Gibson honors Johnny Cash and his daughter Rosanne Cash with limited-edition signature acoustics. Based on two custom SJ-200 models Johnny Cash received from Gibson in the 1950s, both models continue the legacy of these legendary artists. If you’re a Cash fan, you’re going to need some, because these signatures ain’t cheap.
Gibson Johnny Cash SJ-200: Honoring the legacy
In the fifties, Johnny Cash ordered two custom SJ-200 acoustic guitars from Gibson. He requested to have his name inlaid on the fretboard, made from mother-of-pearl inlays. In addition, Cash personally designed the acoustic guitar’s pickguard. Ever since then, countless fans, and musicians have again and again asked Gibson to recreate the iconic guitar. And today, that wish is fulfilled.
Its Super Jumbo body is made from solid flamed maple on the back and the sides, while the top is Sitka spruce. A two-piece maple neck combined with a rosewood fretboard compliments this build. On top of that sits the iconic “Johnny Cash” letting from mother-of-pearl inlays. The custom shape of the pickguard also makes a return.
In terms of hardware, Gibson opted for Vintage Keystone tuners, an SJ-200 Four Bar moustache bridge, and 20 frets. They’ve included an LR Baggs VTC acoustic pickup system for the pickup system. This replica of the original signature has been developed in close cooperation with the Cash family. It was designed in the Gibson Custom Shop in Bozeman, Monatana. Only one hundred guitars have been handmade there, so if you want one, you better be quick.
Gibson Rosanne Cash J-185: SlimTaper Neck, Rosewood fingerboard, more affordable
While significantly more affordable than the SJ-200, the Gibson Rosanne Cash J-185 is still a premium acoustic guitar. Like the SJ-200, the J-185’s body is made of solid flamed maple on the back and the sides. The top is made of thermally treated, aged Sitka spruce, so quite similar. This acoustic also comes with traditional hand-scalloped X-bracing inside to improve the guitar’s sound.
Compared to the SJ-200’s scale (648 mm or 25.5″), the J-185 comes in a bit more compact at 629 mm or 24.75″. Gibson and Rosanne Cash opted for a mahogany neck (SlimTaper shape) with an Indian Rosewood fretboard, 20 frets, and mother-of-peal parallelogram inlays. Gibson really went all in with the mother-of-pearl decorations, as they’ve also used it for the bridge and the pickguard.
The bridge is a traditional rosewood belly surrounded by mother-of-pearl Maltese crosses, while the “Johnny Cash” lettering is prominently placed on the pickguard. Quite the eye-catcher!
How much do the Gibson Johnny Cash SJ-200 and the Gibson Rosanne Cash J-185 cost?
As I said in the beginning, you’re going to need some cash for this. The limited edition Gibson Johnny Cash SJ-200 is €14,999 / £12,990 / $13,890 at Thomann*.
Compared to that, the Gibson Rosanne Cash J-185 goes for €5.399 / £4,690 / $4,999 at Thomann*.
More on the Gibson signature guitars
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