Gibson Acoustic J-160E Original Vintage Sunburst

From the Sixties Stage to Today's Workshop

Introduced in the mid-1950s, the J-160E was among the first Gibson acoustics to incorporate a magnetic pickup. This "Original" version respects the round shoulder aesthetic while enhancing the formula: a solid top and sculpted X bracing for a true acoustic voice, optimized electronics for clean recordings and uncompromising stage performance.

For Whom and Which Styles?

Designed for intermediate to professional guitarists, the J-160E Original shines in composition, recording, and live settings. Folk, pop, rock, brit-pop, blues, and fingerstyle ballads benefit from its singing mids and warm response. Its ability to instantly switch from unplugged playing to amplified sets makes it an ideal partner for singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists.

Sound

Unplugged, the solid Sitka spruce top supported by sculpted X bracing delivers openness, projection, and sustain, with clear highs and present mids typical of the round shoulder format. The solid mahogany back and sides enrich the warmth and coherence of the midrange for a naturally musical tone. Plugged in, the neck-position P-90 DC offers the expressive grain of a P-90 but without hum, from bright clean tones to woody crunch. The volume and tone controls mounted on the top respond finely, allowing sound sculpting by finger or pick, from broad strumming to articulated arpeggios.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To get the most out of this acoustic/electric, choose a set of phosphor bronze steel strings 12-53 (versatile standard gauge), an adjustable capo for folk guitar (adjustable pressure, compatible with most radii), a quality 1/4'' instrument cable for stage/studio, and a case humidifier to stabilize the humidity of solid woods.

Technical specifications

Format	J-160 round shoulder	Fingerboard binding	single-ply
Top	solid Sitka spruce, sculpted X bracing	Bridge	rosewood "belly-up"
Back and sides	solid mahogany	Nut	bone
Binding	multi-ply on top, single-ply on back and fingerboard	Saddle	bone
Finish	Vintage Sunburst	Bridge pins	TUSQ
Wood	mahogany	Tuners	Gotoh Keystone
Profile	SlimTaper	Hardware finish	nickel
Scale length	24.75" / 628.65 mm	Knobs	Gold Top Hat with silver reflector
Fingerboard	rosewood, pearloid trapezoid inlays	Neck pickup	P-90 DC (P-90 voice without hum)
Nut width	1.725" / 43.815 mm	Controls	master volume and tone mounted on top
Frets	20	Output	jack on side
Neck/body joint	15th fret, compound dovetail mortise-and-tenon	Case	hard case included
Glue	hot hide glue