Still, at their respective affordable price points, the J-45 and J-200 are fantastic players that will eventually sound warmer with age and time spent playing them. Now, I wouldn’t categorize either acoustic as warm-sounding, because there is a definitive high-end crispness on both that reveals their newness. And it’ll be no surprise that this J-45 might be the enduring favorite among strummers and fingerpickers with its effluence of low-mids that truly shape its punchy voice. The Gibson SJ-200 is the worlds most famous acoustic guitar and earned its designation as the 'King of the Flat-Tops.' Since its release in 1937, its wide use by American artists has made the Super Jumbo one of the most widely played acoustic guitars of our time. In contrast to the noble J-200, the J-45 has less snobby appeal with bourgeois looks, folksy playability and a stripped-down resonant tone. Jumbos like the J-200 were designed to be loud, and to fill large, crowded rooms with sound in the last era before amplification. With its Cadillac proportions and ornate appointments, the J-200 is undoubtedly the showstopper of the two, commanding authority with its booming, woody voice and wonderfully set-up low action. Answer (1 of 5): No, because thanks to the rise of affordable PA systems, the day of the Jumbo-sized guitar has passed. The jumbo acoustic made its name in folk, rock and country music among big names like Elvis, Jimmy Page, Bob Dylan and George Harrison. The high-gloss tackiness that plagues most budget guitars is now replaced by a soft and supple aged finish that whole-heartedly contributes to an inviting playing feel. The J-200 gives a heavy nod towards the Gibson SJ-200 first introduced in 1937.
It’ll be no surprise that this J-45 might be the enduring favorite among strummers and fingerpickers with its effluence of low-mids that truly shape its punchy voice Despite the striking resemblance to the original models, one of the best and most palpable attributes both acoustics share is the aged gloss finish. The “Inspired by Gibson” handle for the J-45 and J-200 is apropos here, because to my eyes, Epiphone went to great lengths in authentically recreating the over-all vibe and aesthetic of these iconic acoustics.