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Gibson J-200 Mini?


onewilyfool

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In for your semi-annual post? Good to see you're still about; 'was expecting to see another dredged up 3 yr-old zombie thread like the one further down page.

 

Reverb does a good service in keeping sold listings still searchable- here are a few to give an idea on the $ involved in a mini super jumbo oxymoron : https://reverb.com/item/2415493-gibson-j-200-mini-75th-anniversary-2012-tobacco-burst-acoustic-guitar, and https://reverb.com/item/904763-rare-gibson-j-200-jr-junior-w-original-case-and-paperwork.

 

Brighter? Now, how could that be ; ) ?

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I think the J-200 is the 17" version, The J-185 is the 16" version, and the J-200M and CJ-165 are the 15" version.

 

The CJ-165 can be had for less than the J-200M. It's less bling.

 

All the models have been made in the usual variations of tone woods. Mahogany, rosewood, maple, koa, ......

 

I've never considered a maple guitar bright. In maple, I've had a J200 and J180 and have a L5P, J185 and LC. The CJ165 I have is RW.

 

Good luck with the search!

 

 

 

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Imho, maple guitars can cover a wide range from bright to dark - and I mean from one example to the next, let alone among different models. This has been discussed at length in earlier threads, and those offered a lot of really good observations and thoughts. About the only thing I have to contribute right now is that I've come to believe that this may be the most consistent era for sound of specific models in Gibson history☺

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OWF ! Hey ! Good to hear from you !!

I've SEEN one - in a display case at Sam Ash a couple of years ago. All blinged out. As I recall - it was a bit more than the price of a full sized one.

It seemed clearly that it would be a comfortable guitar to play. The 17" bouts on the SuperJumbos do seem to get to your right arm/shoulder orientation when seated. This one - looks like a parlor guitar.

As far as 'bright'.... maybe your friend's had a new set of strings!?

My experience is that they are 'deep'. Not actually booming or bright. More like a Steinway Grand Concert piano than an upright, honky-tonk piano.

If I weren't 'in love' with my SJ200 - I'd be after something smaller like that one.

As far as pricing used... I don't know. But I'd guess they'd be around the same as a regular Super Jumbo. Smaller version probably doesn't translate to a smaller price.

Hope you find one you like.

Let us know!

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Nice to know you're still out there, Wiley.

 

Broad generalizations about tone are made to be broken, but it does seem that quite often when compared to rosewood & mahogany, it's a more difficult task for a smaller-bodied maple guitar to provide a deep & resonant bass sound.

 

However, when you do find one that enters into a certain realm, it's probably my favorite sound of all.

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Hey Wily!! Great to see another forum oldschooler around!

 

The best small J200alike I've played is the Emmylou Harris L200-the original one, not the later one based on the CJ165 (although those are fine too). The original L200 isn't bright as such, but deep and broad and caramel-ish with a chiming, gorgeous top end.

 

The J200Jr, basically a long scale J185 with extra bling, is sensational too. Beautiful guitar!

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