What are the best J-200s in the last 20 years?

[Blaster]

What's the best sounding and build quality of the Gibson J-200s made since 1993 to present; both maple or rosewood? I've had a couple over the years the last one was a 1994 made of Brazilian Rosewood. It was a nice guitar, but never impressed me acoustically, so I sold it. I've sold some guitars and was thinking about getting another J-200, probably a maple bodied one, more than likely off eBay, I noticed there's a 1994 J-200, one of the

Anniversary models that looks interesting. How would that model compare to say a late '90s or one of the current models? Thanks for any responses.

[rar]

... How would that [1994] model compare to say a late '90s or one of the current models? Thanks for any responses.

 

Well, there's always plenty of variability, but there was even more than usual in 1994 (because of a big ramp up in production). On average, the guitars coming out of Bozeman in the last few years are the best ever, IMHO. But that particular '94 could be anywhere from far better than almost all new ones to a complete dog. No way to tell without hearing it.

 

-- Bob R

[J-1854Me]

I have played a bunch of those mid-90s J-200s, including some 1994 examples. I used to own a 95 koa J-200, and while it was good, it was not IMO as good as the more recently-produced examples I've been able to play.

 

I used to have an '89 J-100

... and found it to be an excellent example from Bozeman's first year of production.

 

My current squeezes of that model are an '01:

and an '04:

 

Both eclipse the earlier ones in terms of sound (again IMO). I think that the odds-on favourites would be later more recent ones. There is of course a risk or a possibility that a '94 is stellar, but the odds are against it. (All, of course, in my opinion.)

 

Fred

[BigKahune]

,

As with any time period you want to examine, there's always variability. I kind of agree with what's been said - in the mid 90s, sound/build quality was fairly even. Then a decline began and the first part of the last decade saw a certain inconsistancy in sound/build quality that had a lot of people complaining. I think that recent period of variability lead to a lot of the comments still being made about inconsistant sound/build quality - "you got to play <insert large number> Gibson <insert model> to find a decent one."

 

However, IMO, the last few years have seen a return to more consistant and even sound/build quality. After looking at J-200s for most of the last decade, I finally bought one new in 2009 (built in 2008), with maple B/S that I'm very satisfied with. Love everything about it. Well . . . it had a bone nut, tusq saddle and plastic pins - and I wish Gibson would go to all bone - nut, saddle, pins. So I made the change with Colosi.

 

BTW, I don't need too much of an exuse to post a pic or two . B) . -

 

 

[Jack6849]

I've had a number of J-200s over the years, but by far the best one I've ever owned (or played) is the 2010 SJ-200 "True Vintage" that I bought last year at Dave's Guitar Shop in La Crosse, Wisconsin. It's the guitar that reignited my love for Gibson guitars after ten years without one. Right now I have two acoustics, three ES Series electrics, and four Les Pauls. Other than a killer 1960 ES-330, all my current Gibsons were built in the last two years, and my 2010 SJ-200 "True Vintage" is the guitar that got it all going again for me.

 

Over the years, I've owned over fifty Gibsons, both acoustics and electrics, but these latest guitars are all among my all-time best. Other than a Bozeman Custom J-200 Jr. that I special-ordered last year, I was able to play all my current Gibsons before I bought them, and time after time, I was simply amazed at what a quality guitar Gibson has to offer, especially when you take a little time and trouble to pick and choose.

 

They're out there, believe me, and if you have the chance (and the funding), do try the current SJ-200 "True Vintage" model. You won't be sorry.

 

In another topic thread that's current on this forum, an ongoing discussion of the idea that Gibson's "True Vintage" line might be changing leads me to recommend that you try one while you still can. Hopefully though, J-1854Me (Fred) is correct in saying that the SJ-200 "True Vintage" model will remain a currently available guitar.

 

I'd really hate to see the company discontinue their production of such a great model. My SJ-200 "True Vintage" restored my faith in Gibson guitars with the first chord I strummed on it. It was that good... (Adirondack Spruce top and all).

 

I did, however, immediately replace the disappointingly cheap plastic "factory" bridge pins that came on the guitar (with a great set of "bone" ones from Bob Colosi).

 

Jack6849

[E-minor7]

I've had a number of J-200s over the years, but by far the best one I've ever owned (or played) is the 2010 SJ-200 "True Vintage" that I bought last year . . .

 

Over the years, I've owned over fifty Gibsons, both acoustics and electrics, but these latest guitars are all among my all-time best.

 

 

 

Late last year a forumite envisioned his own custom model and asked the Board if this period could be considered the new golden age of Gibson.

An interesting topic that got a good discussion goin'.

The lines above can be seen as a delayed contribution.

And as weighty remark in the Gibson history debate.

[CAMELEYE]

I like mine, just fine. Burst can really shine. Now I'll quit tryin'.

[bigshot]

The entire history of Gibson is building up to my 2007 quilted maple J200 custom shop burst... But then again I may be biased!

[jannusguy2]

This Western Classic 200 is not a true J200 but certainly on that platform. I bought this guitar to flip but that plan is out the window. Just a phenomenal sounding guitar.I swear it sounds like a piano. Sitka/rosewood.

[E-minor7]

This Western Classic 200 is not a true J200 but certainly on that platform. I bought this guitar to flip but that plan is out the window. Just a phenomenal sounding guitar.I swear it sounds like a piano. Sitka/rosewood.

