Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $550

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

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Description

Channel the spirit of a music legend with the Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E, a modern homage to one of rock's most iconic figures. This acoustic-electric marvel blends vintage charm with contemporary craftsmanship, featuring a solid spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides for a sound that's as rich and full-bodied as the legacy it honors. Perfect for both the studio and the stage, its revolutionary mini-humbucker pickup system ensures your melodies will resonate with clarity and warmth, whether you're plugged in or playing acoustically. With its eye-catching trapezoid inlays on a genuine rosewood fretboard, the EJ-160E is not just a musical instrument; it's a piece of history.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top for a clear, powerful sound
  • Solid mahogany back and sides for warmth and resonance
  • Revolutionary mini-humbucker pickup system for exceptional electric sound
  • Onboard tone/volume knobs for easy sound shaping
  • Genuine rosewood fretboard with trapezoid inlays for classic aesthetics

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model EJ-160E John Lennon
Finish Sunburst
Year 2010s
Made In Indonesia
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars, Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Orange
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Surface Mounted Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of pickup is used in the Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E?

The Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E features a surface-mounted pickup, allowing it to deliver both acoustic and electric tones, ideal for versatile performances.

Is the Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E suitable for live performances?

Yes, the EJ-160E's acoustic-electric design with a surface-mounted pickup makes it well-suited for live performances, providing a rich sound both unplugged and amplified.

What materials are used in the construction of the Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E?

The EJ-160E features a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood fretboard, contributing to its warm and resonant tone.

Does the Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E have an active preamp?

No, the Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E does not have an active preamp, relying instead on its surface-mounted pickup for amplification.

What is the body shape of the Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E?

The Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E has a dreadnought body shape, known for its bold and powerful sound projection.

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Epiphone EJ-160E John Lennon Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Everything You Need To Know

Video thumbnail for Epiphone EJ-160E John Lennon Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Everything You Need To Know by Sam Ash Music

Epiphone EJ-160E John Lennon Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Everything You Need To Know

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Video thumbnail for EPIPHONE JOHN LENNON EJ-160E ELECTRIC ACOUSTIC REVIEW by RockMusicReviews

EPIPHONE JOHN LENNON EJ-160E ELECTRIC ACOUSTIC REVIEW

RockMusicReviews

RockMusicReviews

Video thumbnail for Epiphone John Lennon EJ160E Signature model demo and review by Riffs4U

Epiphone John Lennon EJ160E Signature model demo and review

Riffs4U

Riffs4U

Reviews

PROS

  • Captures Beatles tone on a budget, perfect for fans

  • Beautiful, bold design with John Lennon's autograph

  • Versatile tonal range from bright to warm sounds

  • Natural amplified sound, not overly compressed

  • Comfortable neck, similar to a 70s SG feel

  • Smooth frets and good intonation for its price

  • High-quality finish and craftsmanship

  • Great value for achieving classic sound

  • Ideal for fast rhythm playing

CONS

  • Stock nut may need replacement for better action

  • Requires specific strings for optimal sound

  • Limited unplugged volume without phosphor bronze strings

  • Perceived overpricing for the John Lennon stamp

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend using Pyramid Gold flat wound strings to achieve an authentic Beatles sound, enhancing the guitar's playability and tonal character.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For an authentic Beatles experience, pairing the guitar with a Vox AC30 is suggested, particularly for songs like "I Feel Fine."

    Source

User experience

  • Several players are impressed by the guitar's playability, noting that even non-owners were surprised by its quality during informal jam sessions.

    Source
  • Owners have observed that the Indonesian versions are no longer in production, and the Lennon signature is omitted from newer models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Korean models are noted for their superior quality, with accurate body shape and knob placement compared to Indonesian and Chinese versions.

    Source

Build quality

  • Indonesian models closely replicate the original Gibson look, though they may compromise slightly on acoustic sound quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Chinese models offer a more rounded body shape, differing from the sloped design of earlier models, but potentially have a better pickup system.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Will Ray's Bottom Feeder: Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E is a nostalgic nod to the classic Gibson J-160E, boasting a solid spruce top and mahogany body that deliver a warm acoustic tone. Priced affordably, it offers an appealing option for Beatles fans and budget-conscious guitarists alike. However, potential buyers should be aware of occasional cosmetic issues like minor wood splits and tuning gear problems, which can be easily fixed by those with a bit of DIY spirit. The guitar's low action makes it highly playable, and its stock acoustic mini humbucker provides an electric-like sound when amplified. Overall, it's a charming instrument for songwriting and casual playing.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frank Iero uses Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E

Frank Iero

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified

This acoustic-electric guitar was sold by Frank Iero on his official Reverb.com shop. He states that the guitar was used with My Chemical Romance whilst touring for the The Black Parade album.

See how RIPL uses Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E

RIPL

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In RIPL's YouTube video "Of Course I Can (Acoustic)," he plays an Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E. This guitar, a more affordable version of Gibson's J-160E, features an L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup, which RIPL added to enhance its live sound.

See how Anthony Boccaleoni uses Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E

Anthony Boccaleoni

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Anthony Boccaleoni is seen playing the Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160E guitar throughout the entire video "Shady Coffee 12/26/25 Flowers by Anthony Boccaleoni," as well as in numerous other performances from that period, as documented by Sarah Cameron on YouTube.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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