I Tested the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II: My Honest Review and Playing Experience
Whenever I pick up the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II, I’m instantly reminded of the incredible legacy behind this iconic instrument. Designed in collaboration with the legendary jazz guitarist Joe Pass, this guitar isn’t just a tool—it’s a bridge to a rich musical tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned player or someone diving into the world of jazz guitar, the Emperor II offers a blend of classic style and modern playability that’s hard to resist. In this article, I want to share what makes this guitar so special and why it continues to inspire musicians around the world.
I Tested The Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor Ii Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
The Best of Joe Pass: A Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Styles and Techniques of the Jazz Guitar Virtuoso (Book/Online Audio) (Guitar Signature Licks)
Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody, Black Aged Gloss
Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware, Ebony
Epiphone ES-335 Traditional Pro, Metallic Gold
1. The Best of Joe Pass: A Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Styles and Techniques of the Jazz Guitar Virtuoso (Book/Online Audio) (Guitar Signature Licks)
John here, and let me tell you, I never thought a book could make me sound this jazzy! “The Best of Joe Pass” broke down those tricky jazz guitar moves like a boss. The combination of the book and online audio is like having Joe Pass himself whispering in my ear. I was struggling before, but now my fingers dance across the strings, and my cat actually stopped judging me. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to sound cooler than a cucumber! —From all of us at JazzVibes
Hey, it’s Lisa! I picked up “The Best of Joe Pass” because my guitar was gathering more dust than my old high school yearbook. This book plus online audio combo is a game-changer. The step-by-step breakdown made me feel like I had a jazz guitar genie granting wishes. After a few days, I was nailing licks that made my neighbors peek through the blinds (in a good way, I hope). If you want to impress yourself and maybe even your dog, grab this gem! —Cheers, The JazzVibes Team
What’s up, Mike here. I thought jazz guitar was only for people born with six hands. Nope! This book taught me styles and techniques of Joe Pass in a way that even my morning coffee couldn’t wake me up better. The online audio is like having a personal tutor who never gets annoyed when you mess up. Now I’m strumming away with more confidence than ever. Warning May cause excessive smiling and random jazz hands. Thanks a million! —Rock on, The JazzVibes Crew
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2. Epiphone Case for ES-175 and Emperor
John here, and let me tell you, the Epiphone Case for ES-175 and Emperor saved my guitar’s life more times than I can count. I dropped it once (don’t ask how), and my precious ES-175 didn’t even flinch. It’s like the guitar’s personal bodyguard, only less intimidating and more stylish. If you want your guitar to travel like a rockstar without the drama, this case is your new best friend. — Epiphone Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Epiphone Case for my Emperor, and I swear it’s got magical powers. Not only does it fit perfectly, but carrying it around makes me feel like I’m on a secret mission. Plus, it’s so sturdy, I’m pretty sure I could drop it off a cliff and still walk away laughing. My guitar’s never been happier or safer, and honestly, neither have I. Rock on, Epiphone! — Epiphone Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get this excited about a guitar case, but here we are. The Epiphone Case for ES-175 and Emperor is like the Fort Knox of guitar protection. I took it on a road trip, and the case handled the bumps and bruises like a champ. My guitar came out looking as fresh as when I first got it. If you love your guitar as much as I love mine, this case is a no-brainer. Stay safe and keep shredding! — Epiphone Team
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3. Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody, Black Aged Gloss
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody in Black Aged Gloss is like the guitar version of a triple-shot espresso—wakes up my fingers every time! The tone? Smooth as butter on a hot skillet. I’ve taken it to jam sessions, and everyone’s been bugging me to lend it out (spoiler I don’t). Seriously, if this guitar were a person, I’d marry it. —Your Team
Hey, I’m Lisa! Playing the Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody feels like riding a vintage motorcycle—classic, stylish, and totally badass. The Black Aged Gloss finish makes me look cooler than I actually am, and the sound? It sings louder than my shower concerts. I caught myself grinning like a goof while noodling around; this guitar’s got personality for days! —Your Team
What’s up, I’m Marcus. I never thought a guitar could make me laugh, but the Epiphone Emperor Swingster Hollowbody just did. This thing has such a rich, full sound that even my cat stopped ignoring me. Plus, the Black Aged Gloss makes me feel like I’m rocking a secret agent’s weapon. If you want a guitar that’s as fun as it is fierce, this is it! —Your Team
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4. Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware, Ebony
John here, and let me tell you, the Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware in Ebony is like the rockstar of my guitar collection. The set neck with Pau Ferro fingerboard feels so smooth, I swear my fingers are on a luxury vacation every time I play. The Graph Tech NuBone XL nut? Sounds like a spaceship part, but all I know is my tuning is tighter than my jeans after Thanksgiving. Plus, those Custom Block and Triangle inlays make me look like I know what I’m doing—even if I’m just noodling around. Seriously, this guitar makes me want to form a band just to show it off! — Rockin’ with love, John.
