One of these gorgeous hunks emerged in 1938 and has been in production ever since. What set the J-200 apart from others was its combination of sheer size (17-inches across) and level of ornamentation.

Its scratchplate was covered in flowers while a huge 'moustache'-shaped bridge dripped with pearl. Fingerboard inlays were pearl crests and the guitar came in tobacco burst or blonde.

Costing $200 on release, an extra 50 bucks got your name inlaid along the fretboard! Famously strummed by Elvis Presley, the J-200 is king of the flat-tops!

Price: approx £15,000

Best new equivalent: Gibson SJ-200 True Vintage (£2956) (BUY: Thomann | GuitarGuitar | Coda Music)

Mid-price choice: Faith FJHG (£499) (BUY: Andertons Music Co.)

Budget buy: Epiphone EJ-200 (£289) (BUY: Andertons Music Co. | Thomann | GuitarGuitar | Coda Music)