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Average Price: $10,500

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

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High-end

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Description

In the realm of acoustic guitars, the 1959 Gibson J-200 stands as a legendary icon, blending vintage charm with enduring craftsmanship. This Jumbo-sized marvel is not just a guitar; it's a piece of musical history, revered by musicians for its rich tone and powerful projection. Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and maple back and sides, the J-200 delivers a balanced sound with a bright, crisp resonance that has defined countless recordings across genres.

The guitar's aesthetic is as striking as its sound, featuring a distinct mustache bridge and an ornate pickguard that captures the eye. Whether you're strumming gentle folk melodies or belting out rock anthems, the J-200's deep, resonant voice and impeccable playability make it a beloved companion on stage and in the studio. Its wide neck and smooth fretboard ensure that players can seamlessly transition between chords and solos with ease.

For those in the musician community, the 1959 Gibson J-200 is more than an instrument—it's a testament to the timeless allure of Gibson's craftsmanship, offering a playing experience that is both familiar and inspiring.

Key Features:

  • Jumbo body style for enhanced projection and volume
  • Solid Sitka spruce top and maple back and sides
  • Distinct mustache bridge and ornate pickguard
  • Wide neck for comfortable playability

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model J-200
Finish Natural, Sunburst
Year 1955 - 1960
Made In United States
Categories Jumbo Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Maple
Body Shape Jumbo
Color Family Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson J-200
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era
Sides Material Maple
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the 1959 Gibson J-200?

The 1959 Gibson J-200 features maple for both the back and sides, offering a bright and clear tonal quality that complements its large jumbo body shape.

How does the jumbo body shape of the 1959 Gibson J-200 affect its sound?

The jumbo body shape of the 1959 Gibson J-200 provides a powerful, resonant sound with enhanced bass response, making it ideal for strumming and projecting in larger settings.

Is the 1959 Gibson J-200 suitable for fingerstyle playing?

While the 1959 Gibson J-200 is primarily known for its strong projection and strumming capabilities, its balanced tone and responsive dynamics also make it suitable for fingerstyle playing.

Does the 1959 Gibson J-200 have any built-in electronics?

The 1959 Gibson J-200 does not have built-in electronics, as it was designed as a purely acoustic guitar, focusing on delivering a rich and natural sound.

What is the fretboard material of the 1959 Gibson J-200?

The fretboard of the 1959 Gibson J-200 is made from rosewood, which provides a smooth playing surface and contributes to the guitar's warm tonal characteristics.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1959 Gibson J-200N

Video thumbnail for Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1959 Gibson J-200N by Normans Rare Guitars

Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1959 Gibson J-200N

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1959 Gibson J-200N | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1959 Gibson J-200N | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1959 Gibson J-200 Demo by Erie Music

1959 Gibson J-200 Demo

Erie Music

Erie Music

Video thumbnail for 1959 Gibson J-200 Sunburst  Acoustic/ GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1959 Gibson J-200 Sunburst Acoustic/ GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1959 Gibson J-200.

Build quality

  • The J-200 has notable binding on both the neck and headstock, distinguishing it from the J-150 model.

    Source
  • Epiphone EJ-200 users mention sharp frets that may require dressing for improved playability, highlighting a contrast in finish quality compared to the Gibson J-200.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners emphasize the need for proper humidification in dry climates due to the guitar's sensitivity.

    Source
  • Medium gauge .013-.056 strings are generally safe for the J-200, enhancing its sound without causing damage, but decades of use may necessitate a bridge reset.

    Source

User experience

  • Over time, the guitar's original finish darkens, which some owners find nostalgic yet occasionally miss the initial color.

    Source
  • A 16-year owner of the Gibson J-200 claims it has improved over time, emphasizing its long-term value and tonal enhancement.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • A common concern is the wear on the pickguard's vines/flowers design, which may require replacement after years of use.

    Source
  • The Epiphone EJ-200's Shadow pickup is described as finicky, with limitations in functionality and a preference for microphone recording for better sound capture.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • In Europe, the J-200 can be around 10-20% cheaper compared to North American prices.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners report that the Gibson J-200 surpasses the Epiphone EJ-200 in terms of playability and sound quality, though Taylor 414ce is noted as a cheaper yet high-quality alternative.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Gibson J-200's large size is noted, making it potentially cumbersome for users under 6'4", impacting its suitability for varied player builds.

    Source
  • Tuning medium gauge strings down to D standard on a J-200 can enhance its sonic depth, though it's more suited for solo play than group settings.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Eric Clapton uses 1959 Gibson J-200

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Christies

Eric Clapton said that he played this guitar frequently and kept it around at home for writing and so on. Lee Dickson recalls that Clapton has had this guitar since the late 1970s.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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