ToRNado 1 Report post Posted August 31, 2019 New to the forum, looking to ID this very well worn Gibson acoustic. The body is 16" across. I struggled with photos, but here is a link: http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Bobs69BB/library/Gibson Did a little research, only has a FON ink stamped on headstock, V5856-18 which I think says it is from 1956. Looks like was originally an electric model converted back to acoustic. The bridge orientation looks backwards to most of the era, with the flat facing towards the neck. The tuning pegs are all metal, which don't look period correct. Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Robert Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimR56 40 Report post Posted August 31, 2019 (edited) 1956 is correct. You're also correct regarding the tuners not being original. They are nice tuners, though. I had trouble getting the photobucket pages to load, seemingly due to their ads. I tried it in another browser where I use an ad blocker, and nothing loaded at all. Anyway, from the quick glimpses I got of your main page, I think it might be a J-160E. They were introduced in 1954. Hopefully some of the flat-top guys (which I am not) will come along and add more expertise. Edited August 31, 2019 by JimR56 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dave F 222 Report post Posted September 1, 2019 (edited) Agree with Jim. It'd be a good one to put back to electric . I like it. Here's your photos uploaded. Right click your photo and copy the direct link and paste it in your post. Edited September 1, 2019 by Dave F updates Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
retrorod 93 Report post Posted September 1, 2019 Yep, it definitely was/is a J160E. It always amazes me how some of these guitars end up after a lot of years of play and bad repairs, etc. A proper bridge and saddle would be a good start in putting it back together to its former glory. However, it may play fine,as is. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ToRNado 1 Report post Posted September 2, 2019 Thanks for the help! My dad picked this up in a flea market in North Carolina 30+ years ago, paid $20 for it. If I decide to put it back to electric, are there recommended sources for parts? Pickup, knobs, bridge, tuners? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dave F 222 Report post Posted September 2, 2019 (edited) Just a quick search. I would not put too much into the guitar. It's beyond restoring value-wise and has no sentimental value. JMHO But it's still cool looking. Better have it checked out structurally before soaking any money into it. https://www.ebay.com/i/264394825910?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=264394825910&targetid=596465734708&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9014400&poi=&campaignid=1689407483&mkgroupid=74365778108&rlsatarget=aud-622524040958:pla-596465734708&abcId=1140476&merchantid=8442154&gclid=CjwKCAjw-7LrBRB6EiwAhh1yX_prriUHDkcEbnY4HrAfn_LXQcs0r8Vmef0DCISQ74cYHUrEwvnQSRoCgi8QAvD_BwE https://www.gibson.com/Gear/Tuning/PMMH-050 Edited September 2, 2019 by Dave F updates Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ToRNado 1 Report post Posted September 3, 2019 Thanks, no $$ in my eyes. I'm most interested in putting the bridge right and converting back to electric with a similar Chinese pickup kit. Anyone make a decent repro bridge for a J160E? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
