Epiphone EJ160E

[sjb66]

Hi Guys,

as I have said once or twice before, I really love this guitar,...the only complaint I have is the pick-up. No output at all, and I bought this so I could amplify it. Used electric strings, and GHS white Bronze but still too low of an output. What kind of pick-up can I replace this one with but will still give me the look of the one already in there? And I really don't want to stick one in the sound hole those have never sounded good to me. And last but not least, would I be able to attach the new pick-up to the same wiring?

Thanks,

Karl

[RaysEpiphone]

What kind of pick up is in it now? Is it broken? How do you set your amp, or what ever you plug it into?

[sjb66]

What kind of pick up is in it now? Is it broken? How do you set your amp, or what ever you plug it into?

Sorry I should have said Low output not no output. It is too low to be heard for playing live. And Im talking full volume turned all the way up!,

 

Karl

[The_Buffalo]

Something is wrong & you have to find out what it is - although it's not a great pick-up, mine works just fine through an amp. Most likely suspect is your cord - even good ones break easily. If you know your amp & cord are o.k.(because they work with other guitars)then it's either a loose connection, faulty volume pot, or defective pick-up. (My pick-up measured 6.55K ohms with tone & volume set to max. If you don't know how to measure this yourself, take the guitar in to a repair shop, or buy a cheap ohm meter, & I'll show you how to do it.)

[Mek]

sjb: I have the same problem with my guitar and I've read it might be because of using bronze strings. Tommorrow I'll buy some nickle wounds and try them on, if it's working I'll post a word otherwise goodbye Johnny ;/

[Mek]

AFAIK you should use "electric" guitar strings, not acoustic.......

 

because it's a magnetic pickup, not a piezo

 

Yup, changed my strings to nickel and it helped. Spread the word ;)

[diverden]

After much trial and error I found Elixir Electric Nanoweb .12-52 to give the best amped sound.

These are the same gauges as the Gibson L-5s that come as original equipment on the EJ160E.

[MikeC]

Hi Guys,

as I have said once or twice before, I really love this guitar,...the only complaint I have is the pick-up. No output at all, and I bought this so I could amplify it. Used electric strings, and GHS white Bronze but still too low of an output. What kind of pick-up can I replace this one with but will still give me the look of the one already in there? And I really don't want to stick one in the sound hole those have never sounded good to me. And last but not least, would I be able to attach the new pick-up to the same wiring?

Thanks,

Karl

 

Hi, I've just got myself an EJ-160 john lennon acoustic, 2009 model made in Indonesia. I've a couple of other nice guitars to compare so when I tried it out in the shop, it sounded pretty okay unplugged and not bad plugged in, and the finish was v.good, but mainly it looked awesome (I'm biased becase I grew up in the 60s Beatles era in UK, now live in Oz). At home I tried it out on my Fender Acoustasonic 30 amp and the output was low, increased with adding a pre-amp booster but still not as full as my fishman undersaddle other acoustic. So I started doing a bit of research on the net and ended up emailing Gibson direct. This is a summary of their very quick and nice response: 1. The tuners (look similar to klusons) are properiety Epi made in Korea; 2. The pickup is proprietary Epi made in Korea stacked humbucker, not a P90. 3. The pickup is passive, therefore the signal will be much lower. Many players play thru electric guitar amps rather than acoustic amps. 4. In order for the pickup to work properly, as it uses a magnet, is to use Nickel electric guitar strings.

 

Hope this helps, I'm not sure about the spec of earlier/other locality made EJ-160, but this info has certainly helped me to understand how to get the best out of mine. All the best, Mike

 

PS. Some extra info. Spoke to a guitar tech who said that the poles on the stacked humbucker can be adjusted to 'balance' the strings, as there will be difference in their 'magnetic' transfer to the pickup.

[The_Buffalo]

When I plug in my EJ160-E, I usually use an electric guitar amp, but I also have a Peavey Ecoustic 112, which has an active/passive switch, so I can play guitars with magnetic pickups, (like my Casino and 160-E) and transducers (like my Yamaha APX5-12A).

[abbeyroadman]

Hi MikeC -

 

Thanks for sharing the information. Wondering if the same pickup is used on the Gibson J-160? If not, does anyone know what's on the Gibson version?

 

Regards,

[Red 333]

Hi MikeC -

 

Thanks for sharing the information. Wondering if the same pickup is used on the Gibson J-160? If not, does anyone know what's on the Gibson version?

