Gibson J200 Artist Sunburst 1981

This 1981 Gibson J-200 Artist is Gibson's legendary jumbo in one of its most classic guises: a maple-bodied flat-top in a warm sunburst finish, still in excellent condition after more than four decades. Nicknamed the King of the Flat-tops, the J-200 has always been about big looks and an even bigger voice, and this vintage example delivers both.

The J-200 (originally the SJ-200) was introduced by Gibson in 1937 as the top of its flat-top range and quickly earned that royal nickname. Its oversized jumbo body, maple back and sides and lavish appointments set it apart from anything else in the catalogue, and it became a stage favourite for generations of players. The "Artist" in the name dates from the Norlin years: from around 1970, Gibson catalogued its flagship jumbo as the J-200 Artist. It was really a change of name rather than a different guitar, carrying the same maple body, spruce top and other specs that had always defined the model.

For its age this J-200 still looks remarkably clean and has clearly been well cared for over the years. Alongside the usual playing marks, years of playing have left it with a few dings on the body, two repaired cracks in the top and a bridge that has been reglued. The signature details are all present: cream binding around the body and neck, a beautifully engraved tortoise pickguard, mother-of-pearl graduated crown inlays running up the rosewood fingerboard, and, typical of the early '80s period, Gibson Schaller Speed Winder Crank tuners on the headstock.

Pick it up and you get exactly what a J-200 promises. The solid spruce top with maple back and sides gives a broad, powerful voice with plenty of volume, and a bright, clear top that cuts through beautifully. A character that is made for strumming and accompaniment. The maple neck carries a comfortable C profile, and with its 43 mm nut and 25.5" scale length it offers the kind of easy, familiar playability that has kept the J-200 on stages for decades.

This instrument has been carefully inspected for originality, condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.