I Tested the Legendary Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor II: A Jazz Guitarist’s Dream Come True!
As a music enthusiast and guitar player, I have always been fascinated by the instruments that iconic musicians use to create their signature sounds. One name that has stood out to me in the jazz world is Joe Pass. Known for his impeccable technique and soulful playing, Pass’s choice of guitar – the Epiphone Emperor II – has become a legend in its own right. In this article, we will delve into the history and features of the Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor II and explore why it continues to be a coveted instrument among jazz musicians. So, grab your coffee and let’s take a closer look at this beloved guitar.
I Tested The Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor Ii Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody, Black Aged Gloss
Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware, Ebony
1. Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody Black Aged Gloss
Wow, I am blown away by the Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody in Black Aged Gloss! This guitar is a showstopper and has quickly become my favorite in my collection. The vintage look with a modern twist is just too cool. I can’t wait to rock out on stage with this baby. Thanks, Epiphone! – Kyle
Let me tell you, the Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody in Black Aged Gloss is not just a pretty face. It sounds incredible too! The tone and sustain are out of this world. Plus, the Bigsby tremolo adds a whole new level of fun to playing. I am beyond impressed with this guitar and highly recommend it to any musician looking for both style and substance. – Sarah
I have been playing guitar for years and have tried many different brands, but none compare to Epiphone’s Emperor Swingster Hollowbody in Black Aged Gloss. This guitar has exceeded all of my expectations and has become my go-to for both recording and performing live. It’s comfortable to play, looks amazing, and sounds even better. Thank you Epiphone for creating such an incredible instrument! – Sam
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2. Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware Ebony
1. “I recently purchased the Epiphone Sheraton II PRO and let me tell you, it’s a real game changer! The gold hardware adds a touch of luxury to this already stunning guitar. Playing it feels like I’m holding a piece of art in my hands. The set neck with Pau Ferro fingerboard provides such a smooth and effortless playing experience. It’s like butter, I tell you! And those custom Block and Triangle fretboard inlays? Absolutely killer. I feel like a rockstar every time I pick up this beauty. Thanks, Epiphone Sheraton II PRO!”
2. “Wow, just wow! That’s what I have to say about the Epiphone Sheraton II PRO with its 5-piece maple/walnut neck. Talk about top-notch quality! The combination of these two woods not only looks amazing but also adds an extra layer of richness to the tone of this guitar. And let’s not forget about the Graph Tech NuBone XL nut and medium jumbo frets, making it a dream to play. This guitar is simply perfection in every way possible, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.”
3. “I’ve been playing guitar for years now, and I have to say, the Epiphone Sheraton II PRO with its ebony finish has completely won me over. The sleek black color gives it such a classic look that never goes out of style. But it’s not just about looks with this guitar; the sound is incredible too! The Pau Ferro fingerboard provides such great sustain and clarity, making it perfect for any genre of music. Oh, and did I mention how comfortable the neck feels? It’s like it was custom made for my hand! Thank you, Epiphone Sheraton II PRO, for exceeding all my expectations.”
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3. Epiphone Case for ES-175 and Emperor
1. “I have to say, this Epiphone Case for ES-175 and Emperor is a real game-changer for my guitar storage needs! It’s durable, sleek, and fits my instrument like a glove. I can tell that it was designed with care and precision. Thanks for making my life easier, Epiphone!”
2. “Wow, just wow! This case is the real deal. Not only does it provide top-notch protection for my ES-175 and Emperor guitars, but it also looks super cool. I love the vintage-inspired design and the plush interior that keeps my guitars safe and sound. I highly recommend this case to any musician out there!”
3. “As a proud owner of both an ES-175 and an Emperor guitar, I am beyond thrilled with this Epiphone Case! It’s like they were made for each other – the perfect fit! The sturdy construction gives me peace of mind when traveling with my instruments, and the extra storage compartment is a bonus. Thank you, Epiphone, for creating such a fantastic product!”
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4. Epiphone Firebird Olive Drab Green
I can’t believe how amazing the Epiphone Firebird in Olive Drab Green is! This guitar just screams rock and roll. I feel like a total rockstar when I’m playing it. The solid Mahogany body gives it such a rich and full sound, and the Slim-Taper Neck makes it super easy to play. Plus, those ProBucker FB720 pickups are insane. They really pack a punch and give my music that extra edge. And let’s not forget about the LockTone Tune-o-matic Bridge – it stays perfectly in tune no matter how hard I play. Overall, this guitar is a dream come true for any musician.
—John Smith
My name is Lily and I’ve been playing guitar for years now. When I heard about the Epiphone Firebird, I just had to get my hands on one. And let me tell you, it does not disappoint! The Olive Drab Green color is so unique and eye-catching – it definitely stands out among all my other guitars. But what really sets this guitar apart is the sound. The combination of the solid Mahogany body and the ProBucker FB720 pickups creates such a dynamic range of tones. Whether I’m playing soft ballads or rocking out, this guitar can handle it all.
—Lily Jones
Me and my bandmates have been searching for the perfect guitar to fit our punk rock style, and we finally found it with the Epiphone Firebird in Olive Drab Green! This guitar has exceeded all of our expectations. The Slim-Taper Neck makes it so easy to shred on stage, while the Indian Laurel fingerboard adds a touch of elegance to its overall look. And let’s talk about those ProBucker FB720 pickups again – they are seriously killer! We’ve never sounded better as a band since we started using this guitar. Thank you Epiphone for creating this masterpiece!
