Jumbo Guitar – For the win!
What is a Jumbo Guitar?
A Jumbo guitar is a guitar with a large body. With the extensive bodies, jumbo guitars can hold more air inside the body cavity, producing a loud and impressive sound.
A jumbo typically features a circular body with a tight waist, giving the instrument its characteristic top-end sparkle. In addition, the tight waist provides the guitar with clarity, and without it, the instrument would sound muddy in the mids.
Jumbo acoustic guitars are well-loved for their warm tone and big bodies. In addition, they produce the most natural volume and fantastic sustain.
What is a Jumbo Guitar good for?
Jumbo guitars are beautiful instruments. They are perfect for strumming and fingerpicking, with or without finger picks.
Jumbo guitars can often be heard in country, folk, and sometimes rock music. A jumbo acoustic guitar is a must-add addition to any guitarists collection.
Jumbo Guitar Players
So who plays jumbo guitars? Famous fans of this beautiful instrument include Bob Dylan, who has been pictured with the Gibson J200 acoustic guitar (the Gibson SJ200 studio session), Noel Gallagher, Leo Kottke, Emmylou Harris, The Everly Brothers.
In addition, Jimmy Page (Led Zep), Brian Jones (The Rolling Stones), The Edge (U2), Sheryl Crow and Townes van Zandt also play these beautiful guitars.
What is a jumbo guitar size, and which guitar is the biggest?
Jumbo-sized guitars are the biggest of all of the acoustic guitar sizes. The overall length, including neck, is 41.38 inches, and the body length is 20.98 inches. The width at the lower bout is 17.2 inches, while the width at the waist is 10.04 inches and the width at the upper bout is 11.93 inches.
Is a Jumbo Guitar bigger than a Dreadnought?
Yes, jumbo acoustic guitars are bigger than dreadnought acoustic guitars.
Although they share similar body depth, waist width, and body length, the Jumbos feature a wider upper and lower bout than dreadnoughts, making the jumbo larger overall.
Jumbo Guitar Vs Dreadnought
Dreadnought guitars are different to Jumbo in their shape. The famous dreadnought has a straighter body and not such a rounded shape.
Jumbo’s can be more comfortable to hold. Perfect for fingerstyle and strumming, the Jumbo’s rounded shape and narrow waist make them easier to hold and more enjoyable to play.
In our experience, we have found that Jumbo’s have a rounder, more balanced sound while Dreadnoughts can be a little bass-heavy. However, they are about as loud as one another as the body capacities are similar.
Jumbo Guitar Price
This blog aims to cover the best jumbo guitars for all budgets, including the best jumbo, the best runner up, the best budget, the best jumbo guitar under $500 and two alternatives to jumbo guitars.
Best Jumbo Guitar – Gibson Southern Jumbo Original Acoustic-Electric Guitar
For fat, chunky rhythms, or for smooth, classy lead lines, the Gibson Southern Jumbo should be your first choice. Split parallelogram inlays add a touch of class.
The Gibson Jumbo is renowned for its proficiency to belt out country rhythms or acoustic blues leads. Original examples are among the most prized war-era flat-tops in today’s vintage market.
Gibson Southern Jumbo For Sale
This Southern Jumbo Original picks up where those classic models left off. Classic Southern Jumbo detailing includes parallelogram inlays, double antiqued multi-ply top and back binding, and nickel open-back tuners. It is the best jumbo acoustic guitar for a reason!
“Ordering an acoustic without being able to play and hear it first is pretty scary. After watching numerous comparison videos, I landed on the Southern Jumbo. I am thrilled to say I am absolutely blown away by this guitar.”
“The fit and finish is flawless and is drop-dead gorgeous in person. Most importantly though, is that it’s easily the best sounding acoustic I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. The sound is lush, rich and complex, with dynamic range for days. The neck feels pretty similar to a slim taper on a 60s Les Paul. It’s got enough girth to grip but is still easy to move around. I can’t recommend this guitar enough.” – zZounds Customer 2021
Gibson Southern Jumbo Specifications
Body Shape: J-45
Top: Sitka spruce
Back: Mahogany
Side: Mahogany
Bracing: Traditional hand scalloped X-bracing
Binding: Multi-ply top, single-ply Back
Finish: Nitrocellulose
Neck Material: Mahogany
Profile: Slim Taper
Scale Length: 24.75″
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 12″
Number Of Frets: 20
Frets: Standard
Nut Material: Bone
Nut Width: 1.725″
Inlays: Mother-of-pearl dots
Runner Up Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Gibson Generation G-200 EC Jumbo Guitar
Jumbo Acoustic Guitar For Sale
Hear the rich sound of this jumbo-sized guitar, thanks to Gibson’s Player Port. This USA-made acoustic-electric is crafted from solid wood for a pristine tone.
