charlie brown Posted July 29, 2011 Share Posted July 29, 2011 I found this, in a small store (Larry Larson Music) in Glendale, California. It was hanging up, in the back of the store, in pretty bad condition, cosmetically, but was "sound" in construction, still. I asked the young clerk, what the price was, and he proudly told me $425 dollars. I wrote him a check, on the spot, and went home with it. A couple days later, I was back in that store, buying some strings, etc., and when I told the man (older man, than the previous clerk) my name, so he could make out the receipt, for my purchases, he smiled at me, and said: "You know you "stole" that Gibson, you bought in here, a couple of days ago...you know that, right?!" It seems his son, was the clerk, filling in, for his dad, over the lunch hour, at the time I bought the J-160E, and had NO idea, what it was worth. I told the man, that I had asked, and was told the price, and paid it. He (Larry Larson) then told me, that his son had NO idea, what it was, other than "some old Gibson guitar," and that I was very lucky, indeed! Larry, was a good sport, about it all...if reluctantly. (Smile) A short while later, I took it to Art Valdez, on Sunset Blvd., in Hollywood, who was an authorized Gibson service and repair luthier (He also designs his own guitars, and has made guitars for a lot of Rock "Stars," including John Lennon, over the years)...who restored it, in "nitro" for me...for 200 bucks, at that time. So, that's the story, on my purchase and restoration, of this fine old Gibson. That "Old Gibson Guitar" (1954 J-160E, with (rare) single ply top!) CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G McBride Posted July 29, 2011 Share Posted July 29, 2011 CB, It sure looks nice in the pictures. How does it play? I have heard good and bad but your single ply top should be one of the good ones. Gill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted July 29, 2011 Author Share Posted July 29, 2011 CB, It sure looks nice in the pictures. How does it play? I have heard good and bad but your single ply top should be one of the good ones. Gill Thanks, Gill. Acoustically, it's just "OK," tone wise. The original ladder bracing was a tone killer..IMHO, back then. Still, it's better sounding than most, of that orginal model, as it does have the rare (for that model) single ply solid top. The action, is to die for...like a Les Paul Electric! So, it plays very well...everyone that has played it, comments on it, that way. The adjustable bridge, is handy, but a bit of a tone killer, too...I think. Still, I love it, for what it is, and the story behind it, as well. ;>) CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G McBride Posted July 29, 2011 Share Posted July 29, 2011 I have been watching those all of the time thinking that I should own one but just haven't convinced myself to spend the money. Maybe I'll trade you that Joan Jett one of these days when you get tired of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vincentw Posted July 29, 2011 Share Posted July 29, 2011 Thanks, Gill. Acoustically, it's just "OK," tone wise. The original ladder bracing was a tone killer..IMHO, back then. Still, it's better sounding than most, of that orginal model, as it does have the rare (for that model) single ply solid top. The action, is to die for...like a Les Paul Electric! So, it plays very well...everyone that has played it, comments on it, that way. The adjustable bridge, is handy, but a bit of a tone killer, too...I think. Still, I love it, for what it is, and the story behind it, as well. ;>) CB Not really meant to be played acoustically, anyway...it should have a certain mojo plugged in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted July 29, 2011 Share Posted July 29, 2011 Very intact, irresistible looks – there's even a burst on the back. When did this happen ? Saddle material ? The 2 'coins' ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted July 29, 2011 Share Posted July 29, 2011 . I think you were wearing a black bandanna over your face when you snagged that one - a steal for sure. Great story and a lovely restoration - - - my oh my it looks sooo nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted July 29, 2011 Author Share Posted July 29, 2011 Very intact, irresistible looks there's even a burst on the back. When did this happen ? Saddle material ? The 2 'coins' ? It was purchased (and restored), in 1981. Just a few years prior, to the beginning, of all the "Vintage" madness. Those "coin" style/size bridge adjustment knobs, to my knowledge, were only available for a couple of years, before they scaled them down, to the more common, smaller size. And, Vincent's right...it's not really made to shine, as an acoustic. But, even so, this one sounds pretty good, all things considered. But, it does have that "Beatles" tone, and mojo, in spades! And, it was exactly what I was looking for, at the time, for a great price (mistake, or otherwise). ;>) CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted July 29, 2011 Author Share Posted July 29, 2011 . I think you were wearing a black bandanna over your face when you snagged that one - a steal for sure. Great story and a lovely restoration - - - my oh my it looks sooo nice! Thanks, Kahune...it's been a fun guitar, overall. And, because it was just a "used" guitar, at that time, I had no reservations, about restoring the finish...or, what that might do, to the "value." To me, making it "lovely" again, was what I felt it deserved. So...??