Gibson Custom Murphy Lab Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Light Aged Acoustic Guitar Faded Vintage Sunburst

The Gibson Murphy Lab Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Light Aged acoustic guitar is a breathtaking revival of one of the rarest and most coveted acoustics in Gibson history. When the SJ-200 first appeared in 1937, its impressive size, ornate detailing and powerful projection quickly earned it the title "King of the Flat-Tops." This meticulous reissue pays tribute to the rosewood-bodied pre-1947 models—produced in exceedingly limited quantities and highly prized by collectors today. With its thermally aged red spruce top and rosewood back and sides, the Pre-War SJ-200 gives players the chance to experience the rich, sonorous character of those exalted originals. Dressed in elaborate period-correct appointments like multi-ply binding, mother-of-pearl inlays and a classic Four Bar Moustache bridge, this guitar showcases the same level of craftsmanship as its storied source material. Hand-aging by Gibson's Murphy Lab completes the vintage look, making this stunning Super Jumbo a true heirloom-quality instrument.

Thermally Aged Red Spruce Top Delivers Rich Resonance and Bold Projection

At the heart of the Pre-War SJ-200 is its thermally aged red spruce top, chosen for both tone and authenticity. The heat-treating process accelerates the natural aging of the wood, producing the quick response and broken-in resonance you'd expect from a vintage instrument. Traditional scalloped X-bracing, also crafted from red spruce and secured with hot hide glue, enhances projection and sustain while maintaining clarity across the tonal spectrum. The result is a top that balances warmth and articulation, capable of handling everything from subtle fingerstyle passages to bold, full-bodied chords. This combination ensures the guitar delivers the same commanding voice that has made the SJ-200 a standout on stages and in studios for the better part of a century.

Rosewood Back and Sides Honor the SJ-200's Pre-War Legacy

Unlike the post-1947 maple-bodied SJ-200s, this pre-war recreation is constructed with a rosewood back and sides for a distinctive tonal profile. Rosewood contributes rich overtones, powerful low-end presence and shimmering highs, creating a lush, complex soundscape that contrasts beautifully with the focused clarity of the spruce top. A three-rope marquetry strip along the back adds a touch of visual elegance, underscoring the instrument's vintage authenticity. This pairing of red spruce and rosewood gives the guitar a commanding yet nuanced voice—perfect for players who want the grandeur of a Super Jumbo with the tonal depth of rosewood. It's a combination that defines some of Gibson's most collectible acoustics.

Two-Piece AAA Maple Neck for Stability and Smooth Playability

The Pre-War SJ-200 is built for both beauty and playability. Its two-piece AAA flamed maple neck, reinforced with a walnut stringer, offers exceptional stability and striking visual character. The D-shaped profile provides a familiar vintage-style grip that suits both rhythm players and lead stylists. Topped with a bound ebony fingerboard, the neck delivers a smooth feel and a fast response under the fingers. Graduated crown inlays in mother-of-pearl add a touch of timeless elegance, while the 25.5" scale length provides ample projection and balanced string tension. With 20 frets at your disposal, this neck design ensures that the SJ-200's monumental sound is matched by effortless playability.

Murphy Lab Aging and Iconic SJ-200 Appointments

Every detail of this guitar has been considered to reflect its pre-war heritage. The ebony SJ-200 Four Bar Moustache bridge, complete with mother-of-pearl inlays, provides both tonal richness and visual flair. A tortoiseshell pickguard adorned with multi-colored dots and a double border enhances its instantly recognizable look. Gold Grover Imperial tuners ensure reliable tuning stability while adding a touch of vintage class. Finished with Murphy Lab's meticulous Light Aging treatment, the guitar bears subtle signs of aged-in wear, giving it the vibe and feel of a well-loved original. From binding to hardware, every appointment celebrates the artistry of Gibson's golden-era craftsmanship.

A Stunning Revival of a Rare Pre-War Super Jumbo

The Gibson Murphy Lab Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Light Aged acoustic guitar offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Gibson's most elusive designs in its original form. With its thermally aged red spruce top, distinctive rosewood body and hand-aged finish, it delivers the depth, projection and visual grandeur that made the pre-war models legendary. Shipped in a period-correct red-line hardshell case, this guitar is built as both a performer's dream and a collector's prize. Whether you're strumming bold chord progressions, fingerpicking intricate melodies or simply admiring it as a piece of art, the Pre-War SJ-200 is ready to carry forward its iconic legacy.