Head to head
Gibson SJ-200 Standard, Tri Burst vs Gibson Songwriter EC Custom, Ebony
The verdict
The Gibson SJ-200 Standard, Tri Burst and Gibson Songwriter EC Custom, Ebony are closely matched overall — 73 to 73 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
Gibson SJ-200 Standard, Tri Burst wins on
No standout advantage.
Gibson Songwriter EC Custom, Ebony wins on
- Lower price ($4,999 vs $5,699)
Scorecard
| Metric | SJ-200 Standard, Tri Burst | Songwriter EC Custom, Ebony |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 73 | 73 |
| Build | 91 | 91 |
| Playability | 72 | 72 |
| Sound | 60 | 60 |
| Value | 62 | 62 |
Full specifications
| Spec | SJ-200 Standard, Tri Burst | Songwriter EC Custom, Ebony |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Gibson | Gibson |
| Type | Acoustic | Acoustic |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | US | US |
| Body wood | Maple | Rosewood |
| Neck wood | 2-piece Maple | Mahogany |
| Fretboard | Indian Rosewood | Ebony |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 20 | 20 |
| Scale | 25.5" | 25.5" |
| Pickups | LR Baggs Anthem | LR Baggs Session VTC |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $5,699 | $4,999 |
| Back | AAA Flame Maple | Rosewood |
| Binding | 5-ply Top, 3-ply Back | Multi-ply Top, Back, and Headstock, Single-ply Fretboard |
| Body Finish | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Body shape | SJ-200 | Songwriter |
| Body Styles | Super Jumbo | Square Shoulder,Songwriter |
| Bracing | Traditional Hand-Scalloped X-Bracing | Traditional Hand-Scalloped X Bracing |
| Bridge | Two bar SJ-200 Moustache; Rosewood | Traditional Belly Up, Ebony |
| Bridge Pins | TUSQ | Brass |
| Case | Gibson Hardshell | Hardshell |
| Controls | Soundhole Mounted Volume, Mix Control (mixes between internal mic and under-saddle piezo pickup), Phase Inversion Switch, Battery Check, Mic Level Control | Soundhole Mounted Volume and Tone |
| Finish | Gold | — |
| Fretboard inlay | Mother of Pearl Graduated Crowns | Mother of Pearl Graduated Block |
| Fretboard radius | 304.8mm / 12.0in | 304.8mm / 12.0in |
| Fret Count | 20 | 20 |
| Headstock Inlay | Mother of Pearl Gibson Logo and Crown | Gibson Logo and Custom Split Diamond in Mother of Pearl |
| Joint | Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body Joint; Hot Hide Glue | Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body Joint; Hot Hide Glue |
| Model | MCJB20TB | CSSSSCEB |
| Nut | TUSQ | Bone |
| Nut width | 43.82mm / 1.73in | 43.82mm / 1.73in |
| Output Jack | 1/4" Endpin Jack | 1/4" Endpin |
| Pickguard | SJ-200 Cream Flower with Border and Dots | Hummingbird Artist |
| Preamp | LR Baggs Anthem | LR Baggs Session VTC |
| Profile | Rounded | Rounded |
| Saddle Material | TUSQ | Bone |
| Scale length | 647.7mm / 25.5in | 647.7mm / 25.5in |
| Side | AAA Flame Maple | Rosewood |
| Strap Buttons | Gold | — |
| String gauges | .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053 | .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053 |
| Top wood | AAA Sitka Spruce | Sitka Spruce |
| Truss rod | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Truss Rod Cover | 2-ply Bell, Black and White | Custom |
| Tuner Plating | Gold | Gold |
| Tuners | Grover Rotomatic | Grover Rotomatic |
| Under Saddle Pickup | LR Baggs Anthem | LR Baggs Session VTC |