Epiphone Pre-war SJ200 Rosewood Reissue

Historic design with premium tonewoods

The Epiphone Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue is a modern-day tribute to one of the rarest acoustics ever made. Built with solid rosewood back and sides, this model captures the warm low end and powerful projection of the original pre-war SJ-200s, before the shift to maple in 1947. Paired with a thermally aged solid spruce top, the soundboard has a broken-in feel and tone straight out of the case, giving you a mature, seasoned response typically found only in vintage instruments. This combination of tonewoods ensures you're getting a rich and expressive vintage playing experience.

Craftsmanship inspired by Gibson Custom

This guitar is an Inspired by Gibson Custom build that incorporates high-end construction techniques and meticulous detailing. The two-piece maple neck is reinforced with a rosewood centre strip, offering both strength and aesthetic appeal. Its Round D profile is comfortable and substantial without being bulky, making it suitable for everything from strumming to intricate fingerpicking. The ebony fretboard not only contributes to a snappy tonal response but is also beautifully inlaid with mother-of-pearl graduated Crown markers, adding a stunning vintage edge. Every component, from the scalloped X-bracing to the bone nut and saddle, is designed to maximise tonal performance and long-term stability.

Vintage details with a distinctive aesthetic

Visually, the Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue pays homage to Gibson’s legendary flat-top aesthetic. The multi-ply binding on the top, back and headstock, the classic SJ-200 open moustache bridge with pearl inlays, and the vintage-style pickguard graphics come together to create a stunning appearance rooted in tradition. The headstock features the iconic Gibson “open book” shape, with an aged Epiphone logo and mother-of-pearl Gibson Crown inlay. Around the back, a stinger and an etched Inspired by Gibson Custom Double Diamond logo add an extra layer of vintage styling. It’s a stunner that achieves the sound and style of an original pre-war SJ-200.

Modern electronics for stage and studio

While its heart lies in tradition, this Epiphone doesn’t overlook the needs of contemporary performers. Fitted with an L.R. Baggs Element Bronze VTC undersaddle pickup system, the guitar is ready to go from living room to live stage or recording booth. With discreet soundhole-mounted controls for volume and tone, you get plug-in-and-play convenience without sacrificing the instrument’s clean vintage look. The system delivers a natural, dynamic sound that mirrors the guitar’s rich acoustic tone, giving you the confidence to perform in any setting. It also comes complete with a Red Line-inspired hardshell case featuring Inspired by Gibson Custom graphics, so you can take it anywhere straight out of the box.