Yeps – Those woods combined with the 200 shape must be intriguing. I have to try it out. . . Beautiful Guitar also -

[ryanfender]

I have developed a lot of love for my 1990. The one thing I have noticed about early Bozeman production was the attention to detail. The inside of the guitar is cleaner than any other Gibson I have seen. Every brace regardless of size and importance is nicely shaped and sanded. The inside is almost as nice as the outside. The pride and craftsmanship of the first few years of Bozeman production was well above the later years in my opinion.

 

 

 

[BigKahune]

Jannus -

 

Love seeing your WC200 again. A gorgeous burst on rosewood B/S. What a beauty.

 

 

 

Ryanfender -

 

Great pics of your J-200. Interesting comment about the workmanship on the inside.

 

 

 

Cameleye -

 

You didn't post a pic of your J-200 on the very readable thread about your purchase process. Love to see one. B)

 

 

<addition edit>

Fred -

 

I see you posted a some pics. I remember seeing your blonde beauty before, but not the burst. Two beauties - you lucky dog.

[CAMELEYE]

Thanks for reminding me, Big K. I'll get on it. Ce

[Gibson101]

[HDdeuce]

How beautiful, 101! Love how the light is reflected off the MOP!

[nbtel]

What's the best sounding and build quality of the Gibson J-200s made since 1993 to present; both maple or rosewood? I've had a couple over the years the last one was a 1994 made of Brazilian Rosewood. It was a nice guitar, but never impressed me acoustically, so I sold it. I've sold some guitars and was thinking about getting another J-200, probably a maple bodied one, more than likely off eBay, I noticed there's a 1994 J-200, one of the

Anniversary models that looks interesting. How would that model compare to say a late '90s or one of the current models? Thanks for any responses.

 

I have a 1994 100th anniversary Gibson Custom Ray Whitley SJ200 brazilian 1 of 37 and I have to say I like it the best.

I have a 1951 SJ200 and a 2008 TV VOS limited edition.

[EuroAussie]

The best J-200 I've played in the last 3 years was a 2010 J-200 studio. It stopped me from all but completely giving up on maple.

[devellis]

How do the 2009 20th Anniversary models compare to others? They seem to be sort of a hybrid between the Standard (Sitka top) and the TV (bone saddle). Does anyone know about how their bracing compares to others? One site claimed they had Waverly tuners but they looked like Gotohs to me. Anyone had any hands-on time with these?

[Blaster]

Thanks for all the great information and super pictures, they're all stellar looking guitars. I'm really intrigued by that Western Classic with the block inlays. That's one of my favorites.

[HDdeuce]

The best J-200 I've played in the last 3 years was a 2010 J-200 studio. It stopped me from all but completely giving up on maple.

The best J-200 I've played, why the 200 studio maple I just got last week, of course! Played all weekend and last night. I am very pleased-glad I didn't go for the songwriter EC deluxe...I would have always wondered about the studio J. I know I don't have the experience with other guitars like most of you do, but I am super pleased, and that's the main thing. I love how it sounds as I hold and play it, but last night I happened to face one of our solid oak pantry doors and the sound reflected back to me blew me away! Hope others are hearing its tone that way. Glad to also know about string selection. I've been a fan of D'Addario J15s on the Ovation for years...when the time comes, (and I'm pleased with what Gibson sent on it), I'll try the light J16s, and maybe the EXP coated ones...not sure about that tho'. Anyhow, I can "heartily" recommend a maple J200 maple! (And it's 'purty'!

 

Doug

[BigKahune]

The best J-200 I've played, why the 200 studio maple I just got last week, of course! ... I happened to face one of our solid oak pantry doors and the sound reflected back to me blew me away! ...

 

Congrats on yer new J-200. I'd love to see a couple pics. . . . . . . . (Pic posting help - http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/11005-sticky-how-to-post-photos/ )

 

 

 

BTW, that's a good point about the reflected sound. I sometimes have a friend play my instruments so I can listen facing the sound board, receiving the sound/tone projection straight on. It's sometimes gives you a different perspective on what your instrument sounds like. B)

[andrewjess]

Yeps – Those woods combined with the 200 shape must be intriguing. I have to try it out. . . Beautiful Guitar also -

 

BEAUTIFUL!!

[fortyearspickn]

I'm no expert in comparing different J200s. But, I have a 2004 SJ200 maple b/s and the sound has not stopped getting richer in the 5 years I've had it. I'll try out Js and SJs at the shops, but they all seem to have less depth. Maybe the strings, probably they're not opened up yet. Personally, I think that if you get a guitar that's not opened up - you don't know for sure what it'll sound like. Having said that - I can't imgaine you'd be disappointed by whichever you choose.

G'luck!

[wonderful remark]

The best J200 i've played would be a Pete Townsend J200..

[JuanCarlosVejar]

guys I got my first high end guitar in 09 a 2007 lefty True VIntage guitar and I can say that even though it was a risk

buying on line from Fuller's I did it. ANd i am happy with the sound and the looks of that great instrument. probably only a few lefty TV's

made because i also contacted Southpaw guitars and they said the had none in stock and had never ordered one . So this is probably one of a few leftys and the sound is great ")