When the Gibson SJ-200 debuted in 1937, it quickly earned its reputation as “The King of the Flat-Tops” thanks to its impressive projection, massive body size, rich tone, and stunning visual presence. Early versions of the SJ-200 were built using rosewood for the back and sides, but this changed to maple by 1947. Due to the difficult post-Depression economy, few of these high-end instruments were produced, making original pre-war rosewood SJ-200s extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors today.

Now, in collaboration with Gibson Custom, Epiphone proudly introduces the Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue, a faithful recreation that captures the elegance and sonic power of the originals while being accessible for today’s musicians.

This remarkable instrument features solid rosewood back and sides, a thermally aged solid spruce top, and traditional scalloped X-bracing made from quarter-sawn spruce. The two-piece maple neck with a rosewood stringer has a comfortable Round D profile and is joined to the body with a glued-in dovetail joint, offering strength and sustain.

The ebony fingerboard is adorned with mother-of-pearl graduated Crown inlays and houses 20 standard frets. It’s paired with a classic SJ-200 pickguard featuring vintage-style graphics, and an ebony open two-bar Moustache™ bridge fitted with mother-of-pearl inlays. The nut, saddle, and bridge pins are made of bone, enhancing tone and response.

On the headstock, you’ll find Gibson’s iconic “open book” profile, a vintage Epiphone logo, a Gibson Crown in aged mother-of-pearl, and a stinger design on the back. The rear of the headstock is also etched with the Inspired by Gibson Custom Double Diamond logo.

To meet the needs of today’s players, the guitar comes equipped with a L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC pickup system, featuring a soundhole-mounted preamp with volume and tone controls—perfect for live performances or studio recording.

Each guitar includes a RedLine-inspired hardshell case, decorated with Inspired by Gibson Custom graphics, ensuring your instrument is protected in style wherever your music takes you.