Gibson J-160E Original Vintage Sunburst

The Gibson J-160E is a legendary model, and for many players, it needs no introduction, but for players who may be unfamiliar with its history, it is most closely associated with The Beatles, who used the model extensively, including on their landmark first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and on many of the recordings from the first half of their career. The J-160E was first introduced in 1954 as the second Gibson acoustic model to feature onboard electronics (after the CF-100E, which was released in 1951), in the form of a coverless P-90 pickup mounted through the top, just below the end of the fretboard. While it has a round shoulder shape similar to the Southern Jumbo and J-45™, it was designed from the beginning as a dual-purpose model that could function both electrically and acoustically, with somewhat more emphasis placed on its electrical performance.

Now, Gibson is very proud to introduce the J-160E Original, a new model based on those vintage classics, enhanced with upgrades and improvements that make it better than ever, in both its acoustic and electric performance. It features a back and sides made from solid mahogany. Instead of the laminated top and ladder bracing used on vintage models, the J-160E Original features a solid Sitka spruce top that is reinforced with our traditional scalloped X-bracing for a full, round shoulder acoustic tone when played unplugged. The mahogany neck has a comfortable and fast-playing SlimTaper™ profile and is attached to the body at the 15th fret using our compound dovetail neck-to-body joint, and like all Gibson acoustic guitars, it is fitted with hot hide glue for maximum resonance and tonal transfer. The bound rosewood fretboard is equipped with 20 standard frets and dressed up with pearloid trapezoid inlays. The belly-up bridge is also rosewood and is equipped with a bone saddle and TUSQ® bridge pins. The nut is also bone, and nickel Gotoh® Keystone tuners ensure fast, accurate, and stable tuning so you can spend more time playing and less time tuning.

Like its vintage predecessors, the J-160E Original is equipped with a pickup, but instead of the P-90 found in previous versions, the J-160 Original features a P-90 DC pickup that is wired to top-mounted master volume and tone controls, both of which feature 60s-style gold Top Hat knobs with silver reflectors, and wired to a side-mounted output jack. The P-90 DC delivers the classic P-90 tone but without the hum, for improved, noise-free electrified performance. A Gibson hardshell case is also included to help keep the J-160E Original safe, whether you’re traveling to a gig at the local pub, going to a friend’s house for a jam session, or headed out to conquer America. Don’t miss this opportunity to own this truly iconic dual-purpose guitar that is now better than ever!

General

Series:

Gibson Original

Country of Manufacture:

Made in the USA

Product Color:

Vintage Sunburst

Case Type:

Hardshell Case Included

Factory Setup:

E Standard (E-A-D-G-B-E)

Body

Body Shape:

Round Shoulder Dreadnought

Acoustic Cutaway Type:

No Cutaway

Body Material:

Solid Mahogany

Body Finish:

Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Top Material:

Solid Sitka Spruce

Bracing Material:

Spruce

Bracing Pattern:

Traditional Scalloped X-Bracing

Body Binding:

Cream

Neck

Neck Material:

Mahogany

Neck Finish:

Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Neck Tint/Color:

Dark Mahogany Stain

Neck Shape:

SlimTaper

Fingerboard Material:

Rosewood

Nut Material:

Bone

Nut Width:

1.725″ (43.815mm)

Fingerboard Radius:

12″ (304.8mm)

Scale Length:

24.75″ (628.65mm)

Number of Frets:

20 Frets

Neck Joint:

Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body, Hot Hide Glue

Fingerboard Inlay:

Pearloid Trapezoids

Inlay Shape:

Trapezoids

Side Marker Inlay:

Black Dots

Headstock Inlay/Decal:

Pearloid Logo w/Crown

Neck Binding:

Cream

Electronics

Neck Pickup:

Gibson P-90 DC

Acoustic Electronics:

Mounted P-90 DC Magnetic Pickup

Controls and Switching:

Volume and Tone

Hardware

Hardware Color:

Nickel

Bridge:

Belly-Up, Rosewood

Tuning Machines:

Gotoh Keystone

Fret Wire:

Standard

Saddle:

Bone

Pickguard:

Tortoise

Truss Rod Cover:

2-Ply Black Bell

Knobs:

Gold Top Hats w/Silver Reflectors

All instruments are setup and inspected before shipping. We offer the option to upgrade to a Plek setup at a discounted rate when purchasing an instrument. To learn more about Plek, please message us, or call at: 740-522-0277.
Plek add-ons are non-refundable once completed. In the event of a return, a refund will be issued minus the cost of the Plek and any other add-on services.