SeriesEpiphone AJ

The Epiphone AJ-18S 12 is a 12 string acoustic guitar. I recently bought one of these used, and let me say for the price I've been extremely used. It's not an acoustic/electric instrument, which is no worry for me as I was mostly looking for something to write and record with and when and if I ever decided to gig with it, I can always just mic it up. I'm not 100% sure where the guitar was made, but it's definitely not the good old US of A. UTILIZATION The Epiphone AJ-18S 12 has a pretty good overall feel and is quite easy to play. It's fluid feeling, but when compared to higher end 12 string guitars, you'll notice the difference right away. Don't get me wrong, it's very easy to play and I've got no complaints for the price. SOUNDS The sound of the Epiphone AJ-18S 12 is pretty bright overall, although I do have some pretty bright strings on it that is probably adding to this factor. I do like the way the guitar sounds both live and recorded as it seems to cut through well in both applications. Again, when compared to higher end 12 string guitars you're going to notice the difference, but as far as bang for your buck is concerned, the AJ-18S 12 sounds pretty darn good. It's definitely a recordable guitar! OVERALL OPINION Being that I only paid $100 US for a used Epiphone AJ-18S 12, I can't say a bad thing about it. It's worth a bit more than that and unless you're going to be spending a bunch more on a truly professional 12 string acoustic, this is one of the best deals you're going to find. Unfortunately there aren't many of these out there and if you are going to get one it's going to be used. It's still worth a look out if you're looking for an inexpensive 12 string acoustic guitar.

This AJ220s is in Natural. Also available in Vintage Sunburst. Although it is called 'Advanced Jumbo' it is really a round shouldered dreadnought. It is the same guitar as the AJ200S, except that it has a satin finished neck. Made in Indonesia. Acoustic is my go-to instrument. Beatles, blues, and classic rock are my mainstay. I'm a long time hobbyist, never in a band. This review is actually of three examples of this model, and much of this information can be applied to the AJ200S and AJ200SR, also. I previously owned an AJ200SR and needed to replace it, but it has been discontinued. (And that's a shame). I made my purchase from Musicians Friend, for $199. <a href="http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-AJ220S-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=423939">http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-AJ220S-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=423939</a> Solid top. Satin neck. Good construction. Most of these AJ models have a great sound. (Although they do tend have a little of the typical dreadnought 'boom'). Excellent value. These tend to come set up too low. I've seen dusty hand/finger prints under the finish on some. (Not real noticeable). Without going into a lot of details, let's just say that there are some quality control issues. But Musicians Friend will make it right, should you get a lemon. Epiphone should think about making this guitar available in an all satin finish. Overall construction is good. It's well put together, with even the inside looking smooth and neat. All but one that I've seen have well dressed frets. And it isn't bad. The edges are just a little rough. I'm actually keeping that one because of it's fantastic tone. The satin neck plays great, even if it does look a little odd on a gloss body. If you avoid the lemons you can have an amazing solid top guitar for just under $200. I am basing my overall rating on the fact that this guitar is quite inexpensive. Some will need a set up. <img src="http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/regular/8/1/8/683818.jpg" /> This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

This is a solid spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides for $499! I have a 1960s Martin and was looking for a beginner guitar for my son that sounded good. I tried many $300-600 guitars including the Taylor 100 and the Martin DX1 and both sounded pretty good but both have no bracing and only laminate backs and sides. The Epiphone Masterbilt has great volume and brightness and actually better bass than the Taylor. It sounds pretty comparable to my 1960s Martin! The workmanship on the Epi looks great and its all solid wood. Its available in either mahogany or rosewood ($100 more), and in Jumbo, Dreadnought, and a smaller size similar to Classic/Grand Auditorium. I really think that its one of the best buys in this price range. $499 from Sam Ash. This was the only one in the store to try! Solid wood for under $500! The volume brightness tone are great for the money. The action is good and no buzzing so the factory setup seems good. I think they used to include a gig bag and no longer do. The Grover tuners are open, not sealed. Solid wood construction with either mahogany or rosewood back and sides. If you are looking for a $500 guitar, you must at least try an Epiphone Masterbilt! This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I got this at Marsmusic, I'm not sure how much it cost because it was a Christmas gift, but I think it was around $250. It has a real nice low action and is pretty easy to play. I think it looks really nice, too. It has a soft natural finish that is much lighter than many guitars, which is nice. It has a really nice sound to it as well. The main problem I have had with it is the 12th fret. There's a large rectangle inlay there and for some reason that I'm still trying to figure, it has a buzz only on that fret. Above and below the rest are fine. I can't figure it out. It's constructed well. It has a solid spruce top. Overall, I'm totally satisfied w/ the unit except for the 12th fret. I think it's a great guitar except for the 12th fret. Although I doubt that all of the guitars have the same problem on the 12th. But for the price, with the problem, still a great guitar. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The Epiphone AJ200SCE has a 25.5&quot; scale, with mahogany neck and sides, and solid spruce top. It features an Epiphone-made Shadow pickup and a cutaway for ease in playing higher on the fret-board. The solid spruce top and pickup suprised me to have both of these features on a guitar that retails under $300.00. I didn't particularly enjoy playing this guitar. It did not inspire my playing in the slightest, and I had no problem putting it down after a short bit of playing. UTILIZATION The neck had a nice feel to it, a good thickness and nice-feeling radius for string-bending and single-note runs as well as chording. The cutaway allows great access to the upper fretboard when you desire it. The tone and overall sound did not initially impress me. SOUNDS While this guitar boasts a feel and ease-of-play that is rare for this low of a price range, its sound did not impress me in the slightest. It sounded muffled and lacking the volume and projection I would expect of a full-size guitar such as this, although new strings could have revived it a bit. The sound was balanced; not harsh in mids or shrill in the highs, or boomy or muddy in the low end. But it was lacking in dymanics, responding very coldly to my finger picking and varying pick attack. OVERALL OPINION Overall, I was just unimpressed and uninspired and I am aware of a few other budget guitars from Takaminie and Seagull that just simply perform better than this one, hands down I'm sure if one looks hard enough and plays enough guitars they will find one that suits them better. I really wanted to like this guitar, with a solid spruce top, a great feeling neck, and decent action but I can't give it better than a 5 out of 10