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Gibson 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue, Ultra Light Aged, Vintage Sunburst vs Gibson J-160E Original, Vintage Sunburst

Gibson 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue, Ultra Light Aged, Vintage Sunburst
Acoustic$5,749
No ratings yet
74Overall / 100
Gibson J-160E Original, Vintage Sunburst
Acoustic$3,999
No ratings yet
78Overall / 100

The verdict

The Gibson J-160E Original, Vintage Sunburst comes out ahead overall — 78 to 74 on our estimated score.

Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.

Gibson 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue, Ultra Light Aged, Vintage Sunburst wins on

No standout advantage.

Gibson J-160E Original, Vintage Sunburst wins on
  • Better build (96 vs 91)
  • Better sound (68 vs 60)
  • Better value (68 vs 63)
  • Lower price ($3,999 vs $5,749)

Scorecard

Estimated scores
Metric1942 Banner J-45 Reissue, Ultra Light Aged, Vintage SunburstJ-160E Original, Vintage Sunburst
Overall7478
Build9196
Playability7575
Sound6068
Value6368

Full specifications

Specification comparison
Spec1942 Banner J-45 Reissue, Ultra Light Aged, Vintage SunburstJ-160E Original, Vintage Sunburst
BrandGibsonGibson
TypeAcousticAcoustic
Years——
CountryUSUS
Body woodMahoganyMahogany
Neck woodMahoganyMahogany
FretboardRosewoodRosewood
Strings66
Frets1920
Scale24.75"24.75"
Pickups——
Rating——
Price$5,749$3,999
AccessoriesGibson Accessory Kit, Certificate of Authenticity—
BackMahoganyMahogany
Body FinishUltra Light Aged Nitrocellulose LacquerGloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shapeJ-45J-160
BridgeRosewood; Rectangle, Open SlotBelly-up, Rosewood
Bridge PinsBoneTUSQ
CasePeriod Correct CaseHardshell
FinishAged Nickel—
Fretboard inlayMother of Pearl DotPearloid Trapezoid
Fretboard radius304.8mm / 12.0in304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count1920
JointCompound Dovetail Neck-to-BodyCompound Dovetail Neck-to-body; Hot Hide Glue
ModelRS4BULDPSL1240OCRS16VS
NutBoneBone
Nut width43.81mm / 1.72in43.82mm / 1.73in
PickguardTear Drop Tortoise, AgedTortoise J-160E
ProfileHistoricSlimTaper
Saddle MaterialBoneBone
Scale length628.65mm / 24.75in628.65mm / 24.75in
SideMahoganyMahogany
String gauges.012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053.012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053
Top woodThermally aged red spruceSolid Sitka Spruce
Truss Rod CoverBlack2-ply Black Bell
TunersStrap Style, Open Back, Cream Buttons, AgedGotoh Keystone
Binding—Multi-ply Top, Single-ply Back and Fretboard
Body Styles—Round Shoulder
Bracing—Traditional Scalloped X-bracing
Control Knobs—Gold Top Hat with Silver Reflector
Controls—Top-Mounted Master Volume and Tone
Fingerboard Pickup—J-160E P-90
Headstock Inlay—Gibson Logo and Crown in Mother of Pearl
Output Jack—Side-Mounted 1/4"
Strap Buttons—Cream Endpin
Truss rod—Adjustable
Tuner Plating—Nickel

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