What's this Vintage Gibson acoustic worth?

[Reg18]

It's about to come out for sale at Easy Pawn CHCH, I know jack all about acoustics, what is it? What's it worth?

[AiRdAd]

I haven't got a clue on the price or the model. Did they give you an indication on what they want for it at all?

[Aquila Rossa]

Kalamazoo 1965. Pity about the drill holes in the front.

[Aquila Rossa]

Actually, drill holes might be stock:

[Slowy]

Looks like it may be a gutted J160E. If it is, it's a plywood back & side, average Gibson that was played by the Beatles. As a result, good examples (which this does not appear to be), are offered at eye watering prices.

Regardless, this is worth further investigation. As Danny said, what do they want for it?

See if you can get more photos. Is there a label inside? There appears to be 2 holes at the end of the fretboard. That's where a J160 had its magnetic pickup mounted.

What's the action like and it's playing and cosmetic condition?

[Aquila Rossa]

Could be a J-160E from 1965 with electrics taken out. Can fetch more the $7K if in good nick.

[GrantB]

Interesting...I reckon $2-2.5K...you, slowy?

These are not going to blow your mind tonally....just saying.

[Reg18]

It did have a little stamp on the inside which I thought read 1160 so it's probably the J160. It played ok, def some fret wear though.
He didn't tell me exactly what he wanted but he claimed they loaned over 1k on it.
If you rang them you might be able to get a good deal before it gets listed on TM.
It's not out for sale in store yet.

[GrantB]

OK, I rang...definitely going on TM, not for sale earlier

[olegmcnoleg]

Yes, I think it is a j160, by the look of it. If you are in a Beatles cover band, then you need this! It should have a nice, dry, driving tone when strummed, with plenty of mids, not so much bass, so good for a band situation, but great for fingerstyle.

As noted above, there are better acoustic guitars from that era, but I think this is really cool.

[GrantB]

OK, I'm gonna bid on this fecker. In spite of their reputation for flat tone.

[Slowy]

Interesting...I reckon $2-2.5K...you, slowy?

These are not going to blow your mind tonally....just saying.

I'm staggered at current asking prices though that, of course doesn't mean much. I have no idea how easy it would be to replace the pickup; I imagine most were binned over the years.
To my mind, $2k would be getting steep but for a professional rescuer of abused Gibsons, it's probably about right. You'd get the value from it and I thought Oleg's assessment of its qualities was insightful.

Better add Norwegian Wood to the set list.

Edit: Just discovered the pickup is actually a cover-less P90. That's not going to be a problem at all!

[Reg18]

If anyone wants me to go back and have a better inspection I'd be happy to, although I doubt I'd be the best person to inspect a rare vintage guitar.

[GrantB]

Good man

[rickenbackerkid]

I'd say worth 2K for sure. While some are not a fan of this era Gibson acoustics, there is no denying that they have a characteristic sound and it's a bloody good one. Short on jangle, sustain and upper shimmery harmonics, but big on a sort of thick meaty midrange and with a great sweet treble. Fucking love my 60's LG, and I've played bit on a friends 65 J50 which sounds much the same but twice as loud.