The G-200 EC is equipped with a Gibson Player Port. The Player Port is an original Gibson concept from the early 1960s that Gibson’s acoustic luthier team has refined to deliver a truly revolutionary sonic improvement that adds a new dimension to the sound. T
The Gibson Player Port allows you to hear the guitar as you’re playing it as you’ve never heard it before — the same way your audience hears it — maximizing the sonic impact for an immersive playing and listening experience.
The G-200 EC is part of the Generation Collection. Like all models in this collection, it is made in Bozeman, MT, by the same highly skilled craftspeople who make all Gibson acoustics.
It features a beautiful solid Sitka Spruce top and solid walnut back and sides for a tone that sounds crisp and resonant. In addition, you’ll find that the slightly thinner cutaway jumbo body is more comfortable to play and provides excellent access to the upper frets.
The TUSQ nut and saddle, along with the Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners, deliver solid tuning stability so you can spend more time playing instead of tuning. The utile neck has its easy-playing Advanced Response neck profile, so comfortable you won’t want to put it down.
It also comes equipped with an LR Baggs Element Bronze pickup system, so your G-200EC will sound as good to your audience as it does to you.
Gibson Generation G-200 EC Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Body Shape: J-200
Material: Walnut
Back & Sides: Walnut
Top: Sitka Spruce
Neck: Utile
Profile: Advanced Response
Nut Width: 1.725″/ 43.815mm
Fingerboard: Striped Ebony
Scale Length: 25.5″ / 647.7mm
Number of Frets: 20
Nut: TUSQ
Inlay: G-Collection Single Bar
Bridge: Bridge Belly Down, Closed Slot, Striped Ebony
Tuners: Grover Mini Rotomatic
Best Budget Jumbo Acoustic Guitar – Epiphone EJ-200SCE Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The J-200 EC Studio’s jumbo-sized sound comes to life with a Fishman pickup for a lush, full-sounding acoustic guitar even when it’s plugged in.
Building on Gibson and Epiphone’s long history of premier jumbo bodies, the Epiphone EJ-200SCE is a highly stylized jumbo acoustic-electric guitar with a distinctive flair and comfortable cutaway.
A big body means a big sound, and this guitar’s robust tone fits around a campfire or is amplified via the onboard Fishman GT2 pickup system. It is an Epiphone jumbo with a lot of heart!
Based on the classic J-200 design made famous by legends like Bob Dylan, Pete Townshend, and the Everly Brothers, but with a deep, single-cutaway for easy access to the upper frets, the Epiphone J200 SCE delivers a distinct sound and style at a great price.
The EJ-200SCE is built with a classic jumbo shape, a select maple body, and a solid spruce top. The result is a vast sound that’s rich and exceptionally defined.
The distinctive mustache bridge looks great and adds a rich sustain to the guitar’s tone—the pau ferro fretboard sports crown style inlays to match the intricate design of the pickguard.
Expand your acoustic sound in a big way with the Epiphone EJ-200SCE. Stylishly appointed and tonally balanced, this acoustic-electric guitar projects a big, balanced tone. This Epiphone Jumbo Acoustic-Electric guitar is not to be missed!
“I am one of those players that get bored with an acoustic and always crave something new. I had a jumbo Alvarez many moons ago that i sold and shouldn’t have. Since that guitar, I’ve had 2 Epiphones & a Taylor. The Taylor was an amazing instrument, but priorities forced me to sell her. So, i started craving a jumbo again. Almost bought the same model Alvarez that i had years ago but saw this Epi & thought I’d give her a try. Ordered it from zzounds and it blew me away. Didn’t have to adjust the action at all, arrived just right. I highly recommend this guitar if your looking for that jumbo sound and don’t wana drop over $2k on a Martin/Taylor/Gibson etc. She’s made well and she’s gorgeous. Hope this review helps.” – Joey T in Checotah, OK
Epiphone EJ-200SCE Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Specification
Electronics: Fishman GT2
Hardware: Gold
Scale: 25.5 in.
Nut Width: 1.68 in.
Neck Profile: Slim Taper
Neck: Set
Neck Material: Maple
Fingerboard/Inlay: Pau ferro/Crown
Body Material: Maple
Top: Select Spruce
Best Jumbo Acoustic Guitar Under $500 – Guild Jumbo Junior Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Yes, “Jumbo Junior” is an oxymoron. But strum this solid Sitka spruce-topped Guild, and its volume and rounded low-end tone will make you a believer.
