With this particularly well-made replica of the famous flat-top classic SJ-200 from the pre-war era, the manufacturer Gibson has succeeded in creating an absolutely authentic masterpiece that not only contains the materials but also the multi-faceted optical characteristics of a model from the late 1930s. This completely handmade all solid instrument produces a distinctive sound thanks to its thermally treated high-quality woods, creating the impression that the instrument has been played for years and is a genuine remnant from days long gone. The detailed ornamentation and the comfortable playability of the flat neck discreetly point to the great craftsmanship and decades of company history. The scope of delivery includes a shaped case and a Gibson Accessory Kit.
Even before the Second World War, the North American red spruce from the Adirondack Mountains was in great demand for the construction of the finest musical instruments, because its coarse structure allows it to vibrate strongly and enriches the sound with fullness in the mid and high frequencies. Thanks to a thermo treatment, the sound of the Gibson Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood VSB develops rapidly and extensively, so that in combination with a wafer-thin nitro finish and scalloped X-bracing it gains even more strength and clarity. A cream-coloured multi-ply binding and a corresponding sound hole rosette create a fine visual contrast that discreetly separates the top wood, so that the grain stands out to a particularly high degree and, in combination with a Vintage Sunburst finish, the Gibson Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood VSB lends the overall appearance a venerable note that fully lives up to the original from the 1930s.
The name Super-Jumbo derives from the instrument's huge body, which not only provides breathtaking volume, but also expressive and warm basses. A coarsely structured rosewood provides for a particularly clear development of the low frequencies, gently colouring the sound image and enriching the bright frequencies of the top with a fine saturation. Due to the thin finish, the observer gets a deep insight into the extraordinary grain of the dark tropical wood, which perfectly matches the dark edges of the coloured top. The back and sides are clearly separated from each other by a striking binding that marks the edges of the back wood. The open back is traversed by an elaborate backstripe, which emphasises the symmetry of the wood structure beautifully.
Thanks to its flat D-profile and 43.8 mm nut width, the two-piece maple neck can be played comfortably up to the highest of the 20 frets and allows the player to grip the instrument cleanly with little effort. The ebony fretboard, which is intricately framed with bindings, provides ample space to easily master even complex fingerings and is historically correct with high-quality mother-of-pearl crown inlays that mark the frets and underline the value of the instrument. A bone nut and a bone saddle ensure clean intonation over the entire scale length of 647.7 mm. With their superb craftsmanship, the Gibson Custom Shop is unrivalled in quality and know-how to this day. The neck is crowned with the large characteristic headstock, which continues to fill fans around the world with awe and constitutes a unique trademark of Gibson guitars from all generations.
The main feature of the Pre-War SJ 200 is the authenticity of its detailed decorations and original equipment. The headstock is equipped with gold Grover Imperials tuners, which guarantee precise and smooth tuning in addition to its noble appearance. The old logo inlay and the fine headstock binding illustrate how much love the manufacturer put into detail even back then and perfectly match the bell-shaped trussrod cover. Further highlights are the four-bar moustache bridge and the large tortoise pickguard engraved with floral ornaments and provided with additional blue dots. A shaped case and an accompanying Gibson Accessory Kit round off this masterpiece.