Weight: 4 LBS 7 OZ
Serial # 23145027
New 2026 Gibson J160E Original (2025 serial number received Feb 2026)
The legendary J-160E, with all the classic visual appeal, and now with improved performance
The Gibson J-160E is a legendary model, and for many players, it needs no introduction, but for players who may be unfamiliar with its history, it is most closely associated with The Beatles, who used the model extensively, including on their landmark first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and on many of the recordings from the first half of their career. The J-160E was first introduced in 1954 as the second Gibson acoustic model to feature onboard electronics (after the CF-100E, which was released in 1951), in the form of a coverless P-90 pickup mounted through the top, just below the end of the fretboard. While it has a round shoulder shape similar to the Southern Jumbo and J-45™, it was designed from the beginning as a dual-purpose model that could function both electrically and acoustically, with somewhat more emphasis placed on its electrical performance.
Now, Gibson is very proud to introduce the J-160E Original, a new model based on those vintage classics, enhanced with upgrades and improvements that make it better than ever, in both its acoustic and electric performance. It features a back and sides made from solid mahogany. Instead of the laminated top and ladder bracing used on vintage models, the J-160E Original features a solid Sitka spruce top that is reinforced with our traditional scalloped X-bracing for a full, round shoulder acoustic tone when played unplugged. The mahogany neck has a comfortable and fast-playing SlimTaper™ profile and is attached to the body at the 15th fret using our compound dovetail neck-to-body joint, and like all Gibson acoustic guitars, it is fitted with hot hide glue for maximum resonance and tonal transfer. The bound rosewood fretboard is equipped with 20 standard frets and dressed up with pearloid trapezoid inlays. The belly-up bridge is also rosewood and is equipped with a bone saddle and TUSQ® bridge pins. The nut is also bone, and nickel Gotoh® Keystone tuners ensure fast, accurate, and stable tuning so you can spend more time playing and less time tuning.
Like its vintage predecessors, the J-160E Original is equipped with a pickup, but instead of the P-90 found in previous versions, the J-160 Original features a P-90 DC pickup that is wired to top-mounted master volume and tone controls, both of which feature 60s-style gold Top Hat knobs with silver reflectors, and wired to a side-mounted output jack. The P-90 DC delivers the classic P-90 tone but without the hum, for improved, noise-free electrified performance. A Gibson hardshell case is also included to help keep the J-160E Original safe, whether you’re traveling to a gig at the local pub, going to a friend’s house for a jam session, or headed out to conquer America. Don’t miss this opportunity to own this truly iconic dual-purpose guitar that is now better than ever!
Mahogany body
Solid sitka spruce top
Mahogany neck with a SlimTaper profile
Bound rosewood fretboard with 20 standard frets and pearloid trapezoid inlays
Nickel Gotoh keystone tuners
J-160E P-90 DC pickup
Top-mounted gold top hat with silver reflector volume and tone knobs
Hardshell case
Specifications
Back Mahogany
Binding Multi-ply Top, Single-ply Back and Fretboard
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape J-160
Body Styles Round Shoulder
Bracing Traditional Scalloped X-bracing
Side Mahogany
Top Solid Sitka Spruce
Neck Specs
Fingerboard Material Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius 304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count 20
Frets Standard
Inlays Pearloid Trapezoid
Joint Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body; Hot Hide Glue
Neck Material Mahogany
Nut Material Bone
Nut Width 43.82mm / 1.73in
Profile SlimTaper
Scale Length 628.65mm / 24.75in
Electronics Specs
Controls Top-Mounted Master Volume and Tone
Fingerboard Pickup J-160E P-90
Output Jack Side-Mounted 1/4"
Hardware Specs
Bridge Belly-up, Rosewood
Bridge Pins TUSQ
Control Knobs Gold Top Hat with Silver Reflector
Pickguard Tortoise J-160E
Saddle Material Bone
Strap Buttons Cream Endpin
Truss Rod Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover 2-ply Black Bell
Tuner Plating Nickel
Tuning Machines Gotoh Keystone
Misc Specs
Case Hardshell
Model: OCRS16VS
Headstock Inlay Gibson Logo and Crown in Mother of Pearl
Strings Gauge .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053