Gibson J-160E Model Flat Top Acoustic-Electric Guitar (1955), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst top, dark stained back and sides finish, mahogany back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black tolex hard shell case.
This electrified flat top, the J-160E, was one of the more specialized Gibsons of the 1950's. The model was introduced at the end of 1954, designed specifically for country/Western performers getting drowned out by their increasingly well-amplified bands! The J-160E is a fairly fancy 16" Jumbo, equipped with the same electronic and cosmetic features as the earlier, small-body CF-100E.
The J-160E is far better remembered, however, not because of any success in the C&W field, but as one of the iconic Beatles guitars of the 1960's. John Lennon and George Harrison used early 1960's J-160-E's as recording and touring instruments extensively during the first half of the band's most successful period, and the Gibson remains indelibly linked to the Beatles legacy.
This a very fine first-year J-160E that is certainly one of best sounding examples we have heard. While nearly all original J-160's feature a laminated top, this very early 1955 guitar has a solid spruce top, giving it a much finer acoustic tone. The solid top was a short lived feature, as Gibson's engineers found that the decreased resonance of a laminated soundboard was less prone to feedback when amplified. This J-160E is a particularly distinctive-sounding guitar, with the crisp and recording-friendly "Beatles-y" tone the model is famous for enhanced and deepened. An excellent player and a very distinctive guitar.
Overall length is 41 1/2 in. (105.4 cm.), 16 1/16 in. (40.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
Very nice overall with typical wear and dings; some noticeable pickwear to the top, but structurally excellent. Currently set up with a direct replacement P-100 humbucking pickup, but the original P-90 is included and can be easily re-installed. Overall Very Good + Condition.
