1959 Gibson J-160E – Sunburst

1959 Gibson J-160E – Sunburst

We present an original 1959 Gibson J-160E in Sunburst finish. Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

History

This 1959 Gibson flat top is a pristine example from the early days. There are not many around from 1959. Gibson only shipped out 179 in 1959 according to ‘Gibson Shipping Totals. The Gibson J-160E complemented the CF-100E introduced earlier 1951, and it enjoyed a much longer career since it was not discontinued until 1978. From the time of its introduction, several hundred J-160E guitars were produced each year, clearly evidencing the interest aroused by such an electric. John Lennon used his J-160E a lot in the early days of The Beatles.

Condition

Overall, this Gibson is in incredible clean original condition with minor play wear such as nicks and dings. The original Sunburst finish is perfect and vibrant. No crack repairs at all. It features laminated spruce top with ‘ladder’ braces, Solid mahogany back and sides, triple-bound on the top, single-bound on the bottom. One-piece mahogany neck with a medium/fat profile, and a very comfortable nut width of 1 11/16 inches and a standard scale length of 24.75 inches. Bound dark rosewood fingerboard with pearl trapezoid position markers. Headstock is clean as it can be with inlaid pearl “Gibson” and pearl crown inlay.

Originality

This incredible and historical ’59 J-160E is all original except for newer plastic tuner buttons. It still features the original ‘single-line’ Kluson Deluxe tuners single-ring – only the plastic buttons have been replaced. There has been added a strap button on the neck heel. It features the original single ‘cover-less’ P-90 pickup with six individually adjustable pole-pieces and an output. Two controls (one volume, one tone) on lower treble bout with gold plastic bell shaped knobs. The factory order number is stamped in wooden plate at end of neck inside the body.

Comes with its original Lifton hardshell case. Latches and handle are in perfect working order.

Repairs done by a respected and accomplished luthier: 

SPECS