In 1937, Whitley had worked with Gibson on the production of the Gibson SJ-200 acoustic guitar, which was initially known as the "Super Jumbo". Whitley used his own time and money to design a guitar, which he took to Gibson.
In 1937, Whitley collaborated with Gibson on the creation of the Gibson SJ-200 acoustic guitar, which was originally called the "Super Jumbo". Whitley used his personal resources to design and present this guitar to Gibson.