This 2001 Gibson SJ-200 Vine, master-built by Ren Ferguson, is a premium custom acoustic guitar produced in Gibson’s Custom Shop. Ferguson, a renowned master luthier, is celebrated for his artistic inlay work and meticulous construction, making each instrument both a superb functional guitar and a work of fine art. Gibson have produced other J-200 vine models but Ren Ferguson made models are quite a few levels above these.
The Gibson Super Jumbo (SJ) is known as the "King of the Flattops" due to its size and resonance. This Custom Shop Vine model has a Solid Spike Sitka Spruce top with highly flamed Maple back and sides – the sharpness on the straight grain to the top looks really special, and gives the guitar its tonal clarity and projection. The multi-ply binding, with elaborate abalone purfling, extends across the top, back, and sides, adding to the aesthetic allure of this guitar. The 3-piece neck, with flame maple outer layers and a rosewood or central stripe, has a premium Ebony fretboard with stunning custom vine inlays, meticulously hand-cut and engraved by Ferguson - the inlay is predominantly abalone embedded in ebony, producing dramatic iridescence – and each vine design is a one-off, making each guitar a unique collector’s piece The inlay detail continues into the headstock design, surrounding an early Gibson script logo, with a bell-shaped truss rod cover in mother-of-pearl. The signature SJ-200 moustache-style bridge also has Mother-of-Pearl (MOP) and abalone inlays. The attention to detail continues with Gold Waverly open-back tuners, with the buttons engraved with vine motifs. The large decorative tortoiseshell-pattern scratch plate also has hand-carved vine motifs, signed by Ferguson with his initials (RF).
This 2001 model is in superb condition and comes complete with an Ivory Hiscox Pro-II Series Jumbo Acoustic Guitar Case to keep this special guitar safe. There is a slight colour bleed just below the nut and one tiny ding to the top (see last 2 pictures) but this guitar has clearly been well cared for over the past 25 years.
This unique guitar represents the apex of Gibson Custom Shop craftsmanship, blending musical performance with the collectible artistry of Master Builder Ren Ferguson.
Shipping within mainland UK using fully insured 24-hour courier service @ £35.00.
Shipping to US/Canada, using UPS, is £185.00. Shipping to EU is £65.00
Customers outside of UK/EU/US/Canada should contact Vintage Rare & Retro Guitars for a shipping quotation. Free pick-up is always available at our Gullane shop.
