Sounds gorgeously old fashioned unplugged, with a beautiful modern tone plugged in. Nice! I’ve never heard an acoustic that doesn’t have rosewood back and sides that sounds this good.
Great video Ben, one of the most recognisable, typecast, and mis-understood guitars in history. Not just a cowboy ornament or Britpop staus symbol. Like Ben’s playing, character, depth and sensitivity. Gorgeous
I just got the SJ-200 Studio today and have been playing it all day - and it has rendered my Maton Thommy Emmanuel and Martin D28 redundant. They are great but the Gibson just has such character. When I play acoustic guitar these tones are what I want to hear. This guy plays it beautifully. I also think this guitar just perfects little things going on in the neck and the clarity of tones that give it such a strong sense and sound.
The spruce is loose, baby!. What a sweet-sounding and ornate piece of furniture this is. Ben wrung some amazing jams out of it. I just wish I had the money and the space to own one of these. Thanks for showcasing this lovely instrument for us, Ben. Always appreciated!
Did Ben piss you guys off or what? I love his playing, and I love his personality- so, why no dialog or commentary from him? He's a friggin' stud. GO Ben!
I have two options: 1- Stop buying musical equipment, live on bread and water, save every cent I can possibly save for 5 years and then buy the guitar of my dreams. 2- Stop being an idiot, be happy with what I have and let the guitar of my dreams forever be what it is..., the guitar of my dreams.
Pete Townshends favorite acoustic, used on countless who records. The j200 is the best sounding acoustic guitar in the world in my opinion. I love the sound of them, especially when pete Townshend is playing his. I had an epiphone j200 in the past and it sure sounded great as well. Great playing in the video by the way.
Marvelous playing on a wonderful sounding guitar. Love the way you play. Picking up my SJ200 1957 coming Saturday. Next step, learn to play like you...or should it have been the other way around :-)
Watched loads of vids over the years with j200 s always thought they were nice but over priced but I have to say I am blown away by this one , combination of Ben's playing with a stunning guitar . This one is worth every penny. Looks like the people up in Bozeman are doing great work.
Built less than 2 hours from my doorstep, played all the way across the pond and it still sounds like Montana to me. I can almost even smell it, but I'm spoiled and have played many of these, including the limited edition 1 of 5 that lists for $10,599, so I know how good it smells. All that being said, they're big and boomy. I prefer the J45 and the Martin family's HD-28, both of which you can pick up for the price of one of these. Montana made acoustics are the sh^t, though.
I have never heard a "boomy" maple back/sides SJ-200. Played many. The maple, plus the tight waist, ensure there is not any "boominess" from the guitar's overall size.
God I really need 5 grands !!! Dream guitar here , Ben’s playing is what this beautiful blond deserved ! Thank you Ben now I am off to work with your last tune in my mind .
Give Ben a tincan with a broom stick and a string on it and he will play it so beautifully....whouw whouw....I'm mostly here for your playing man....if you ever consider doing concerts in Germany, please let me know...I will arrange some gigs for you!!!
I once Played one of Theses In a Guitar Store Best sounding Acoustic I've Ever Played If I could have Afforded it ..... I would have Bought it There & Then
I was lucky enough to pick up an Orville By Gibson J200 a few years back... Love it! (You are welcome to give it play, Ben - you will do it more justice than I ever will!)
Hi nice to watch you playing again with nice turnarounds in this Gibson acoustic. I would be pleased very much to listen to more Gibson with Mahagony B&S.
I think I can play well enough, then I see this and it inspires me to get better. Outstanding technique and expression. Might need to get one of them there j200's
I didn't notice any part of this video that didn't feature a "plugged in" SJ-200. Was there one? Beautiful playing and sound, but I would like to hear it played without amplification. Also how does this "Original" differ from the "Standard"?
Last few years I've been trying out different acoustics - and this was one of the ones I tried. In fact I tried several Gibson acoustics and all had this 600-700 hz bump that gave it a nasal tone. Guys - the acoustic tone that we all heard on records and love comes from a Martin. Something like a D18 or D28. Dont look any further.
Is this a new format ya'll are switching to? The Epi JB Black Beauty video was shot this way too which is fine the playing is great but the main thing we all love from Andertons are the goofy reviews that most other channels can't nail right..
