Aster1 Posted June 2, 2012 Share Posted June 2, 2012 Hi Ya'll, I may have contracted G.A.S. again as I've been laying very low for a LONG time. I'm intrigued with the J-200 style guitar. I own an Epi EJ-200CE and it plays just like an electric, but I just don't feel it has all the sound I'm looking for (not a great amount of volume or low end for such a BIG guitar). It is a beautiful appointed guitar. Kind of wanting to move away from the Epi copies to Gibby's with all but my Casino and maybe Texan Epi's. I haven't found much for explanation on a J vs. SJ in these. Is the SJ just an alleged upgraded/blinged version? Would like to hear other opinions on either and what they have found with sound, playability etc. Thanks for reading & responding if your so inclined. Aster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted June 2, 2012 Share Posted June 2, 2012 Good Q. I thought they were the same. May be more or less true. Will follow this thread with interest. Rather foreign, yet 30 years drawn to the maple Jumbo as I am. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aster1 Posted June 2, 2012 Author Share Posted June 2, 2012 The Maple is a beauty but I may have to opt for the Vintage Sunburst. Gibson does that finish THE BEST IMHO. Aster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted June 2, 2012 Share Posted June 2, 2012 No guitar in the Gibson catalog went through as many changes over the decades as the SJ/J-200. They were made with three different body depths, three types of body wood, several bridge designs, and two different bracing systems (not counting the addition of the nasty floating" brace in 1961 which fortunately was easily removed). Originally it was just a name change - meaning the SJ-200 and J-200 never existed together. The year the name was changed though was also the year Gibson started building them with laminate maple back and sides while using the style of top bracing that had been on the first SJ-200s and brought back in the early 1950s. Based on mine the pickguard also lost its border. It looks like these days the J designation is not based on original specs but is more of an arbitrary thing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted June 2, 2012 Share Posted June 2, 2012 ... Is the SJ just an alleged upgraded/blinged version? .... Zomby answered your SJ/J question nicely. As to the bling factor, that's in the model number: There's a 100, a 150, a 200, a 200 Custom and variations on the Custom (like the Vine). Most are spruce top with maple back and sides. Some 100's have dot markers and some have crown markers, both without neck and headstock binding, no MOP bridge inlays and a plain pickguard. The 100 has mahogany sides, and the 100 Xtra has maple sides and crown markers. . The 150 has the crown markers, MOP bridge inlays, a the decorated pickguard, but no neck and headstock binding. . The 200 Studio has the crown markers, a moustache bridge with no MOP inlay and a plain tortoise. . The 200 Standard has the crown markers, neck and headstock binding, MOP bridge inlays, and the decorated pickguard. . The 200 Custom usually adds rosewood back, abalone inlay next to the body binding and around the soundhole, as well as using abalone inlays in place of the MOP inlays. . (AFAIK B) ) Regarding sound and playability: To my tastes, the playability is pretty even across the models. The sound/tone is a bit variable to say the least. You should play anything guitar you're considering purchasing so you can evaluate it according to you're own tastes. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merseybeat1963 Posted June 2, 2012 Share Posted June 2, 2012 Hi Ya'll, I may have contracted G.A.S. again as I've been laying very low for a LONG time. I'm intrigued with the J-200 style guitar. I own an Epi EJ-200CE and it plays just like an electric, but I just don't feel it has all the sound I'm looking for (not a great amount of volume or low end for such a BIG guitar). It is a beautiful appointed guitar. Kind of wanting to move away from the Epi copies to Gibby's with all but my Casino and maybe Texan Epi's. I haven't found much for explanation on a J vs. SJ in these. Is the SJ just an alleged upgraded/blinged version? Would like to hear other opinions on either and what they have found with sound, playability etc. Thanks for reading & responding if your so inclined. Aster For the most part J or SJ is pretty much (in general) less about what the specific variations of the guitar than what it was being called at the time. I think the first ones were SJ then they just shorted name(Southern Jumbo....Jumbo) What you should keep more in mind is the big bodied guitar is not really all that efficient in producing a LOUD sound..its more about the tone that assembles inside of it. And keep in mind the Gibson version may not be any louder...A/B them with yours. A lot of people are intregued with the J200 guitar but it is the looks that is the attraction most of the time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 333 Posted June 2, 2012 Share Posted June 2, 2012 Today, Gibson uses SJ-200 and J-200 interchangeably on their website and in marketing copy, sometimes in the same paragraph. Bling escalates by the 100, 200, 300, Elite and other designations. On a good J-200, the big body adds bass to the cutting maple and provides volume. Red 333 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aster1 Posted June 2, 2012 Author Share Posted June 2, 2012 Thanks for all the answer's & info!! It is difficult to locate some of these to go & play or see in person w/o a MAJOR road trip. To bad a guy can't go shopping out at the Factory and then have it paid for thru a dealer. You could select from ready to ship, make the deal on price with the dealer, pay for it, pick it up and head for home. I'd incorporate that into a vacation trip out west for sure. Aster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aerohead Posted June 2, 2012 Share Posted June 2, 2012 For the most part J or SJ is