 

Regards,

 

Gibson uses a single-coil P90 today on the J-160E Standard, though some editions used the stacked humbucker (dual coil) P-100 in the past.

 

I use Gibson Masterbuilt Phosphor Bronze strings on my Epiphone EJ-160E and my Gibson J-160E Standard. I've never had any problem with them through an electric guitar amp, and they don't compromise the guitar's performance unplugged, like electric strings will. They do sound slightly less "electric" plugged in, so there is a bit of a compromise, but its the best compromise, I think. Masterbuilts come standard on the Gibson J-160E Standard (and I would bet on the Epiphone, too).

 

The Gibson J-160E Peace and other reissue models that have vintage specs (laminated top and ladder bracing, as oppossed to the solid top and x bracing on the Epi EJ and Gibson Standard) come with Gibson L-5 strings. Since the laminated top and ladder bracing of 50's/60's spec models compromise their acoustic performance already, the pure nickel L-5 strings let these models perform optimally as an electric.

 

That's the thing you have to remember about the J-160E. The original 50's/60's spec guitar (laminated top/ladder bracing) is more like a Jazz box (think ES 175) than an acoustic guitar. Its laminated top and ladder bracing were put in place to resist feedback from the then-primitave amps. Naturally, this retards the guitar's performance when played unamplified. 50's/60's spec models look like an acoustic guitar, but don't really sound like one (at least to modern ears). They are hollow-body electric guitars for all practical purposes, and playing one amplified is akin to playing most other electric guitar unplugged--the output is very low and not particularly rich in tone when compared to playing a true flat-top acoustic guitar. The Beatles' engineers close-miced the J-160E (and sometime blended in the amplified tone) to solve this problem on record early on (which lent it a very distinctive tone), and John and George would also later use "real" acoustic guitars to solve this problem permanently. The Beatles used their J-160Es as electric guitars as often or more than as acoustics.

 

Modern day versions of the J-160E (like the Epiphone EJ-160E and Gibson J-160E Standard) were designed to solve the original version's lack of performance as an acoustic, so they were given a solid top and x bracing like most other contemporary day acoustic guitars. With the right strings (like Masterbuilts), they will sound good both unplugged and plugged into an electric amp. The changes in contsruction (and pick up) means that they sound somewhat different from the original 50's/60's version plugged in, though, but in the ball park still. Pure nickel strings get them closer in electric mode, but rob the guitar of its potential as an acoustic.

 

So, before you sting up your EJ-160E, decide how you want to use it. Do you want to use it purely for the early Beatles electric sound? Use the L-5 strings or similar. Do you want better acoustic performance, and are willing to let the guitar sound more like an acoustic and less like an elecctric when plugged in? Use the Masterbuilts or similar. And use the proper amp, which is an electric guitar amp.

 

Red 333

[Dodgermod]

that's real1y helpful Red - what gauge do you use?

I love the acoustic tone that my EJ160e has and don't want to compromise it but would love to hear a bit more volume plugged in (very low and almost inaudible) - do these strings react with the pickup much better?

[The_Buffalo]

...what gauge do you use?...

 

I use D'Addario Chromes - .011 - .050 on mine.

[MikeC]

Gibson uses a single-coil P90 today on the J-160E Standard, though some editions used the stacked humbucker (dual coil) P-100 in the past.

 

I use Gibson Masterbuilt Phosphor Bronze strings on my Epiphone EJ-160E and my Gibson J-160E Standard. I've never had any problem with them through an electric guitar amp, and they don't compromise the guitar's performance unplugged, like electric strings will. They do sound slightly less "electric" plugged in, so there is a bit of a compromise, but its the best compromise, I think. Masterbuilts come standard on the Gibson J-160E Standard (and I would bet on the Epiphone, too).

 

The Gibson J-160E Peace and other reissue models that have vintage specs (laminated top and ladder bracing, as oppossed to the solid top and x bracing on the Epi EJ and Gibson Standard) come with Gibson L-5 strings. Since the laminated top and ladder bracing of 50's/60's spec models compromise their acoustic performance already, the pure nickel L-5 strings let these models perform optimally as an electric.

