Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Natural Gloss 2004
Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor, gloss natural, made in Korean 2004. Joe Pass is a 20th century jazz legend. His melodic solos earned him spots playing with names like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. This big blonde beauty dates to 2004 and was made at the well regarded Samick facility in Korea. The flame maple back and sides are gorgeous: lots of lovely details to enjoy, with that three-dimensional quality to the figuring. The neck is slim and pretty quick, although it's not super skinny; the 7-ply bound fretboard is a nice touch. The tone is warm, full and open, with plenty of body balanced by an assertive percussive top end. There's a few marks and minor visual mods, so this priced to deliver the luxe for less of the bucks. More money for heroin, right?
Model: Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II
Made: Korea, 2004, Samick factory
Serial: S4091497
Finish: Natural, gloss poly
Body: laminate spruce top, laminate flame maple back and sides, 412mm across, 74mm deep, fully hollow
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 16" radius, 43mm nut, 628mm scale
Weight: 2.910kg
Mods: tuners replaced, front strap pin moved, pickguard removed and missing, truss cover removed
Pickups: Probucker x2
Accessories: none, no case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has scuffs on the bottom side and front and some holes from previous tuners on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks. The back has minor scuffs all over but no major marks. The sides have minor scuffs and dimples around the whole body, no major marks. The front has minor dimples around scuffs and knobs and some play wear on the horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 12/54 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only