@@jeramym9506 Yea man 90% of the time I watch Andertons it is just for the content and not necessarily the reviews although I have made a few purchase decisions off seeing gear on here. I really liked the format they were using from 2014 - 2018. Almost like Top Gear for musicians 😂😂😂 all the goofy challenges or ridiculous Chappers & The Captain videos, random editing gags and such. I get alot has changed in the past year or so with all the drama around Rob and then Covid hitting, and I realize at the end of the day their videos are to promote gear to sell at the shop, it just used to be so much more than simple gear reviews and I honestly really miss that tbh. I'm still gonna watch to support them and stuff I just wish they'd do some of the stuff they used to do every now and again.
@@graemero5532 yea but part of what makes Andertons so great and unique is their other style of videos too. There's a ton of other gear review channels on here with that same " top shelf " review you're speaking of. Andertons does things differently which made them stand out.
@@_dmfd I agree, when it comes to videos like the JB black beauty I missed the banter too, but I also like these just playing "Top Shelf" ones for the stuff I can only dream of owning.
I played a 2016 in a music store a year ago. I couldn’t afford it but there was no way I could let it go. Financed it over a year and now it’s mine. What a mistake, I should have done it years ago. I can’t be in the same room without it in my hands.
Thumb picks can take a while to break in and can be a little uncomfortable at first...Having said, that if you're experiencing constant discomfort it might be that you're using the wrong sized pick...(One thing I used to do to make it more comfortable was to use a pick that was slightly too big and secure it by taping it on using surgical tape...it worked very well, although not practical if you intend to switch from thumb to flat pick all the time...)...where exactly you position the pick on your thumb can be a factor as well... I've tried out 5 or 6 different brands (Dunlop, National, Blue Chip, Golden Gate, Fred Kelly, Herco) and have settled on a medium sized Blue Chip, which I love...they're very pricey but worth the $$$ in my opinion...I've also used Golden Gate picks and like those a lot as well...This place has a ton of options and is probably worth a look - www.thepickshoppe.com/store/ ...Once again, I think experimenting with different sized picks would be the first thing I'd look into... Hope this is helpful!
Great playing great guitar x idea for a video , you the cap ,pete rabea etc could only have one guitar ,electric [with an amp ] or acoustic what would it be , mine would be the yamaha transacoustic or my strat with a fender 007
Sounds great, but I could never get one. It's too feckin big. Looks big on Ben, but I'm only 5'8". It would look ridiculous and I doubt I could get my elbow over it 😂
These were made large in a time before acoustic pickups etc. Absolutely ridiculous design. Yet people still want these over priced turds. Why? Because you've seen Keef or someone else famous play one. Real guitar players would never play one if these in 2020.
Lé Polisher what a snobbish response! I’m sure there’s people out there who love to play these, just because you don’t doesn’t make that a universal truth that no one likes them or “real” guitar players don’t play them!
I’m in uni for the next 3 years and would prefer not to travel with my guitar. However, I really miss it already and it hasn’t even been a month. Are there any guitars for under £100 which aren’t a pain in the arse to play/keep in tune?
We have a local signer/songwriter with one of these. She generally plays 1st position chords ("cowboy chords") but plays well enough to accompany her singing - which is quite good. Anyway....she is small in stature and while playing - especially sitting - she looks like someone hanging on for dear life to a capsized lifeboat. It's quite comical but she gets away with it. It's definitely a nice guitar but personally I prefer the Martin dreads.
Back and sides made of maple? Horrible sound. You pay 3000k for a Gibson logo in the headstock. There are many better choices. This is a beautiful guitar, but IMHO its sounds nothing.
no way I can afford this, just here because I love Ben's playing!
Amen to that!
He actually has a band, go on the Auden CZcams channel
@@thehardtailmaniac9668 Found it, they're called Smith & Brewer
India mein milta bhi nahi hai bhai yeh guitar😑
Never say Never maybe some day i thought that it took me long a time to get one I'm 66 and bought my sj 200 in 2017 its Never too late to have one
That first strum already made me feel warm inside like a nice hot bowl of soup.
what an odd thing to say about a guitar
Think we have found a new way to sell guitars... 😉
"King of the Flat-Tops", seen here being played by "King of the Acoustic Guitar Reviewers".
Sounds gorgeously old fashioned unplugged, with a beautiful modern tone plugged in. Nice! I’ve never heard an acoustic that doesn’t have rosewood back and sides that sounds this good.
Great video Ben, one of the most recognisable, typecast, and mis-understood guitars in history. Not just a cowboy ornament or Britpop staus symbol. Like Ben’s playing, character, depth and sensitivity. Gorgeous
Who wouldn't want one of those in their music room!! The flame maple is gorgeous! Very nice Ben!!! JMHO --gary
I just got the SJ-200 Studio today and have been playing it all day - and it has rendered my Maton Thommy Emmanuel and Martin D28 redundant. They are great but the Gibson just has such character. When I play acoustic guitar these tones are what I want to hear. This guy plays it beautifully. I also think this guitar just perfects little things going on in the neck and the clarity of tones that give it such a strong sense and sound.
