Fairbanks F-50 (J-200) Brazilian Rosewood, Sunburst

When it comes to capturing the best aspects of vintage Gibsons—and then taking everything up a notch with his incredible craftsmanship—we don't think it gets much better than Dale Fairbanks. Often when we think Jumbos and SJs, we expect maple. But when Gibson first launched the Super Jumbo in 1939 as their "top of the line" model, they built it out of Brazilian rosewood and red spruce. Dale's J-200 replica brings the BRW back on this knock-out F-50. With the tight waist and proportional balance of depth and width, it has a huge but even voice from low to high. A guitar with a commanding presence like this wouldn't be complete without the right looks, and Dale did not disappoint. The old-growth Adi top is dressed in a luscious sunburst and orange celluloid pickguard, and it's topped off with Art Deco-inspired fretmarkers, peghead inlay and decorated heel cap. The torrefied maple neck has a prominent V shape profile that is notable but plenty comfortable to play.

Though this guitar is new, built this year, there are three very small dings on the top upper bout near the fretboard to note. Video below features an identical model sold last year.