Description

The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1957 SJ-200 Reissue acoustic-electric guitar is a stunning, period-correct ode to one of the most instantly recognizable instruments in the Gibson pantheon. Nicknamed "The King of the Flat-Tops," the original SJ-200 has long been a symbol of power, elegance and unmatched tone, seen in the hands of legends across every genre. This faithful reissue, built in collaboration with Gibson Custom, recreates the magic of the 1957 model—from its thermally aged Sitka spruce top and solid figured maple back and sides to its stunning moustache bridge and vintage-style crown inlays. Updated with discreet LR Baggs electronics, it's made for today's performing artists who want timeless tone and stage-ready performance in one exceptional package.

Vintage-Correct Maple Body With Thermally Aged Sitka Spruce Top

The SJ-200 Reissue begins with a tonewood pairing that honors its 1957 roots. A thermally aged solid Sitka spruce top offers enhanced resonance and articulation, while the solid figured maple back and sides deliver a bright, punchy voice with strong projection. Scalloped X-bracing maximizes sustain and tonal balance across the frequency range, giving this Super Jumbo its legendary warmth and low-end thump. Multi-ply binding along the top and back provides classic visual contrast and structural reinforcement, while the bold SJ-200 pickguard graphic cements its unmistakable identity.

Flamed Maple Neck With Elegant Looks and Classic Feel

The two-piece flamed maple neck features a walnut center strip and a 25.5" scale length for clear note definition and a responsive feel. Its C-shaped profile is comfortable for everything from barre chords to fingerpicked ballads, and a dovetail joint ensures optimal transfer of tone between neck and body. The bound Indian rosewood fretboard features 20 frets and vintage-correct mother-of-pearl graduated crown inlays, adding an elegant visual touch and a familiar playing surface for traditionalists. Whether strumming or soloing, this neck delivers smooth playability with meticulous attention to historical detail.

LR Baggs Electronics Deliver Authentic Super Jumbo Tone

While it may look like it stepped straight out of the 1950s, the 1957 SJ-200 Reissue comes ready for the demands of today's live and studio players. An LR Baggs Element Bronze VTC undersaddle pickup captures the guitar's natural acoustic voice with warmth and detail, while the soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls offer discreet, intuitive operation. Whether you're performing under stage lights or recording direct, this system faithfully conveys the depth, nuance and power of the Super Jumbo sound.

Inspired by Gibson Custom Appointments Add Vintage Flair

The SJ-200 Reissue benefits from the premium Gibson Custom treatment—and it's loaded with ornate, period-correct appointments. The signature rosewood moustache bridge features mother-of-pearl bar inlays, and the bone saddle and bridge pins enhance tonal clarity. Gold Epiphone Deluxe tuners and the classic "open book" headstock round out the traditional look, while the back of the headstock is etched with the Inspired by Gibson Custom Double Diamond logo. The Antique Natural finish also includes a vintage stinger detail for added authenticity. It's a visually striking guitar built to stand out on any stage.

Command the Stage With the King of the Flat-Tops

The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1957 SJ-200 Reissue acoustic-electric guitar delivers a premium playing experience steeped in vintage style and full-bodied tone. It's built for guitarists who want the unmistakable feel and sound of a Super Jumbo, whether you're in the studio, on tour or writing your next classic at home. A Red Line–inspired hardshell case is included to protect your investment wherever you go. Experience the legend for yourself with this stunning tribute to an acoustic icon.

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1957 SJ-200 Reissue Acoustic-Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1957 SJ-200 Reissue Acoustic-Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1957 SJ-200 Reissue Acoustic-Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst

Features

  • Thermally aged Sitka spruce top delivers rich, played-in warmth
  • Solid figured maple back and sides provide bright, crisp projection
  • Scalloped X-bracing maximizes sustain and tonal balance
  • Two-piece flamed maple neck with walnut stringer offers enhanced stability and premium style
  • Indian rosewood fretboard ensures smooth playability and responsive feel
  • Bone nut and saddle improve sustain and ensure accurate intonation
  • LR Baggs Element VTC pickup system delivers natural sound for live performance
  • Soundhole-mounted controls allow quick tone and volume adjustments on stage
  • SJ-200 moustache bridge enhances string vibration for balanced tonal output
  • Red Line-inspired hardshell case protects guitar during gigs and travel