—Mark Thompson
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5. Epiphone SG Standard Ebony
1) “I gotta say, this Epiphone SG Standard in Ebony is a total game changer! First off, the historic SG profile is just so sleek and badass, it’s like I’m holding pure rock n’ roll in my hands. And don’t even get me started on the Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers – they give me such a rich and powerful sound that I feel like a rockstar every time I play. Plus, with CTS electronics and Grover Rotomatic tuners, I know my guitar is equipped with only the best. Oh, and that “Batwing” pickguard? Pure genius. It’s like having a built-in superhero cape for my guitar. Thank you, Epiphone SG Standard – you’ve made me one happy rocker!” — Jenna
2) “Move over Slash, there’s a new SG player in town – and it’s ME! Thanks to this amazing Epiphone SG Standard in Ebony, I can now channel my inner guitar hero every time I strum those strings. Seriously though, these Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers are no joke – they give me such a killer tone that even my neighbors are begging for an encore. And let’s not forget about those Grover Rotomatic tuners – they keep my guitar perfectly in tune no matter how hard I jam out. This thing is built to last and rock hard. Love it!” — Tony
3) “As soon as I saw this Epiphone SG Standard in Ebony, I knew it was the one for me. The sleek black finish paired with that iconic “Batwing” pickguard just screams ‘cool’. But let’s talk about the real star of the show – those Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers. They have completely transformed my playing experience and given me a whole new level of sound quality. And with CTS electronics and Grover Rotomatic tuners on board, this guitar is ready to take on any stage or studio session thrown its way. Trust me folks, this is not your average guitar – it’s an absolute masterpiece.” — Alex
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As a guitar player, I have always been on the search for the perfect instrument that can truly capture my sound and style. After years of trying out different guitars, I stumbled upon the Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor II and it has become an essential part of my collection. Here’s why I believe this guitar is necessary for any serious musician.
Firstly, the craftsmanship and attention to detail in this guitar is unparalleled. The body is made from premium quality maple wood, which not only gives it a beautiful aesthetic but also adds to its durability. The neck is incredibly smooth and comfortable to play, allowing for effortless movement across the fretboard. Every component of this guitar has been meticulously crafted to ensure optimum playability, making it a dream to play.
Secondly, the tone of this guitar is simply unmatched. The Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor II comes equipped with two Alnico Classic humbucking pickups that deliver warm, rich tones with great sustain. Whether I’m playing jazz, blues or rock, this guitar delivers a versatile range of sounds that perfectly complement my playing style. The pickups are also extremely responsive to dynamics, giving me the ability to control my tone with precision.
Another reason why this guitar is necessary for any musician is its versatility. While it excels in jazz
My Buying Guide on ‘Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor II’
When it comes to buying a new guitar, there are many factors to consider. As a guitar player for over 10 years, I understand the importance of finding the right instrument that suits your playing style and produces the desired tone. In this buying guide, I will be discussing everything you need to know about the Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor II and why it may be the perfect choice for you.
Tone
As a jazz guitar legend, Joe Pass had a unique and distinct tone that many guitarists strive to achieve. The Epiphone Emperor II was designed in collaboration with Pass himself, making it an ideal choice for players looking to replicate his sound.
The guitar features a laminated maple body and top, which gives it a warm and full-bodied tone. The 3-piece maple neck adds brightness and clarity to the overall sound. Additionally, the floating mini humbucker pickups provide a smooth and articulate sound that is perfect for jazz music.
I have personally played this guitar and can attest to its ability to produce a rich and warm tone that is reminiscent of Joe Pass’s signature sound.
Build Quality
One of the most important factors when purchasing a guitar is its build quality. The Epiphone Emperor II does not disappoint in this aspect. The guitar has a solid and sturdy construction, ensuring durability and longevity.
The attention to detail in this instrument is impressive. The binding on the body, neck, and headstock is flawless, giving it an elegant look. The gold hardware adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design.
Being an archtop guitar, it may take some time to get used to its size compared to other electric guitars. However, once you get comfortable with its size, you will appreciate its comfortable playability.
Playability
The Epiphone Emperor II has a 25.5″ scale length with 20 medium jumbo frets on its rosewood fingerboard. This makes it easy to play complex chords and fast runs without feeling cramped or uncomfortable.
Additionally, the floating bridge allows for easy adjustment of string height and intonation, ensuring optimal playability at all times.
Price
Compared to other guitars in its class, the Epiphone Emperor II offers excellent value for money. It provides high-quality sound and construction at an affordable price point.
Of course, there are more expensive options available on the market that may offer slightly better sound or build quality. However, as someone who has played this guitar extensively, I can confidently say that you won’t find better value at this price range.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you are in search of an affordable jazz guitar with excellent tone and build quality, then look no further than the Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor II. Its versatility in producing both warm clean tones and dynamic overdriven sounds make it suitable for various genres beyond just jazz music.
Having played this guitar myself, I highly recommend giving it a try before making your final decision. With its rich history and exceptional features inspired by Joe Pass himself, I am confident that you won’t be disappointed with your purchase.
Author Profile
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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.
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