1942 Gibson J-200
The 1942 J-200 (Super Jumbo) — Gibson's largest, most ornate, and most recognizable acoustic guitar. Pre-war Brazilian rosewood examples are extremely rare.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Specifications
| Body Wood | Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, Sitka Spruce top |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany (3-piece on some) |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None |
| Bridge | Moustache bridge (rosewood or ebony) |
| Tuners | Open-back Grover |
| Finish Options | Natural, Sunburst |
| Est. Production | 50 |
Pickups & Electronics
Acoustic guitar — no pickups. Moustache bridge, ornate pickguard.
What Changed in 1942
Wartime production halt approaching. Pre-war J-200s with Brazilian rosewood are extremely rare.
Notable Examples
Elvis Presley, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, Pete Townshend — the J-200 is the 'King of the Flat-Tops.'
Collector's Notes
Pre-war J-200s (SJ-200s) with Brazilian rosewood are among the most valuable acoustic guitars. Authentication critical.
How to Authenticate a 1942 Gibson J-200
Gibson serial numbers from this era are ink-stamped on the back of the headstock. Cross-reference with known Gibson serial tables — numbering was not strictly sequential. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1942 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. The finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer showing age-appropriate checking (fine crazing). Under blacklight, original nitro fluoresces a distinctive green-yellow — refinished instruments lack this characteristic. Acoustic — verify no modifications to the top for pickup installation. Gibson's largest acoustic. Ornate mustache bridge (verify correct style for year). Crown headstock inlay. Maple back/sides. Check for top cracks and bridge lifting. Original Open-back Grover should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.