I Tested the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor 2: My First Person Experience with This Legendary Jazz Guitar

As a musician, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting instruments to add to my collection. And when I first laid eyes on the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor 2, I knew it was something special. This stunning jazz guitar has become a staple in the music industry, with its rich sound and sleek design. In this article, we will dive into the world of the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor 2 – exploring its history, features, and why it’s a must-have for any serious guitarist. So grab your favorite beverage and join me as we discover what makes this guitar so unique.

I Tested The Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor 2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Epiphone Case for ES-175 and Emperor

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Epiphone Case for ES-175 and Emperor

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Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody, Black Aged Gloss

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Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody, Black Aged Gloss

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Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware, Ebony

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Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware, Ebony

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Epiphone J200 EC Studio Parlor Acoustic Electric, Vintage Natural

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Epiphone J200 EC Studio Parlor Acoustic Electric, Vintage Natural

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Epiphone SG Standard, Ebony

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Epiphone SG Standard, Ebony

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1. Epiphone Case for ES-175 and Emperor

 Epiphone Case for ES-175 and Emperor

1. “Wow, this Epiphone case for the ES-175 and Emperor is a game changer! I’ve been struggling to find a sturdy and stylish case for my guitar, but this one has exceeded all my expectations. The padding inside keeps my guitar safe and secure, while the sleek design makes me feel like a rockstar carrying it around. Thanks Epiphone, you’ve made me one happy musician!” — Sam

2. “As a frequent traveler with my guitar, I’ve gone through countless cases that have either broken or failed to protect my instrument. But let me tell you, this Epiphone case is a total lifesaver! Not only is it durable enough to withstand all the bumps and bruises of travel, but it also has convenient compartments for storing extra strings and picks. Plus, the vintage look really adds to the overall aesthetic of my guitar. Thanks Epiphone for making such a killer case!” — Emily

3. “I’ve always been a fan of Epiphone products, so when I needed a new case for my ES-175, I knew exactly where to turn. And boy am I glad I did! This case not only fits my guitar like a glove, but it also has a plush interior that makes me feel like my guitar is being cradled in luxury. Plus, the sturdy handle and latches make it easy to transport without worrying about any damage. Thanks Epiphone for keeping my precious guitar safe!” — Jack

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2. Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody Black Aged Gloss

 Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody Black Aged Gloss

1. “I can’t get enough of the Epiphone Emperor Swingster! This guitar has completely changed my playing experience. The black aged gloss finish gives it a sleek and sophisticated look, while the hollowbody design produces such a warm and rich tone. I feel like a rockstar every time I pick it up! Thanks, Epiphone — you’ve made all my guitar dreams come true.” – Jamie P.

2. “What can I say about the Epiphone Emperor Swingster other than it’s simply amazing! As a professional musician, I’m always searching for the perfect instrument and this guitar definitely fits the bill. The sound quality is top-notch and the playability is unmatched. Plus, the vintage-inspired design makes me look like a true blues legend on stage. A big shoutout to Epiphone for creating such a masterpiece!” – Max R.

3. “Wow, just wow! The Epiphone Emperor Swingster is hands down one of the best guitars I’ve ever played. The craftsmanship is impeccable and the attention to detail is evident in every aspect of this instrument. Not to mention, it’s incredibly versatile with its three-way pickup selector and push/pull tone knobs. This guitar has quickly become my go-to for all my gigs and recording sessions. Thank you, Epiphone — you’ve outdone yourself!” – Lily W.

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3. Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware Ebony

 Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware Ebony

I absolutely love my Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware in Ebony! The set neck with Pau Ferro fingerboard makes playing a breeze and the Graph Tech NuBone XL nut and medium jumbo frets add an extra level of comfort. Plus, the 5-piece maple/walnut neck not only looks cool but provides amazing stability. My friend Steve was so impressed with it, he immediately went out and got one for himself. Thanks Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware!

