mikebillings6719 Posted September 16, 2011 Share Posted September 16, 2011 I used to play guitar when I was younger and through moving to the West Coast, going to school, getting married, etc. I felt as though I needed some sort of hobby other than playing call of duty all day. So I recently purchased a rather cheap D series acoustic just to "reteach" myself. I'm a huge Beatles fan so my next purchase was an "inspired by Lennon" Casino. as this guitar is amazing, I'm going to sell it (I've had a few people inquire but no one pull the trigger) and buy another acoustic. The three guitars in question (if anyone has experience with these guitars) are a Martin "X" series, an inspired by Texan and the EJ160E. I keep hearing that the EJ sounds flat? I really like how the Martin feels and sounds. Since these are pretty close to the same price range that is what I'm looking for. Which one would you pick? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diverden Posted September 16, 2011 Share Posted September 16, 2011 No experience with the Martin. But I own a EJ160 and have played several IBT's. These are two very different guitars. If you want an EJ 160 to play Beatle's tunes, and use electric strings; it will sound flat played acoustically. However, many folks use a nice Phosphor/Bronze acoustic string on the EJ 160 with good results. This should help with brightness when playing un-amped. The IBT's when you get a good one, are one of the best guitar bargains out there. I would suggest you try them all before buying. Or better yet. Buy all of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxman Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 Can't help you with the Martin "X" guitar, but I do own both the EJ-160 and the Inspired By Texan. The EJ-160 is an odd guitar. It sure isn't like an acoustic. I have electric Pyramid flatwound strings on her and she sounds more like an electric. The guitar definitely looks like a Beatle guitar and sounds like one, but if you want other than Beatles an EJ-160 is not the guitar to get. On the other hand, the Inspired by Texan is a perfect acoustic guitar. Looks the part and plays the part. A really fantastic guitar. Incredible sound and playability at a fantastic price. It is also damn beautiful. Really great guitar anyway you want to judge it. The guitar is far, far better than the price Epiphone are asking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebillings6719 Posted September 17, 2011 Author Share Posted September 17, 2011 Do either of these guitars have a "deep" tone or more of a "shimmery bright" tone? I'm looking for something more full sounding... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonzoboy Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 I've had my EJ-160-E John Lennon model for 2 years now and it's my favourite acoustic by far.It has the real Beatles vibe to it's sound whether played acoustically or electrically.I use D'Addario 10-46 light steel with the wound 3rd and they are plenty bright-I find them brighter than Phosphur-Bronze strings.I haven't played the Texan but I'm so impressed with the EJ-160-E that I find it difficult to beat by guitars costing hundreds more.The sound is bright without sounding shrill and the bass notes ring out without being overpowering.All in all the sound is a perfect balance right across the tonal spectrum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 "Beatle" acoustic guitars were: Gibson J-160E, Martin D-28, Epiphone Texan, Gibson J-200, Framus Hootenanny (12-String), and Ramerez Studio Classical Nylon string guitar. There were, no doubt, other's, but those are the main ones. Point is, you can play "Beatles" songs on any decent guitar, and get that sound, as long as you learn the proper chords, phrasing, and little idiosyncracies, involved. The J-160E, was used electrically, for the most part. But, it does have a distinctive tone, acoustically, that's "squashed" for lack of a better description, and is unique, that way. That was due, in part, to the old ladder bracing, and laminated top, to reduce feedback, when used electrically. It sounds more like a regular electic guitar, plugged in, because of the magnetic (Gibson P-90, Epiphone P-100) pickup, as opposed to a ribbon, or other style acoustic pickup. Just listen to the beginning riffs, of "I Feel Fine," for that J-160E electric tone. My (Gibson) 1954 J-160E The IB Texan, has a much fuller, and very even tone, string to string. It works well with strumming chords, and finger picking, too. For it's price point, it's almost un- matched/unbelievable, IMHO. Beautiful Guitar, all around. My 2010 IB Texan: Good luck, on making your decision. