customgtr90 Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 I was wondering, for those of you that have played both the True Vintage and Elite versions of the SJ200 which do you prefer and why? I'm interested in getting one of the two but there are none near by that I can try. I like the look of the Elite better with the Ebony and all but is the construction of the True Vintage superior to that of the Elite? One more thing, how does a SJ200 with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge compare to an SJ200 with an ebony fingerboard and bridge? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devellis Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 It's hard to get a chance to play a lot of these, but I'll share my impressions based on limited experience and what my researching the instruments has turned up. The two instruments are priced similarly. What does the money get you? Well, in the case of the TV, it gets you features targeting the sound of the instrument. These include an Adirondack top, hot hide glue, and lighter construction. The idea behind the SJ-200 TV is a player's version of the "King of the Flattops." With e Custom/Elite, the add-on's relative to a Standard are primarily cosmetic. You get ebony and lots of abalone in place of white pearl or non-pearl purfling. You also typically get electronics, stair-step tuner buttons, and more highly-figured maple. So, I would say that the Elite is more of a collector's version of the SJ-200. I think of the TV as an attempt to recreate what many consider the best-sounding of the SJ-200s -- those from the 1950s. I think of the Custom/Elite as an attempt to build the best looking SJ-200, with all the cosmetic bells and whistles. Now, that doesn't mean that a TV will always outperform an Elite. Adirondack spruce and hot hide glue aren't a magic recipe for a better sounding guitar. Light construction is generally a plus but I'm not sure how differently the TV and Elite are built. Also, the Custom/Elite really isn't a specific model. There are runs of Customs/Elites that will share features with other SJ-200s but might have a few twists of their own (e.g., twelve-fret body or short scale or some other special twist on the basic design). In an ideal world, it would be a very good thing to be able to compare specific guitars head-to-head. Here in the real world, that's not possible in many locations. If you're ordering blind, you might ask yourself the following question: "Am I after a good looking guitar with exceptional sound or a good sounding guitar with exceptional looks?" I think the intent of the TV is the former and the intent of the Elite is the latter, although TVs are by no means unattractive and Elites are by no means lacking in tone. And, for any two instruments and any two people, the judgments about which sounds or looks better will not always be the same. I went down the path you're traversing and had the same questions you have. I decided on the True Vintage. I'm happy with my choice. But I know people who went the other way and are also happy. But I think the distinctions I've pointed out above, although not necessarily accurate in every case, are a useful frame of reference for considering how to choose when listening to both styles isn't an option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
customgtr90 Posted August 23, 2011 Author Share Posted August 23, 2011 Beautiful! thanks for the insightful response. By "lighter construction" do you mean to say the braces are more scalloped? I was always unclear about this. Gibson's website doesn't do the best job in providing detailed specs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devellis Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 They claim they're built lighter and they feel a bit lighter. I'm not sure if it's the bracing, the top thickness, or some other set of factors. I suspect others will know, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dotneck Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 They claim they're built lighter and they feel a bit lighter. I'm not sure if it's the bracing, the top thickness, or some other set of factors. I suspect others will know, though. When we visited Bozeman this past June...I seem to recall Ren making some comment about how the tops and bracing are designed as a functioning unit...and that is how each model is put together...which makes me think there would not be a big difference in the design of tops/bracing pattern for each specific J-200 model...other than the material difference that is called for in the specs (ie spruce vs adirondack). there could me more to it than that but that's what I took away from the discussion... