Having said this, there are a lot worse guitars out there, and as well as being historically important, the 1820 bass can certainly provide the goods when required. Over the course of the 70s, the Japanese output improved dramatically, and in many ways these early 70s models are a low point for the brand. Pickguard The exclusive, period correct black pickguard on the Custom Western Classic J-200 is modeled after the one designed for the very first J-200, which was built for Ray Whitleyone of the original singing cowboys of the 1930s. These new Epiphones were based on existing Matsumoku guitars, sharing body shapes, and hardware, but the Epiphone line was somewhat upgraded, with inlaid logos and a 2x2 peghead configuration. This classic inlay has graced the headstocks of many classic Gibson guitars, including the legendary L-5, the Byrdland, and today’s Custom Western Classic J-200. The Matsumoku factory had been producing guitars for export for some time, but the 1820 bass (alongside a number of guitar models and the 5120 electric acoustic bass) were the first Epiphone models to be made there. Read more THE GIBSON J-200 Next to the Martin D-28 the Gibson J-200 is undoubtedly the most iconic American acoustic guitar ever produced. The SJ-200 Western Classic from the Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop continues that tradition. From its first appearance in 1937, Gibson’s SJ-200 set an unmatched standard. By the end of the 1960s, a decision had been made to move Epiphone guitar production from the USA (at the Kalamazoo plant where Gibson guitars were made), to Matsumoto in Japan, creating a line of guitars and basses significantly less expensive than the USA-built models (actually less than half the price). The legacy of Gibson’s King of the Flat-Tops continues with the SJ-200 Western Classic.