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonzoboy Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 I love your J-160-E,it's in such fabulous shape for 57years old.In this day and age when distressed and worn guitars are the big thing it's refreshing to see a guitar that old in near mint condition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 I love your J-160-E,it's in such fabulous shape for 57years old.In this day and age when distressed and worn guitars are the big thing it's refreshing to see a guitar that old in near mint condition. Thanks, but...it was "restored" 31 years ago. I bought it used, and I mean USED! Stuctural integrity was good, but the finish was near non-existent. It looked so lonely, and tired, in that shop, and I was in a nostalgic mood, as it was right after John Lennon's murder, and I "needed" that guitar, at the time. I got it, for a GREAT price, So, I took it to a Gibson authorized service, repair and restoration luthier, in Hollywood, and he totally restored it, keeping all the original parts, of course. Contrary, to how it may seem, I'm NOT a "collector," so...the "collector's value" was not an issue, for me. Besides, it was done 3-4 years before all this "collector/vintage" craziness started. So, back then, it was just an old "very used" Gibson. I think it turned out rather well! It is one of the few, with a non-laminated (solid) top, too. Those were only made for 1 year. In '55, they went to the laminate top, on Les Paul's advice, to reduce feedback. These were originally going to be called the "Les Paul" Acoustic, but because of his reluctance, they designated them J-160E's, instead. The neck markings, and even the neck shape, is very "Les Paul," in look and feel. The action, on mine, is low and fast...wonderful...like a good "Les Paul!" CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aster1 Posted September 21, 2011 Share Posted September 21, 2011 Hi Mike and a good no loser with either you'd pick to me, I have both & love them for what they are/do. Both my Epi's play just excellent. However, both have been setup by a Luthier (their also a warranty station for about everyone too). The IB Texan is real crisp & clean (I don't ever play that plugged in but you could and it sounds really good) and the EJ-160E is always played plugged in with Flat Wound electric strings like Taxman, and thru a Vox amp. Love that too. If you wanted to play it as an all around acoustic I seems to do that well with, as was mentioned prior, phosphor/bronze stings. I don't really like the way it sounds plugged in that way (doesn't sound Beatles to me, but sounds okay). I wanted it for the more Beatles sound. Not the cool, dull sound like Charlie's ladder braced J Gibson, but then his will be brighter sounding than the ply layered of a 1962 style J-160E somewhat. He has a real beauty and I'm sure a great sounding J to play. You really can't lose, just pick what you want to be closest to playing. I went with the Burst in the Texan just cuz I liked the way it looked and didn't need it to resemble the Beatles deal on that one. Couldn't be w/o a Casino however. Love the Standard and the 1965 Elitist as well. The Standard IMHO is a little more Beatles chimey sounding than my Elitist. But maybe a sting brand change will fix that. Just keep the Casino if you have a great one. Same on the Epi EJ & Texan. Played about 6-7 EJ and 2-3 Texans to find one I liked. I then had the warranty station change out the P-100 Pup on the EJ and a sting grounding mod. to get the volume up and the hum down. I will be selling it sometime soon as I loved it so much I bought a Gibson Fuller 1962 Reissue J-160E. Play it all the time now and the poor/lonely EJ doesn't get used as it deserves too. PM me if you want details on my mint EJ. Aster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amerson Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 WHAT COUNTRY IS THE EPIPHONE EJ-160E CURRENTLY BEING MANUFACTURED... I'VE READ IN A FEW GUITAR FORUMS THAT EJ-160E ARE MADE IN KOREA, INDONESIA AND CHINA...READ THAT CHINESE MODELS ARE HORRIBLE..... IS THE INDONESIAN MODEL STILL AVAILABLE??? PLEASE HELP PLANNING TO BUY ONE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonzoboy Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 My '08 EJ-160-E is Indonesian made and the fit and finish as well as the set up and tone are superb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amerson Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 My '08 EJ-160-E is Indonesian made and the fit and finish as well as the set up and tone are superb. IS THE EPIPHONE EJ-160E STILL AVILABLE ON MUSIC STORES AND WHERE IS THE EPIPHONE EJ-160E CURRENTLY BEING MANUFACTURED CAN YOU POST PHOTOS?