Many congrats. Is yours the walnut, rosewood or maple model?
@@maxwellfan55 walnut
You know the guitar is great when the musician dances with it. You cannot fake this... My dream guitar that is!
Said it before going to say it again Ben’s a BEAST of a player👍👍
Came here for Ben's playing, stayed here for Ben's playing.
The spruce is loose, baby!. What a sweet-sounding and ornate piece of furniture this is. Ben wrung some amazing jams out of it. I just wish I had the money and the space to own one of these. Thanks for showcasing this lovely instrument for us, Ben. Always appreciated!
Did Ben piss you guys off or what? I love his playing, and I love his personality- so, why no dialog or commentary from him? He's a friggin' stud. GO Ben!
Best review ever. Words not required. I'm sold.
imho, the sweetest acoustic guitar ever made. I'm lucky enough to own a J45 which is lovely but the J200 is 👌
I have two options:
1- Stop buying musical equipment, live on bread and water, save every cent I can possibly save for 5 years and then buy the guitar of my dreams.
2- Stop being an idiot, be happy with what I have and let the guitar of my dreams forever be what it is..., the guitar of my dreams.
Make your dreams come true
@@mikazimberg4997 : My wallet is protesting.
@@mariodriessen9740 yeah same🥲
That tone, brings a hundred songs to mind as soon as you hear it! Great playing Ben, you get the best out of all the guitars we hear you with!
Pete Townshends favorite acoustic, used on countless who records. The j200 is the best sounding acoustic guitar in the world in my opinion. I love the sound of them, especially when pete Townshend is playing his. I had an epiphone j200 in the past and it sure sounded great as well. Great playing in the video by the way.
Marvelous playing on a wonderful sounding guitar. Love the way you play. Picking up my SJ200 1957 coming Saturday. Next step, learn to play like you...or should it have been the other way around :-)
I keep coming back to this as this is hands down the best video showing the best this model can do. Excellent play, Ben.
man - Ben really knows how to let the beauty of this wonderful instrument shine !!
absolutely stunning !
I have the 68 reissue and it sounds just as beautiful... I'm so very lucky to own it!
Watched loads of vids over the years with j200 s always thought they were nice but over priced but I have to say I am blown away by this one , combination of Ben's playing with a stunning guitar . This one is worth every penny. Looks like the people up in Bozeman are doing great work.
Absolutely stunning. I'm pretty sure I shed a tear on the last part and I'm not sure why.. Just hit my soul.. Great job..
Oh Captain ! great signing 👍 More Ben and Pete Jams please
Ben is now of my fav acoustic players!
That was pure class! If I could even get close to that grade of playing!
Well done I thoroughly enjoyed that.
Cheers Ben, seven minutes of bliss. The guitar was great sounding too.
Always sound so smooth Ben!! I've always loved the Gibson SJ200, my second favorite acoustic behind an old Martin D28 and D35 dreadnaught.
That guitar sounds gorgeous! Impeccable playing!
Built less than 2 hours from my doorstep, played all the way across the pond and it still sounds like Montana to me. I can almost even smell it, but I'm spoiled and have played many of these, including the limited edition 1 of 5 that lists for $10,599, so I know how good it smells. All that being said, they're big and boomy. I prefer the J45 and the Martin family's HD-28, both of which you can pick up for the price of one of these. Montana made acoustics are the sh^t, though.
I have never heard a "boomy" maple back/sides SJ-200. Played many. The maple, plus the tight waist, ensure there is not any "boominess" from the guitar's overall size.
God I really need 5 grands !!! Dream guitar here , Ben’s playing is what this beautiful blond deserved ! Thank you Ben now I am off to work with your last tune in my mind .
This Monster piece sounds like a grand piano ... the reverberations on the Low E is sweet and warm. Nice playing..🤙
Your playing is really great, well done ! 🤟🏼
Give Ben a tincan with a broom stick and a string on it and he will play it so beautifully....whouw whouw....I'm mostly here for your playing man....if you ever consider doing concerts in Germany, please let me know...I will arrange some gigs for you!!!
Pure "sweetness", Ben....balance & sustain for the ages.
