The Gibson J-160E is a legendary model, most famously associated with The Beatles, who used it extensively on stage and in the studio. From their landmark first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show to many of the recordings from the first half of their career, the J-160E played a central role in shaping their sound.


Check out the J-160E Original in our exclusive video:


First introduced in 1954, the J-160E was the second Gibson acoustic model to feature onboard electronics, following the CF-100E of 1951. It included a coverless P-90 pickup mounted through the top just below the end of the fretboard. While its round-shoulder body shape closely resembles the Southern Jumbo and J-45, the J-160E was designed from the start as a true dual-purpose instrument-capable of functioning both acoustically and electrically, with special emphasis on its electric performance.

Features:

- Honors one of the world's most famous & celebrated acoustic guitars
- Vintage-inspired appointments & legendary sound
- Solid Mahogany body with Sitka Spruce top
- Mohagany neck with Rosewood fretboard
- Belly-up, Rosewood bridge & pearloid inlays
- Fretboard-mounted P-90 DC pickup
- Top-Mounted Master Volume and Tone
- Hardshell Case Included

Now, Gibson is proud to introduce the J-160E Original, a model inspired by the vintage classics but enhanced with upgrades that make it better than ever in both acoustic and electric performance. It features solid mahogany back and sides paired with a solid Sitka… read more spruce top, reinforced with traditional scalloped X-bracing for a full and resonant acoustic tone when played unplugged.

The mahogany neck has a comfortable SlimTaper profile and joins the body at the 15th fret with a compound dovetail neck-to-body joint, secured with hot hide glue for maximum resonance and tonal transfer. The bound rosewood fretboard is equipped with 20 frets and adorned with pearloid trapezoid inlays. A rosewood belly-up bridge is fitted with a bone saddle and TUSQ- bridge pins, while the bone nut and nickel Gotoh- Keystone tuners provide fast, accurate, and stable tuning.

Like its vintage predecessors, the J-160E Original is equipped with a pickup-but with a modern upgrade. Instead of the traditional P-90, it features a P-90 DC pickup, paired with top-mounted master volume and tone controls, styled with 60s gold Top Hat knobs with silver reflectors, and a side-mounted output jack. The P-90 DC offers the same classic P-90 tone, but with hum-canceling design for improved, noise-free performance.

To complete the package, each J-160E Original comes with a Gibson hardshell case, ensuring your guitar stays safe whether you're headed to a local gig, a friend's jam session, or a major performance. With its blend of history, versatility, and modern upgrades, the J-160E Original is a truly iconic dual-purpose guitar-now better than ever.

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