Could someone talk me out of an SJ-200 Gibson?

[loco gringo]

Do it. Do it now.

[steelvibe]

Cheater. I saw you with that CF girl yesterday

[byudzai]

Originally Posted by JimmerO

I won't buy any new guitars until I sell a few first. But the two guitars I want to buy are an Emerald and a Gibson J200 Montana Gold.

The Emerald X30 is a tremendous jumbo, it's all I really play. (See review link in signature). And that Montana Gold is the one I really want too. (If it's good enough for Colin Meloy...)

[thomasinaz]

Originally Posted by byudzai

I stare at these all the time. I know it's just a guitar. They're all just wood and tension and strings, it won't change my life, it won't be better than the others.

But I want one.

Can you talk me out of it? Comfort me that it's not the most wonderful guitar ever?

.................or is it????

No I can't talk you out of it. I was in the same predicament for a while. I say "was" because I just ordered the one I'd been wanting, but had been on the fence about. So sorry, I can't help you.

[zmf]

Originally Posted by byudzai

Can you talk me out of it?

Do you strum? Good choice.
Do you fingerpick? Bad choice.

[gmel555]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Absolutely correct - I actually cancelled a buy last year because the saddle was so low.
Here's the picture of the guitar that stopped me buying it.

WOW...both E strings look like they're almost touching the bridge, nothing left. That burst spruce is REALLY pretty though...

[JimmerO]

Originally Posted by byudzai

The Emerald X30 is a tremendous jumbo, it's all I really play. (See review link in signature). And that Montana Gold is the one I really want too. (If it's good enough for Colin Meloy...)

I saw Colin play his live here in CT. What a big and glorious sound. I wonder if he plays the Montana Gold because he's from Montana?

[Puerto Player]

I've had it along with my X20 Emeralds. The Gibby 200 is gone. There was nothing it added tone wise or loudness that I didn't already have, and I enjoy cutaways more in general.

[byudzai]

Originally Posted by JimmerO

I saw Colin play his live here in CT. What a big and glorious sound. I wonder if he plays the Montana Gold because he's from Montana?

He said yes to that, and said he likes the SJ200 because he's a heavy strummer and it can take the abuse.

[Kenbike]

check out Wildwood Music site, they have a 100th anniversary J200 from the custom shop that looks very nice and cost $38,000!
Would be fun but I would have to sell all of my Guitars and then some.

[KalamazooGuy]

Originally Posted by zmf

Do you strum? Good choice.
Do you fingerpick? Bad choice.

As a player with the exact motivations as the OP and went for one myself, this post sums it up best. VERY good for cowboy chords and banging it hard with the flat pick. It wouldn't be the best pick for bluegrass picking night though.

I will say this...There is no denying the pure magic of a fresh set of strings on one. My GAS fizzed off after I got one and I am glad it finally did [emoji6]

[jpd]

Originally Posted by byudzai

I stare at these all the time. I know it's just a guitar. They're all just wood and tension and strings, it won't change my life, it won't be better than the others.

But I want one.

Can you talk me out of it? Comfort me that it's not the most wonderful guitar ever?

.................or is it????

Don't do it...find a L-200!

[SoCalSurf]

Describing the SJ200 for it not being a good fingerstyle guitar is like pointing out the limitations of a Ferrari of not being able to haul a lot of merchandise from Home Depot. It's not what it is made for.

[stevedenver]

Play one.
Even if you buy one from GC,
Ship it, take it home, try it and see how it fits you.

A “good” gibson is a joy.
I have played a few styles, all montana, most upper end or custom shop.


If you have it home during the trial period, youll figure if its lust or love.....

Personally, i love the looks, but have always been disappointed with sound, especially finger style. Being unhappy with the sound, or feel, eventually is a road to non use, for me. A test drive and a few nights sleeping on things often makes it clear.

Btw, there is /was the j190, less adorned, less pricey, if youre into splitting the baby...harder to find...not the super fusion or knobbed versions, but a j200, with less adornment, some had cutaways. Full maple, multi ply neck, moustache, quite a bit less. (It is not a 185 body)

My friend bought one, and its quite nice.....

[guitar george]

Originally Posted by Taylor007

If you really want to be talked out of one, they often leave the factory w/ low saddle height.

I loosened the truss rod on mine and it immediately "opened up".