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Gibson J-160E Original, Vintage Sunburst
Gibson

J-160E Original, Vintage Sunburst

AcousticJ-160US
No ratings yet$3,999

The legendary J-160E, with all the classic visual appeal, and now with improved performance 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!

Best for

RockClassic RockFolkSinger-Songwriter

Played by

John Lennon

Score

estimated from specs & owner reviews
78
Overall / 100
Playability
75
Sound
68
Build
96
Value
68

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Specifications

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Specifications for J-160E Original, Vintage Sunburst
BrandGibson
TypeAcoustic
CountryUS
Body woodMahogany
Neck woodMahogany
FretboardRosewood
Strings6
Frets20
Scale length24.75"
BackMahogany
BindingMulti-ply Top, Single-ply Back and Fretboard
Body FinishGloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shapeJ-160
Body StylesRound Shoulder
BracingTraditional Scalloped X-bracing
BridgeBelly-up, Rosewood
Bridge PinsTUSQ
CaseHardshell
Control KnobsGold Top Hat with Silver Reflector
ControlsTop-Mounted Master Volume and Tone
Fingerboard PickupJ-160E P-90
Fretboard inlayPearloid Trapezoid
Fretboard radius304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count20
Headstock InlayGibson Logo and Crown in Mother of Pearl
JointCompound Dovetail Neck-to-body; Hot Hide Glue
ModelOCRS16VS
NutBone
Nut width43.82mm / 1.73in
Output JackSide-Mounted 1/4"
PickguardTortoise J-160E
ProfileSlimTaper
Saddle MaterialBone
SideMahogany
Strap ButtonsCream Endpin
String gauges.012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053
Top woodSolid Sitka Spruce
Truss rodAdjustable
Truss Rod Cover2-ply Black Bell
Tuner PlatingNickel
TunersGotoh Keystone
Street price$3,999

Photos

6
Gibson J-160E Original, Vintage Sunburst — photo 1
Gibson J-160E Original, Vintage Sunburst — photo 2
Gibson J-160E Original, Vintage Sunburst — photo 3
Gibson J-160E Original, Vintage Sunburst — photo 4
Gibson J-160E Original, Vintage Sunburst — photo 5
Gibson J-160E Original, Vintage Sunburst — photo 6

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