I once Played one of Theses In a Guitar Store Best sounding Acoustic I've Ever Played If I could have Afforded it ..... I would have Bought it There & Then
The acoustic part (non pickup) was... heaven
This is the last video I needed to see by Andersons right now! I’m literally on the brink of driving down there and buying an SJ 200. 😂
FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE. GO FOR IT MAN, YOU WONT REGRET IT. MINEIS BEAUTIFUL SUNBURST.
I was lucky enough to pick up an Orville By Gibson J200 a few years back... Love it! (You are welcome to give it play, Ben - you will do it more justice than I ever will!)
I’m begging you to please do a tablature vid of the intro
My god that sounds amazing and I want to learn it please!
That was really nice! Relaxing, I could listen to that for a couple of hours straight. Beautiful guitar and beautiful sound out out it. Thank you!
Hi nice to watch you playing again with nice turnarounds in this Gibson acoustic. I would be pleased very much to listen to more Gibson with Mahagony B&S.
I think I can play well enough, then I see this and it inspires me to get better. Outstanding technique and expression. Might need to get one of them there j200's
Probably my favorite steel string sound
awww man. I like all the Andertons video players, Danish Pete and Rabea and all the others, but Ben's the one I wish I could play like.
What a fantastic demo 👏👏👏👏
Killer guitar and playing
Wow. That’s all folks!
I didn't notice any part of this video that didn't feature a "plugged in" SJ-200. Was there one? Beautiful playing and sound, but I would like to hear it played without amplification. Also how does this "Original" differ from the "Standard"?
Beautiful demo. Can’t afford it but enjoyed the demo.
Sacrément bien joué, Ben !🙏
Ben, you is a G!
Such a fine player
Last few years I've been trying out different acoustics - and this was one of the ones I tried. In fact I tried several Gibson acoustics and all had this 600-700 hz bump that gave it a nasal tone.
Guys - the acoustic tone that we all heard on records and love comes from a Martin. Something like a D18 or D28. Dont look any further.
Emrah Alpat think your forgetting about the Gibson J45...that has also been used everywhere!
🤣
I love the sound of a Gibson, and there is a reason they are in tons of recordings, they sound great. I like Martins too, but I love a good Gibson!
Dreeeeeam Dream Dream Dream
I can't really afford you , so all I have to do is Dreeeeam
Dream Dream.........ah if only.
Ben, you need to buy one!!
I think Gibson makes the best acoustic guitars.
Is this a new format ya'll are switching to? The Epi JB Black Beauty video was shot this way too which is fine the playing is great but the main thing we all love from Andertons are the goofy reviews that most other channels can't nail right..
I totally agree. These videos are great but I come back for the personalities.
@@jeramym9506 Yea man 90% of the time I watch Andertons it is just for the content and not necessarily the reviews although I have made a few purchase decisions off seeing gear on here. I really liked the format they were using from 2014 - 2018. Almost like Top Gear for musicians 😂😂😂 all the goofy challenges or ridiculous Chappers & The Captain videos, random editing gags and such. I get alot has changed in the past year or so with all the drama around Rob and then Covid hitting, and I realize at the end of the day their videos are to promote gear to sell at the shop, it just used to be so much more than simple gear reviews and I honestly really miss that tbh. I'm still gonna watch to support them and stuff I just wish they'd do some of the stuff they used to do every now and again.
Top shelf Guitar videos like this are always just playing
@@graemero5532 yea but part of what makes Andertons so great and unique is their other style of videos too. There's a ton of other gear review channels on here with that same " top shelf " review you're speaking of. Andertons does things differently which made them stand out.
@@_dmfd I agree, when it comes to videos like the JB black beauty I missed the banter too, but I also like these just playing "Top Shelf" ones for the stuff I can only dream of owning.
Just got one in sunburst. What decade is this model bases on?
Was wondering the same, just ordered mine tonight in sunburst as well
Well played! Jumbos I've played have always felt a bit stiffer and less responsive than other body shapes, not that I've played a ton
Normal, long scale
Good enough for Pete Townsend. Good enough for me if I win a BIG lottery! Guess I'll just have to do with my Martin DZ1AE. It's a low end one.
If it’s a Martin it will be good enough. :-)
Sounds lovely
That was lovely!
That's the best one I've heard yet. Playing them in stores is less than impressive to say the least.
Beautiful
I played a 2016 in a music store a year ago. I couldn’t afford it but there was no way I could let it go. Financed it over a year and now it’s mine. What a mistake, I should have done it years ago. I can’t be in the same room without it in my hands.
I have one too from 2016. A burst. My back isnt flamed. Its rather plain. Is yours plain aswell?
What kind of thumb do you use? I've never been able to find one that fits without digging into my thumb and hurting like hell.