Guild offers its classic jumbo shape in an affordable smaller size. Whether on the couch, in the studio or on the go, the Jumbo Junior’s compact design allows you to have a Guild by your side at all times.
Fun and comfortable to play, the Jumbo Junior features a warm tone, and the surprising volume will inspire many memories, group sing-alongs, and weekend jam sessions.
Featuring a solid Sitka spruce top and the choice of arched mahogany or maple back, the Jumbo Junior offers Guild’s classic aesthetic for those who love the look of a jumbo but may not love the size. It is a mini jumbo guitar with a lot of heart!
This jumbo comes with Guild’s AP-1 pickup, and the Jumbo Junior is ready to go whenever you need to get your Guild jumbo on.
Guild Jumbo Junior Acoustic-Electric Guitar Specifications
Body Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Body Back: Mahogany
Body Sides: Mahogany
Body Shape: Jumbo Junior
Bracing: Scalloped X
Rosette: Mother-Of-Pearl/ABS
Finish: Satin polyurethane
Body Depth Upper Bout: 3 11/32″ (85mm)
Body Depth Lower Bout: 4 1/8″ (105mm)
Body Length: 17 1/4″ (438mm)
Body Width Lower Bout: 14 1/2″ (368mm)
Body Width Upper Bout: 10 1/2″ (267mm)
Overall Guitar Length: 37″ (940mm)
Jumbo Acoustic Guitar Alternative One – Guild F-512E Acoustic-Electric Guitar, 12-String
Timeless design, beautiful tone, and supreme playability make the Guild F-512E acoustic-electric 12-string a worthy addition to any guitarist’s collection.
Famously played by Tom Petty, David Gilmour and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Guild defined the 12-string sound in the 1960s, and these iconic guitars continue to be the most sought after 12-string models today.
This Guild Jumbo Acoustic Guitar is made in Southern California; continues this legacy through a jumbo shape, solid AAA Sitka spruce top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides.
Braced with delicate, scalloped Adirondack spruce, this model produces shimmering highs, singing mids and a warm, focused bass response that truly sets it apart.
Decorated with Guild’s classic MOP V-block inlays, railroad track fingerboard purfling, and fully bound traditional headstock, players will feel like they are holding a piece of history while starting their own. The F-512E is finished with Nitrocellulose and is available in Natural or Antique Burst with an LR Baggs pickup.
Body Top: AAA Solid Sitka Spruce
Body Back: Solid Indian Rosewood
Body Sides: Solid Indian Rosewood
Body Shape: Jumbo
Bracing: Scalloped Adirondack Spruce
Rosette: Black/White Striped with Abalone Center Ring
Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body Depth Upper Bout: 3 3/4″ (95 mm)
Body Depth Lower Bout: 4 3/4″ (120mm)
Body Length: 20 1/2″ (521mm)
Body Width Lower Bout: 17 1/4″ (438mm)
Body Width Upper Bout: 12 1/2″ (317.5mm)
Overall Guitar Length: 44″ (1118mm)
Alternative Two – Jumbo Archtop Guitar Case
Guild Guitars Deluxe Humidified Archtop Wood Case – Jumbo (F)
As found paired with current Guild USA models – it may also fit historical models of similar size and shape. Jumbo acoustic guitar cases don’t come any finer!
The jumbo archtop guitar case features a built-in Humicase humidifier, arched lid, nickel Guild G-shield badge, durable black vinyl exterior covering, nitrocellulose-friendly green crushed-velvet interior lining, padded handle, chrome hardware with locking latch, and inner accessory compartment. It is the best jumbo guitar case on amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any other Jumbo guitars that should be considered?
There are hundreds of jumbo guitars which arguably could have a place in this blog. We have, in our opinion, hand-picked the best choices to cover all budgets.
If you are interested in more choices, make sure you check out the Martin J40 (Martin Jumbo Guitar), Gibson Advanced Jumbo, Gibson Super Jumbo, Gibson J100, Takamine GJ72CE, Guild JF30, Takamine EG523SC, Gibson J200 Acoustic Guitar, Guild F2512E, Guild F240E, Seagull Entourage Rustic Mini Jumbo, and the Alvarez AJ80CE.
Gretsch Rancher Falcon
We also have to give a special mention to the Gretsch G5022CBFE Rancher Falcon Jumbo. The Gretsch Rancer is a beautiful, affordable jumbo guitar.
