Gibson J-160E Original - VS

The Gibson J-160E is a legendary model that, for many musicians, needs no introduction. For those unfamiliar with its history, it is inextricably linked to The Beatles, who extensively used it from their iconic first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show to numerous recordings during the early phase of their career. The J-160E has thus entered the collective imagination as one of the most iconic acoustic guitars of all time.

First introduced in 1954, the J-160E was the second acoustic model from Gibson equipped with integrated electronics, following the CF-100E from 1951. It featured an exposed P-90 pickup mounted directly on the soundboard just below the end of the fingerboard. While sharing the classic round shoulder shape with models like the Southern Jumbo and the J-45™, the J-160E was conceived from the outset as a dual-purpose instrument, designed to deliver compelling performance in both acoustic and electric contexts, with particular attention to amplified use.

Today, Gibson proudly presents the J-160E Original, a modern reinterpretation based on historical vintage models, enhanced with targeted updates that significantly improve both acoustic and electric performance without compromising its original spirit.

The body is constructed with solid mahogany back and sides, while the top, unlike historical models with laminated tops and ladder bracing, is made of solid Sitka spruce. This choice ensures a fuller, more balanced, and resonant unplugged sound while maintaining the typical character of Gibson's round shoulder guitars.

The mahogany neck features a SlimTaper™ profile, which is fast and comfortable, and is attached to the body at the 15th fret via a compound dovetail joint. Like all Gibson acoustics, the J-160E Original also employs hot hide glue to maximize vibration transfer and tonal response.

The bound rosewood fingerboard, with 20 standard frets and trapezoidal pearloid inlays, completes an aesthetic faithful to tradition.

Like its historical predecessors, the J-160E Original is equipped with a pickup, but instead of the traditional P-90, it features a P-90 DC, capable of delivering the classic P-90 tone while eliminating background noise. The pickup is connected to volume and tone controls mounted on the top.