Gibson Certified Vintage 1957 Gibson J-160E, Sunburst
1957 Gibson J-160E, Serial Number U 22619
Introduced in 1954 and continuing the design pioneered by the small-body CF-100E, the J-160E was our first production model to combine a full-sized flat-top acoustic with an integrated pickup system—bridging the gap between traditional acoustic tone and stage amplification. This 1957 example represents the earliest generation of that design, featuring a ladder-braced laminated spruce top, single P-90 pickup at the neck, and adjustable ceramic bridge saddle. Its naturally mid-forward voice and quick response helped establish the plugged-in acoustic sound that became a defining part of popular music in the following decade, perhaps most notably in the hands of George Harrison and John Lennon of The Beatles.
Finished in a vibrant original sunburst, this J-160E is an all-original example apart from an aged set of reproduction Kluson Deluxe single-line, single-ring tuners. The guitar is overall in very good shape, with moderate lacquer checking and light nicks and dings throughout. On the back of the peghead is a small “2” stamp indicating a factory second—likely due to the three heavy vertical checks on the body. These checks appear to be veneer separations in the grain patterns of the topmost spruce laminate. They are fully stable and purely cosmetic.
The guitar has received a few small repairs, including one re-glued and cleated brace and a lightly filled back repair on the bass-side lower bout, all neatly executed by the team at Glaser Instruments. The original P-90 pickup and wiring harness remain untouched, featuring two Centralab potentiometers and a Sprague “Bumblebee” capacitor.
The guitar plays well up and down the neck, with original frets in very good condition. The original ceramic saddle was lightly notched in the past, and the bridge has been reglued to ensure long-term stability.
Tonally, it delivers the dry, woody, and mid-focused sound typical of early J-160Es. Acoustically it’s clear and compact, while the electric tone offers warm, rounded clarity.
It comes in its original brown-and-pink Lifton hardshell case, which is in excellent condition.
This guitar has received a professional setup and thorough inspection from Gibson Certified Vintage and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, Letter of Appraisal, and new Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Original: $9,999.00
-70%$9,999.00
$2,999.70Product Information
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Description
1957 Gibson J-160E, Serial Number U 22619
Introduced in 1954 and continuing the design pioneered by the small-body CF-100E, the J-160E was our first production model to combine a full-sized flat-top acoustic with an integrated pickup system—bridging the gap between traditional acoustic tone and stage amplification. This 1957 example represents the earliest generation of that design, featuring a ladder-braced laminated spruce top, single P-90 pickup at the neck, and adjustable ceramic bridge saddle. Its naturally mid-forward voice and quick response helped establish the plugged-in acoustic sound that became a defining part of popular music in the following decade, perhaps most notably in the hands of George Harrison and John Lennon of The Beatles.
Finished in a vibrant original sunburst, this J-160E is an all-original example apart from an aged set of reproduction Kluson Deluxe single-line, single-ring tuners. The guitar is overall in very good shape, with moderate lacquer checking and light nicks and dings throughout. On the back of the peghead is a small “2” stamp indicating a factory second—likely due to the three heavy vertical checks on the body. These checks appear to be veneer separations in the grain patterns of the topmost spruce laminate. They are fully stable and purely cosmetic.
The guitar has received a few small repairs, including one re-glued and cleated brace and a lightly filled back repair on the bass-side lower bout, all neatly executed by the team at Glaser Instruments. The original P-90 pickup and wiring harness remain untouched, featuring two Centralab potentiometers and a Sprague “Bumblebee” capacitor.
The guitar plays well up and down the neck, with original frets in very good condition. The original ceramic saddle was lightly notched in the past, and the bridge has been reglued to ensure long-term stability.
Tonally, it delivers the dry, woody, and mid-focused sound typical of early J-160Es. Acoustically it’s clear and compact, while the electric tone offers warm, rounded clarity.
It comes in its original brown-and-pink Lifton hardshell case, which is in excellent condition.
This guitar has received a professional setup and thorough inspection from Gibson Certified Vintage and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, Letter of Appraisal, and new Limited Lifetime Warranty.
