My new acquisition - Gibson J-160E

vintage_325_guy · Post by **vintage_325_guy** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 9:35 am

Have just picked up a gorgeous 1991, mint condition Gibson J-160E - my dream guitar no less! Having played it for only a few days, it seems as if I've never played anything else - by far the most beautiful instrument in my collection. Picture attached!

brammy · Post by **brammy** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:35 am

wow... NICE! I'm so jealous. How is the action and feel? What are you plugging it into?

Do you want to divulge how much $$ is was and where you got it?

randyz · Post by **randyz** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:51 am

Peter: A couple of years ago, I bought a NOS '96 J160E from a dealer. It's a beautiful instrument, but I honestly haven't played or even bothered to restring it yet. I've always wondered about string gauges and type (i.e. acoustic or electric). It's not entirely 'Beatle correct', since the factory put the cable jack in through the strap button on the end of the guitar. And there's a strip of inlay from front to rear at the strap button. The sunburst is gorgeous though. I thought it played better than any of the newer reissues that Gibson is building. When I get home tonight, I'll post a photo. Enjoy your J160E!

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 11:24 am

Very, very nice, Peter! Congratulations.

vintage_325_guy · Post by **vintage_325_guy** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 11:56 am

Thanks guys! Well the action and feel are wonderful, not really had a 'quality' acoustic before so this is a bit special. Am currently plugging into a Marshall MG50DFX, not a bad little amp, but am looking into a Vox Ac30 when I get some more cash together. As soon as I plugged it in, I tried out the old 'I Feel Fine' riff and it was just like the record so I'm happy. Sounds equally at home on 'I'll Be Back', 'Help!' and 'No Reply' and any number of other Beatles 63-66 output.
I've been on the look-out for one for ages and I just happened to post on a Gibson forum and a guy in my area said he was selling one and I jumped at it - £1200, so about $2070 - steep perhaps I dunno, but it is absolutely perfect. Money well spent. It looks lovely next to my Ric 325 V59 MG - can you guess who I'm a fan of?

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 12:22 pm

I'm stumped on that one, Peter!

randyz · Post by **randyz** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 2:15 pm

Peter: Here's my '96. When I was a kid, I never dreamed I ever own one of these!

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 4:40 pm

Aw jeez!

glen_l · Post by **glen_l** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 9:19 pm

They are such a nice guitar. It took me years to find, but I was fortunate to get this nice '66 J160e about 10yrs ago. An amazing beatley feeling just picking it up out of the case each time. They made the later 60's models with the slimmest neck imaginable for an acoustic guitar

randyz · Post by **randyz** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 2:21 am

Glen: I gave up looking for a vintage J160E. Must have seriously considered a dozen of them, but the cracked-up finishes and ever-increasing prices drove me to a reissue. The same thing has happened with Ricks, Hofners, etc. As long as they continue making great reissues, I'll keep buying them. Congratulations on your find!

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:30 am

My 2001 J-160E:

Great sound, both acoustic and electrified, but I find it a little harder on my hands to play than my RIC 730 Laramie.

vintage_325_guy · Post by **vintage_325_guy** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 11:05 am

Have just found some better pics of the Gibson. Have loved seeing everyone else's as well! Keep em coming you J-160E owners!

325_fan · Post by **325_fan** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 1:18 am

If you ever get a chance, play that through a Marshall AS50R.