Ashton-under-Lyne, United Kingdom
About this listing
This guitar is a commission sale - if you have a high end or vintage instrument you are interested in selling, please contact us. Here for sale we have a vintage Gibson J-160E in Cherry Sunburst finish. Originally introduced in 1954, the J-160E was one of Gibson's first forays into the world of electro-acoustic guitars, and was renowned for it's use by The Beatles. The early examples of these instruments featured the slope-shoulder dreadnought body, similar to that of the J-45. The model underwent significant specification changes during the Norlin era, such as the change to a square-shoulder design, the headstock volute & the use of a Laminated Sitka Spruce top & ladder bracing, aimed at reducing feedback & preventing warping or collapse of the top due to the P90 pickup. The model was eventually discontinued in 1979, before being reintroduced in 1991 with a return to the traditional slope-shoulder design. Gibson serial numbers from the early part of the Norlin era are notoriously poor tools for dating guitars, with the 6 digit system being carried over from the '60s and continuing up to the introduction of the new date-based serial number system which began in '77. It's generally accepted that 6 digit serial numbers beginning with a '9' as is found on this example, were produced somewhere between 1970 & '73. Certainly, the specification of the instrument puts it well inside this date range. The presence of a dotted 'I' on the headstock logo points towards the latter end of the range (post '72), however this is not a hard & fast rule. The most accurate dating method available is usually the pot codes, however unfortunately on this instrument they are illegible.The Mahogany neck plays well, with a profile which might be described as a a moderately-sized 'C' shape. This fills the hand comfortably for a suitably vintage playing experience without being too bulky or cumbersome. The Volute to the rear is a nice period feature which adds a certain character & feel in the lower register. Along with the nitro checking & playwear to the fingerboard & rear of the neck, there is a genuine vibe to the instrument which is very inspiring in the hands. The smooth lines of the dreadnought body are as smooth & comfortable in the arms as ever, demonstrating that the shape was as practical & well-loved in the '70s as it is today.The acoustic voice of the J-160E is quite distinct thanks to its laminated top & ladder bracing. Punchy & quite mid-focussed, the tone is certainly not as bright as we might find on modern equivalent instruments. Of course, the top is now well over 50 years old, and tonewoods typically mellow with age & use. The Mahogany back and sides add further warmth to the sound, & the combination is very pleasing to the ear. The P90 pickup is bright & clear, with a punchy output that blends very nicely into a studio or live mix. The on-board controls are simple of course, but do respond nicely to small changes, allowing you to dial in the perfect tone with ease. An exciting piece from the rich tapestry of Gibson's history. Brand - GibsonModel - J-160EFinish - Cherry SunburstYear - c.1970-3Made In - USATop - Laminated Sitka SpruceBack/Sides - MahoganyNeck - MahoganyFingerboard - RosewoodFingerboard Radius - 12"Frets - 14 Clear, 20 TotalScale Length- 24.75"Nut Width - 1.725"Pickups - Gibson P90Controls - Master Volume, Master ToneLuthier ReportOur ID: 1120526207660Weight: 5.7lbs Serial: 952696Aesthetic Condition:Headstock: Overall very good condition. The top corners and edges demonstrate chipping of the finish, revealing the wood beneath. This continues along the rear edges. All aspects of the headstock demonstrate light to moderate scratching and indentation, visible under direct lighting at certain angles. All aspects of the headstock demonstrate notable finish checking. All markings are in line with a well played instrument of this vintage.Neck: Overall very good condition. The rear of the neck demonstrates light scratching and indentation throughout the register, somewhat difficult to discern beneath the thumb. The fingerboard demonstrates moderate playwear throughout the register. A small patch of finish in the early register of the rear demonstrates a slight hazing due to regular use. The binding demonstrates some discoloration throughout the register. The rear of the neck shows notable finish checking throughout. Body: Overall good condition. All aspects of the body demonstrate moderate scratching, indentation and chipping of the finish, in line with a well played instrument of this age. The most notable markings are indentation and scratching to the front face lower bout and treble side waist, and buckle rash to the center of the rear face. The treble side in particular demonstrates consistent indentation and chipping of the finish, revealing the wood beneath. All aspects of the body demonstrate notable finish checking, as can be expected with nitro finishes of this age.Condition of Frets:The frets demonstrate notable signs of use with flattening of the crowns throughout the register. This does not affect playability. There is only a very small amount of material remaining for future fret work.Current Set Up:Truss Rod: Fully functional. Truss rod tool (5/16" socket) not included.Hardware: Fully functional with notable signs of wear. The D & G tuners are significantly bent but function correctly. The pickguard is lifting at the bridge end but remains secure overall. Structural: The bridge is lifting slightly. The price has been adjusted to accommodate the work required.Height of the string from the 12th Fret-2mm - Bass 2.5mmPlease be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.Strings on Guitar - 11-52There is moderate adjustment remaining in the saddle.Electrics: Fully functional. The jack socket has been replaced. The pots and black Sprague capacitor are original. The low E pickup screw appears somewhat cosmetically different and is seized/unadjustable. The pickup functions correctly and has been tested. The Input is accurate & balanced across all pole pieces. For even pickup output, nickel wound strings would be necessary.Case & Accessories:Non original hard caseThe case demonstrates moderate signs of use, remaining fully functional. Leather strap included. Truss rod tool not included. This guitar is a commission sale - if you have a high end or vintage instrument you are interested in selling, please contact us. Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accurately provide.
PriceR$17,604.04
+ R$1,635.93 Shipping
30-Day Return Policy
Enjoy peace of mind with your new gear
