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The J-200 Gibson is a celebrity
itself in the world of guitars. Although originally used primarily in Country and Western music it has become legendary in
the History of Rock and Roll. I have always loved the J-200 Gibson Jumbo Acoustic guitar. I never thought
I could afford one in my lifetime, let alone own two. The rich, deep full tone and distinctive look always attracted me. In
1956 just before filming “Loving You’, Elvis was approached by Gibson Guitar. They presented
him with a blonde flamed maple j-200, stating if he endorsed the guitar it was his for free. The
ever controlling Col. Parker frowned upon any endorsement and refused to allow Elvis to agree to the endorsement.
Elvis loved the guitar so much that he gladly paid for it, and it became his staple guitar from 1956 until the mid
1970’s. You can see him using it in Loving You, King Creole and G.I. Blues. Although
its roots are firmly implanted in the country/western music genre, it has traveled through many different music styles from
a wide range of different eras. Played by thousands of musicians from Gene Autry, to Emmylou Harris, to Pete Townsend, Elvis
Presley , Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Chris Isaak, Jimmy Page to name a few. The J-200 Standard
hasn't only stood the test of time, it has flourished like no other acoustic guitar in the history of mankind. The J-200 is
not just a guitar, but a work of art. The J-200's origins started officially in the year 1937, when the legendary singing cowboy, Ray Whitley, wanted
a deeper sounding guitar and one that screamed "fancy." Guy Hart, along with the design team at Gibson Guitars at
the time, created not only a fancy flat-top, but THE fancy flat-top. With its distinctive moustache bridge, it's large, ornate
faux tortoise shell pick guard, and its crown fret board inlays, this guitar is as noticeable today as it was revolutionary
in 1938, when the first production SJ-200's hit the buying public. Today's version of that historic model carries with it most of the same attributes
as the original '38 model. The modern day J-200 Standard utilizes our AAA grade Sitka spruce top with its
hand scalloped x-brace bracing pattern, our premium Indian rosewood for the fret board and bridge, and our gorgeous figured
maple for the neck, sides, and back The use of authentic mother-of-pearl inlays on the guitar as well as the inlaid pick guard
with its flowers and vines motif brings you back to a time when a cowboy only needed his faithful horse by his side, his shiny
six-shooter in his holster, and his beloved guitar in his arms serenading his sweetheart at the end of the day.
Go
to your local authorized Gibson acoustic guitar dealer and try one on for size. If the attention to detail and the unique
stylings of the J-200 Standard doesn't grab you automatically, then the booming sound that can only come from a guitar of
this magnitude will definitely do the trick. Your eyes and your ears will appreciate it.
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