Gibson J-160E

The Gibson J-160E is one of the best-known electro-acoustic models from Gibson’s golden age of the 1950s and 1960s. With its P-90 pickup mounted directly into the top, it combines the character of an acoustic round-shoulder guitar with a distinctive electric tone, thereby occupying a very special place in Gibson’s history. The J-160E gained fame not least through its use by the Beatles and is still considered one of the most iconic Gibson models of all time.

This Gibson J-160E is a 1967 model with the serial number 886147. Below the serial number is a factory-stamped “2,” which Gibson used to designate the instrument as a factory second. At the time, such guitars were sold regularly through retail channels and often differed from standard production models only in minor details. In some cases, they were classified as “Second” due to minor cosmetic differences; in others—depending on availability—different components or features were used directly from the factory. Today, these Factory Second instruments are an interesting part of Gibson’s history.

This J-160E has been played throughout its long life as an instrument and has undergone various refinements. The bridge has been replaced or modified, and the pickguard and tuners have also been replaced. The guitar has been refretted and still features its original, fully functional P-90 pickup. There is some damage to one corner of the headstock. Overall, this is not a pristine collector’s instrument, but rather an authentic and exceptionally playable vintage Gibson with plenty of character.

The previous owner had owned the guitar for about 25 years and traded it in with us.

In terms of sound, this Gibson J-160E delivers across the board. Acoustically, it has an open, well-broken-in, and very distinctive Gibson tone. Through the original P-90 pickup, it delivers precisely that distinctive, slightly rough vintage sound for which the J-160E remains famous to this day. This presents an opportunity to acquire an outstanding-sounding Gibson J-160E from the 1960s at an extremely attractive price.

We carefully set up every guitar. We adjust the neck radius and string action to ensure that the guitar plays cleanly, comfortably, and without buzzing across the entire fretboard.

The string action is 2.7 mm on the low E-string and 2.2 mm on the high E-string, measured at the 12th fret.

Includes the original Gibson case.

Specifications:

Model: Gibson J-160E
Year of manufacture: 1967
Serial number: 886147
Scale length: 628 mm
Nut width: 43 mm
Top: Spruce
Back and sides: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Bridge: Replaced or modified
Body shape: Round Shoulder
Pickup: Original Gibson P-90
Case: Original Gibson case

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