Guild F50R vs Gibson SJ200

D30Man

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As a new era guitar newbie, I hung out at the Gibson forum before joining here. The SJ-200 was always the "dream guitar," and of course out of reach financially (and rationally for a semi-beginner). Then I got my F-50R. I'd certainly take an SJ-200 if I won it in a raffle, but I no longer dream about getting one. The F-50R IS my dream guitar. :encouragement:

f50r557.jpg

And what a pretty dream guitar it is.. Gorgeous.. A lot of love here for the NH F50's.. I really need to try one out!
 

ClydeTower

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I own both, actually, a F55e (updated version of F50R) and a SJ200, both 2017 models. Although they are both jumbos, I wouldn't say one is better than the other, just different. Obviously the b/s will give a different tonal flavor to each, and as others have said, a better comparison would be a SJ200 vs F50. That said, both have their strengths.

The SJ200 is iconic and I personally love the way it looks. It also feels really good, the waist just sits perfectly in my lap and the nut width is a very comfortable 1 23/32. Its an awesome strumming guitar and has a very "hi-fi" sound due to its maple b/s. Of all my guitars, its the one that gets the most praise from listeners, both in sound and looks.

The F55 on the other hand is also beautiful but has a really powerful low end (probably due to the RW b/s). Its also very loud, more than the Sj200. Its my favorite guitar for alternate tunings, drop D, open D, etc. It has a particular woody sound and sustains for days. Nut width is a tad narrow at a true 1 11/16.

I think both have their place. The only thing I would say the SJ200 has over the F55 is resale value. Probably the only guitar I have that's worth more today than when I bought it (mind you, got a really good deal)...

 
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D30Man

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I own both, actually, a F55e (updated version of F50R) and a SJ200, both 2017 models. Although they are both jumbos, I wouldn't say one is better than the other, just different. Obviously the b/s will give a different tonal flavor to each, and as others have said, a better comparison would be a SJ200 vs F50. That said, both have their strengths.

The SJ200 is iconic and I personally love the way it looks. It also feels really good, the waist just sits perfectly in my lap and the nut width is a very comfortable 1 23/32. Its an awesome strumming guitar and has a very "hi-fi" sound due to its maple b/s. Of all my guitars, its the one that gets the most praise from listeners, both in sound and looks.

The F55 on the other hand is also beautiful but has a really powerful low end (probably due to the RW b/s). Its also very loud, more than the Sj200. Its my favorite guitar for alternate tunings, drop D, open D, etc. It has a particular woody sound and sustains for days. Nut width is a tad narrow at a true 1 11/16.

I think both have their place. The only thing I would say the SJ200 has over the F55 is resale value. Probably the only guitar I have that's worth more today than when I bought it (mind you, got a really good deal)...


Yeah the SJ200 is a looker that's for sure. I have always loved the bridges on those things..
 

Nuuska

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Hello

1 23/32 - 1 11/16 = 1/32
THAT divided by 5 = 1/160 less space between the strings . . .
not that much

But - we always seem to measure the outside of the nut - instead E to E - Center to Center.
 

ClydeTower

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Hello

1 23/32 - 1 11/16 = 1/32
THAT divided by 5 = 1/160 less space between the strings . . .
not that much

But - we always seem to measure the outside of the nut - instead E to E - Center to Center.

Surprising as it may be, that extra 1/32 makes a difference. At least to me. It's my Goldilocks rule:

1 11/16 - A little too tight
1 3/4 - A little too wide
1 23/32 - Just right

I know many NH F50 owners have said that their Guild is listed at 1 11/16, but in actuality, they're a bit wider, more like 1 23/32+
Oxnard F55 is a true 1 11/16.
 

adorshki

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Though it is no mystery most of your sound comes from the top I am not of the “tone wood doesnt matter” crowd....

