Jerry K Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Recently I have been playing an Epiphone EJ-200. I had it tuned down half a step and I have been practicing something I can only sing in that tuning. And I realized that a J-200 has shot to the top of my buy list. Most of my guitars are small and short scale. These big hulking J-200's with their majestic sound are really just the ticket for some things. I also want a J-45. I had a J-50 and stupidly sold it because of shoulder problems just before I figured out that I can play big guitars fine with a strap. Actually I really want a 12 fret J-45. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aster1 Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Can't fault you on any of those wants for sure. I have an Epi EJ-200ce I believe it is w/ cutaway. Had it setup and it's a great playing guitar but I don't think it has a great "big guitar" sound at all. It's good, but not like its big brother the Gibson by a long shot. Course now it's under $500 and the Gibby is $3500 at least. On the J-45 I don't have a Mahog. version, just a Custom with Rosewood so it's a bit brighter. Love the sound & the way the Custom plays. One of my 3 favs with maybe the Dove #1. From there I'm pressed hard between the new HBird & the Custom. Couldn't really decided on those so, I guess I'll just have to keep them BOTH!!! Aster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry K Posted September 7, 2013 Author Share Posted September 7, 2013 Can't fault you on any of those wants for sure. I have an Epi EJ-200ce I believe it is w/ cutaway. Had it setup and it's a great playing guitar but I don't think it has a great "big guitar" sound at all. It's good, but not like its big brother the Gibson by a long shot. Course now it's under $500 and the Gibby is $3500 at least. I actually have the $135 super cheapo EJ-200 Artist, which has a plain belly bridge, no ornamentation, a plain pick guard like a J-50 guard, and plywood throughout. Obviously it's no J-200! But it's a great big long scale guitar which reminds me of the many J-200's I've played. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onewilyfool Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 I'm with Jerry on this one.....I would LOVE a 12 fret jumbo (think new J-35 with 12 frets!!!???) something simple and with low ornamentation, just a simple J-35/45 12 fret...is that too much to ask??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-1854Me Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Even better, try a 12-fret J-200! ("The 'Binford 6100' of J-200s...") Fred Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Jerry, keep your eyes peeled for a used J100extra, which I consider to be one of the best buys on the market. Unfortunately the cost of a new entry level Gibson jumbo has really jumped in recent years, but the J100xtra in it's many forms continues to pop up at reasonable prices. My first one was a big necked '96 mahogany, and I bought my current maple '00 new in '01 (this version sports a fully visible abalone rosette & plain tortoise pickguard). Also had a very nice '01 J150 with a little more bling, but overall the '00 J100 beat it out & off went the J150 in trade a few years later for an ES-335. One important thing: Generalizations based on body woods seem to get thrown out the window with these jumbos, so they're all worth a look. Any one of them might end up sounding like it's stuffed with a tee shirt, while the next example literally has notes jumping out the soundhole & dancing off the top! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Cant disagree with you Jerry on any count ..... which is quite refreshing, and a little disappointing ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Motherofpearl Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Cant disagree with you Jerry on any count ..... which is quite refreshing, and a little disappointing ... Haha touché J100xtra with the hog back and sides are great guitars. The latter version with bubinga are even better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duluthdan Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 12 Fret J-45? Never heard of one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blindboygrunt Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 I actually have the $135 super cheapo EJ-200 Artist, which has a plain belly bridge, no ornamentation, a plain pick guard like a J-50 guard, and plywood throughout. Obviously it's no J-200! But it's a great big long scale guitar which reminds me of the many J-200's I've played. Is it really possible to buy an EJ200 for $135 !? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry K Posted September 7, 2013 Author Share Posted September 7, 2013 I played a 12 fret 200 a few years ago at Music Villa. It was wonderful but at the time I had shoulder problems and wasn't buying big ones. Big fat round sound. There are a very few 12 fret j-45's out there and Jackson Browne model is similar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedzep Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 I just get a warm feeling when another player realizes that playing strapped up is the only way to go. Right RRod? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry K Posted September 8, 2013 Author Share Posted September 8, 2013 I just get a warm feeling when another player realizes that playing strapped up is the only way to go. Right RRod? I think it has improved my playing because my right shoulder is no longer way up in the air and the resulting posture makes my playing physically stronger. Plus it makes you feel like a rock star. B) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 Plus it makes you feel like a rock star. B) That would be the flame spitting cod piece you are wearing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorod Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 I just get a warm feeling when another player realizes that playing strapped up is the only way to go. Right RRod? Right you are jz! Having taken Classical guitar lessons in my youth, I was taught to play with the guitar rested on my left leg also with a footrest. That position can ease up right shoulder issues also, but presents another position (and possible issues) to deal with the fretting hand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorod Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 That would be the flame spitting cod piece you are wearing [lol] ...as I blow a mouthfull of coffee :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedzep Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 Right you are jz! Having taken Classical guitar lessons in my youth, I was taught to play with the guitar rested on my left leg also with a footrest. That position can ease up right shoulder issues also, but presents another position (and possible issues) to deal with the fretting hand Doesn't seem to hamper the likes of Ana Vidovic. Bet you look just as good with a foot up on the step. In pants, of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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