Gibson SJ-200 Studio Rosewood Acoustic-Electric Guitar Antique Natural

I have several acoustic guitars that cost less than one thousand: Yamaha, Taylor and Takamine. Over the years, I played many high end guitars just to see what it was like, with the hope of one day buying an expensive model once I saved enough money. Of all the higher end brands I tried out, I always felt that Martin guitars were the most balanced sounding, so I had it in my mind that a Martin would be my "wish" guitar. I felt that Gibsons were overpriced in comparison. I have played the Martin D-28 most often since a friend owns one and thought that would be the guitar I would buy. My only beef with the D-28 is that I usually play in a seated position and the wide body of the D-28 puts a lot of stress on my right shoulder. Regardless, when the time came that I had enough money to buy my wish guitar, I went to a local music shop with the intention of buying a Martin, most likely a D-28, but if there was a different Martin model that struck me, I would be open to it. After trying a few different Martins, nothing really grabbed me and the D-28 felt like a "safe pick." I mentioned this to the salesperson besides mentioning in passing that some of my favorite artists had played the Gibson SJ-200 but I had never played one since it was well out of my price range. Then he pulled this guitar off the wall. At first, I had my usual reaction--overpriced Gibson because this guitar is one thousand more than the D-28, though it comes with electronics while the standard D-28 doesnt, which brings their respective prices closer than a grand when you factor in adding electronics to the D-28 unless you want just an acoustic. I prefer to have electronics since I play solo or with others at independent living residences or nursing homes. Then I played the SJ-200, and I got hooked. I put it down on a stand just to compare the D-28 and while I did so, another customer picked it up and tried it out. I told him I was considering buying it so I hoped he wasnt trying to steal it away from me since I tried it first! I asked what he thought of it and he felt it was a great guitar, much better than the D-28. This definitely made me feel justified. What a beautiful sounding guitar whether strumming with plenty of power or fingerpicking with a nice deep, rich, balanced sound. The body is thinner than a D-28 which puts less pressure on my shoulder too. The neck has a smooth feel due to the lacquer finish, which I prefer to the non lacquered or "woodier" feel of the D-28 neck. I don't even need to plug this guitar into my amp because it sounds so beautiful, but it doesn't lose anything plugged into the amp either. I have it in natural color but it also comes in a Rosewood burst too. This model is about $1300 less than the standard SJ-200 because it has rosewood back and sides vs. maple and has less bling in terms of the tuners, bridge, pickguard design and electronics, though both are LR Baggs. I felt guilty that I didnt buy a Martin, but I have been very happy with this guitar. It changed my opinion about Gibson acoustics. I still havent crossed off a Martin down the road, but if you are looking for that "wish" guitar, you should give this one a try.

First, I can't thank the crew at Guitar Center Tucson enough for helping me get this SJ directly from Gibson. Opening the case for the first time...love at first sight. Right out of the case, once tuned, proved I made the right choice. The sound from this rosewood guitar was so completely different from the walnut model Gibson I traded in. So much more volume and tone from the lower register. And definitely, the most beautiful acoustic guitar I have ever owned. And, while playing guitar for 59 years, I have had a bunch. Thanks GC!

No owners manual, the guitar itself, fantaric