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My new acquisition - Gibson J-160E
Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 9:35 am
by vintage_325_guy
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!
Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:35 am
by brammy
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?
Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:51 am
by randyz
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!
Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 11:24 am
by ozover50
Very, very nice, Peter! Congratulations.
Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 11:56 am
by vintage_325_guy
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?
Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 12:22 pm
by ozover50
I'm stumped on that one, Peter!
Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 2:15 pm
by randyz
Peter: Here's my '96. When I was a kid, I never dreamed I ever own one of these!
Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 4:40 pm
by ozover50
Aw jeez!
Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 9:19 pm
by glen_l
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
Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 2:21 am
by randyz
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!
Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:30 am
by doctorwho
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.
Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 11:05 am
by vintage_325_guy
Have just found some better pics of the Gibson. Have loved seeing everyone else's as well! Keep em coming you J-160E owners!
Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 1:18 am
by 325_fan
If you ever get a chance, play that through a Marshall AS50R.