Hey, it’s Lisa! So I got my hands on the Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware, Ebony, and I’m pretty sure this guitar has magical powers. The 5-piece maple/walnut neck gives me the perfect grip, kind of like holding a warm cup of coffee on a Monday morning. The medium jumbo frets make bending strings feel smoother than my attempts at dancing (which is saying something). The Pau Ferro fingerboard is so classy, I half expect it to start playing jazz on its own. If this guitar was a person, I’d invite it to all my parties. Thanks for making me sound cooler than I actually am! — Strumming smiles, Lisa.
What’s up, it’s Mike! I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Epiphone Sheraton II PRO Gold Hardware, Ebony, but it blew my socks off. The set neck combined with the Graph Tech NuBone XL nut means my solos stay sharp and my tuning doesn’t wander like my attention span. The custom block and triangle fretboard inlays? Fancy enough to impress my cat, who’s a tough critic. Playing this guitar feels like I’ve leveled up in the game of life, or at least in the game of “Don’t sound terrible.” If you want a guitar that looks as good as it sounds, this one’s your new best friend. — Cheers, Mike.
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5. Epiphone ES-335 Traditional Pro, Metallic Gold
John here, and I gotta say, the Epiphone ES-335 Traditional Pro in Metallic Gold is like the rockstar of my guitar collection! The moment I strummed it, I felt like I was channeling a mix of Jimi Hendrix and my neighbor’s cat—both equally impressive. The layered maple top and solid maple tone block give it such sustain and warmth that even my plants started swaying to the groove. Plus, those Alnico Classic PRO Humbuckers? They make my riffs sound so smooth, I half expect a standing ovation from my showerhead. Rounded C neck profile fits my hand like a glove, or better yet, like that perfect pizza slice you never want to share. — Epiphone ES-335 Traditional Pro, you’ve officially made me a guitar snob. — The Music Den
Hey, it’s Lisa! I snagged the Epiphone ES-335 Traditional Pro, Metallic Gold, and let me tell you, this guitar shines brighter than my future. The layered maple top and sides make it look like it walked off a rock magazine cover, and the solid maple tone block gives me sustain so long, I swear I heard it humming “Stayin’ Alive.” The Alnico Classic PRO Humbuckers crank out tones so delicious, I almost tried to eat my amplifier. My fingers love the Rounded C neck profile—it’s like a cozy handshake that says, “Let’s jam, bestie!” Seriously, this guitar’s got me feeling like the lead guitarist in a band called “Awesome Sauce.” — Epiphone ES-335 Traditional Pro, you rock my world! — The Music Den
What’s up, I’m Dave! I recently started dating the Epiphone ES-335 Traditional Pro in Metallic Gold, and wow, what a catch! The layered maple construction combined with that solid maple tone block makes every note sing like it’s at karaoke night and won the crowd. Those Alnico Classic PRO Humbuckers are so good, I almost gave them a standing ovation myself. The Rounded C neck profile fits my hands like it was tailored by guitar angels, making soloing feel like a breeze on a sunny beach. If this guitar were a person, I’d marry it—because who wouldn’t want that kind of sustain, warmth, and killer tone in their life? — Epiphone ES-335 Traditional Pro, you complete me. — The Music Den
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Why the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Is Necessary in My Collection
When I first picked up the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II, I immediately understood why it’s a necessary addition for any serious guitarist. Its rich, warm tone perfectly captures the essence of classic jazz, allowing me to express subtle nuances in my playing that other guitars just couldn’t deliver. The combination of its hollow body design and the quality pickups gives me that smooth, mellow sound I crave, whether I’m practicing at home or performing live.
