[1957 SJ-200]

These look a big step up from the last "Inspired By" line.  I got a very good deal on a J45 from that range and it's a brilliant guitar.  The J45 in the new range looks amazing too.   

[Epiphone Acoustic PR350MNS]

some info on the series here:

 

epiphone-wiki.org/EpiWiki2/index/PR-Series.html#PR-350M

[New J-200 sounds dull and lifeless]

My IBG J45 sounded dull and lifeless too until I replaced the strings with Elixir 80/20 which really opened up the sound.  It sounds great now - I didn't do anything else - just the string change.  I can't put it down now plus it has the look as well!

 

[Legendary Beatles electric-acoustic guitar]

Cougar - looks like you added another pickup (LR Baggs?) from the sound hole.  I have been meaning to for ages although i Have other guitars for gigging. 

[Legendary Beatles electric-acoustic guitar]

It's an EJ160e John Lennon signature model. I have the original model with - funny enough - Lennon's signature in gold on the top .

[NGD - IBG J45]

On 11/13/2023 at 2:54 PM, the other side said:

I'm finding that difficulty in putting it down as well. Does your fishman give you any signs of when the battery slowly starts to go down ( if you've had/ played that IBG J45 long enough to find out)? I notice with the LR Baggs, having to increase the onboard volume wheel (amp volume remains same level all the time) when battery is getting low. I always try to set the onboard volume wheel about half way and then set the amp volume and leave it there after a battery change. I maybe wrong but I also think the onboard wheel setting, when increased may use more battery power.

Aye I think increasing the volume would definitely drain the power.  I had my volume at maximum but it's too brash so keep it about 3/4 up for a clear signal.  It's a pity there's no warning light factored into the battery in some way.  I'll probably change battery every time I change strings (I get about 4-5 months from elixirs) as it's not my main gigging guitar.  Don't know what strings were on it originally but I found it really opened up with 80/20 bronze

[NGD - IBG J45]

On 11/12/2023 at 1:53 AM, Ceptorman said:

Does anybody use the electronics on these IBG guitars? Especially the under saddle stye? How do you like it?

Like most other people I'm frustrated that there's a battery bag inside the guitar.  This is far from ideal if the battery goes during a gig.  As far as the actual pickup goes I find it pretty good - easy enough to get a decent sound.  I play in noisy bars so no-one is really judging whether your guitar sounds amazing.  I hand built a guitar under the guidance of a great luthier and put the same pickup  into that.  I'm finding the IBG J45 hard to put down - it just suits the voice so well.

[NGD - IBG J45]

Haven't been on here in ages given I rarely play my EJ160e these days.  Just picked up a used IBG J45 for £300 and it's a brilliant guitar!

Really comfortable to play, sounds great and perfect to sing with - just like a J45 should be.

Epiphone seems to have got these IBG guitars so right.

[Epiphone EJ-160E Owners]

I have one of the Lennon signature models and would like to replace the pickup. Did you replace yours? Thanks...

 

I bought the Behringer pedal and it improves the volume a lot but it still sounds a bit like a semi acoustic electric guitar - like a Casino maybe.

I have a fishman sonitone pickup that a fine Epi forum member very kindly sent me; still considering having that installed. It has the 2 dials in the soundhole and goes through the end strap pin hole so pretty non-evasive and I can keep the old pickup installed too.

[Epiphone EJ-160E Owners]

The first amp I plugged into was this one:

 

 

But then I ran her through my usual acoustic amps (SWR)

 

 

 

Nice amps - I found mine was fine through an electric practice amp (probably because it's a passive pickup) but not so great through a mixer and active speaker setup. Is your strung with electric or acoustic strings? Mine has pure acoustic which is probably another factor.

[Epiphone EJ-160E Owners]

The neck is a 1960's Slim Taper D profile and it feels perfect - very easy on the hands and playability is surprisingly good for such an inexpensive guitar. She sounds very good both plugged in & unplugged - spruce top with select mahongany back & sides are responsible for that. I've read a few negative comments about the pickup on these models being weak or lacking bass response - I don't hear that at all. I would gig with this with no concerns. I'm very happy with this purchase. For comparitive views I own Martins & Gibsons as well so it's not like this was my first purchase in this realm. Love it love it love it

 

Hey Rev what are you plugging into?

I have one of the older John Lennon signature models and the pickup doesn't sound very good - weak and not very loud - considering either installing a new pickup or a Behringer AD121 pedal between the guitar and mixer.

[Epiphone EJ-160E Owners]

Thank you Cougar! I'm looking for enablers. I read other reviews about that pickup that speak to the issue you addressed but I have a plethora of gear to pump up the volume on that little fellar

 

I have one of the original EJ160es with the signature too and it's a great guitar but the pickup apparently reacts better to electric strings. I have never tried this as I've only played it acoustically. Have tried it through a PA (straight into the mixer) and it sounded better through an electric amp because of the mag pickup. I find it sounds better (to my ear) with 11s although think it's set up for 12s.