Skip to content
Vintage 1951 Gibson SJ-200 Sunburst Owned by Ry Cooder

Vintage 1951 Gibson SJ-200 Sunburst Owned by Ry Cooder

SKU 84GIB022
by Gibson
Sold out
$ 17,999.99 - $ 17,999.99
$ 17,999.99
$ 17,999.99 - $ 17,999.99
$ 17,999.99

Legendary musician, songwriter, composer and producer Ry Cooder is known across the guitar world as not only being one of the great guitarists of all time, but also a prolific collector of instruments. Whether it be vintage Gibson acoustics, funky Teisco electrics from the 1960's, or modern customs by Danny Ferrington, these instruments have a pedigree like few others. Never one to be afraid to tinker, Ry's instruments often have modifications and customized work done to them. Some of his guitars have even become categories themselves - just look up "Coodercaster".


Over the years, Ry has amassed a massive collection. After he recently relocated to a new home, he knew it was time to part with some of it. Not only to make space, but also to allow others to enjoy the instruments and make new music with them. Truetone Music is proud to partner with him on this special project. Together, we present the Ry Cooder Collection.

All of the instruments have been vetted and worked on by Paul Flynn, co-owner of Truetone, head luthier and Ry's personal guitar tech. Each comes with an official Certificate of Authenticity signed by Paul and Ry. We have done our best to research and determine models, years and other information about each instrument - keep in mind that each is a unique piece and may have been modified over the years, and is sold as is. This is an opportunity to own a piece of music history, and to add a special instrument to your own collection.
 
Here we have a very special guitar in general, one that would demand a lot of interest, even before factoring in who owned it:  a vintage 1951 Gibson SJ-200.  
 
Built in the summer of 1951, it is FON 5707 - the 14th guitar in that batch.   It has been kept in incredible shape for all of these years.  We're talking over 70 years.  One would be hard-pressed to find another SJ-200 from this era in such good condition.  It has a good neck angle, plays like a dream, and is overall a very, very impressive guitar.  The richness and fullness of an SJ-200's projection is like nothing else, and this one is a great example.
 
This guitar is all original - the original finish is in tact, and all of the hardware is original.  It shows signs of modification in that the tail block was reamed for an endpin jack, but guitar does not have a pickup in it.  It appears that one was installed and then removed, so it was reverted back to being a straight acoustic without electronics.  There is some some gassing and crystalizing of tortoise shell pickguard but it's still in good shape.  Also, the original case is included.
 
This could be the one of the cleanest vintage Gibson acoustics from that era that we've come across.  The fact that it was owned and played by Ry Cooder makes it even more collectible.  A signed Certificate of Authenticity is included.  It could be the premium showcase piece to any collection.

Serial # A-8408