In their 1996 publicity blurb describing their new Elvis, “King of Rock” limited edition J-200, Gibson stated that, “It is a replica of a customized guitar in Elvis Presley's personal collection of Gibson Super Jumbos. This replica was authorized by Graceland, and only a limited quantity of 250 were made.” Not mentioned however, is that while the majority of the 250 production run were shipped to Gibson 5 star dealers & stores, a handful were available directly to fans visiting Graceland’s Elvis store. A phone call to Gibson reveals that this appears to be one of the Graceland guitars.
Fully hand built
Putting aside the whole Elvis aspect of the guitar for a moment, Gibson J- and SJ-200s have become increasingly scarce over the past twelve to eighteen months, (along with many other top models, both acoustic and electric), so perhaps consider this first and foremost as an available J/SJ-200. Fully hand built at Gibson’s acoustic facility in Bozeman, Montana, all the top-flight features are there – and more: Sitka Spruce top; Maple back and sides; solid Maple neck; hand carved Ebony bridge; gold herringbone rear centre stripe; multi-ply binding on the front and back; gold Gibson-stamped tuners; Ebony fingerboard, with mother-of-pearl crown inlays; matching crown inlay set into the scratchplate; Elvis Presley signature on the truss rod cover… whew!
Definitely a 10
While not exactly in mint cosmetic condition, the guitar is eminently playable, with all the sonic boom and bark and shimmer that the super-jumbos are famous for. Pics show areas of checking in the nitro lacquer, and a small paint chip at the top bass-side of the bridge has been touched up. Sidestepping the industry standard Good / Very Good / Excellent system, out of 10 it’s definitely a 10 for sound and playability, and probably a 6.5 for looks and condition.
Free courier delivery
Take your playing into the big league, with one of the big league’s most iconic instruments. Our price includes FREE COURIER DELIVERY to any address in Australia. ($100 airfreight to New Zealand, $175 to the US, Canada, UK and mainstream European countries. International freight added at checkout)
Just Guitars