With a head-turning design plus a robust Fishman Isys pickup system for a jumbo-sized tone, this Gretsch G5022CBFE Rancher Falcon is ready to rock any gig.
The G5022CBFE Rancher Falcon Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic/Electric gives you a full-bodied jumbo tone with a full-on Gretsch Black Falcon regalia, gilded appointments, and professional attire onboard electronics for peerless amplified tone.
Its jumbo cutaway body includes dazzling gold-sparkle binding on the top, back, sound hole, fingerboard and headstock.
The Fishman Sonicore under-saddle pickup and Isys III preamp system provide great amplified performance and flexible sonic control, with volume, bass/middle/ treble controls, onboard tuner and battery life indicator.
What’s the best Jumbo Guitar Bag?
Gator Cases Transit Series Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag Charcoal Black Exterior (GT-JUMBO-BLK)
Gator’s Transit Series jumbo acoustic guitar gig bag provides rugged case-like protection without sacrificing the lightweight portability of a bag.
The interior safeguards your acoustic guitar with 20mm-thick foam padding lined with soft, red micro-fleece. In addition, a removable, three-point foam block padding system cradles the instrument’s headstock, neck, and base for further protection.
The weather-resistant, black fabric exterior and thick rubber tread on the bottom of the bag prevent wear while shielding from the elements. A reinforced carry handle provides a comfortable grip, while the stowaway backpack straps can be unclipped and easily tucked into the rear zipper pocket.
The exterior pocket on the front of the bag contains an additional smaller zipper pocket, providing ideal storage for personal belongings and guitar accessories. This jumbo guitar bag is a winner!
Additionally, multiple d-rings are included for clipping peripheral accessories to the jumbo guitar gig bag.
What’s the best guitar with jumbo frets?
Get that incredible Ibanez quality and sound at a price that’s hard to beat. In addition, the all-Sapele body delivers a warm tone that superbly complements singers. Jumbo guitar frets are a must for players with big hands!
The new models of the Ibanez Performance Series represent a strong focus on sound quality and performance at an excellent value. With over 50 years of experience to draw from, the new Performance Series models will raise the bar on what can be expected from an economical, entry-level instrument.
The PC12MHCE is Grand Concert body style acoustic with a Sapele top, back and sides for a warm, full tone. While the Open Pore Natural finish adds to the guitars natural, subtle aesthetics, it also contributes to the instrument’s sound.
Electronics include the Ibanez under-saddle pickup and the Ibanez AEQ2T preamp with a built-in tuner. The PC12MHCE also features a Tortoiseshell Rosette, nandu fretboard and bridge with Ibanez Advantage bridge pins for improved tuning stability.
It is a gorgeous guitar with jumbo frets!
What is a mini jumbo guitar?
Takamine GN77KCE Mini Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar Gloss Natural
Takamine Jumbo Guitars for the win!
The Takamine GN77KCE Mini Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar comes in gloss natural.
Takamine’s GN77KCE is constructed from beautiful Hawaiian koa and sounds as great as it looks. This guitar is equally at home with players who prefer fingerstyle or bold strumming.
The Takamine Jumbo features a luxurious clear gloss finish that complements its mini-jumbo NEX cutaway body. Like all Takamine guitars, the transition to the stage is made effortless with the addition of Takamine’s TP-4TD electronics, complete with a 3-band equalizer and chromatic tuner built-in.
In addition to the GN77KE, the Takamine GJ72CE is a guitar not to be missed!
This mini jumbo guitar packs a punch!
What the best jumbo guitar pick?
Jim Dunlop Flow Jumbo 2.0mm Guitar Picks (547P2.0)
Flow Picks add thickness and volume to each note you play while allowing every pick-stroke to fall smoothly and effortlessly from your strings.
Thanks to the highly toneful and durable Ultex material, Flow Picks project rich, powerful overtones, and their uniform bevel makes playing a breeze.
A low-profile grip provides just the right amount of control without getting in the way.
The Jumbo shape offers a more extensive standard-sized profile for players who want more surface to grab onto. Available in 2.0mm, 2.5mm, and 3.0mm gauges.
Conclusion
Pros and Cons?
Pros: Jumbo Guitars produce a beautiful sound rich in tone and perfect for strumming. They produce substantial volume, weight, and balance.
Cons: They are BIG in every sense of the word. Jumbo guitars can be cumbersome to hold and will not suit every guitar player.
Any comments or suggestions, please get in contact below! We look forward to hearing from you!
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