Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue Acoustic-Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst

The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue acoustic-electric guitar revives one of the rarest and most revered instruments of the pre-World War II era. Introduced in 1937, the original SJ-200 earned its "King of the Flat-Tops" moniker thanks to its powerful projection, rich voice and commanding looks. Early examples featured a rosewood back and sides—and due to their limited production, these pre-war models are among the most sought-after vintage guitars in the world. This meticulous reissue—developed in collaboration with Gibson Custom—delivers the look, feel and sound of those rare originals, with thoughtful modern updates like discreet LR Baggs electronics. With period-correct construction, a thermally aged spruce top, solid rosewood and ornate appointments throughout, this SJ-200 offers a deeply expressive playing experience steeped in vintage authenticity.

Thermally Aged Spruce Top and Solid Rosewood Back and Sides

True to the original pre-war design, this SJ-200 Reissue features a thermally aged solid spruce top paired with solid rosewood back and sides. The aged spruce delivers an immediately broken-in, open sound with enhanced warmth and complexity, while the rosewood adds depth and articulate low-end character. Traditional scalloped X-bracing, made from quarter-sawn solid spruce, gives the top both strength and sensitivity, ensuring that every nuance of your playing style is faithfully translated. From soft fingerpicked passages to full-throated strumming, this guitar responds with bold resonance and superb tonal balance.

Two-Piece Maple Neck Delivers Classic Style With Modern Playability

The neck of the Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue combines period-correct construction with contemporary playability. Made from two pieces of maple with a rosewood stringer for added strength and visual appeal, it's carved into a comfortable round D-shaped profile that feels substantial yet fast. The dovetail joint ensures optimal transfer of vibration between neck and body, enhancing sustain and tone. The 25.5" scale length and 1.74" bone nut offer a familiar feel for both rhythm and lead work, while the ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, articulate playing surface adorned with classic mother-of-pearl graduated crown inlays.

LR Baggs Electronics for Seamless Live Performance

While the Pre-War SJ-200 captures vintage design in nearly every detail, it's also equipped for modern performance. A factory-installed LR Baggs Element Bronze VTC undersaddle pickup system delivers the guitar's natural acoustic voice with clarity and detail. The active preamp includes discreet volume and tone controls mounted inside the soundhole, giving you easy access to on-the-fly adjustments without disturbing the guitar's vintage aesthetic. Whether you're playing on stage or recording in the studio, this pickup system ensures your tone remains warm, dynamic and true to the instrument's acoustic character.

Vintage Appointments Deliver a Premium Custom Shop Feel

From headstock to tail, this SJ-200 Reissue is brimming with historically accurate details. The "open book" Gibson-style headstock features the vintage Epiphone logo and Gibson crown in aged mother of pearl, while the back of the headstock includes a stinger and an etched Inspired by Gibson Custom Double Diamond emblem. The ebony SJ-200 moustache bridge is inlaid with mother-of-pearl bars, complementing the ornate SJ-200 pickguard with vintage-style graphics. Gold Grover Imperial tuners offer precise, stable tuning and an elegant look, while the bone nut, saddle and bridge pins enhance tonal integrity and sustain.

Experience the Legacy of a Rare Pre-War Icon

The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue acoustic-electric guitar is your chance to play—and own—a faithful recreation of one of the most elusive instruments ever built. Blending old-world craftsmanship with modern reliability, it offers timeless tone and style for collectors, performers and vintage guitar lovers alike. Each one ships in a Red Line-inspired hardshell case featuring exclusive Inspired by Gibson Custom graphics, ready for life on the road or a place of honor in your collection.