Specs

Body
  • Body style: SJ-200
  • Top wood: Thermally aged solid Sitka spruce
  • Back and sides wood: Solid figured maple
  • Bracing: Scalloped X-bracing
  • Binding: Multi-ply top and back, single-ply fretboard and headstock
Neck
  • Neck shape: C profile
  • Neck wood: Two-piece flamed maple
  • Scale length: 25.5"
  • Fingerboard wood: Indian rosewood
  • Number of frets: 20
  • Inlays: Mother-of-pearl graduated crown
  • Neck joint: Glued-in dovetail
Hardware
  • Bridge: Moustache with mother-of-pearl bar inlays
  • Bridge wood: Rosewood
  • Saddle material: Bone
  • Nut material: Bone
  • Nut width: 1.72"
  • Bridge pins: Bone
  • Tuning machines: Epiphone Deluxe
  • Hardware finish: Gold
Electronics
  • Pickup system: LR Baggs Element Bronze VTC
  • Controls: Soundhole-mounted volume and tone
Other
  • Case: Inspired by Gibson Custom hardshell case
  • Orientation: Right handed
  • Number of strings: 6

Featured Articles

Reviews

5

5 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Small Venues5
  2. Jamming4
  3. Practicing4
  4. Recording2
  5. Rock Concerts2
Cons
  1. That I didnt buy it sooner1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced3
  2. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Consistent5
  2. Fun To Play5
  3. Good Audio5
  4. Good Feel5
  5. Stays In Tune5
  • A once in a lifetime guitar!

    5

    submitted4 months ago

    byMike

    fromColorado

    I love my Epiphone 1957 Gibson inspired guitar. I brought it to my song writers group and everyone wanted to play it.i use it for performances primarily as it projects so well. But I like to play it when I'm by myself too.

  • Holy crap! what a nice guitar!

    5

    submitted5 months ago

    byMichael

    fromColorado

    I own a hummingbird, a J45, and an SJ200. Then on a whim, I ordered this! I traded in two cheaper guitars to get it. It is beautiful and sounds beautiful. But the looks are not as important to me as how it plays. The nick is smooth and comfortable. It was so set up right out of the box that I will not need a setup, just some custom lights, and I am ready. I plan on playing this at church, the guitar club, and my songwriters group. Normally I only bring two guitars to a performance, but now it looks like three.

  • Epiphone - YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!!!!

    5

    submitted7 months ago

    byRonnie

    fromLancaster, Pa

    Bought this guitar to replace an Old Martin OM I had. It was time, the Martin was tired so off to the Guitar Center in Lancaster Pa I went. I wanted the Hummingbird cutaway Inspired By Gibson in natural but it was 8 weeks backordered. I decided on the Inspired by Gibson 1957 SJ-200 in Natural and WOW was I amazed when I got it!!! Talk about a loud, clear sound. It is amazing. This is truly a professional instrument. Very Beautiful and all my friends love it. I also have the Epiphone Widow Les Paul Custom and I must say THIS is just as fine an instrument as that is. EPIPHONE, YOU JUST FLAT OUT ROCK!!! If you want to stand out in a crowd of other guitar players, regardless of what they may be playing, Martin's, Tak's, Taylor's doesn't matter, YOU will be noticed with this lovely girl. Sound and aesthetics, YOU will be noticed. And again, all the folks at Guitar Center in Lancaster are AMAZING as well. Dan has a great crew here. If you are looking at a new Electric Acoustic, you have to check out their Inspired By Gibson Epiphones! The pick up are also very very good when you plug this beast in!

  • Epiphone,,,,YOU have done it AGAIN!!!

    5

    submitted7 months ago

    byRonnie

    fromLancaster, PA

    After getting over my shock on the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Widow, Les Paul Custom i just bought three weeks ago, I played this 57. Ok , this is an amazing jumbo guitar. The tone is LOUD and that is great! The quality is pretty amazing. It is a truly BEAUTIFUL guitar to look at. My buddies go crazy over this baby! The sound, as I said is amazing! The pickups are pretty good. Gotta dial it in when you first hook up but once you get the equalizer set, it sounds BEAUTIFUL!!! The case is ok and certainly a great add. This isn't a cheap guitar, at 1500, but, as I said, it is worth it. If you want a guitar that sounds incredible, looks amazing and will impress ANYONE who sees it,,,THIS IS FOR YOU! You DEFINATELY stand out on stage or with your buddies with this guitar but be aware,,,,they will ALL want to play it!! Just sayin".

  • This is a Beautiful, Loud, Amazing Guitar

    5

    submitted7 months ago

    byRonnie

    fromLancaster, PA

    Wow, picked this up yesterday and am I glad I did. This is truly a Jumbo guitar and it sounds like it! Beautiful craftsmanship, tone and playability. I played for two hours after picking it up yesterday. I did not want to put it down. Can't wait for my friends to see it. This thing will definitely turn heads! Louder than the D-28 Martin I played ,,,for sure! Epiphone, after I got my Widow last month I didn't know if you guys were real since that Widow Les Paul Custom is so amazing but here you go again with this beauty. I do truly now own two of the finest guitars. Thanks Epiphone!!! Oh, and once again Thanks to my friends at Lancaster Guitar Center!!! You are ALL AMAZING AS WELL!

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