Gibson J-200 1958 Reissue | 1997 USA Yamano Custom

Made in Bozeman, Montana. Yamano Music Japan custom specification. Solid Sitka spruce top. Exhibition-grade AAA flamed maple back and sides. Natural blonde nitrocellulose finish. Includes original hard case.
 
Available now is an exceptional 1997 Gibson J-200 1958 Reissue, built for Yamano Music, Gibson's exclusive Japanese distributor during the 1990s. Yamano representatives were legendary for their uncompromising quality control, hand-selecting the cream of the crop from the Bozeman factory and rejecting any instrument with even the slightest finish flaw or average wood grain. Yamano-certified Gibsons are globally recognised as having the finest wood sets and superior craftsmanship. This is not just a standard J-200; it is a best-in-class export.
 
The "First Off the Line" Heritage
Serial number 91517001 confirms this was the very first guitar produced at the Bozeman plant on May 31, 1997. For collectors, the 001 designation adds a unique layer of provenance and historical value.
 
The guitar has been exceptionally well-preserved, showing only the lightest signs of use and no structural issues, cracks or bridge lifting. The neck is straight, the action is dialled in for a comfortable professional feel, and the original moustache bridge and gold hardware remain bright and fully functional.
 
Test it for yourself at our Sydney shop, or we can ship it safely to your door anywhere in Australia. Contact us for a shipping quote.
In stock at Guitar Garage Sydney. $6,200
 
Key Features
Year: 1997
Made in: USA (Bozeman, Montana)
Serial: 91517001 (first guitar of the day)
Model: J-200 1958 Reissue Yamano Custom
Body Type: Super Jumbo (17" lower bout) — The King of the Flat-Tops
Finish: Natural Blonde, high-gloss nitrocellulose
Top: Solid Sitka spruce with hand-scalloped X-bracing
Back and Sides: Exhibition-grade AAA flamed maple
Neck: 3-piece flamed maple with walnut centre stringer, rounded 50s profile
Fingerboard: Bound premium rosewood
Inlays: Mother of Pearl Crown (graduated block)
Bridge: Rosewood Four Bar Moustache with MOP inlays
Pickguard: Hand-engraved tortoise with floral motifs
Pickup System: LR Baggs Element
Hardware: Original gold-plated Grover Rotomatic tuners
Case: Original hard case included
 
Sound and Tone
The J-200 is known as the King of the Flat-Tops for good reason. The super jumbo body produces a massive, rich sound with powerful low end, clear mids and sparkling highs. The AAA flamed maple back and sides provide exceptional projection, note clarity and harmonic complexity. The hand-scalloped X-bracing allows the solid Sitka spruce top to resonate freely, delivering volume and headroom for any playing situation.The LR Baggs Element pickup system captures this acoustic voice naturally when plugged in.
 
Feel and Playability
The rounded 50s neck profile feels substantial without being overly chunky. The bound rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability. The neck is straight and the action is dialled in for a comfortable professional feel.
 
Condition
Exceptionally well-preserved. Only the lightest signs of use. No structural issues, cracks or bridge lifting. Straight neck. Professional low action. Original moustache bridge and gold hardware remain bright and fully functional. A true collector-grade instrument.
 
Background
The Yamano distinction is legendary among Gibson collectors. During the 1990s, Yamano Music was Gibson's exclusive Japanese distributor, known for rejecting any instrument with even minor imperfections. Yamano-certified Gibsons are globally recognised as having the finest wood sets and superior craftsmanship. This example, with serial number 91517001, was the first guitar produced at Bozeman on May 31, 1997, adding significant provenance. The J-200 has been Gibson's flagship flat-top acoustic since 1937, and this 1958 reissue captures the golden era specification.