Gibson J-160E - Sunburst - 1970s
This 1970s Gibson J-160E is the guitar equivalent of a perfect pair of worn-in jeans, a favorite old blanket, or a warm cup of coffee. It is a true player’s instrument with plenty of mileage and honest wear and tear, but it possesses a soulful character that ensures it will quickly become your favorite. Made famous by its association with the British Invasion, the J-160E features a unique combination of a dreadnought body and a Gibson P-90 pickup at the neck, offering a distinct voice that works beautifully both acoustically and amplified.
This guitar has been well-loved and well-played over the decades, and it wears its history proudly. It features an old, stable headstock repair that has held up through years of play. The original tuners have been upgraded to Schaller tuners for better stability, and it features a well-cut replacement bone nut. The bridge also appears to have been replaced at some point. The sunburst finish shows the kind of checking and patina that only comes with extensive use, and while there are some divots in the fretboard, the guitar still plays and sounds great.
Structurally, the neck shows a bit more relief on the treble side than the bass side, though it remains very playable. The intonation reads a hair sharp on the two lowest strings on a tuner, but it doesn't sound that way when you are actually playing it. Electronically, the classic P-90 pickup is fully functional, delivering that signature warm, electric-acoustic growl. It’s an instrument that invites you to play it without worry, offering a rich, broken-in feel that new guitars simply cannot replicate.
Specifications
- Model: J-160E
- Era: 1970s
- Body-Style: Square-Shoulder Dreadnought
- Top-Material: Spruce
- Back-and-Side-Material: Mahogany
- Finish: Sunburst (Nitrocellulose)
- Neck-Material: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Pickup: Gibson P-90 (Neck Position)
- Tuners: Replacement Schaller Tuners
- Nut-Material: Bone (Replacement)
- Bridge: Replaced
- Condition: Good Player Grade. Stable headstock repair; finish wear and checking; fretboard divots; treble-side relief; fully functional electronics.
- Included: Hard Case (Likely original, in good shape).
About Us + Shipping Every vintage acoustic instrument we sell is professionally inspected and set up to ensure it meets our standards for playability and tone. We pack each guitar with extreme care, supporting the bridge and headstock to ensure a safe journey. Mill River Music is a full-service music store located in Western Massachusetts. We are proud to offer new, used, and vintage gear, plus repairs and friendly advice. International buyers are welcome—please message us for an accurate shipping quote before purchase.