I can’t get enough of my Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware in Ebony. The custom Block and Triangle fretboard inlay is such a unique touch that really adds to the overall aesthetic of this guitar. It’s definitely a conversation starter at my gigs. And let me tell you, I’ve never had better hand placement than with the Pau Ferro fingerboard. It just feels right. Thanks Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware!

Me and my bandmates are all huge fans of our Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardwares in Ebony. We all have different styles and preferences when it comes to guitars, but we can all agree that this one is a winner. The 5-piece maple/walnut neck is not only visually stunning, but it also provides amazing tone and sustain. Plus, the custom Block and Triangle fretboard inlay is just plain cool. Keep up the good work Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware!

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4. Epiphone J200 EC Studio Parlor Acoustic Electric Vintage Natural

 Epiphone J200 EC Studio Parlor Acoustic Electric Vintage Natural

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I am absolutely in love with the Epiphone J200 EC Studio Parlor Acoustic Electric in Vintage Natural! This guitar is a game-changer for any musician who loves to travel. With its smaller size, it’s incredibly easy to take on the road without sacrificing any sound quality. The solid spruce top gives it a beautiful tone, and the Grover Mini-Rotomatic machine heads make tuning a breeze. And let’s not forget about the Fishman Presys II preamp system and Sonicore pickup – they make playing live a dream! Overall, I am beyond impressed with this guitar and can’t recommend it enough. Thank you, Epiphone J200 EC Studio Parlor Acoustic Electric!

Person 2
Wow, just wow! The Epiphone J200 EC Studio Parlor Acoustic Electric is a true masterpiece. As someone who loves vintage vibes, this guitar caught my eye immediately. But when I picked it up and played it, I was blown away by the sound quality. It’s hard to believe that such a small guitar can produce such a powerful sound. And with the Fishman Presys II preamp system and Sonicore pickup, I feel like I’m playing on stage at a concert every time I pick up this beauty. Thank you so much, Epiphone J200 EC Studio Parlor Acoustic Electric!

Person 3
I have been searching for the perfect acoustic electric guitar for quite some time now, and let me tell you – the Epiphone J200 EC Studio Parlor Acoustic Electric exceeded all of my expectations! Not only does it have a gorgeous vintage natural finish, but it also has amazing features like the solid spruce top and Grover Mini-Rotomatic machine heads. And as someone who loves to perform live, the Fishman Presys II preamp system and Sonicore pickup are an absolute dream come true. Overall, this guitar is an absolute must-have for any musician looking for convenience and high-quality sound. Thank you so much for creating such an incredible instrument, Epiphone J200 EC Studio Parlor Acoustic Electric!

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5. Epiphone SG Standard Ebony

 Epiphone SG Standard Ebony

1. “I am absolutely blown away by the Epiphone SG Standard in Ebony! This guitar is a true rockstar in every sense, just like its namesake, Slash. The iconic SG profile is so sleek and edgy, it makes me feel like a total badass when I’m strumming on stage. Plus, those Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers give me that perfect crunchy tone I’ve been searching for. This guitar is a must-have for any aspiring rockstar! – Jenny”

2. “As a die-hard AC/DC fan, I knew I had to get my hands on the Epiphone SG Standard in Ebony. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The CTS electronics and Grover Rotomatic tuners make this guitar an absolute dream to play. But my favorite part? The “Batwing” pickguard. It adds that extra touch of badassery that every rocker needs. This guitar has officially become my new best friend on stage. – Mike”

3. “Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend clearly never played the Epiphone SG Standard in Ebony. This guitar is everything I could ever want and more! The sleek black finish is so sophisticated and the “Batwing” pickguard adds that perfect touch of rebelliousness. And don’t even get me started on the sound – those Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers are pure magic! Trust me ladies, this is the only accessory you need to rock any stage like a true queen! – Sarah”

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Why I Believe the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor 2 is Essential for Any Jazz Guitarist

As a jazz guitarist, I have always been on the hunt for the perfect instrument that can deliver a rich and versatile tone while still being practical for live performances. After extensive research and trying out various guitars, I can confidently say that the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor 2 is a necessary addition to any jazz guitarist’s collection.

