9. Jumbo/Super-Jumbo
They call it the Super Jumbo 200, SJ-200, or simply J-200 - Gibson's top-tier flat-top acoustic guitar. This beauty has won the hearts of music legends like Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Ron Wood, Emmylou Harris, Rick Nelson, and many more with its crystal-clear and perfectly balanced sound.
Gibson was known for making archtop guitars with arched tops. But in the late 1920s, they decided to dive into the world of flat-top acoustics, probably inspired by the great success Martin had with their Dreadnought model. In 1928, Gibson made its first move into the flat-top market with the "Nick Lucas," their first signature model.
The prototype of the SJ-200 was custom-built in 1937 for the famous "singing cowboy of Hollywood," Ray Whitley. It all started at a rodeo in Madison Square Garden when Ray placed an order for a custom Super Jumbo. He wanted a guitar that was bigger, more stunning, louder, and more eye-catching than anything else out there. The demand was so high that in 1938, Gibson decided to put this extraordinary instrument into mass production.
Since its initial release, the SJ-200 has continuously evolved. Gibson has tweaked its appearance and enhanced its sound. The back and sides were originally made of rosewood but later switched to exquisite maple (since 1946). The generous body size of the current SJ model still adheres to the standard dimensions from 1939, with a maximum width of 43.2 cm and a height of 53 cm. The round-bodied Super Jumbo shares the same dimensions as Gibson's L-5 archtop guitar, which is a true powerhouse (more on that later).
And just like Martin introduced the Dreadnought, Gibson brought the SJ-200 Jumbo to the market, a body shape that has been adopted by almost every acoustic guitar manufacturer out there.
Sound:
Sound-wise, jumbo guitars offer a distinct, transparent sound profile with massive bass, powerful midrange, and sparkling highs. With a jumbo guitar in your hands, you definitely won't need to hide behind any other instrument. Depending on the tonewoods used, the bass can be so pronounced that fingerpicking might sound a bit less defined. However, good jumbos also excel in blues- and folk-style fingerpicking.
Undoubtedly, these "big" guitars shine in the singer-songwriter domain, especially when it comes to strumming (playing chords with a strumming technique). Think of artists like Sheryl Crow or country legend Emmylou Harris. Jumbo guitars have an incredible ability to project sound, making them an excellent partner for vocals and providing a stellar backing. It's like they've got your back, making sure your voice shines and everything comes together beautifully!