Thumb picks can take a while to break in and can be a little uncomfortable at first...Having said, that if you're experiencing constant discomfort it might be that you're using the wrong sized pick...(One thing I used to do to make it more comfortable was to use a pick that was slightly too big and secure it by taping it on using surgical tape...it worked very well, although not practical if you intend to switch from thumb to flat pick all the time...)...where exactly you position the pick on your thumb can be a factor as well...
I've tried out 5 or 6 different brands (Dunlop, National, Blue Chip, Golden Gate, Fred Kelly, Herco) and have settled on a medium sized Blue Chip, which I love...they're very pricey but worth the $$$ in my opinion...I've also used Golden Gate picks and like those a lot as well...This place has a ton of options and is probably worth a look - www.thepickshoppe.com/store/ ...Once again, I think experimenting with different sized picks would be the first thing I'd look into...
Hope this is helpful!
You can run them under a hot water tap for a while and bend them open as much or little as you like.
Perfection 👍👍🎶🎶🎸
Pete Townshend uses one, good enough for me.
Do you have and albums Ben would love to see you play live
I do! Check out SmithandBrewer.com 🎶🎸😊
Just purchased thank you for the link 👍
P. S it sounds like the greatest guitar ever made well to me anyway ha ha
@@Big.E Posted it this morning, thanks Ian.
Great test, great guitar!!!!! Bravo!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it
When will sound like comeback? I would love to see them do machine head without busting.
Yeah!!
SJ200, D55 or D28?
Great playing great guitar x idea for a video , you the cap ,pete rabea etc could only have one guitar ,electric [with an amp ] or acoustic what would it be , mine would be the yamaha transacoustic or my strat with a fender 007
Sounds great, but I could never get one. It's too feckin big. Looks big on Ben, but I'm only 5'8". It would look ridiculous and I doubt I could get my elbow over it 😂
Oh please! You could play it just fine!
These were made large in a time before acoustic pickups etc. Absolutely ridiculous design. Yet people still want these over priced turds. Why? Because you've seen Keef or someone else famous play one. Real guitar players would never play one if these in 2020.
Lé Polisher what a snobbish response! I’m sure there’s people out there who love to play these, just because you don’t doesn’t make that a universal truth that no one likes them or “real” guitar players don’t play them!
@@pacovl46 it's my opinion. Buzz off
Lé Polisher yeah, but you made your opinion public and now people comment on it. Suck it up!
I’m in uni for the next 3 years and would prefer not to travel with my guitar. However, I really miss it already and it hasn’t even been a month. Are there any guitars for under £100 which aren’t a pain in the arse to play/keep in tune?
Haven't tried one but I heard the Orangewood guitars are good value for little money
Igor Bröckel ok thanks for the advice I’ll certainly check them out
Find a second hand one locally, you won’t regret it......probs a Yamaha. They make good “cheap” guitars
@@MrLph427 will definitely look into that too thanks
Love these people playing guitars the look on their face looks like there constapated
That's 'cause we are!
What strings do you use in the video ?
awesome
What's the guy tuned to?
I could sell my house to buy one I suppose. At least it's big enough to live in.
This or the J45 is tearing me apart? Can only afford one and cant test them out in my country.
They're both great, but I'd say the j45 use probably a bit more of an all rounder.
@@bensmithguitar Thanks!
Elvis had the same one 😁
Well that should have sold a few 😀
We have a local signer/songwriter with one of these. She generally plays 1st position chords ("cowboy chords") but plays well enough to accompany her singing - which is quite good. Anyway....she is small in stature and while playing - especially sitting - she looks like someone hanging on for dear life to a capsized lifeboat. It's quite comical but she gets away with it. It's definitely a nice guitar but personally I prefer the Martin dreads.
Yes, it has a beautiful sound, but there is no way I am going to buy a production guitar that costs more than the car I use as a basis for my income.
Cool story.
Honk it on...
To get a guitar that looks and sounds almost as good as this, get an Epiphone EJ 200.
Why would anyone want “almost as good”?
@@donkeydarko77 - cost maybe?
RemyFortunate thank you Remy. I thought the answer was obvious.
Why are you constantly shaking the guitar? What's wrong pretty maple Gibsons don't sustain enough?
Expanded Blues...
Back and sides made of maple? Horrible sound. You pay 3000k for a Gibson logo in the headstock. There are many better choices. This is a beautiful guitar, but IMHO its sounds nothing.
In my eyes one of the ugliest expensive acoustic guitars.
Sounds cold & stiff