Gibson Custom Shop 1957 SJ-200 Acoustic Guitar in Light Aged Natural

The Gibson Custom Shop 1957 SJ-200 Acoustic Guitar in Light Aged Natural is a masterful recreation of the iconic Super Jumbo that first earned its legendary status in 1937. Renowned as the "King of the Flat-Tops," the SJ-200 is celebrated for its impressive size, exceptional projection, and commanding stage presence. This 1957 edition faithfully captures the majestic vintage character with a thermally aged Sitka spruce top, AAA flamed maple back and sides, and intricate multi-ply binding, delivering both stunning aesthetics and rich, resonant tone.

Every detail of the 1957 SJ-200 Light Aged has been meticulously crafted to honour the original models that have been cherished by Hollywood cowboys, folk artists, country superstars, and rock royalty alike. The guitar features traditional scalloped X-bracing installed with hide glue, a 25.5” scale length two-piece AAA maple neck with a rounded profile, and a rosewood fretboard adorned with mother-of-pearl graduated crown inlays. Complemented by gold Gotoh tuners and a bound rosewood SJ-200 Four Bar Moustache bridge with mother-of-pearl inlays, this guitar combines vintage elegance with modern playability.

The Light Aged finish, applied by the skilled artisans of the Murphy Lab, simulates decades of gentle playwear, giving the guitar an authentic vintage vibe and feel. This treatment, paired with lightly aged hardware, offers the unique character and warmth of a true Gibson Golden Era instrument. The 1957 SJ-200 Light Aged is a statement piece for collectors and players who seek a blend of historical accuracy, premium craftsmanship, and outstanding sonic performance.

Thermally Aged Sitka Spruce Top

The thermally aged Sitka spruce top enhances the guitar’s tonal response, providing a rich, balanced sound with excellent projection and clarity. This traditional wood treatment ensures stability and adds vintage warmth to every note played.

AAA Flamed Maple Back and Sides

Featuring premium AAA flamed maple for the back and sides, this guitar delivers bright, articulate tones with a stunning visual appeal. The checkerboard marquetry strip adds a classic touch of sophistication, making it as beautiful as it is sonically impressive.

Traditional Scalloped X-Bracing with Hide Glue

The use of traditional scalloped X-bracing, installed using hide glue, enhances resonance and sustain while preserving the authentic tonal characteristics of the original 1957 models. This craftsmanship detail ensures a dynamic and expressive playing experience.

Murphy Lab Light Aged Finish

The Murphy Lab’s Light Aged finish treatment replicates the natural ageing process of a vintage guitar, offering a unique character and feel. This subtle wear adds to the guitar’s charm without compromising its structural integrity or playability.

Key Features

• Authentic Vintage Recreation - Faithfully replicates the 1957 SJ-200 with period-correct details, delivering the look, feel, and sound of a true Golden Era Gibson.
• Premium Tonewoods - AAA flamed maple back and sides combined with a thermally aged Sitka spruce top provide a rich, balanced tone with exceptional projection and clarity.
• Intricate Ornamentation - Multi-ply binding, mother-of-pearl inlays, and a checkerboard marquetry strip offer exquisite visual detail that honours the original design.
• Light Aged Finish by Murphy Lab - Simulates decades of gentle playwear for an authentic vintage vibe and feel, enhancing both character and comfort.

Specifications

Body

• Body Shape: SJ-200 Super Jumbo
• Top Wood: Thermally Aged Sitka Spruce
• Back Wood: AAA Flamed Maple with Checkerboard Marquetry Strip
• Sides Wood: AAA Flamed Maple
• Binding: Multi-ply on Top and Back, Single-ply on Headstock and Fretboard

Neck

• Neck Wood: 2-piece AAA Maple with Walnut Stringer
• Neck Profile: Rounded
• Scale Length: 647.7mm (25.5")
• Nut Width: 43.81mm
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Number of Frets: 20
• Inlays: Mother-of-Pearl Graduated Crown

Hardware

• Bridge: Rosewood SJ-200 Four Bar Moustache with Mother-of-Pearl Inlays
• Tuners: Gold Gotoh with Keystone Buttons
• Nut, Saddle, and Bridge Pins: Bone
• Pickguard: Tortoise with Classic SJ-200 Graphics
• Finish: Murphy Lab Light Aged Treatment with Lightly Aged Hardware