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 333 Posted July 29, 2011 Share Posted July 29, 2011 Wow, CB, What a great find. I'm so happy for you. And to think, for less than the price of a used modern-day Epi reissue. I'm jealous! Red 333 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted July 29, 2011 Author Share Posted July 29, 2011 Wow, CB, What a great find. I'm so happy for you. And to think, for less than the price of a used modern-day Epi reissue. I'm jealous! Red 333 Yeah ...of course, It was 30 years ago! Wow!! ...that hardly seems possible! Time sure flies! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorod Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 Great story! I was wondering what the time-line was. When you finally explained it was in 1981, it made sense. $425 was a good chunk of change back then...even for a J160E of that vintage. I, personally think that you seriously de-valued ( in a purist vintage sense )the guitar by refinishing it. Oh well... It's your guitar, your 'steal', your 'deal'...! Worth half of what it 'could be' in the market today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted July 30, 2011 Author Share Posted July 30, 2011 Great story! I was wondering what the time-line was. When you finally explained it was in 1981, it made sense. $425 was a good chunk of change back then...even for a J160E of that vintage. I, personally think that you seriously de-valued ( in a purist vintage sense )the guitar by refinishing it.Oh well... It's your guitar, your 'steal', your 'deal'...! Worth half of what it 'could be' in the market today. Possibly...but, at the time (pre-vintage guitar craze), it was still just a "used" guitar, and the finish was so badly worn (missing, in lots of places), that I couldn't stand to see it, like that. So, I had it restored. I didn't buy it, to "collect" or for an investment, anyway. It was to play. I was really pleased, with the restoration, and I think it looks great! J-160E's aren't really that collectible, any way. Probably, would be even less so, if it weren't for The Beatles connection. Still, it's a fun guitar to own, and play. ;>) CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 A very interesting post.... These guitars have incredible history nowadays And Beatlemania seems just as powerful I recently shopped for an Epi 160e and found the quality a bit variable So my dealer found me a cheap copy by 'Vintage' This has proven to be a total success with solid build, great acoustic and amped tone A great guitar for strummed rhythms as well as finger style.... V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted August 7, 2011 Author Share Posted August 7, 2011 A very interesting post.... These guitars have incredible history nowadays And Beatlemania seems just as powerful I recently shopped for an Epi 160e and found the quality a bit variable So my dealer found me a cheap copy by 'Vintage' This has proven to be a total success with solid build, great acoustic and amped tone A great guitar for strummed rhythms as well as finger style.... V How about some photos, of your "baby," V? I (and I'm sure others) would be interested in seeing that one. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorod Posted August 7, 2011 Share Posted August 7, 2011 Possibly...but, at the time (pre-vintage guitar craze), it was still just a "used" guitar, and the finish was so badly worn (missing, in lots of places), that I couldn't stand to see it, like that. So, I had it restored. I didn't buy it, to "collect" or for an investment, anyway. It was to play. I was really pleased, with the restoration, and I think it looks great! J-160E's aren't really that collectible, any way. Probably, would be even less so, if it weren't for The Beatles connection. Still, it's a fun guitar to own, and play. ;>) CB Ain,t no "possibly" about it Chalie Brown...You "pucked up" as far as 'vintage value' is concerned. Perhaps you were young and dumb, vintage era had not begun, but when it did....you turned your $400 investment into???... instead of a solid $5000. at any rate...enjoy! she looks good... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted August 8, 2011 Author Share Posted August 8, 2011 Ain,t no "possibly" about it Chalie Brown...You "pucked up" as far as 'vintage value' is concerned. Perhaps you were young and dumb, vintage era had not begun, but when it did....you turned your $400 investment into???... instead of a solid $5000. at any rate...enjoy! she looks good... LOL...well, F'd up, or not...as stated, it was never FOR an "investment!" None of my guitars are. Collector's "Value," is what something is worth, to the purchaser...nothing more. IF they appreciate, great. If not, I still enjoy them. What happens, after I'm done...that's the next owner's concern. And, your "solid 5 Grand" figure, would have been for a pristine, to excellent condition J-160E. Not one, in the condition mine was in, prior to it's "restoration." Anyway..."I ain't worried about it!" ;>) CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig910 Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 If you're after that Beatles sound, may I suggest you remove those bronze wound acoustic strings and replace them with flatwound .12 electric guitar strings, such as Thomasek-Infeld Jazz Flats? Despite what it looks like, this is actually an electric guitar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted August 9, 2011 Author Share Posted August 9, 2011 If you're after that Beatles sound, may I suggest you remove those bronze wound acoustic strings and replace them with flatwound .12 electric guitar strings, such as Thomasek-Infeld Jazz Flats? Despite what it looks like, this is actually an electric guitar Yeah, I know this. But, I play it "acoustically"...or did, mostly. It was the only "acoustic" guitar I owned, for years. I don't play acoustic, all that much...and, after a 30+ year hiatus, I barely play "electric." (Smile) But, it will be fun to try that, again. Those strings, are great, as I remember. Thanks... CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe B Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 I have a 54 and 55 J-160e. The 54 has a great acoustic tone and is amazing on recordings. The 55 does have a Beatle tone due to the 3 ply top. (the 54 is my profile pic) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joanjettboy Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 beautiful guitar!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merseybeat1963 Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 I found this, in a small store (Larry Larson Music) in Glendale, California. It was hanging up, in the back of the store, in pretty bad condition, cosmetically, but was "sound" in construction, still. I asked the young clerk, what the price was, and he proudly told me $425 dollars. I wrote him a check, on the spot, and went home with it. A couple days later, I was back in that store, buying some strings, etc., and when I told the man (older man, than the previous clerk) my name, so he could make out the receipt, for my purchases, he smiled at me, and said: "You know you "stole" that Gibson, you bought in here, a couple of days ago...you know that, right?!" It seems his son, was the clerk, filling in, for his dad, over the lunch hour, at the time I bought the J-160E, and had NO idea, what it was worth. I told the man, that I had asked, and was told the price, and paid it. He (Larry Larson) then told me, that his son had NO idea, what it was, other than "some old Gibson guitar," and that I was very lucky, indeed! Larry, was a good sport, about it all...if reluctantly. (Smile) A short while later, I took it to Art Valdez, on Sunset Blvd., in Hollywood, who was an authorized Gibson service and repair luthier (He also designs his own guitars, and has made guitars for a lot of Rock "Stars," including John Lennon, over the years)...who restored it, in "nitro" for me...for 200 bucks, at that time. So, that's the story, on my purchase and restoration, of this fine old Gibson. That "Old Gibson Guitar" (1954 J-160E, with (rare) single ply top!) CB Great to read this man.Beautifull guitar. Id rather a nice nitro refinish with a solid top than a battered original perfect sunburst to look at every day. I tried the newish Gibson John Lennon reissue ,two of them,similar to this which came with nickel strings..i thought it sounded pretty nice & played beautifully. And it should be considered an electric acoustic guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merseybeat1963 Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 $425 in 1981 was a good amount of money ... When the guy said "stole it" he was probably thinking $5-600 $450 was about the price for a 57' Gibson Les Paul Jr. at the time in NY city. In outskirt areas less.. I passed on two 50's Les Paul Juniors in nice shape at Wilcox Trading Post in downtown Lansing Michigan in 1982-3 cause I had one, and was looking for a Pre CbS Strat. They were have able for $285 & $335(asking $335/$385) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted February 28, 2014 Author Share Posted February 28, 2014 I guess, I should have taken detailed photos, of it, in the condition it was in, when I first bought it. You'd better understand WHY I decided to have it "restored." There was hardly any, of the original finish on it. And, what was left, was cracking an peeling off. So, finish wise, it was a true "basket case!" But, structurally, it was just fine. So, I chose to restore it. I would have probably done that, anyway, even if I had known, at the time, the "Vintage" craze was about to take off. So, I'm not sorry, at all, I "devalued" it, from a collector's standpoint. It wasn't purchased for that reason, at all. And, I think it turned out real well. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duluthdan Posted February 28, 2014 Share Posted February 28, 2014 CB - that guitar looks outrageously cool. Nice job I say! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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