Description
Description & Specifications
1948 Gibson SJ-200 – Sunburst
We present an exceptional and original 1948 Gibson SJ-200 in its original Sunburst finish. Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The SJ-200’s outstanding construction and visual appeal have made it one of the most iconic and sought-after acoustic guitars ever produced by Gibson. This particular instrument was undoubtedly built using the finest materials available in late 1940s Kalamazoo. It’s an incredibly comfortable guitar to play, with stunning tonal character — boasting exceptional volume, projection, and a powerful, punchy, woody tone.
This classic flat-top features beautifully flamed maple back and sides, a solid spruce top, and a bound dark rosewood fingerboard adorned with pearl inlays. Additional details include a single-bound headstock with the pearl Gibson logo and crown inlays, and a rich Sunburst finish on all sides. It is equipped with original gold Kluson open-back tuners with plastic tulip buttons, and a white oval label visible through the soundhole.
The original rosewood mustache bridge is intact and in good condition. The spruce top has a professionally repaired crack below the high E string, along with two other minor top crack repairs. Overall, this SJ-200 has been well-maintained for its age, though it shows signs of honest playwear, including lacquer checking throughout the body. A professional neck reset and additional repairs have been performed by my trusted luthier. The dark rosewood fretboard now features brand new frets. The neck binding has been reglued, with one new side dot installed. A newer nut and a brand new bone saddle were added during the neck reset. The skunk stripe on the back of the flamed maple neck has been lightly sanded for evenness. The original pickguard had shrunk over time, causing a typical crack near the fretboard by the high E string — this has been professionally repaired and the pickguard reattached.
The neck has a full, round carve with a 1-11/16″ nut width.
Included is one of the rarest vintage Gibson cases: an original 1930s Gibson Red Stripe Tweed case. All latches and the handle are in perfect working order.