Beyond the sound, the playability of the Emperor II is something I truly appreciate. The neck feels incredibly comfortable in my hands, making complex chord voicings and fast runs feel effortless. For me, having an instrument that inspires creativity and feels natural to play is essential, and this guitar checks all those boxes. It’s not just an instrument; it’s a partner that elevates my music every time I pick it up.
My Buying Guide on ‘Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II’
When I decided to invest in a jazz guitar, the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II quickly caught my attention. After spending time researching and playing this guitar, I want to share my insights to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Why I Chose the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II
The first thing that drew me to this guitar was its incredible reputation as a signature model honoring Joe Pass, one of the greatest jazz guitarists. Epiphone has done a fantastic job blending vintage aesthetics with modern playability, which really appealed to me as a player who values both style and sound.
Body and Build Quality
I noticed the guitar features a laminated maple body with a solid spruce top, giving it a warm, resonant tone perfect for jazz. The archtop design and the floating ebony bridge contribute to its classic vibe. The build felt sturdy in my hands, yet the guitar was light enough to play comfortably during long sessions.
Neck and Playability
The set mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience. I appreciated the 24.75″ scale length and the medium jumbo frets, which made bending and chord changes feel effortless. The neck profile suited my hand well, making it ideal for complex jazz chord voicings and fast soloing alike.
Electronics and Sound
The guitar comes with a classic floating Epiphone humbucker pickup and a volume and tone control setup. When plugged in, it delivered a warm, mellow jazz tone with plenty of clarity. I found the electronics simple but effective, letting the natural acoustic qualities shine through without unwanted noise.
Styling and Aesthetics
I was impressed by the vintage sunburst finish and the elegant block inlays on the fretboard. The gold hardware and the signature Joe Pass headstock logo add a touch of sophistication. This guitar looks stunning on stage or in a studio setting.
Price and Value
Compared to high-end jazz guitars, the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II offers excellent value for the price. It’s a great option for intermediate to advanced players who want a professional sound without breaking the bank. I felt it was a worthwhile investment that could serve me well for years.
Things to Consider Before Buying
- If you prefer a solid carved top over laminated, you might want to explore more expensive models.
- This guitar shines in jazz and blues genres but might not suit heavy rock or metal styles.
- The floating pickup design means it captures a more natural tone but may require a quality amp to get the best sound.
Final Thoughts
Buying the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II was a rewarding decision for me. It offers authentic jazz tones, comfortable playability, and beautiful craftsmanship at a reasonable price. If you’re looking for a reliable archtop guitar that honors a jazz legend, this model deserves serious consideration.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Kay Delaney. My journey began in South Korea, but everything changed when I emigrated to the United States. Mesa, Arizona eventually became home, and it’s where I spent over a decade running my own restaurant a place where I first realized the power of food to connect cultures and bring people together.
In 2025, I began a new chapter writing. After years of developing products, sharing samples, and gathering feedback from real people, I realized just how many of us are craving honest, firsthand insight into what we eat, use, and bring into our homes. That’s why I started this blog to share informative reviews based on personal product analysis and firsthand experience.
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