Steeped in history and brimming with power, the Gibson Murphy Lab 1957 SJ-200 Light Aged acoustic guitar marks the stunning return of an inimitable icon of American music. First introduced in 1937, the SJ-200 quickly became known as "the King of the Flat-Tops" for its sheer size, unmatched projection and ornate appointments. By 1947, Gibson adopted maple for the back and sides, giving the guitar a brighter, more articulate voice that paired perfectly with its commanding presence. This 1957 recreation captures the grandeur of those postwar Super Jumbos with a thermally aged Sitka spruce top, AAA flamed maple back and sides and a meticulously aged finish courtesy of Gibson's team of experts at the Murphy Lab. The result is an heirloom-level instrument that delivers both stage-worthy performance and rich vintage character right out of the case.

Thermally Aged Sitka Spruce Top Provides Enhanced Resonance

The top of the Murphy Lab 1957 SJ-200 is crafted from thermally aged Sitka spruce, treated to approximate the broken-in warmth of a well-loved vintage guitar. Paired with traditional scalloped X-bracing set with hide glue, the spruce responds with balance, clarity and projection. Whether strummed hard in a full-band setting or picked gently for solo performance, the top moves air with ease, giving you a wide dynamic range and that sought-after vintage immediacy. The thermal treatment not only sweetens the tone but also adds visual charm, creating a look and sound that feels decades old on day one.

AAA Flamed Maple Back and Sides Deliver Bright Power

Few woods define the postwar SJ-200 like maple, and this 1957 recreation goes all-in with AAA flamed maple back and sides. The figured grain isn't just eye-catching—it also shapes the guitar's sound with focused lows, crisp highs and a cutting presence that ensures your playing holds its own in any mix. The added depth of the Super Jumbo body amplifies that natural maple brilliance, giving you powerful projection without sacrificing balance. A checkerboard marquetry backstrip highlights the craftsmanship, making the instrument as striking visually as it is sonically.

Two-Piece Maple Neck and Rosewood Fingerboard for Effortless Playability

The 1957 SJ-200's neck is built from two pieces of AAA maple with a walnut stringer for enhanced stiffness and stability, while the vintage-inspired stinger at the back of the peghead adds to the instrument's timeless aesthetic. The neck's comfortable rounded profile makes long sessions approachable, whether you're strumming open chords or picking out melodies. The bound rosewood fingerboard features 20 frets and mother-of-pearl graduated crown inlays, adding both functionality and elegance. With a bone nut and saddle for precise intonation, the neck and fingerboard deliver a smooth, reliable feel that supports the guitar's powerhouse voice.

Murphy Lab Aging and Premium Gibson Appointments for Vintage Elegance

Every detail of the Murphy Lab 1957 SJ-200 is executed with vintage accuracy, down to the ornate four-bar Moustache bridge with mother-of-pearl inlays and the tortoiseshell pickguard with classic SJ-200 graphics. Multi-ply binding frames the body and headstock, while aged gold Gotoh tuners with keystone buttons hold tuning with style. The Murphy Lab Light Aging treatment gently simulates decades of delicate wear, giving the guitar a broken-in vibe that feels lived-in yet well-preserved. Paired with period-correct hardware, it delivers not just the look but the tactile experience of an original golden-era Gibson.

A Timeless Super Jumbo Built for the Stage and Beyond

The Gibson Murphy Lab 1957 SJ-200 Light Aged acoustic guitar is more than a collector's piece—it's a performance powerhouse with timeless appeal. Its thermally aged Sitka spruce and AAA maple construction give it the bold, articulate voice that has made the SJ-200 a staple for everyone from country icons to rock legends. With vintage detailing, heirloom appointments and the unmistakable touch of Murphy Lab craftsmanship, this Super Jumbo offers a chance to own one of the most majestic acoustics ever created. It arrives in a period-correct Lifton hardshell case, ready to command attention wherever it's played.