John Lennon's 1964 Gibson J-160E: The Story of an Iconic Guitar

Special thanks to @perrystanleyNumber9
John Lennon’s 1964 Gibson J-160E is one of his most fascinating and unique guitars. From its factory features—like the rare plastic bridge and misaligned pickup—to the many modifications he made over the years, this guitar played a significant role in The Beatles’ later recordings.

In this video, we explore:

The mystery of when and where Lennon acquired this J-160E
The differences between his 1962 and 1964 models
The major modifications, including pickup placement changes and psychedelic paint job
The final engravings he added during the 1969 "Bed-In for Peace"
By examining its history, we gain insight into Lennon’s constant search for new sounds and the evolution of his playing style.

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#TheBeatles #JohnLennon #GibsonJ160E #BeatlesGuitars #LennonGuitar #VintageGuitars #GibsonAcoustic

Tags:
John Lennon, The Beatles, Gibson J-160E, John Lennon guitar, Beatles guitars, vintage Gibson, Gibson acoustic, J-160E history, Beatles gear, John Lennon acoustic guitar, John Lennon Gibson, Beatles instruments, vintage guitar history, Gibson guitar modifications, John Lennon bed-in, The Fool psychedelic guitar, Candlestick Park Beatles, Beatles studio gear, Sgt Pepper recording gear, Beatles 1966 tour

[perrystanleyNumber]

Fun video, Paul! I really enjoyed talking gear with you! Thanks for having me!

[lptomtom]

The funny thing about Beatles gear is that we obsess about every little detail when it's well known that John and Paul didn't really care about the instruments they were playing, and often chose them because of convenience or because they were cheaper (the Hofner) or free (the 4001s). The only one that seemed interested in gear was George, and yet he gave so many of his guitars away! I really love the fact that their guitars were tools to them, not works of art or technical marvels

[jltrem]

In 2000 to 2001 there was a massive Lennon exhibit at the R&R HOF. The J-160E was there. I'd read in an article that inside the sound hole remnants of blue paint were still visible from the paint job by The Fool. When I checked, sure enough it could still be seen.

[StephenRuckel]

Thank you Paul ! Love your videos, and I learn a ton from them. Thanks for all the extra effort.

[Luke_dude_]

Legendary video Paul! Really enjoyed the deep dive on John’s second j-160e and the specific specs on the guitar. Actually never knew about the pickup magnet placements being closer to the neck. Wonder if that was why Lennon initially moved the pickup lower. Also super stoked you were able to get Perry on the channel! Can’t wait for the next Beatles guitar deep dive

[BuChan]

Awesome video! The J-160e is really something special. Anyone who takes playing Beatles music seriously owes it to themselves to get their hands on one. It covers so much ground in regards to their discography.

[chrisva]

Great reaearch and presentation as always, and I love hearing Perry's insights! I've realized i lean much more toward the Gibson J-style guitars over a Martin D-style, they really are terrific in a mix. Ive become very fond of Iris guitars, i think they make the best Gibson style acpustica for the price, and i once came across their tale on a J-160E, a DF model with a pickup! Would love to compare one of those with a proper Gibson

[TBeau]

Great content. The J-160e was John's favourite guitar

[grandpagreybeard]

Great video Paul. Keep up the great work providing us this knowledge.

[mschiano]

gonna miss you at GTE. i appreciated your bluntness. 😁

[denAlexVA]

Thank You! I knew about the 1962's that he and George Harrison bought in 1962, but did not know about his owning a 1964. Last year in honor of the Beatles coming to the States in 1964, I purchased a 1957 model in 9 plus condition for $7500.00. A Bargain given the historical connotaions as well as the playability and sound. This instument is undervalued in today's market.

[chrisfrost]

Great video. Very informative. Thanks.

[aunch]

Awesome video this is a fascinating topic

[johncena]

It always seems like Johns guitars are one offs or always have an oddity about them lol. Nice video!

[ricardopena]

Where is that guitar right now? Is it in public display somewhere?
Great video by the way!

[Calatriste]

"You've got to hide your love away.."

[thunderer]

I think I read something many years ago that suggested that Lennon and Harrison swapped their 62 guitars. It was only when Lennon's was stolen, paperwork revealed that he had been playing George's guitar and that it was George's guitar that was stolen.
How accurate that actually is, I don't know. Like I said, it was something I read many years ago.

[SuperJohnsWorld]

Hi Paul! I know in a past video you mentioned you use 12 gauge D’Addario round wound strings on your J-160E. I was wondering which type of metal? Also do you know if Perry uses the same gauge and type of strings? Thanks for making these videos! I’m always learning something new!

[nvm]

John loved his guitars if the double fantasy sessions shows that John had a whole rack of guitars

[lotharlundgren]

I just inhereted a J-160E from my dad who passed a couple months ago. Its in absolute mint condition. I think its from the early to mid 60s. Anybody know where I can find the serial number??