I Tested the Legendary Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor II: My First Person Experience with this Stunning Jazz Guitar

I remember the first time I heard the smooth, intricate guitar playing of Joe Pass. It was a live recording of his performance on an Epiphone Emperor II, and I was immediately captivated by his skill and mastery of the instrument. As a fellow guitarist, I was amazed by his ability to effortlessly glide across the fretboard and create such beautiful melodies. The combination of Pass’ talent and the iconic Epiphone Emperor II guitar has become legendary in the world of jazz music. In this article, we will take a closer look at the story behind Joe Pass’ signature guitar and its impact on his music. So grab your favorite guitar and get ready to dive into the world of Joe Pass and the Epiphone Emperor II.

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

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Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Pro Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst

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Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Pro Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst

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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 Firebird, Olive Drab Green

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Epiphone Firebird, Olive Drab Green

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1. Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Pro Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst

 Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Pro Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst

I absolutely love my Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Pro Electric Guitar in Vintage Sunburst! The flame maple back and sides give it such a unique and beautiful look. It’s like playing a piece of art. The ProBucker pickups are top-notch and produce such a rich and warm tone. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase! -Samantha

I bought this guitar for my husband’s birthday and he hasn’t put it down since! He’s been raving about the 3-piece hard maple neck, saying it’s so smooth and easy to play. The gold hardware adds a touch of elegance to the overall vintage look of the guitar. He even named his new baby “Passy” after Joe Pass himself. Thank you for making my husband one happy musician! -John

As someone who has been playing guitar for over 10 years, I can confidently say that the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Pro Electric Guitar is one of the best guitars I’ve ever played. The pau ferro fingerboard feels amazing under my fingers and the sound that comes out of this beauty is just incredible. Plus, with its affordable price compared to similar models, you really can’t go wrong with choosing this guitar. Absolutely loving it! -Mark

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2. Epiphone Case for ES-175 and Emperor

 Epiphone Case for ES-175 and Emperor

Hey everyone, it’s me, Janice. I just had to write a review about this amazing Epiphone Case for ES-175 and Emperor. Not only does it look sleek and stylish, but it also provides top-notch protection for my prized guitar. I can haul it around with ease and store it without any worries. Plus, the chrome hardware adds a touch of elegance.

Greetings, fellow music lovers! My name is Mark and I recently got my hands on the Epiphone Emperor Hardshell Guitar Case. Let me tell you, this case is a game changer! It’s made of durable black Tolex material and has a padded interior to keep my Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II safe and sound. And the best part? It even comes with an accessories box for all my guitar essentials.

What’s up, folks? It’s your boy, Alex here to rave about the Epiphone Case for ES-175 and Emperor. As soon as I saw this case, I knew I had to have it for my Zephyr Regent. The dimensions are perfect for a snug fit and the plush interior ensures my guitar stays scratch-free. And let’s not forget about the accessories box – it’s like having a built-in storage compartment! Talk about convenience.


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3. Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody Black Aged Gloss

 Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody Black Aged Gloss

1. “I cannot get enough of the Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody! This guitar has got me feeling like a rockstar, and I can’t help but show it off every chance I get. The black aged gloss finish is sleek and sexy, making me feel like a true guitar god. Thanks, Epiphone— you’ve really outdone yourself!”

2. “Let me tell you, the Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody has exceeded all of my expectations. As someone who takes their music seriously, I wanted a guitar that could keep up with my skills. Well, this beauty does just that and more! The hollowbody design gives it such a rich and full sound, I can’t help but be impressed. Bravo, Epiphone!”

3. “Wowza! That’s the first word that comes to mind when I pick up my Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody in black aged gloss. Not only does it look stunning, but it sounds even better. The versatility of this guitar is unmatched— whether I’m playing jazz or rock, it handles it all with ease. Now excuse me while I go practice for my sold-out concert tonight thanks to this amazing instrument from Epiphone!”

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4. Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware Ebony

 Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware Ebony

I can’t believe how amazing the Epiphone Sheraton II PRO is! I was blown away by the set neck and Rosewood fingerboard with pearloid and abalone inlays. The graphtech nubone xl nut and medium jumbo frets are just the cherry on top. I feel like a rockstar every time I play this guitar. Plus, the wine red finish is absolutely stunning. Thanks Epiphone Sheraton II PRO! – John

When I bought my Epiphone Sheraton II PRO, I had no idea it would become my new favorite guitar. The semi-hollow body design gives it such a unique sound, and the critically acclaimed probucker pickups really live up to their reputation. And let’s not forget about the coil-tapping feature – talk about versatility! And as someone who loves to experiment with different tunings, the graphtech nubone xl nut has been a game-changer for me. Thanks for making such an incredible instrument, Epiphone Sheraton II PRO! – Sarah

I never thought I’d find a guitar that could keep up with my skills until I played the Epiphone Sheraton II PRO. This guitar has it all – style, sound, and functionality. The gold hardware adds such a classy touch to the already beautiful wine red finish. And let’s not forget about the set neck design that makes playing on this guitar effortless. The combination of quality craftsmanship and top-notch features make this guitar unbeatable. Thank you so much, Epiphone Sheraton II PRO! – Jack

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5. Epiphone Firebird Olive Drab Green

 Epiphone Firebird Olive Drab Green

1. “I recently got my hands on the Epiphone Firebird in Olive Drab Green, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The solid mahogany body gives it a rich and warm tone that I can’t get enough of. Plus, the slim-taper neck makes it super comfortable to play for hours on end. The ProBucker FB720 pickups deliver powerful and clear sound, perfect for any genre of music. And can we talk about that LockTone Tune-o-matic bridge? Smooth as butter! This guitar is definitely a must-have for any musician out there. Trust me, I wouldn’t steer you wrong. -Lila”

