1956 Gibson J-200

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1956 Gibson J-200 — an iconic Super Jumbo that has been thoughtfully and professionally restored to deliver the power, balance, and visual presence that made the J-200 the “King of the Flat-Tops.” With its commanding projection, rich low end, and shimmering treble response, this guitar stands as a compelling blend of vintage pedigree and expert modern craftsmanship.

This J-200 began its recent life as a luthier project, acquired by us in pieces, with the neck removed and the body previously re-topped. Our in-house luthier, Taras Andre, undertook a comprehensive and highly sensitive restoration with an emphasis on tonal excellence and visual authenticity. Using only nitrocellulose lacquer, Taras carefully aged the non-original spruce top, introducing subtle color into the clear coats to achieve a convincingly smoky, naturally aged finish that sits comfortably alongside the guitar’s original components.

Beyond the finish work, the guitar received a full neck reset, along with a planed fingerboard and complete refret. These critical structural and playability improvements transformed the instrument, allowing it to perform at the highest level. The result is one of the best-sounding J-200s we’ve had in some time: exceptionally loud and expansive, with the trademark J-200 bass response kept firmly in check by clear, chiming trebles. The tonal balance is impressive for such a large-bodied guitar, making it equally satisfying for bold strumming and more nuanced accompaniment.

The 25.5" scale length and 1 11/16" nut width pair with a chunky, ’50s-style C neck profile, offering a substantial and reassuring feel in the hand — exactly what players expect from a mid-’50s Gibson. A K&K pickup has been installed, with the output discreetly mounted in the endpin, making this J-200 ready for stage or studio use without compromising its acoustic character.

This 1956 Gibson J-200 comes with its original brown Lifton hardshell case. For players seeking the unmistakable presence and sound of a classic J-200 — paired with expert restoration work that prioritizes tone, playability, and vintage-correct aesthetics — this instrument represents a powerful and inspiring vintage offering.

Specifications

Model & Year

• Model: J-200
• Serial Number: A24579

Body

• Back & Sides: Maple
• Binding & Purfling: White with 6-ply purfling
• Body Shape: Super Jumbo

Top

• Top Wood: Spruce (non-original)
• Finish: Natural, aged nitrocellulose lacquer
• Rosette: Vintage style

Neck

• Wood: Maple
• Peghead: Classic Gibson
• Headstock Overlay: Classic Gibson
• Shape / Profile: C (chunky, ’50s style)
• Nut Width: 1.69"
• Scale Length: 25.5"

Fingerboard & Bridge

• Fingerboard: Rosewood, bound
• Bridge: Rosewood
• Saddle & Nut: Bone

Hardware & Misc.

• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe, single-line
• Pickguard: Tortoise with floral design
• Electronics: K&K pickup with endpin jack

Condition: Good (Restored)

• Cosmetic: Good; age-consistent wear and finish checking throughout; aged replacement top
• Structural: Good restored condition; non-original top; neck reset; refret

Case & Accessories

• Case: Original Lifton hardshell case