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Gibson J-160E

$3,290.89 to $3,999.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.0 (11)

3 Reviews

Find out who is using Gibson J-160E

2 community setups

43 wishlisted

64 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

3.0 (1)

$3,999.00

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5.0 (6)

$3,290.89 18 available Used

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Average Price: $3,645

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Acoustic-Electric Guitars category, Gibson J-160E is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gibson J-160E". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Unveiling the Gibson J-160E, a perfect blend of acoustic and electric capabilities. This round-shouldered dreadnought captures the imagination with its distinct single-coil pickup situated at the end of the fingerboard. Fashioned with a robust Mahogany body and a 3-ply laminated top, it delivers an unrivaled tonal experience. Its Rosewood fingerboard adorned with trapezoid inlays adds a touch of elegance, while the two control knobs provide effortless operability. Its popularity, much like the Epiphone Casino, is significantly boosted by its association with the Beatles. The Gibson J-160E, an instrument that has evolved over time, yet maintains its iconic charm and exceptional performance.

Key Features:

Round-shouldered dreadnought design
Single-coil pickup at the end of the fingerboard
Mahogany body with a 3-ply laminated top
Rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlays
Two control knobs for easy operation
Played by notable musicians including John Lennon, George Harrison, Barry Gibb

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	J-160E
Finish	Sunburst
Year	1955 - 1969
Made In	United States
Categories	Acoustic-Electric Guitars, Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp	No
Back Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Dreadnought
Color Family	Brown
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Gibson J-160
Model Sub-Family	Gibson J-160E
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup	Surface Mounted Pickup
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era
Sides Material	Mahogany
String Type	Steel
Top Material	High Pressure Laminate

FAQs

What is the primary use of the Gibson J-160E?: The Gibson J-160E is an acoustic-electric guitar, ideal for musicians who need a versatile instrument for both unplugged and amplified performances. Its built-in surface-mounted pickup makes it suitable for live settings where amplification is required.
How does the pickup system on the Gibson J-160E work?: The Gibson J-160E features a surface-mounted pickup, which captures the guitar's sound directly from the top. This setup provides a unique tone that blends acoustic warmth with electric clarity, making it a favorite for performers seeking a distinct sound.
What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson J-160E?: The Gibson J-160E is constructed with a mahogany back and sides, a high-pressure laminate top, and a rosewood fretboard. These materials contribute to its warm, rich tone and classic appearance.
Is the Gibson J-160E suitable for beginners?: While the Gibson J-160E is a high-quality instrument, it may not be the best choice for beginners due to its price and specific features. It is more suited for intermediate to advanced players who can fully appreciate its acoustic-electric capabilities.
Can the Gibson J-160E be used for various music genres?: Yes, the Gibson J-160E is versatile enough to be used across multiple genres, including rock, folk, and blues. Its acoustic-electric design provides the flexibility needed for both studio recordings and live performances.

Videos

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ForeverFabFour

Gibson J-160e 1962 Unboxing & Overview | NEW GUITAR!

ForeverFabFour

Guitar of the Day: 1964 Gibson J-160E | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1969 Gibson J-160E | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Gibson J-160E John Lennon Limited at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Gibson Montana J-160E • SN: 10664034

Wildwood Guitars

Epiphone EJ-160e VS Gibson J-160e

Guitar Gear Connection

Gibson J-160e: All About

Guitar Gear Connection

1968 Gibson J160E - "The World of Vintage Guitars"

No.1 Guitar Center

Reviews

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PROS

Recreates classic early 60s Beatle sound authentically
Versatile sound, great for both acoustic and electric play
Full, rich tone appreciated by enthusiasts
Beautiful finish adds aesthetic appeal
High-quality craftsmanship ensures durability
Offers bright intonation ideal for Beatle songwriting

CONS

Stiff strings may deter some players
Potentially challenging to play live due to stiffness

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson J-160E.

Comparisons

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The J-160E is noted for its percussive, bright attack with a dark sustain, while the J-45 is warm, brassy, and midrange-heavy, making it suitable for mixes and strumming.
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While both guitars are unique, the J-160E's primary appeal lies in its historical connection to The Beatles rather than superior acoustic quality.
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Use cases and applications

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The J-160E is preferred for Beatles and Beatles-esque music, delivering the distinct sound of 'A Day in the Life' when amplified.
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When strung with flatwounds, the J-160E provides a unique electric tone, expanding its versatility for various musical styles beyond its acoustic capabilities.
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Original J-160Es were not typically recorded plugged in; they were mic'd acoustically, reflecting their limited electric capabilities at the time.
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Features and functionality

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The J-160E is reportedly intended to be amplified, as its acoustic sound lacks the richness and full range of other acoustics like the J-45.
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The pickup in modern J-160Es is often a stacked hum-canceling version similar to a P-100, providing a distinctive electric tone.
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Build quality

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Some modern J-160Es, unlike vintage models, feature solid wood and X-bracing, differing from the original ladder bracing and laminate wood construction aimed at reducing feedback.
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Pre-1960 models feature large adjustment screws for the bridge, indicating early design elements distinct from later versions.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners have installed K&K pickups for dual sound options, enhancing versatility by maintaining the original acoustic tone and adding an archtop-like electric sound.
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User experience

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Some users find the long-scale neck and string tension challenging, influencing their decision to opt for models like the J-45 instead.
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Setup and maintenance

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Older models often require a neck reset and new frets, which could affect their market value if modified.
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Value and pricing

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Despite their historical significance, J-160Es often sell for significantly less than high Reverb listings, especially if repairs are needed.
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 11 Ratings

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ralphkj

344

6 months ago

My perfect acoustic guitar

I picked up a 2007 reissue for under £2000. Records nicely and well built. The p90 sounds cool, great if you’re looking for a weird electric guitar sound on your record(Beatles used it for the main riff on “I Feel Fine”). I had mine fitted mine with fisherman rare earth blend pickup, then made the output of that pickup the new strap button so it is discreet. I now have an acoustic plays well, records well, has a very realistic sounding DI, and has a weird archtop sound with the p90. It’s a desert island acoustic.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Pop Jazz

emxx14

over 9 years ago

Decent Model (REPLICA VERSION)

I have the replica version of this guitar with John Lennon's signature on the wood. As a massive Lennon fan, it's definitely a cool instrument to play around with. It has very bright intonation and has the standard Beatle songwriting sound. However, I'm not sure if I'd use this live. It's a bit stiff and for me personally, the strings are too stiff for the fuller sound that I want. The finish is beautiful though. I've practiced and recorded with this guitar many times and it has rarely failed me. Just a bit stiff and difficult to play so I really have to crack down with it.