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SJ-200 Custom Elite

hsech

By hsech
in Gibson Acoustic

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hsech

hsech

Posted
Posted

What is the difference between the SJ-200 Custom and the SJ-200 Custom Elite? I just bought an Elite and love it. I can see a couple of cosmetic differences between the custom and custom elite, but I am wondering if the wood or construction is different. Mine has a "stinger" on the back of the headstock and has the Gibson Custom Shop symbol on the back of the headstock and the paper sticker in the guitar.

 

I've been playing guitar for over 45 years and had a Gibson LGO back in the early 60's. I've had several Les Pauls and SGs over the years but this is the first good Gibson Acoustic I've owned. I also have a Martin Jumbo, but the Gibson runs rings around it.

RockinB23

RockinB23

Posted
Posted

From what I can tell they are no longer making the SJ-200 Elite. The Custom is kind of like a fancier version of the SJ-300. They have stream lined the SJ-200's into the Studio, Standard, True Vintage, and Custom. The True Vintage and the Custom are the same price. There are also a few signature models and the montana gold. As far as the J-250 Monarch goes, from what I can see there were only 2 or 3 of them made and they are big big bucks!!!

 

The Elite was a standard with Abalone instead of pearl and it has the headstock painted on the back and upgraded wood grades by a bit. I owned an Elite years ago and it was a great sounding guitar. I'm not sure why Gibson decided to stop making them.

hsech

hsech

Posted
  • Author
Posted

From what I can tell they are no longer making the SJ-200 Elite. The Custom is kind of like a fancier version of the SJ-300. They have stream lined the SJ-200's into the Studio, Standard, True Vintage, and Custom. The True Vintage and the Custom are the same price. There are also a few signature models and the montana gold. As far as the J-250 Monarch goes, from what I can see there were only 2 or 3 of them made and they are big big bucks!!!

 

The Elite was a standard with Abalone instead of pearl and it has the headstock painted on the back and upgraded wood grades by a bit. I owned an Elite years ago and it was a great sounding guitar. I'm not sure why Gibson decided to stop making them.

 

 

Thank you for that info. That makes sense. Mine is Cherry Burst. I haven't seen any others that color. My avatar is my actual guitar. Another difference between the Custom and the Elite Custom I belive is the electronics. Mine has a L.R. Baggs under saddle with only a volume control. I didn't need the extra electronics because I have a Fishman Aura Spectrum DI pedal with a ton of images and blending. My Martin also has an older version of the Aura electronics with an under saddle pickup and a gooseneck condensor mic in the sound hole with blending.

 

At any rate, I'm a happy camper with mine. The sound is great and it's a real step up from my Martin. I've been playing since the early 60's and had a Gibson LGO as my first real acoustic. I have always wanted a really good Gibson acoustic and I think I've found it.

hsech

hsech

Posted
  • Author
Posted

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What a gorgeous burst! I love the subtle gradient. What a beauty! [thumbup]

 

Here's yer pic -

 

HSSJ1.jpg

 

Thanks for the tip on photobucket! [biggrin]

hsech

hsech

Posted
  • Author
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Sure enough.

 

Man yer other pics are great.

 

Love the stinger - killer. [thumbup]

 

First time I had ever seen one with a Stinger. When I bought this, it was a toss between the this Elite and a Vintage Sunburst. I think I made the right decision. I have found no flaws in the finish on the elite. It's pretty much perfect.

purecountry

purecountry

Posted
Posted

From what I can tell they are no longer making the SJ-200 Elite. The Custom is kind of like a fancier version of the SJ-300. They have stream lined the SJ-200's into the Studio, Standard, True Vintage, and Custom. The True Vintage and the Custom are the same price. There are also a few signature models and the montana gold. As far as the J-250 Monarch goes, from what I can see there were only 2 or 3 of them made and they are big big bucks!!!

 

The Elite was a standard with Abalone instead of pearl and it has the headstock painted on the back and upgraded wood grades by a bit. I owned an Elite years ago and it was a great sounding guitar. I'm not sure why Gibson decided to stop making them.

 

Well, I just Bought a 2011 SJ-200 Elite... will upload pics soon

purecountry

purecountry

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Wow. Another beauty.

 

Congrats! B)

 

 

 

 

 

Pic posting help - http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/11005-sticky-how-to-post-photos/

The Photobucket account is free. Use the directions above and copy the Photobucket direct link into this forums Post editor "insert image" tool.

 

 

Yes sir thanks for the link. I am sooo happy with this new absolutely beautiful piece of artwork and sound is better than expected. As you might know I have had a bad experience in the past However, this Elite makes up for it and then some!!!! I cannot tell you how pleased I am thanks Gibson for making it Right! :)

hsech

hsech

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Well, I just Bought a 2011 SJ-200 Elite... will upload pics soon

 

Mine is a 2011 also. Does yours have the LR Baggs pickup or a Fishman prefix?

  • 1 month later...
Tully Mars

Tully Mars

Posted
Posted

Ok purecountry and hsech - you guys are killing me. I want one of those so bad I can taste it but the only place I've seen them is on eBay (new ones that is). Since I also thought they were no longer in production I've been too skeptical to pull the trigger. Are they available someplace else? Gibson doesn't show them on their web site but I can't say that means much. I'm losing sleep over this thing ](*,)

BigKahune

BigKahune

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Contact an authorized dealer and have them contact Gibson Montana - they'll make whatever you want, even if it's not a current production model.

Tully Mars

Tully Mars

Posted
Posted

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Contact an authorized dealer and have them contact Gibson Montana - they'll make whatever you want, even if it's not a current production model.

 

I caught my local 5 star dealer in a weak 'in stock' situation so he's ordering a J200 Standard and a Hummingbird for me to try out since I've pretty much narrowed my search to those two. Now that this Elite has caught my eye it could still be a "I want it right now" purchase.

 

Thanks

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