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 unravel the mystery of the legendary SJ-200 collection
Since our founding in 1989, we have traveled the world in search of captivating musical instruments.
Among these, the American market has long been a treasure trove of captivating guitars. The relationships of trust we’ve 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 numerous “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 one of our most special models.
However, because the vintage J-200 was a top-of-the-line model, very few were produced, and there isn’t a great deal of detailed documentation available.
Ever since our founding, we’ve been searching the globe 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 featured here represent a collection unlike any other in the world—never before have so many of these instruments been gathered and presented together. Handling the actual guitars revealed an astonishing amount of information, and it was a series of unexpected discoveries.
We are thrilled to finally be able to share the dream we have been pursuing.
And we hope this will serve as a starting point for the adventures 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 renowned 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: 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 & 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 Book Introduction
GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS
—The World’s First SJ Reference Collection Unraveling the Mystery of the “Phantom Guitars”—
Book Introduction
In addition to the five guitars 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 individual parts—such as pickguards and tuners—and used the Transparent Image System to decipher the bracing patterns.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that data for every instrument featured here has been preserved based on actual measurements taken by our team. This reference collection, the result of a year-long production process, delves deeper than any previous work.
Advance Guitars/TCGAKKI
Please lend us “your” SJ/J-200!
This time, we’ve compiled a total of 20 vintage SJ-200/J-200 guitars—including four pre-war models—into a single volume, fulfilling our long-held 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 greater.
My next goal is to collect even more data, enrich the content, and publish a second, even more comprehensive volume (Volume 2). That’s why I’m asking for your help.
Would you be willing to lend us your SJ-200/J-200? This time, we are particularly looking for models from the 1960s. (If you have any other models with rare specifications, please let us know!) We will photograph the instrument, record its specifications, and return it to you. Additionally, we will present a copy of “GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS” and “GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS VOL. 2” to anyone who wishes to receive them.
[Campaign Details]
・The loan period will be approximately two weeks; we’ll cover the shipping costs.
・Photos and specifications of the loaned guitar will be featured in Volume 2.
・We’ll present you with a free copy of “GIBSON KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS” or Volume 2.
#We’ll take full responsibility for the instrument while it’s in our care. Please note that publication is not guaranteed based on the content of the book.
Would you like to help create Volume 2 together with Advance Guitars?!
Author: Inoue, Store Manager at Advance Guitars – Vintage Guitar Expert
An expert who has been playing instruments since childhood and has been involved in the appraisal and sale of over several thousand vintage guitars. He maintains strong connections with collectors and dealers overseas. Guided by the belief that “the history of a guitar can change based on a single color or stamp,” he strives to provide detailed and passionate commentary.
Qualifications and Achievements: 8 years as a musical instrument appraiser; contributor and supervising editor for Guitar Magazine and other publications
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