schnebbles Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 Hi, I'm wanting to get my boyfriend a nice Gibson. He has the Epi EJ200 and likes it a lot but said an actual Gibson would be amazing. I'm not sure about guitars, I'd like something he could plug in if he wants to. What models are going to be similar to the Epi? Thank you so much!! I kinda like the cutout style but not sure that's necessary. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 (edited) hi, That's a nice thing to do for sure. The cutaways are no longer made in the J200s, last time was I think 2009. you could find one on eBay but it wont be new The Gibson model the EJ200 is based from is the Gibson SJ200. https://www.gibson.com/Guitar/ACCBUQ665/SJ-200-Standard-Maple/Antique-Natural This is the lower cost "Studio" variant https://www.gibson.com/Guitar/ACC8E5211/SJ-200-Studio-Walnut/Antique-Natural Best bring your check book! 🙂 Edited August 7, 2020 by kidblast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J185cat Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 Thought I would get in before you get bombarded by marriage proposals or “do you have any sisters” remarks. Do you? Just kidding of course. My wife bought me a Gibson years back for a birthday and that is something you don’t forget. That old saying that the quickest way to a guys heart is threw his stomach may not apply to guitar players. Gibson makes so many different styles of guitars it is hard to recommend one without knowing the person. But many of us think that every Gibson player needs a good J45. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul14 Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 It would be helpful to know what your budget would be? How much is too much? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schnebbles Posted August 7, 2020 Author Share Posted August 7, 2020 I'm hoping to stay around 4500 or less. thanks everyone, I know he'd be amazed to have one. He has a Lucille but doesn't play it, he plays the acoustic. I don't know how important being new is, I have looked on ebay and reverb but didn't really know what to look for. This will at least get me started. no sister, lol!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 30 minutes ago, schnebbles said: no sister, lol!! ahh that's a shame! LOL! you're in the ball park for a J200 standard. I can tell you from owning one, and being a 50+ years player, these are special instruments. A legacy in your hands really. It will be nothing like the Epiphone except it "kind of looks like it" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 Lawdy, I have been playing 55+ years and other than my first guitar which was given to me by a friend of my grandfather who had it sitting in a closet, nobody has ever gifted me a guitar. Their common defense is that for me deciding what guitars to live with is a very personal decision. Whatever. On the other hand, I gave my wife a 1960 J200. To say she loves that guitar is an understatement. It remains her only six string acoustic as she has yet to find any guitar she likes better. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul14 Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 6 hours ago, kidblast said: ahh that's a shame! LOL! you're in the ball park for a J200 standard. I can tell you from owning one, and being a 50+ years player, these are special instruments. A legacy in your hands really. It will be nothing like the Epiphone except it "kind of looks like it" I will second that recommendation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul14 Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 (edited) I was on eBay this morning. Seems to be taken over by Japanese sellers. Check out “Revervb” also. here’s an SJ-200 search result from reverb. https://reverb.com/marketplace?product_type=acoustic-guitars&query=Gibson+SJ-200 Edited August 7, 2020 by Paul14 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortyearspickn Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 Gibson owns Epiphone. They are made in China. Several of their models are knock-offs of iconic Gibson models: The SJ-200, The Hummingbird and the J-45 for example. Nothing dishonest or anything - just a marketing thing. While they look similar, there is no comparison in actual materials and workmanship. And the tone and playability of the Gibsons are even more remarkable. I think your boyfriend would be bowled over because of that, regardless of which model. It sounds like he already has an inkling that a Gibson would be a major step up. The safest bet, unless you think he is extremely enamored with his EJ-200 and has had if for several years - would be the J45 as J185cat noted. It is the most popular and most recognized of the lineup. Stick to the standard version. Mahogany sides and back, sunburst. You can certainly find a new Gibson for a lot less than your budget - and you certainly do not have to spend that much. But if you get a standard of either of the 3 iconic models - you absolutely cannot go wrong. Good Luck ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brucebubs Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 (edited) Hi, by coincidence I'm a Epiphone EJ-200 owner waiting on delivery of my first new Gibson SJ-200! I just did a quick scan of those Reverb listings posted by Paul14 above and this is the stand out SJ-200 that caught my eye https://reverb.com/item/32979588-gibson-acoustic-sj-200-original-vintage-sunburst-023-5lbs-0-3oz I like it because it 's brand new and has the Gotoh tuners and a four bar moustache bridge instead of the usual Grover tuners and two bar bridge - it has a pick-up system so can be plugged in, the Vintage Sunburst looks great and it comes in under your budget.