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amerson Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 Yes, it is still made all the new ones I've seen are made in Indonesia CAPS LOCK MEANING ALL THE EPI EJ-160E LIKE THE ONE'S AVAILABLE ON SAM ASH ARE MADE IN INDONESIA??? GOOD SO THE 2010/2011 MODEL IS MADE FROM INDONESIA? THEY SAY THAT THE CHINESE MODELS/MADE ARE HORRIBLE AND A TOTALLY DIFFERENT GUITAR I'M PLANNING TO BUY A NEW ONE BUT I WANT A INDONESIAN MODEL.. THE KOREAN MODEL HAD A WIDER HEADSTOCK[/b][/b][/b] I DON'T WANNA END UP ON A CHINESE MODEL.. CHECK SOME PICTURES AND THE BODY OF THE CHINESE MODEL IS A TOTALLY DIFFERENT SHAPE WHAT DO YOU THINK?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
el capitan Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 IB Texan (why not just call it a Texan?)is now .J160E was OK in the 50's/60's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amerson Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 Do you really think you could tell the country of manufacturing - if it wasn't written on the guitar..... Who are 'THEY' There is no need to use the CAPS LOCK Thanks sorry for using the caps lock....by the way i just want to be sure that the current production of the guitar is from korea/indonesia (epiphone ej-160) if the current production is korea and indonesia then the ej-160e are good and nice tone..... read on forums that the chinese made didn't make to what they call players choice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amerson Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 Can't help you with the Martin "X" guitar, but I do own both the EJ-160 and the Inspired By Texan. The EJ-160 is an odd guitar. It sure isn't like an acoustic. I have electric Pyramid flatwound strings on her and she sounds more like an electric. The guitar definitely looks like a Beatle guitar and sounds like one, but if you want other than Beatles an EJ-160 is not the guitar to get. On the other hand, the Inspired by Texan is a perfect acoustic guitar. Looks the part and plays the part. A really fantastic guitar. Incredible sound and playability at a fantastic price. It is also damn beautiful. Really great guitar anyway you want to judge it. The guitar is far, far better than the price Epiphone are asking. where is your epiphone ej-160e manufactured? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxman Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 where is your epiphone ej-160e manufactured? Mine has a sticker on the back of the headstock that says: MADE IN INDONESIA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 333 Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 Many excellent instruments (by many brands) are made in China, including the acclaimed Epiphone Masterbilt series, and the "Inspired By" Texan. Red 333 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amerson Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 Mine has a sticker on the back of the headstock that says: MADE IN INDONESIA now i know why your epiphone ej-160e has a perfect shape cause it's made in indonesia.... i'm planning to buy one i want made in indonesia also, is the indonesian model the current version of the epi ej-160e? can i still buy a new one....they say that the chinese model's are not quite as good as the korean and indonesian model what country is currently manufacturing the epiphone ej-160e??? hope i can buy a new one indonesian model like yours Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amerson Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 Many excellent instruments (by many brands) are made in China, including the acclaimed Epiphone Masterbilt series, and the "Inspired By" Texan. Red 333 true...but the chinese made epiphone ej-160e has a slightly different body shape... the korean and indonesian model are true to the specs of the gibson j-160e what do you think??? what country is currently manufacturing the epiphone ej-160e?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amerson Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 Yes, it is still made all the new ones I've seen are made in Indonesia there will be new stocks this coming mid october 2011 read it on a few site like sweet water and guitar center.. do you think the new ones are from indonesia?