pretty much (in general) less about what the specific variations of the guitar than what it was being called at the time. I think the first ones were SJ then they just shorted name(Southern Jumbo....Jumbo) What you should keep more in mind is the big bodied guitar is not really all that efficient in producing a LOUD sound..its more about the tone that assembles inside of it. And keep in mind the Gibson version may not be any louder...A/B them with yours. A lot of people are intregued with the J200 guitar but it is the looks that is the attraction most of the time. Not only is the tone of my SJ-200 Custom full and complex it is also the loudest guitar I have ever played. I also have another jumbo body guitar in the Guild JF-30 and there is no comparison to the volume and tone of my Gibson. True I was attracted by the looks initially and since I didn't get to actually play the guitar before I bought it I was just hoping that the tone and volume would be comparable to my Guild but it as it turned out I was completely blown away by both tone and volume! Never have I been more happy with any other purchase in my life! I still can't believe I own it!! Lol!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-1854Me Posted June 2, 2012 Share Posted June 2, 2012 Thanks for all the answer's & info!! It is difficult to locate some of these to go & play or see in person w/o a MAJOR road trip. To bad a guy can't go shopping out at the Factory and then have it paid for thru a dealer. You could select from ready to ship, make the deal on price with the dealer, pay for it, pick it up and head for home. I'd incorporate that into a vacation trip out west for sure. Aster Generally, the 'SJ-200' name is used more to denote guitars that are or are trying to pay homage to the sort of 'historic' SJ-200s from say, the late 40s to early 50s, while the 'J-200' designation came into use after that period, and was pretty much used in Kalamazoo, in Nashville and then in Bozeman up until the late 90s. Nothing wrong with a lot of those guitars that are called J-200s, particularly, but you'`ll find that the cosmetic features are less aligned with the SJ-200s of the 50s. Clear as mud, I'm sure..... Fred Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted June 2, 2012 Share Posted June 2, 2012 I've played many J-200's and own a great sounding J-150 but never played a rosewood J-200. That was until a custom arrived in my local guitar shop. Was really keen to give it a go as was interested to hear how it stacks up in rosewood. I had a fear it might be somewhat muddy and boomy but wasn't at all. Very rich powerful tone, excellent balance, note seperation, no muddiness whatsoever. Outstanding guitar that's significantly more superior to my songwriter. . Not only is the tone of my SJ-200 Custom full and complex it is also the loudest guitar I have ever played. I also have another jumbo body guitar in the Guild JF-30 and there is no comparison to the volume and tone of my Gibson. True I was attracted by the looks initially and since I didn't get to actually play the guitar before I bought it I was just hoping that the tone and volume would be comparable to my Guild but it as it turned out I was completely blown away by both tone and volume! Never have I been more happy with any other purchase in my life! I still can't believe I own it!! Lol!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 While I have yet to play a late 1930s through early 1940s double X braced, shallower rosewood body SJ-200, of those I have played my favorite remains the laminate maple guitars. Although I am guessing Gibson went this route primarily because the laminate body supported the top better (Epiphone did the same thing in the 1950s with their jumbo flattops) I am one of those who subscribe to the theory that the stiffer sides and back reflect more of the energy coming from the top. These things almost feel alive when you strum them. And they are loud enough to scare the Hellhound off your trail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aerohead Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 One more shot of bling! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aster1 Posted June 3, 2012 Author Share Posted June 3, 2012 Stop, Stop I was only 1/2 blinded by the 1st photo. Now I'm blind as a bat from all that abalone bling!! Beautiful guitars. I'll keep my eyes open for either a J or SJ. I guess I'd just as soon have one w/o any electronics in it as I don't play for pay. I'm also having some Hummingbird pangs too. What's a Mother to do? Thanks again all!! Aster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merseybeat1963 Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Not only is the tone of my SJ-200 Custom full and complex it is also the loudest guitar I have ever played. I also have another jumbo body guitar in the Guild JF-30 and there is no comparison to the volume and tone of my Gibson. True I was attracted by the looks initially and since I didn't get to actually play the guitar before I bought it I was just hoping that the tone and volume would be comparable to my Guild but it as it turned out I was completely blown away by both tone and volume! Never have I been more happy with any other purchase in my life! I still can't believe I own it!! Lol!! Bye Bye Guild.. : ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rar Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 ... You could select from ready to ship ... You've got it a bit backwards. There is no unspoken-for "ready to ship" stock. They're sold before they're built -- it's receipt of an order from a dealer that triggers building the guitar. -- Bob R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aster1 Posted June 4, 2012 Author Share Posted June 4, 2012 So you're saying that Gibby is only "filling orders" with what is built? I guess that makes since, but isn't the way any of my business world works unless it's custom-custom. Well, if that's the way it works they could let a person