 

That's the thing you have to remember about the J-160E. The original 50's/60's spec guitar (laminated top/ladder bracing) is more like a Jazz box (think ES 175) than an acoustic guitar. Its laminated top and ladder bracing were put in place to resist feedback from the then-primitave amps. Naturally, this retards the guitar's performance when played unamplified. 50's/60's spec models look like an acoustic guitar, but don't really sound like one (at least to modern ears). They are hollow-body electric guitars for all practical purposes, and playing one amplified is akin to playing most other electric guitar unplugged--the output is very low and not particularly rich in tone when compared to playing a true flat-top acoustic guitar. The Beatles' engineers close-miced the J-160E (and sometime blended in the amplified tone) to solve this problem on record early on (which lent it a very distinctive tone), and John and George would also later use "real" acoustic guitars to solve this problem permanently. The Beatles used their J-160Es as electric guitars as often or more than as acoustics.

 

Modern day versions of the J-160E (like the Epiphone EJ-160E and Gibson J-160E Standard) were designed to solve the original version's lack of performance as an acoustic, so they was given a solid top and x bracing like most other contemporary day acoustic guitars. With the right strings (like Masterbuilts), they will sound good both unplugged and plugged into an electric amp. The changes in contsruction (and pick up) means that they sound somewhat different from the original 50's/60's version plugged in, though, but in the ball park still. Pure nickel strings get them closer in electric mode, but rob the guitar of its potential as an acoustic.

 

So, before you sting up your EJ-160E, decide how you want to use it. Do you want to use it purely for the early Beatles electric sound? Use the L-5 strings or similar. Do you want better acoustic performance, and are willing to let the guitar sound more like an acoustic and less like an elecctric when plugged in? Use the Masterbuilts or similar. And use the proper amp, which is an electric guitar amp.

 

Red 333

 

Red,

 

Thanks for the detailed info, really helps knowing a bit of the history, much appreciated, mike

[Dodgermod]

I use D'Addario Chromes - .011 - .050 on mine.

 

Do they sound good acoustically?

 

cheers mate

 

Dodger

[The_Buffalo]

Do they sound good acoustically?

 

cheers mate

 

Dodger

 

Good, not great. I think it would sound better with acoustic strings, but then it wouldn't function as well when I plugged in. Some people have switched to acoustic strings, & added an undersaddle transducer.

[Dodgermod]

cheers mate

 

if I'd have wanted a great acoustic plugged in sound maybe I should have waited on the Texan!

 

thanks

 

Dodger

[MikeC]

Hi all,

 

Further to my posts about my new EJ 160E. Took it to a guitar Luthier/Tech (they make as well as repair etc) for a set-up. He was familiar with the model, knew all about the issues with using the right strings for what you want to play. Also familiar with the pickup. Work done was: polish frets, smooth off rough frets on the edging, adjust nut/saddle etc to optimise string height, and in particular, balanced the poles of the pickup which helps even out the sound (otherwise certain strings will dominate etc). Overall, very pleased with the set-up. He also confirmed nickel electric strings will give the best sound for plugged use. Problem is now, I can't blame the guitar for my poor playing skill :-) all the best, mike

[Fadedepi]

I'm at a complete lose here. I don't know what else I can say to get the point across. THIS IS DESIGNED TO BE AN ELECTRIC GUITAR, PLAYED WITH NICKLE WOUND STRINGS. IT IS NOT SUPPOSE TO BE AN ACOUSTIC, PERIOD. SO IF YOUR HAVING PROBLEMS, YOU'RE CREATING THEM !!

 

Faded...

[Red 333]

I'm at a complete lose here. I don't know what else I can say to get the point across. THIS IS DESIGNED TO BE AN ELECTRIC GUITAR, PLAYED WITH NICKLE WOUND STRINGS. IT IS NOT SUPPOSE TO BE AN ACOUSTIC, PERIOD. SO IF YOUR HAVING PROBLEMS, YOU'RE CREATING THEM !!

 

Faded...

 

That's true of the original Gibson J-160E introduced in 1954, and used by the Beatles. That guitar has a laminated top and is ladder-braced. Those features ensure the guitar won't distort when played through an amplifier, but deadens its acoustic capabilities.

 

It is not true of the Epiphone EJ-160E or present-day Gibson J-160E Standard. They are solid topped, x-braced guitars. These features help impart lively acoustic properties. From a design and construction standpoint, they are little different from any other acoustic-electric on the market today (save the neck joining the body at the 15th fret). By design, they will sound fine both unplugged and amplified, providing you use acoustic strings that will work with the magentic pick up, like phosphor bronze strings or similar. As they happen to have a variant of the P-90 found on vintage J-160E's, they will approximate the electrified sound of those vintage instruments when nickel or electric strings are used.

