Gibson SJ-200 Studio Walnut Acoustic-electric Guitar - Natural with Gloss Top
The Gibson SJ-200 Studio Walnut is a modern, streamlined take on Gibson’s legendary Super Jumbo design. Finished in a natural gloss top, this guitar combines bold aesthetics, massive acoustic power, and versatile electronics in a more accessible package.
Body and Tonewoods
This model features the iconic Super Jumbo body shape, known for its huge projection and deep, rich tone. It has a solid Sitka spruce top with a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish that enhances brightness and sustain. The back and sides are made of solid walnut, which produces a sound that balances warmth and clarity — sitting tonally between rosewood and maple.
Bracing and Construction
Traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing under the top allows the large body to resonate freely, giving it a powerful low end and sparkling highs. The combination of walnut and spruce offers a strong midrange response and a clear, articulate voice.
Neck and Playability
The neck is crafted from two-piece maple and features Gibson’s Advanced Response profile, designed for comfortable playability and smooth fretting. The walnut fingerboard has a 16-inch radius and is adorned with mother-of-pearl graduated crown inlays. With a 25.5-inch scale length and a 1.725-inch nut width, this guitar feels familiar to both strummers and fingerstyle players.
Hardware and Electronics
Equipped with Grover Rotomatic tuners, the SJ-200 Studio provides excellent tuning stability. The walnut moustache-style bridge adds a touch of vintage character. The guitar comes loaded with an L.R. Baggs Element Bronze pickup system, which captures the guitar’s natural tone accurately and delivers a reliable amplified sound for stage or studio use.
Appointments and Aesthetics
The gloss-finished top contrasts nicely with the satin-finished walnut back and sides, creating a refined visual appeal. It features multi-ply top and back binding, a tortoise-pattern pickguard with the classic SJ-200 shape, and subtle but elegant detailing throughout.
Tone and Sound Profile
Tonally, the SJ-200 Studio Walnut delivers strong projection with a warm low end, rich mids, and crisp highs. The walnut body gives it a slightly darker, more focused tone compared to the traditional maple SJ-200, but still retains the powerful "jumbo boom" that has made this model famous.
Who It’s For
This guitar is an excellent choice for players who want the big, commanding sound of a Super Jumbo but prefer a slightly warmer, more balanced tone. It suits singer-songwriters, folk artists, country players, and anyone looking for a stage-ready acoustic with a distinctive voice.
Summary
The Gibson SJ-200 Studio Walnut Acoustic-electric Guitar in Natural with Gloss Top blends the iconic look and sound of the classic SJ-200 with modern refinements and a slightly warmer tonal palette. Its combination of premium materials, comfortable playability, and quality electronics make it a standout choice for both live performance and recording.
