1994 Gibson Custom Ray Whitley #12 SJ200 - J-200 Acoustic Guitar
Click on any photo below to enlarge
Audio played by Al Petteway
Artists who play instruments by this builder: Les Paul, Chet Atkins, Jimmy Page, Joe Perry, B.B. King, Howard Roberts, Herb Ellis, Charlie Christian
Here we have #12 of just 37 ever made of this very rare Gibson SJ-200 Custom Ray Whitely guitar built by Ren Ferguson and John Walker in 1994. Few may know that Ray Whitley, who wrote the hit 'Back in the saddle again' and starred in 54 movies with Gene Autry, also designed the SJ-200 and brought it to Gibson to build in 1937.
This commemorative model is crafted from Brazilian Rosewood, Adirondack Spruce with a sunburst finish, flame Maple Neck, Cowboy Inlays, Mustache Bridge, multiple Bindings and fancy headstock inlays.
Call before high noon tomorrow, to learn how this very cool guitar can be yours!
Fun Fact: Ray Whitley sold the song 'Back in the saddle again' to Gene Autry for $200 bucks. Oops!
Here we have #12 of just 37 ever made of this very rare Gibson SJ-200 Custom Ray Whitely guitar built by Ren Ferguson and John Walker in 1994. Few may know that Ray Whitley, who wrote the hit 'Back in the ...read full description
- Woods & Trim
- Back/Sides: Brazilian Rosewood
- Top Wood: Adirondack (Red) Spruce
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Neck Wood: Flamed Maple
- Bridge: Rosewood Mustache
- Rosette: Multiple Black/White Lines
- Binding: Ivoroid
- Fingerboard Bindings: Ivoroid
- Headplate: Ebony
- Headstock Bindings: Ivoroid
- Headstock Inlay: Custom Torch and 'Custom Ray Whitley' in Pearl
- Top Trim: Multiple Black/White Perflings
- Back Strip: Marquetry
- Fret Markers: Custom Cowboy Themed Inlays
- Tuners: Grover Imperials
- Tuner Finish: Gold
- Measurements
- Body Size: Jumbo
- Scale: 25.4 in. (645.15 mm)
- Nut Width: 1 3/4 in. (44.5 mm)
- String Spacing: 2 1/8 in. (54.1 mm)
- Body Length: 20 7/8 in.
- Upper Bout: 12 1/2 in.
- Lower Bout: 17 in.
- Serial #: 90954025
- Body Depth @Neck Heel: 3 3/4 in.
- Body Depth @Tail Block: 4 5/8 in.
- Frets to body: 14
- Extras
- Cutaway: None
- Pickguard: Bound Toroise Style
- Case: TKL
- Pickup: None
- Condition: Excellent, some finish checking.
Player Reviews:
"This is another of the many super rare and interesting guitars we have the joy of getting to know. #12 of 37 ever made, this is a very cool piece. But when you think that it commemorates the creator of the J-200 design it's even more astonishing. This guitar has a big voice and is very unique with Braziian body, Adirondack top and Flamed Maple Neck. A combination you do not see often. The appointments are great fun and make this rare bird even more unique and collectible." - Paul Heumiller
"This guitar sounds huge and it is really fun to play. So responsive and powerful. Ray Whitley was a singing cowboy movie star from the 1930's through the 1950's who worked with the likes of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. He was instrumental in the development of the J-200 model for Gibson.
From Wikipedia: "In 1937, Ray Whitley had worked with Gibson on the production of the famous Gibson SJ-200 acoustic guitar, which was initially known as the "Super Jumbo". Whitley used his own time and money to design a guitar which he took to Gibson. He explained the features and merits of the instrument, suggesting that by presenting them to other stars of the day, would result in really putting the Gibson name on the musical instrument map. As a result, Whitley was the first performer to own a Gibson SJ-200. The first SJ-200, custom built by Gibson for Whitley, is on display in the Country Music Hall of Fame. The SJ-200 has since become an American icon and has been played by hundreds of different guitarists over the years."" - Al Petteway