 

In short, the Epiphone EJ-160E DOES NOT REQUIRE electric strings. It is an option when you want to a Beatly vibe, especially when you the sound the Beatles got when they used their J-160E's as electric guitars. When phosphor bronze (or other acoustic strings with enough magnetic proprties) are used, the EJ-160E will sound fine acoustically and amplified. Of course, the P-100 will likely distort the guitar's natural acoustic tone somewhat, as it's not as sophisticated as the pick ups on most other modern acoustic-electric guitars, which were designed specifically for reproducing acoistic tone accurately.

 

If you are having trouble amplifying the EJ-160E's acoustic tone, you either have a duff pickup, need to adjust it, or need acoustic strings with the right magnetic content.

[Dodgermod]

nice post Red

I use mine acoustically and love the sound!

Have a set of phosphor bronze ready to go on (have ordinary acoustic strings on it at the minute and the pickup sound is almost non-existent). I'd rather have an acoustic sound plugged in than the Beatley archtop or whatever sound this can be described as (I think when Lennon got his Casino he still brought along his J160 as backup).

 

I love this guitar as an acoustic and although I like Lennon and the Beatles am not a massive fan. It suits the type of stuff i play (Paul Weller, Small Faces and soul/folk).

 

Although my local shop has just got an Inspired by Texan in and I had a quick play at lunchtime and want it badly!

[abbeyroadman]

I own a EJ160E, and for only one reason, to hear that "Beatle-sound" when I play some of their songs, from a specific time period. I would agree more with fadedepi than red333. The EJ160E is a replica guitar - built to played not with bronze acoustic strings, but with the string-type that it's shipped from the factory with - electric guitar strings. While it is x-braced, as an acoustic guitar, it's simply horrible. I understand what red333 said, but then why not then put electric strings on a Gibson J200 - you certainly can, but why would you? I also have a DR500M, it's a gem acoustically, with bronze strings. I did try some electric flats on it which provided and "interesting" sound, but it didn't compare at all with the less expensive EJ160 for that "Beatle-sound". Anecdotally, some say the current Epi. sounds more like the Beatles guitar than the current Gibson.

 

Regards,

[Red 333]

The EJ160E is a replica guitar - built to played not with bronze acoustic strings, but with the string-type that it's shipped from the factory with - electric guitar strings.

 

I think they come with Gibson Masterbuilt Phosphor Bronze strings or other acoustic strings. Mine did, and I've seen a post here from someone who asked Customer Service, and was told the same thing. The Gibson J-160E Standard also is shipped with phosphor bronze strings. There's no reason either guitar would be shipped with anything different, given their design. Both are traditional solid topped, x-braced guitars that also happen to have a magnetic pickup, just like hundreds of other acoustic-electric guitars on the market. The only way that the EJ-160E is a "replica" of a vintage J-160E is in a purely cosmetic sense. That, and it has a variation of the P-90 as the pickup (it actually has a stacked humbucker P100, and not a single-coil P90).

 

Vintage-spec Gibson J-160E's (like the Peace model, and the Fuller's Vintage '60's Spec Reissue) are shipped with nickel Gibson L5 strings. Given they were intended to be an electric guitar, and their limitations as an acoustic guitar (due to the laminated top and ladder bracing), that makes complete sense.

 

I agree withn you that as an acoustic, the EJ is no Masterbilt, but I would not call it horrible. Far from it. It produces a perfectly acceptable acoustic sound with acoustic strings. Of course, the EJ has been made in several different factories over the years, so maybe due to that, there's more variation in performance than normal. That certainly might help explain why some may have been shipped with acoustic strings, and some with electric strings (apparently), and maybe the Jeckyl/Hyde nature of this particular model; the J-160E must certainly be the most discussed model on this forum, and opinions vary wildly!

 

You're also right about the Gibson J-160E Standard not sounding exactly like a vintage J-160E. It shouldn't: it's built like the Epiphone EJ-160E, only with better tone woods, a beefier one-piece neck, and a real P90.

 

I have an EJ-160E, Gibson J-160E Standard, and Gibson J-160E John Lennon Peace model (which is Beatle spec). The Peace sounds most like the guitar you hear on Beatle records. It should: it's a fairly expensive guitar (especially for one that's essentially a one-trick pony). The EJ is an good value for the money, though, and it's more versatile, as it can be used as an acoustic or acoustic-electic with PB strings, and an electric with electric strings!

 

Red 333

[Fadedepi]

Mine came from the factory with electric strings on it. As they should. ( IMO)

 

Faded...

[Dodgermod]

Just a question Faded...

why do you have your EJ160e listed as an acoustic if you're at pains to point out that it's an electric guitar?