Here for sale we have an Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II hollow-body electric guitar in Vintage Sunburst finish. Made in the well-regarded Samick factory in Korea in 2004, this guitar features a set-neck construction comprising Laminated Flame Maple back and sides, Select Spruce top, 3-pc Maple neck and 20 fret Rosewood fingerboard with matching bridge. Gold hardware is fitted including an 'Avail' trapeze-style tailpiece and sealed tuning machines. A pair of Epiphone humbucking pickups are installed, with an Alnico Classic in the neck and Alnico Hot in the bridge position. These are wired to a 3-way toggle switch and independent volume and tone controls.
The 3-pc Maple neck plays very well, with a profile which might be described as a moderately-sized 'C' shape. This fills the hand nicely for a comfortable and practical playing experience across the register, well suited to both tricky chord voicings and smooth melodic lines just like those Joe Pass was known for. The traditional Gibson-style scale length and 12" fingerboard radius feel familiar and dependable, meaning that you can explore musically with ease. The hollow-body produces a lively and resonant sensation in the arms, with plenty of dynamic range thanks to the Select Spruce top.
The pair of Epiphone humbucking pickups installed in this instrument deliver nicely round and smooth tones, well suited to jazzy melodic lines and rich harmonic chord playing. The neck position is particularly warm and rich, working beautifully for your melodic playing, and handling a reasonable amount of gain when the mood takes you. The bridge pickup is of course brighter, cutting through the mix nicely to put your playing front and centre. The traditional twin-humbucker control layout is as practical as ever, delivering comprehensive tone-shaping opportunities and ensuring you can either fit in or stand out in a wide range of musical situations.
Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accurately provide.
Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Vintage Sunburst 2004 Hollow Body Electric Guitar
Brand - Epiphone
Model - Joe Pass Emperor II
Finish - Vintage Sunburst
Year - 2004
Made In - Korea
Top - Select Spruce
Back/Sides - Laminated Flame Maple
Neck - 3pc Maple
Fingerboard - Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius - 12”
Frets - 20
Scale Length- 24.75"
Nut Width - 1.68"
Pickups - 2x Epiphone Humbuckers: Alnico Classic (Neck), Alnico Hot (Bridge)
Controls - 3-Way Toggle Switch, Neck Volume, Neck Tone, Bridge Volume, Bridge Tone
Our ID: 118122466730
Weight: 6.2lbs
Serial: S4080495
Aesthetic Condition:
Headstock: Overall good condition. The top rear edge demonstrates mild chipping of the finish which exposes the wood. Further light scuff and scratch marks are present to the top edge. The binding around the top of the headstock shows light to mild scratching and discoloration. Mild scratching of the front face is visible under direct light, most notably around the A tuner.
Neck: Overall good condition. The fingerboard displays mild indentations across the register, most notably at the 4th, 10th and 11th frets. The 3rd fret inlay has shrunk slightly over time, exposing a gap at the treble side. The inlay remains secure. Light cracking of the binding is present throughout the register on either side of the fingerboard. This is most notable near the fret ends and is consistent with shrinking binding for an instrument of this age. At the treble side of the neck heel a lacquer crack is visible. This has been tested and presents no structural concern. Light indentations to the rear of the neck are present throughout the register but do not impact the playability of the instrument.
Body: Overall very good condition. Light to mild indentation is consistent across all aspects of the body. This is most notable to the bass side lower bout of the front face where the finish is lightly cracked. Further indentations are present around the sides of the instrument, in some cases lightly cracking the finish, most notably by the jack socket and at the bass side edge of the lower bout. Light to mild scratching of the body is consistent across all aspects of the body, most notably to the rear face consistent with mild buckle rash. The treble side upper bout and waist of the front face show scratching consistent with playwear, along with the pickguard which shows milder scratching. The ‘Joe Pass’ Signature is missing from the pickguard.
Condition of Frets:
The frets show moderate signs of use, not affecting playability. Denting and flattening of the frets is noticeable through the entire register. there is light material remaining for any future fret works.
Current Set Up:
Truss Rod: Fully functional & can be adjusted. No truss rod tool included (hex 5mm)
Hardware: Functional with moderate signs of wear. The key for the G tuner has bent slightly but remains fully functional. Some of the decorative part of the tailpiece has separated at the welds and can rattle at times. The pickguard has cracked near the neck pickup, and has been glued to an amateur standard. The pickguard & tailpiece remain secure. All of the hardware shows fading of the gold finish and light tarnishing, with some scratches to the pickup covers.
Structural: No concerns or issues to note.
Height of the string from the 12th Fret-1.5mm - Bass 2mm
Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.
Strings on Guitar - 10-46
This guitar demonstrates moderate fret noise which is only mildly apparent when amplified. This noise does not affect the sustain or bending of notes. The new owner may choose to raise the action to alleviate this. The open G string rattles slightly, but is not apparent when amplified.
Electrics:
Fully functional.
Case & Accessories:
Hiscox hard case.
Fully functional with moderate signs of wear. The latches display moderate oxidation and a light crack is present to the top. The case protects the guitar as intended. Truss rod tool not included.