the launch of Advance Guitars, a specialty store for acoustic guitars. As store manager, he has experience dealing with collectors and musicians both domestically and internationally. He was instrumental in the publication of the world’s first SJ reference book, “GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS.” He also writes numerous columns.
A Few Words:
Qualifications & Experience: 8 years as a musical instrument appraiser; contributor and supervisor for publications such as Acoustic Guitar Magazine
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