Even if you throw out the tonewood and focus on the top, there's bracing differences to consider.
I've had a pet theory for a couple of years now that each maker has little secret recipes or tweaks they use in their bracing to help define their brand's (or a given model's) "characteristic sound"
Witness Taylor's recent introduction of "V" bracing, for example.
But I note that even though makers might show diagrams of the patterns, rarely if ever do I see measurement specs...I bet that's where the Colonel's 11 different herbs and spices are found...
:tranquillity:
 

algionfriddo

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Surprising as it may be, that extra 1/32 makes a difference. At least to me. It's my Goldilocks rule:

1 11/16 - A little too tight
1 3/4 - A little too wide
1 23/32 - Just right

I know many NH F50 owners have said that their Guild is listed at 1 11/16, but in actuality, they're a bit wider, more like 1 23/32+
Oxnard F55 is a true 1 11/16.
I have a 1996 JF-55 Natural (Westerly RI made) Rosewood back & sides... now called F-55. I looked for months to find a true 1.75" nut and finally got mine. It runs 1 15/32" from center E to center e. I just got it back from Mike Lull's Shop (Seattle). They ran it through their PLEK machine and the action and playability are fantastic. I had 2 very minor cracks due to pickguard shrinkage, but they removed the pickguard, cleaned the top, repaired (cleats & fill) both cracks and you have to look very hard to spot either. It has never sounded better. Loud, clean, great tone separation and excellent intonation. I have some small barely visible cracks on the white fretboard border purfling, but they are very slight and I can't feel them when I play. I have Elixir 12/53 Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze (Light) on it now. Next string change I'm going with 13/56 Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze (Medium). It will be interesting to hear the difference. I also have a 1979 Guild F212XL NT (just fantastic power with incredible chime... Guild makes the best 12 string acoustic), a custom built Breedlove Jumbo 6 string, Adirondack/Cocobolo (just terrific bass tone) & my go to... a 2008 Martin D-28 Marquis. The Marquis is WAY better than I deserve. Best dread I've ever played. The Adirondack top, 1 3/4" nut & 2 5/16" string width at the saddle make it a great finger picking guitar. All have K&K Pure Mini w/soundwheel. I run them through a ZoomA3 preamp. Gives the true acoustic sound but amplified. I'm set for life.
 

Brucebubs

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My 2020 Gibson Custom Shop Historic 1957 SJ-200 has a few features quite different to a SJ-200 Standard - like Hide Glue construction, 'Thermally Aged' spruce top and thin nitro finish (4 coats of varnish compared to the usual 9)
It is the warmest sounding guitar I've ever played with stunning depth ... and yes, it's maple.

My wife asked me if there was still a guitar I wanted, I told her yes, I'd like a Guild rosewood jumbo!
 

dreadnut

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I would love to have some Gibby's in my stable, especially my buddy's '66 Hummingbird. What I really want now is a '20's Gibson A style mandolin.
 

chazmo

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I used to have a '73 F50R. I use to try out every SJ200 I could find to A/B the two, and the Guild came out ahead to me every time. As others have noted, there is a difference between rosewood and maple. The only reason I sold it was because my hands weren't working as well on 1 11/16. I still have an awesome JF 55-12 and Mark V.

CK
Cypress Knee! Welcome back. It's been ages.
 

Boneman

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I own both, actually, a F55e (updated version of F50R) and a SJ200, both 2017 models. Although they are both jumbos, I wouldn't say one is better than the other, just different. Obviously the b/s will give a different tonal flavor to each, and as others have said, a better comparison would be a SJ200 vs F50. That said, both have their strengths.

The SJ200 is iconic and I personally love the way it looks. It also feels really good, the waist just sits perfectly in my lap and the nut width is a very comfortable 1 23/32. Its an awesome strumming guitar and has a very "hi-fi" sound due to its maple b/s. Of all my guitars, its the one that gets the most praise from listeners, both in sound and looks.

The F55 on the other hand is also beautiful but has a really powerful low end (probably due to the RW b/s). Its also very loud, more than the Sj200. Its my favorite guitar for alternate tunings, drop D, open D, etc. It has a particular woody sound and sustains for days. Nut width is a tad narrow at a true 1 11/16.

I think both have their place. The only thing I would say the SJ200 has over the F55 is resale value. Probably the only guitar I have that's worth more today than when I bought it (mind you, got a really good deal)...

That’s some serious guitar porn ;) A lovely pair
 

merlin6666

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Just for a slightly different beast, how would an Orpheum Jumbo compare to either of these classics? I know that those also inherited some Gibson genes.
 

Brad Little

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Lately I've been eying a J200 that the Music Emporium has on their site (actually 2, $3000 each), was actually thinking about taking a trip up there and seeing what they'd give me for my D55. May see if a friend wants to take a guitar trip with me.
 
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