know who's got them on order and you make an offer to the dealer that you selected to purchase. No muss, no fuss, no shipping. Just transfer paperwork. Man, I'd do that with my business for sure. Make a bit less, but never have to touch a product. YeeeHawww. Sign me up. Aster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rar Posted June 5, 2012 Share Posted June 5, 2012 So you're saying that Gibby is only "filling orders" with what is built? I guess that makes since, but isn't the way any of my business world works unless it's custom-custom. About one-third of guitars they build are custom in some respect. Well, if that's the way it works they could let a person know who's got them on order and you make an offer to the dealer that you selected to purchase. No muss, no fuss, no shipping. Just transfer paperwork. ... Well, the problem with this is that this would tend to undermine the dealer network. Gibson's model since about the '30s has been that you decide what you want, cut the best deal you can with your local dealer for it, and then the dealer either hands it over to you or orders it, depending on whether he has it in stock. Gibson's finally adjusted to the fact that some people can't buy from their local dealer (because they don't have a local dealer -- Gibson doesn't build enough guitars that everyone having a reasonably-stocked local dealer is even possible -- among other reasons), so they sort of grudgingly allow internet sales. But they don't really want to help you shop around for a lower price than your local dealer cares to offer (which is why MAPs are so high compared to dealer costs), or to buy a guitar from some dealer who has one in stock when your local dealer could order you one, or any other such new-fangled 21st Century consarned nonsense, dag nabbit! That said, it is possible to buy a guitar from a dealer and have it shipped directly to you from Gibson when it's finished. It's not exactly encouraged by either Gibson or any dealer I know of, but it's possible (at least in special circumstances). -- Bob R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D Big Daddy M Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 On 6/2/2012 at 10:41 AM, merseybeat1963 said: I think the first ones were SJ then they just shorted name(Southern Jumbo....Jumbo) I know this is an old thread, but just for the record, SJ stands for "Super Jumbo". The "Southern Jumbo" is a totally different model. One of those confusing Gibson things. A Southern Jumbo is a dressed up J-45. Not a "200" as in J-200 and SJ-200. In "old Gibson" terminology (20-50s) the number was the price in the year when the model was introduced. SJ-200 was $200 back in the late 30's. When introduced in 1942, the J-45 was $45 and the "Southerner Jumbo" (as it was called at first) was $90 (not much change in inflation in 2 or 3 years). The SJ-200 ("super jumbo") is a substantially larger and more ornate guitar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave F Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 11 minutes ago, D Big Daddy M said: I know this is an old thread, but just for the record, SJ stands for "Super Jumbo". The "Southern Jumbo" is a totally different model. One of those confusing Gibson things. A Southern Jumbo is a dressed up J-45. Not a "200" as in J-200 and SJ-200. In "old Gibson" terminology (20-50s) the number was the price in the year when the model was introduced. SJ-200 was $200 back in the late 30's. When introduced in 1942, the J-45 was $45 and the "Southerner Jumbo" (as it was called at first) was $90 (not much change in inflation in 2 or 3 years). The SJ-200 ("super jumbo") is a substantially larger and more ornate guitar. How much did the L00 cost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly campbell Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 On 6/2/2012 at 9:18 AM, zombywoof said: No guitar in the Gibson catalog went through as many changes over the decades as the SJ/J-200. They were made with three different body depths, three types of body wood, several bridge designs, and two different bracing systems (not counting the addition of the nasty floating" brace in 1961 which fortunately was easily removed). Originally it was just a name change - meaning the SJ-200 and J-200 never existed together. The year the name was changed though was also the year Gibson started building them with laminate maple back and sides while using the style of top bracing that had been on the first SJ-200s and brought back in the early 1950s. Based on mine the pickguard also lost its border. It looks like these days the J designation is not based on original specs but is more of an arbitrary thing. Cool...Zoomby which do you prefer of all those options? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brucebubs Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 My 2020 Custom Shop Historic 1957 SJ-200 just reads '1957 J-200' on the internal label and '1957 SJ-200' on the Certificate of Authenticity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 10 hours ago, kelly campbell said: Cool...Zoomby which do you prefer of all those options? I was just leafing though some old catalogs and the model is listed as a J200 in 1950 although it is described as a Super Jumbo. So it was obviously officially re-designated before mid-decade.. Live and learn. I have never played a double X braced rosewood body SJ/J200 old or new. I would say though that our laminate maple body double X braced guitar is a bit quieter than single X braced versions but fuller or richer sounding. To my ears, the single X braced versions have more of a low end rumble than ours. My take on it is that Gibson compensated for the added mass to the top by installing the braces at an extremely wide angle with transverse tone bars which resulted in a guitar with a different balance across the strings. Again, not a good or a bad thing - just different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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