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adok Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 I've been really lucky with the place where I went to give the J-200 a try. I've had plenty of time to play in a silent environment with no lees than 4 models: J-200 studio J-200 standard J-200 custom J-200 true vintage All had Fishman aura elipse installed, except the true vintage which had no mic, nor electronic. I did plugged once to get a quick idea of it, but my point was solely around acoustic. I'm NOT a master, nor reference player, but here are my feelings: Studio and standard were slightly more medium projecting, real *talking* guitars. Custom was slightly less mid projecting, but lows were tighter and deeper, and highs were sparkling. True vintage was soft and very smooth sounding, but slightly quieter. I went with the custom, which seemed more rich and balanced to me. It also had an exceptional sustain. Never heard such on an acoustic guitar. The true vintage was very inspiring, but I feared to be stuck with an old melancholic or nostalgic feeling, and on the other hand I do need a powerful guitar for some of my gigs. I've been stumped about the lows in the custom: seemed like six double bass players would follow any of my chords with their pianissimo bowings, and that was a dream. I will play this guitar mostly while singing my *baritone* voice. I guessed this guitar would *fight* less against my voice than the standard, or studio, may do. I've always liked ebony fretboard on any guitar, but the massive rosewood body is a first for me. For years now, my preferred setup comes around very bright guitars with very dark strings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 Thanks for the write up, always enjoy other peopels experiences with guitars I know. Couple question - the Custom, would that be the rosewood b/s model ? As that would explain the big sustain and deeper tighter lows. Also, if you were using it a lot for gigging then the quiter, more layed back nature of the TV would not be a major issue as you would be plugged in, and could EQ the sound you would be after ? I've been really lucky with the place where I went to give the J-200 a try. I've had plenty of time to play in a silent environment with no lees than 4 models: J-200 studio J-200 standard J-200 custom J-200 true vintage All had Fishman aura elipse installed, except the true vintage which had no mic, nor electronic. I did plugged once to get a quick idea of it, but my point was solely around acoustic. I'm NOT a master, nor reference player, but here are my feelings: Studio and standard were slightly more medium projecting, real *talking* guitars. Custom was slightly less mid projecting, but lows were tighter and deeper, and highs were sparkling. True vintage was soft and very smooth sounding, but slightly quieter. I went with the custom, which seemed more rich and balanced to me. It also had an exceptional sustain. Never heard such on an acoustic guitar. The true vintage was very inspiring, but I feared to be stuck with an old melancholic or nostalgic feeling, and on the other hand I do need a powerful guitar for some of my gigs. I've been stumped about the lows in the custom: seemed like six double bass players would follow any of my chords with their pianissimo bowing, and that was a dream. I will play this guitar mostly while singing my *baritone* voice. I guessed this guitar would *fight* less against my voice than the standard, or studio, may do. I've always liked ebony fretboard on any guitar, but the massive rosewood body is a first for me. For years now, my preferred setup comes around very bright guitars with very dark strings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adok Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 Thanks for the write up, always enjoy other peopels experiences with guitars I know.Couple question - the Custom, would that be the rosewood b/s model ? As that would explain the big sustain and deeper tighter lows. Also, if you were using it a lot for gigging then the quiter, more layed back nature of the TV would not be a major issue as you would be plugged in, and could EQ the sound you would be after ? Hi EuroAussie !Yes, the custom is rosewood back and side. I do many gigs totally *dry*, that is to say guitar AND voice unplugged. As you may say, very special places... but I need and love them. So sound balance is very important to me, for there will be no fader, and no eq! Ebony fretboard and bridge may have something to do with sustain too. Did I mention the TV does not have any mic at all? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsech Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 I have a bias, but I own an Elite. The Elite has maple back and sides. It is bright, loud and proud. It's a sound cannon but it does not get the lows like rosewood would. At least to my old tin ears. I have a Martin Jumbo with Spruce on rosewood and it gets a lot of low end. I think the Elite projects more volume. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adok Posted August 30, 2011 Share Posted August 30, 2011 I have a bias, but I own an Elite. The Elite has maple back and sides. It is bright, loud and proud. It's a sound cannon but it does not get the lows like rosewood would. At least to my old tin ears. I have a Martin Jumbo with Spruce on rosewood and it gets a lot of low end. I think the Elite projects more volume. Yes, Hsech, I would describe maple versus rosewood, just like you do. In other words, I'd say it's a matter of choice between: *projecting the notes you play* or *conducting a deep orchestra*. Beside this, I'm very found of ebony fretboard. I believe it has something to do with the way notes and chords decrease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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