* * Came back and re-checked it an hour later and the original 17% off price has been dropped and it's back up to US$4649 plus US$130 for shipping - still a good price. Edited August 8, 2020 by Brucebubs 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoSoxBiker Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 9 hours ago, Brucebubs said: Hi, by coincidence I'm a Epiphone EJ-200 owner waiting on delivery of my first new Gibson SJ-200! I just did a quick scan of those Reverb listings posted by Paul14 above and this is the stand out SJ-200 that caught my eye https://reverb.com/item/32979588-gibson-acoustic-sj-200-original-vintage-sunburst-023-5lbs-0-3oz I like it because it 's brand new and has the Gotoh tuners and a four bar moustache bridge instead of the usual Grover tuners and two bar bridge - it has a pick-up system so can be plugged in, the Vintage Sunburst looks great and it comes in under your budget.* * Came back and re-checked it an hour later and the original 17% off price has been dropped and it's back up to US$4649 plus US$130 for shipping - still a good price. That's a sharp looker, too. I like the ones with a little more orange than yellow. My Standard has more of the Yellow. Funny thing was when waiting on it, knowing the pics, that was a high anxiety type of concern. It was much better in person. This was back a couple of years ago at the end of model season when they could be had for $3895. Little yellow? No probs, 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schnebbles Posted August 8, 2020 Author Share Posted August 8, 2020 (edited) they are beautiful guitars, I'm going to get the darker sunburst when I get the $. You've all been so helpful and I'll refer to this on my search. I'm saving the $$ but this will be most helpful as I choose. I'll be sure to post what I buy. I'm super excited, I can't wait! I did see all of the Japanese sellers on ebay but I'm probably not going that route. Too bad they make them there 😞 Edited August 8, 2020 by schnebbles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomG76 Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 It is is a really nice thing to do for someone to gift them a guitar. And giving them a Gibson is all the more special. I'll add yet another voice to say that it would be a very safe bet to get a J-45, especially if it's a new one, as the quality is very good once again. There is also a lot to be said for an SJ-200 given your boyfriend likes his Epiphone based on the same model. As others have said it will sound different but the shape will be familiar. I guess it partly depends on whether you think he would prefer something a bit similar or something a bit different. If you can get sound samples that's good. I've had sellers make me short videos and send them over. Little harm in asking. They are unlikely to object if you are seriously considering buying the guitar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
62burst Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, schnebbles said: they are beautiful guitars, I'm going to get the darker sunburst when I get the $. You've all been so helpful and I'll refer to this on my search. I'm saving the $$ but this will be most helpful as I choose. I'll be sure to post what I buy. I'm super excited, I can't wait! I did see all of the Japanese sellers on ebay but I'm probably not going that route. Too bad they make them there 😞 A fine thing you do, there. "SJ-200's " are forever. And one in excellent condition (people tend to baby them) can be found for less than the upper limits of what you were thinking you might have to spend. Buying from Japan is like a roll of the dice- legitimate sellers, mixed in with sellers using the photos of legitimate sellers who will buy from the original seller in an attempt to sell for more. Gibson acoustic guitars are made in Bozeman, MT: Hope to see you post back with a New Super Jumbo for the Boyfriend Day Edited August 8, 2020 by 62burst 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul14 Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 Nothing against the J-45, (I have 3 of them) just makes more since to me, if he loves his EJ-200, to replace it with the real deal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinder Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 The SJ200 is a true legacy instrument. I've played an SJ200 as my main guitar for many years, have owned several and absolutely love them. If your partner enjoys his EJ200, an SJ200 will absolutely blow his mind. Get a good one and there is nothing that is even similar. Sure, some guitars are louder, some have more of "this" and less of "that", but the SJ200 is an incredible all-round package. Plus they carry a weight of prestige onstage that is unique...I can't imagine life without mine. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schnebbles Posted August 9, 2020 Author Share Posted August 9, 2020 It'll have to be the SJ200 then. I can't wait! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortyearspickn Posted August 9, 2020 Share Posted August 9, 2020 An alternative surprise might be to bring him to a music store and let him have several hours (bring a book. "War and Peace" !) to try out all the possibilities. There are Five Star Dealers (look at the Gibson website) who stock several models. Even Guitar Center and Sam Ash have a few on hand usually. You can call ahead. He may very well still come back to the SJ-200. But it will be more of a sure thing - given guitars are a very subjective, personal thing. He may really like a different model - but if he still isn't sure - going with the Super Jumbo, even if you order it online, will be a hit. Just offering a different perspective. I have an SJ-200 and guarantee you can't go wrong with one. They aren't called "The King of the Flat Tops for nothing. ! You know best. G'Luck ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul14 Posted August 9, 2020 Share Posted August 9, 2020 2 hours ago, schnebbles said: It'll have to be the SJ200 then. I can't wait! And we can’t wait to hear about it. This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever heard. Really looking forward to hearing the end of this story. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cabarone Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 These kind of threads restore my faith in humanity...all the advice you've been given is stellar..."Upgrading" to a "Real deal" SJ200 seems the logical move...I'm sure he'll be over the moon whatever you decide... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Z Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 Schnebbles, this is my first post here. This is SO nice, that I couldn’t resist to post. I bought myself a Gibson SJ-200 standard 2 weeks ago. That’s a fantastic guitar. Also, 2 days ago I had an open air gig and the amplified sound was the best I ever had in 40 years! And this is from a Martin guy. In case you don‘t know, Martin is the other guitar maker. 🙂 I wish you and your boyfriend all the luck you deserve and need! All the best from Vienna/Austria Peter PS: your parents should make a sister, better a few, now! 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schnebbles Posted August 12, 2020 Author Share Posted August 12, 2020 Thanks again everyone 🙂 I went to Guitar Center yesterday just to look but they didn't even have ONE Gibson to look at. And, yep, I know Martin and a few others. I just want Gibson because he said it'd be awesome sound and honestly, this man is so nice he really doesn't spend money on himself so I sure hope to pull this off, I think I can. I even made myself a special savings account for it. I think all of the support here is great! i saw a KOA on line and wow, gorgeous but I think that's a little more than I can afford or it'd be my #1 pick, the wood is just beautiful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave F Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 (edited) 9 hours ago, schnebbles said: Thanks again everyone 🙂 I went to Guitar Center yesterday just to look but they didn't even have ONE Gibson to look at. And, yep, I know Martin and a few others. I just want Gibson because he said it'd be awesome sound and honestly, this man is so nice he really doesn't spend money on himself so I sure hope to pull this off, I think I can. I even made myself a special savings account for it. I think all of the support here is great! i saw a KOA on line and wow, gorgeous but I think that's a little more than I can afford or it'd be my #1 pick, the wood is just beautiful. I have a Koa one listed on EBay you can look at. If interested PM me. The price is jacked up a bit to cover fees and allow offers but it should be within your price range away from EBay. It's also listed on FaceBook. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3091446234304936 https://www.ebay.com/itm/124291254678 Edited August 12, 2020 by Dave F 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsongs Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 The SJ200 is considered the King of Guitars.. There are lots of good Guitars. Like Gibson J45's & Martin D28's.. Many others as well. But, IMO, the only other Guitar that comes close to an SJ200 is a Martin D45... Both are the Top of the Line Guitars... Anything less is, well, less... The Boy Friend will be over the Moon with an SJ200! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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