IBJL EJ160e

[Dennis G]

So looks like Sweetwater is running a sale on the IBJL EJ160e (and the IBJL Casino, which if you're in the market...).

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EEEJVCCH

I don't really need one of these (I have two Ovation A/E's) but it's an iconic guitar at a great price. Any owners here? Thoughts? Thx in advance.

[bonzoboy]

Being an incredible John Lennon fanatic of epic proportions I am extremely interested in anything to do with him and/or his music and gear.While at my local music store one day,way back in 2009,I bought a natural Casino because it looked so much like the "Rooftop" one that he used.While on my way to the checkout,I saw the J.L. EJ-160-E and up until that point was completely unaware that they existed-that came with me too.When I was at the checkout I saw the most recent Epi catalogue and it was opened to the page with the 1965 and Revolution J.L. Limited Edition Casinos and I ordered a 1965 immediately.I walked out that day having bought and paid for 2 John Lennon model guitars and one that at least somewhat resembled one-I was in my glee.The very first time I played the intro to "I Feel Fine" with the 160-E on my VOX AD-120-VTH set on AC-30 mode,it was instant goosebump territory,it sounded exactly like the song that I had listened to so often for over 4 decades.Although the EJ-160-E doesn't nail the acoustic tone of the original Gibson J-160-E,it sounds much closer than anything else in the market place,unless you want to spend over $5,000 for an actual '62 or '65 model.The amplified tone is spot on the mark when played through the proper Vox amp or an exceptional modelling amp such as the Vox Valvtronix amps like the AD-120-VTH,AD-60-VTX etc. as for the 1965 and Revolution Casinos go,I have one of the first 50 made and mine nails exactly the tone of John's Casino when played through my Vox AC-15 or an AC-30 and when I play it through my old '69 Bassman head with the 2-15 Bassman cabinet,the closeness to the "Rooftop Tone" is uncanny.If you are a die-hard Lennon fan you couldn't possibly go wrong buying an Epi tribute to John Lennon model. BTW I imagine that the actual Gibson John Lennon J-160-E tribute should sound extremely close to the original that John played as it is hand made, using the same woods and construction methods.

[old mark]

I have one, and I like it very much. I use it as and electric guitar mostly, and have Ernie Ball Slinky 10's on it. The guitar sounds good unplugged with them, too.

The guitar plays very well, very comfortable and fast neck. I use it for blues and what little jazz I can manage to approach.

 

 

The pickup is a stacked humbucker, with a good tonal range, overall height of the pup is adjustable as are the pole pieces. Take a little time and plug the guitar in and adjust the pickup by ear, and you will bring out the real potential of this little pup.

It is a very quiet pickup, enough power to use this guitar with other "real" electrics in a band. The jack is in the same position as it is on a Les Paul. It has strap buttons on the bottom and at the heel of the neck.

 

The wood is beautiful, finish on mine is perfect, tuners are Deluxe type, which I like a lot, and they are light enough that the guitar balances well. The only problem I have with it is that I want to shave the saddle a bit, but I am in no hurry to do that. That is just a matter of preference and my playing style, and is NOT necessary. Saddle and nut are bone.

 

FWIW, it is NOT really similar in construction to the Gibson original, but it is a beautiful playing and sounding guitar and it has the Epiphone ringing complex sound, which I really like a lot

 

It is certainly a lot more guitar than you would expect for the price...even for several times the price.

 

Get a hard case with it. You will not regret buying this guitar.

 

 

mark

[Dennis G]

Thanx to you both for the very detailed responses. I'm still on the fence, but this just seems to good to pass up. I really don't NEED another guitar, but you all know how that thing goes...and this is somewhat of an icon, so...

[Aster1]

I have one and paid maybe $600 plus case for it. It's well made, sounds good, but to me doesn't sound like the Gibson after I got a Gibson Fuller reissue '62 version. For $399 it's REALLY worth owning and playing thru the amp (and yes the Fuller J was over $2500 as I got a great price on it). It seems like many have trouble with the pup (low output & hum) and mine had both. Covered under warranty on the low output part and paid the warranty station put a grounding plate & lug in like my Fuller has (found this out after I couldn't live w/o the Fuller J-160E). Cured the hum & low output was much better.

 

It's a pretty well made guitar I think and enjoy playing it. I also paid for a setup while in the warranty station. Really improved the fretting totally vs. out of the box. I'd say get it unless you are cash strapped & enjoy playing it. You can play more than just Beatles music on it too. Have heard some pretty good Jazz played on one.

 

Aster

[Dodger11]

I have one but use it purely as an acoustic - have never had electric strings on it. I love mine - with acoustic strings it has a woody warm chunky sound. The longer scale is a bit hard to get used to as well. I love "the look" almost as much as the playability and sound.

[Dennis G]

After mulling this over the past few days, and thinking about how much time I spend playing acoustic (and or a/e) and knowing that my next real "must have" guitar is a Ric 360/12, I've decided that I just can't justify this, regardless of the deal. Thanks all for the info and the help.