1948 Gibson SJ-200 – Sunburst

1948 Gibson SJ-200 – Sunburst

We present an original 1948 Gibson SJ-200 in its original Sunburst finish. Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The SJ-200’s exceptional craftsmanship and striking aesthetics make it one of the most coveted acoustic guitar models ever produced by Gibson. In 1948, Gibson manufactured only 146 examples in Sunburst finish. Without question, this guitar was built using the finest tonewoods available at the Kalamazoo factory.

This remarkably comfortable Gibson flat-top is in exceptionally clean condition and delivers an outstanding sound. It offers remarkable volume, power, and a punchy, woody tone. The flamed maple neck, back, and sides are visually stunning, paired with a beautifully aged spruce top. The neck features a bound dark rosewood fingerboard adorned with mother-of-pearl crown inlays. This 1948 SJ-200 also sports the rare ivory script logo, a seldom-seen feature from that era.

The neck has a full, round carve with a 1-11/16″ nut width. The original frets and nut remain in excellent condition. It features a beautifully single-bound headstock with crown inlay and original gold Kluson open-back tuners — all in perfect working order. The original white oval label is clearly visible through the soundhole. The original Sunburst finish is completely untouched — no overspray, no touch-ups, and no repairs — making this an extraordinarily clean example.

The original rosewood mustache bridge plate is intact and in great shape. As commonly seen on vintage Gibsons, the pickguard has shrunken slightly, causing a minor crack below the high E string. Other than that, there has been no neck reset or structural repairs—no cracks, no breaks.

This 1948 Gibson SJ-200 even comes with its original hardshell case. The handle has been replaced with a newer leather one, but the latches are fully functional.

Repair that has been done by a respected and accomplished luthier.

• The common crack repair under the pickguard just below high E-string