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aster1 Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 I've been down that road with MIC vs MII and I couldn't tell much for a difference that mattered and believe me, I can see a bent hair on a gnats a.. ! None of them are exact copies in look to the real deal Gibson that the Beatles made famous. So the knobs are up or down on the body a smig, or the headstock is bigger or smaller. They aren't identical twins to the Gibson any of them. What I could tell was that I had to hand pick thru 4-5 I think EJ-160E's to find one that I really liked. Several were just dead, some played really crappy (even after a setup in the store) and then I got mine and loved all but the low volume & the hum. Both are fixed now. It's a MIC and IMHO, none of them are much like the 60's Gibson J-160E. None of them are including the new Gibson J-160E except for maybe some appearance. That's not saying that's good or bad. It's just what are you wanting it for. The old ladder braced Gibson is not to many's way of thinking, a versatile guitar at all. To me, I just love it and always play it plugged in. My EJ-160E is a great playing guitar and sounds really pretty dang great too. I don't play it unplugged but could with some nice bright strings on it and be happy playing it. Best suggestion is, don't worry about the MIC vs MII or MIK stuff. If a guitar is okay sounding & playing then it don't make no never mind on those three places. I have to say, I like all my MIA (Made in America) guitars the best in all counts. And besides, economic recovery starts at home with American's working jobs in America. YeeeeeHawww. Back to the topic I really like both the EJ-160E & the IB Texan. After a great setup both look, play & sound just great for the money. Don't think much for resale values on the Epi's however if that ever matters to anyone. Aster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 As to Chinese spec's, not being like Gibson's??? The newer (Chinese) Epi's are much closer, in spec's, and body shapes, than SOME of the Korean versions were. The Korean Epi's were quite often, just Samick guitars, with Epiphone headstocks, and appointments. They had very "generic" body shapes, quite often. Close, but no cigar... Doesn't mean they aren't great guitars, though. Just not as close to their herritage, as the newer Chinese made versions. That was the whole point (as well as labor costs), of Gibson having a "Epiphone only" Chinese factory. So Gibson could regulate the spec's, much closer, than previously. From what I've seen, and the 2 "Chinese" Epi's I own (Riviera P-93LE, and IB Texan), they're doing a great job, and just seem to get better, all the time. I've actually had less issues, QC wise, with my Epiphones, than I've experienced, with my recent Gibson's. I LOVE my Gibson's, though... don't get me wrong. ;>) CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aster1 Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 Did Epi just add the Indonesia plant to cover demand or are they products "plant specific" these days? From the video Epi had on their website (granted it's a few years old now) one would presume that they had placed all their stock into the new Chinese factory and production was going to be from China. I wasn't dissing the Epi stuff for sure. I can see why they needed to posture Epiphone after Fender & Gibson allowed every Tom, Richard (won't let me spell out D_ck), & Harry to copy their model designs w/o going after them like Ric does. Now everyone makes cheaper Les Paul's & Strats, etc. and you'd have to compete with the cheaper ones as well or loose market share. Aster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amerson Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 As to Chinese spec's, not being like Gibson's??? The newer (Chinese) Epi's are much closer, in spec's, and body shapes, than SOME of the Korean versions were. The Korean Epi's were quite often, just Samick guitars, with Epiphone headstocks, and appointments. They had very "generic" body shapes, quite often. Close, but no cigar... Doesn't mean they aren't great guitars, though. Just not as close to their herritage, as the newer Chinese made versions. That was the whole point (as well as labor costs), of Gibson having a "Epiphone only" Chinese factory. So Gibson could regulate the spec's, much closer, than previously. From what I've seen, and the 2 "Chinese" Epi's I own (Riviera P-93LE, and IB Texan), they're doing a great job, and just seem to get better, all the time. I've actually had less issues, QC wise, with my Epiphones, than I've experienced, with my recent Gibson's. I LOVE my Gibson's, though... don't get me wrong. ;>) CB hi did you see the current release of the epiphone ej-160e (made in china) have they improved the body shape??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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