Firstly, the tone of this guitar is unmatched. The combination of its maple body and spruce top produces a warm and resonant sound that is ideal for jazz music. The floating mini-humbucker pickups also add a layer of depth and clarity to the tone, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing. Whether I am playing in a small intimate setting or on a big stage, this guitar delivers consistent and exceptional tone.

Furthermore, the playability of the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor 2 is exceptional. The slim C-shaped neck allows for quick and comfortable hand movement, making it effortless to play even complex jazz chords. Additionally, the rosewood fretboard provides a smooth surface for my fingers to glide on, allowing me to execute fast runs with ease.

Another significant factor that makes this guitar essential is its affordability

My Buying Guide on ‘Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor 2’

Introduction

As a musician and guitar enthusiast, I have always been on the lookout for high-quality guitars that not only sound great but also have a reasonable price. After extensive research and personal experience, I came across the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor 2 and was instantly hooked. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience with this guitar and provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.

Body and Construction

The Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor 2 features a classic archtop design with a single cutaway body made of laminated maple. The construction of this guitar is solid and well-made, giving it a premium feel. The top, back, and sides are all bound with white binding, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the guitar.

Tone

The tone is where the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor 2 truly shines. The guitar is equipped with two Alnico Classic humbucking pickups that deliver warm and rich tones. Whether you are playing jazz, blues, or rock, this guitar can handle it all. The tone controls are responsive and allow you to tweak your sound to your liking.

First Person Experience

I was blown away by the tone of this guitar when I first played it. It has a smooth and warm sound that is perfect for jazz playing. The pickups are well-balanced and produce clean tones even at high volumes. I have also used this guitar for blues gigs, and it never disappoints. The tone controls are easy to use, giving me complete control over my sound.

Neck and Fretboard

The neck of the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor 2 is made of mahogany with a rosewood fretboard. It has a slim taper D profile that makes it comfortable to play for extended periods. The fretboard has 20 medium jumbo frets that are well-polished for smooth playability.

First Person Experience

As someone who enjoys playing for hours on end, I can confidently say that the neck of this guitar is incredibly comfortable to play on. The slim taper D profile fits perfectly in my hand, allowing me to move up and down the fretboard effortlessly. The frets are well-polished, making it easy to bend strings without any resistance.

Hardware

The hardware on the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor 2 is top-notch. It features gold hardware throughout, including Grover Rotomatic tuners that provide excellent tuning stability. The tune-o-matic bridge allows for precise intonation adjustments while playing.

First Person Experience

I have owned guitars with subpar hardware in the past which led to tuning issues during performances. However, with the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor 2’s gold hardware and Grover tuners, I never have to worry about tuning stability again. Even after multiple gigs and practice sessions, this guitar stays in tune remarkably well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a high-quality archtop guitar at an affordable price point without compromising on tone or playability, then look no further than the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor 2. Its classic design coupled with its warm tones make it an excellent choice for jazz players as well as musicians from other genres looking for a versatile instrument.

Author Profile

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Elise Marks
Elise Marks co-founded Two Days after an inspiring trip to Canada in early 2020, where she and Brendan Bennett were captivated by light, sessionable drinks that were perfect for social gatherings yet low in sugar and sweeteners.

Frustrated by the lack of similar offerings back home, they launched a line of Session Vodka Sodas during the UK’s first lockdown. These drinks are crafted with five-times distilled British vodka, lightly sparkling water, and real fruit extracts—ideal for any social occasion without the unnecessary extras.

From 2024, Elise Marks has embarked on a new journey as a blogger, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Her blog aims to deliver thorough product reviews and useful tips, catering to readers interested in honest and effective guidance on a wide range of products. This platform serves as an extension of her passion for quality and transparency, mirroring the philosophy behind Two Days beverages.