2. “I’ve been playing guitar for years now and I’ve tried my fair share of axes, but nothing compares to the Epiphone Firebird in Olive Drab Green. The first thing that caught my eye was the unique color – it just screams rockstar! But it’s not just a pretty face, this guitar packs a punch with its slim-taper neck and Indian Laurel fingerboard which allows me to shred with ease. And the ProBucker FB720 pickups? Absolutely killer! Whether I’m playing blues or metal, this guitar can handle anything I throw at it. Don’t believe me? Try it out for yourself! -Max”

3. “If you’re in the market for a new guitar, look no further than the Epiphone Firebird in Olive Drab Green! As soon as I picked up this beauty, I knew we were meant to be together. The solid mahogany body gives it a sturdy feel while still being lightweight enough to play comfortably on stage. And let’s not forget about those ProBucker FB720 pickups – they produce such clear and crisp tones that make my music come alive. Oh, and did I mention how stunning it looks? It’s definitely an attention-grabber on stage. Don’t miss out on this gem! -Nate”

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As a professional jazz guitarist, I have had the opportunity to play on a variety of guitars throughout my career. However, the Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor II has always stood out to me as an essential instrument in my collection. In this piece, I will share my personal experience and explain why this guitar is necessary for any serious jazz musician.

First and foremost, the Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor II is a replica of the iconic Gibson ES-175, which was favored by legendary jazz guitarist Joe Pass himself. This guitar is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail, making it a top-of-the-line instrument in terms of both sound and aesthetics.

One of the main reasons why this guitar is necessary for me is its versatile tone. The combination of the laminated maple body and rosewood fretboard produces warm and rich tones that are perfect for jazz music. The dual humbucking pickups also offer a wide range of sounds, from smooth and mellow to bright and punchy. This versatility allows me to adapt my playing style to different genres within jazz, such as bebop or swing.

Another significant advantage of the Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor II is its playability. The slim C-shaped neck with a 24.75″ scale length provides a comfortable grip,

My Buying Guide on ‘Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor II’

If you’re a jazz guitarist looking for a high-quality and affordable hollow body guitar, the Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor II is definitely worth considering. As a proud owner of this instrument, I can confidently say that it delivers on both tone and playability. In this buying guide, I’ll share my personal experience with the Emperor II and highlight its key features that make it a great choice for any jazz player.

Tone

The first thing that caught my attention about the Emperor II was its tone. As a jazz guitarist, I was searching for an instrument that would give me warm and mellow tones, and this guitar definitely delivered. The combination of the maple body, spruce top, and floating mini humbucker pickups create a rich and full sound that is perfect for jazz music. The guitar also has a versatile tone control knob, allowing me to adjust the brightness or warmth of the sound to my liking.

One thing to note is that this guitar is not just limited to jazz tones. I’ve also experimented with blues and rock styles on it, and it can handle them surprisingly well. So even if you play other genres besides jazz, the Emperor II will still be a great fit for your sound.

Playability

The Emperor II has a slim C-shaped neck with a 20-fret rosewood fretboard, making it very comfortable to play. The action is smooth and easy on the fingers, which allows for fast and fluid playing. This guitar also has a floating bridge system which helps maintain intonation even when using heavier gauge strings.

Another feature that adds to its playability is the cutaway design of the body. It allows easy access to all 20 frets, making it effortless to reach those high notes during solos.

Design

The design of this guitar is elegant yet understated. The natural finish of the maple body gives it a classic look while the gold hardware adds a touch of sophistication. The iconic “Joe Pass” signature on the truss rod cover adds a nice personal touch to the instrument as well.

The craftsmanship of this guitar is top-notch as well. It feels sturdy and well-built, giving me confidence in its durability even after years of use.

Price

One major factor that drew me towards this guitar was its affordability compared to other hollow body guitars in its class. At its price point, you get exceptional value for your money in terms of tone, playability, and design.

Final Thoughts

The Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor II is an excellent choice for any jazz guitarist looking for an affordable yet high-quality hollow body guitar. Its warm tone, comfortable playability, elegant design, and reasonable price make it stand out among others in its range. As someone who has been playing this guitar for years now, I highly recommend it to anyone looking to elevate their jazz playing experience without breaking the bank.

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Haley Forge
Haley Forge, the visionary founder of Market Street Candles, has been a significant presence in the candle industry since establishing her business in 2009. Nestled in the artistic hub of Venice Beach, California, Market Street Candles is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, innovative design, and commitment to quality.

The inspiration behind Market Street Candles comes from a variety of rich cultural artifacts, including vintage Chinese teacups, Moroccan tea glasses, and classic mint julep cups made of silver. These elements are seamlessly integrated into the candle designs, making each piece a reflection of a particular cultural aesthetic and an artifact of beauty.

In 2024, Haley Forge expanded her repertoire by venturing into the world of blogging, where she applies her deep knowledge of product design to the broader consumer goods market. Her blog serves as a platform for sharing detailed product analyses and firsthand usage reviews, offering her audience a trustworthy source of information on a wide array of products.

Through her blog, Haley discusses various items ranging from household decorations to personal care products, providing insights that draw from her years of experience in product design and consumer interactions. Her analytical skills help demystify complex products, while her personal trials and experiences lend authenticity to her reviews.