[Guitar of the Week] 2015 Epiphone Emperor-II Pro Joe Pass - Rig Rundown

[@JazzSamurai]

Here's a playlist of some of the songs I've used it on: bit.ly/epiphoneemperorii

[@tonytanner8203]

Wow, what a great vlog. Here, in the UK, Jazz isn't as popular as it is in other countries. (Us Brits hate it, when we have to think about what we're listening to) However, As a Rock/Pop Guitarist of 30 years, I fell into the trap, (As many do) of falling for the old Jazz Standards, and how they are portrayed on guitar. As a 74 year old man, playing unbelievable chord progressions, on a Jazz guitar looks a lot better than the same, playing say, "Sweet Child of mine" lol . Along came the lure of inexpensive Jazz guitars, as a Joe Pass fan, I followed the hype to the Epiphone Joe Pass guitar that you seem to be disappointed with. Yet when I hear you play the guitar, my untrained ear for Jazz, tells me that you're playing my EP Emperor II, sounds the way that I want it to. If you're demanding Joe Pass sounds, from a guitar that sells for £550.00 in the UK. Whilst Joe had nothing but the best, in both guitar, and equipment, sadly for me, you're deluding yourself. For me, you did personally, get the best out of this guitar, but then, criticized it. for me, that means that, there's nothing wrong with the guitar, It's just your perception of it. It's time for you to move on to the guitar that you really want. Not copies, but, the real deal. I moved on from a copy of a Fender Strat, and a Telecaster. To the real American deal. The reception that I received was the difference between bronze, and Platinum. My playing didn't change, only the tools that I used. All of a sudden, my fee increased too. In the UK. People often judge you by, not what you play, or how play, but, with what you are playing with. Perhaps that you are overlooking this fact.

[@sandersdca]

I have one and, like my experience with Epiphones in general, its sound can best be described as "tinny". Not nearly enough bottom to suit me. It does look impressive, however!

[@JazzSamurai]

Totally agree. Thanks for watching and posting!

[@uriahroseii1026]

Joe played a Japanese Emperor in one of his videos from 1991 (Blue Side Of Jazz). My Joe Pass is a Korean (Peerless) one from the 90s. Stock it was so-so, but I got it cheap enough (used) to have the frets leveled/dressed, 12-54 flats, Gibson 57 Classic pickups, good Grover tuners, the bridge was slightly reshaped, and the rest of the electronics (switch and pots) were upgraded with US parts. I also have a Sheraton that was upgraded in much the same way. These are the guitars I use to play out with instead of my much more expensive ES175 and ES135, unless it's a church or club I'm familar with and don't have to worry about my stuff growing legs. I'm not gonna pretend it's the same build quality as my ES175, but they're really good utility guitars for the money (used).

[@MrMjp58]

I played one briefly around 30 years ago and didn't think much of it... Cut to today and I tried another one in my local shop. I think it was a better version and had been very well set up, with flat wounds and a perfect playing action. At first ,I thought it was a little trebly for a jazz 'box', but soon settled into the way it responded. It took me around 10 minutes to get used to the feel and sound, but then it became sheer playing pleasure all the way - for the next 90 minutes or so! I [almost] felt like a real jazz guitarist for the first time.

[@JazzSamurai]

Interesting! I ended up selling the guitar.

[@MrMjp58]

My enthusiasm may well have been 'guitar shop euphoria'. It happens a lot.

[@SuperLeorich]

This is a review?

[@joshgibson3618]

Hello, you play very well! On KZbin there's a video called 'Joe Pass the Blue Side of Jazz' which shows him playing a Epiphone Emperor II.

[@einsam_aber_frei]

Is this made in Indonesia or China?

[@fredflander4505]

I've got one, made also in Indonesia. Spruce top? Well, it's plywood. Mine has fretboard issues.

[@mickeyjohnson1137]

Gretsch Streamliners sound better than the Joe Pass. They are more affordable. I bought the Gretsch Streamliner G2627tg. It is a better guitar, even moreso than other Streamliners, but especially better than the Epiphone.

[@fathercharles5743]

Brother I'm sorry but what you have is a knock off version a cull if you will. Should have brought it from SWEETWATER. Also Jazz guitars are electric guitars. They are going to sound janky unplugged period. Also even plugged in. If your tone isn't set right or the amp you use is more for a solid body electric. Those two factors plus inferior strings etc. These factors Will ruin the tone of any guitar. Plus the floating bridge needs to be backed up about 1/4 inch towards the tail piece. It is to close to the bridge pickup . I have know idea how it can even be intimated where it is. Bottom line I think it's a knock off. Like a pair of Chuck Taylors . That aren't really Chucks. Sorry your unhappy with it. And who's going to buy it now after getting on U-Tube and complaining about it. This is quite the dilemma. Truly sorry Bro. I've walked in these same shoes. It's not fun

[@JazzSamurai]

I am not sure what you mean by a knockoff version. I am in Japan, so why would I buy from Sweetwater. I bought it from an authorized Epiphone dealer. All my other Jazz guitars sound great unplugged. And my strings are Thomastik (as on all my guitars). And my amp is my Polytone. (again, used for all my other jazz guitars). If you mean it is not a real Epiphone, then you are wrong.

[@kevinhart-4458]

It has to be a knockoff as my Joe Pass is amazing. even unplugged. I am not a jazz musician ,but it serves me well to cross all avenues of the music i do play.For the money I consider it a great buy. plus 90% of the people you play for could never know the difference. Just play the dammed thing.