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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.

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.

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Guitar Specifications

Cuerpo

Fondo Mahogany

Binding Multi-ply

Acabado del cuerpo Sunburst Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Cuerpo Mahogany

Forma del cuerpo Jumbo

Baretaje Ladder

Lado Mahogany

Tapa Laminated Spruce

Mastil

Material del diapasón Brazilian Rosewood

Radio del diapasón 304.8mm / 12.0in

Recuento de trastes 20

Trastes Medium (Original)

Incrustaciones Celluloid Trapezoid

Union Glued, Set

Material del mastil Mahogany

Ancho de la cejilla 42.96mm / 1.69in

Perfil Medium D

Longitud de la escala 628.65mm / 24.75in

Electrónica

Controles One volume, One tone

Pastilla de mástil J-160E P-90 (8.54k)

Conector de salida 1/4"

Hardware

Puentes Brazilian Rosewood

Pins de puente Plastic

Controles Gold Top Hat

finish Nickel

Golpeadores Celluloid

Cubierta de pastilla Black J-160E

Partes plásticas Black

Material de la selleta Adjustable Ceramic

Botones de correa White Plastic

Alma Adjustable

Cubierta del alma 1-ply Black

Revestimiento del afinador Nickel

Clavijeros Repro Aged Kluson Deluxe Single Line Single Ring

Miscelánea

Estuche Original brown-and-pink hardshell case

Model: GCVP0116

Headstock Gibson open book

Incrustación en la pala Gibson Logo and Crown Inlay in Mother of Pearl

Fuerza cuerdas 12-53

Gibson Certified Vintage 1957 Gibson J-160E, Sunburst

Name: Gibson Certified Vintage 1957 Gibson J-160E, Sunburst
Brand: Gibson Certified Vintage
SKU: GCVP0116
Price: 9999.00 USD
Availability: InStock