1964 Gibson J-200, Sunburst

A particularly attractive example of Gibson’s flagship flat-top from the period. It features a maple neck, beautifully flamed maple back and sides, and a tight-grained spruce top with pronounced silking running across the grain. Classic J-200 appointments are all present, including the bound fingerboard and headstock, crown inlays to both the fingerboard and headstock face, and gold waffle-back tuners.

The guitar retains its closed moustache rosewood bridge, now fitted with a replaced rosewood insert and a new compensated saddle. Inside the soundhole is a correct orange “Union Made” Gibson label with model and serial number. There is some cosmetic untidiness beneath the label.

This example has a factory-applied stinger to the rear of the headstock. There is, however, some localised finish disturbance in this area where a previous owner attempted to carve their initials (“AHJ”) into the back of the headstock. Inside the body, additional initials (“AJ”) have been marked with a pen, adding a piece of personal history to the instrument.

There is a crack to the top by the fingerboard on the treble (high-E) side. This has been professionally addressed with the addition of a reinforced internal neck block to stabilise the area and prevent further movement. Some glue squeeze-out is visible inside the body, but the work appears solid and effective, and the guitar feels structurally secure.

Neck measurements are very comfortable, with a nut width of 42.6mm, a depth of 20.7mm at the first fret and 28mm at the twelfth, giving a full yet playable feel that suits the model well.

Overall, this is a characterful and visually striking mid-’60s J-200, combining classic Jumbo tone and presence with honest wear, sensible repairs and plenty of vintage appeal. Includes the original hard shell case.