If you’re wondering if Epiphone EJ-200SCE is a good acoustic-electric guitar or not, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place! In today’s article, I’m going to take a very close look on that popular jumbo style guitar. Many guitarists consider it as a truly iconic model, but is it actually good?
The truth is that Epiphone EJ-200SCE is an absolutely great mid-level acoustic-electric guitar. Although it’s not the best guitar in the world, it definitely stands out from other models at this price level.
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes this acoustic-electric guitar so good. Firstly, we’ll check out the main advantages and details of that model. Of course, there will also be a sound demo included too, so you’ll be able to hear how it sounds!
Hopefully, this review will help you to understand whether EJ-200SCE is a good fit for you or not.
Specs & Pricing
Epiphone EJ-200SCE is an acoustic-electric guitar suitable for the most demanding guitar players out there. It’s based on the legendary Gibson J-200.
The guitar has a cutaway Super Jumbo body which features a solid spruce top and select maple back and sides. On top of that, the guitar features a very comfortable maple neck with a SlimTaper D profile. That neck profile significantly improves the the comfortability of playing!
It is also worth mentioning that the manufacturer equipped this model with a high quality Pau Ferro fretboard, which feels very smooth.
Since this is an acoustic-electric guitar, it has a built-in preamp (Fishman Presys) which allows you to easily use that guitar on stage. It also has a reliable and great sounding Fishman Sonicore under-saddle pickup.
The sound of that guitar can be described as very rich and resonant. Thanks to the jumbo-style body, this instrument sounds absolutely great when it’s unplugged. It can be efficiently used for both strumming and fingerpicking.
When it comes to pricing, this is not a cheap guitar. But at the same time, it’s not as expensive as the original Gibson J-200. As a result, the EJ-200SCE models seems to be a really good and affordable alternative for all musicians who don’t want pay too much for the J-200.
Here’s a quick sound demo – feel free to check it out below.
Who Is It For?
Epiphone EJ-200SCE is a perfect acoustic-electric guitar for both amateur and more advanced guitarists. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re frequently gigging, this model will be an excellent choice for you.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a really versatile instrument. That being said, the EJ-200SCE can be used in a really wide variety of different styles of music. Whether you’re into country, folk or rock – it will work perfectly fine.
It is also worth mentioning that in comparison with the original Gibson J-200, this Epiphone model is a real bargain. Although it’s not as good as the Gibson, it’s definitely suitable for guitarists on a tight budget. It also proves that a great guitar doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars.
Overall, the vast majority of guitarists will be satisfied with the overall quality of Epiphone EJ-200SCE. I particularly recommend this guitar to all musicians who are often performing live. This guitar is made for live performances!
Here’s an another sound demo.
Disadvantages Of Epiphone EJ-200SCE
Although Epiphone EJ-200SCE is generally a great guitar, it has its own disadvantages as well.
Here’s a few things that you should be aware of before you get it. The main flaws of that guitar are:
- original setup
- guitar strings
- preamp batteries
Firstly, this is not a high-end guitar. It’s heavily inspired on the legendary Gibson J-200, but obviously – it’s not as good as that legendary model. Still, considering the relatively low price of EJ-200SCE, it seems to be a great value for the money.
Additionally, this guitar will sound much better after setting it up properly. The original setup is okay, but adjusting the string action will definitely make it a bit more comfortable to play. Also, you may also benefit from changing the original strings to lighter gauge strings.
Lastly, some guitarists report that the original batteries in the preamp don’t last very long. That means that you have to be prepared to replace them too.
But overall, this is a really good guitar. These minor flaws occur in all guitars at this price level, so they shouldn’t discourage you from getting the EJ-200SCE!
Would I Buy It?
Yes, I would definitely buy it! This is a perfect option for all musicians who don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a new Gibson J200.
I have no hesitation in recommending this guitar to everyone who’s searching for a great sounding and reliable jumbo-style acoustic-electric guitar.
In my opinion, this is one of the best guitars of this type that are available on today’s market.
Are There Any Alternatives?
If you don’t like the look or the sound of Epiphone EJ-200SCE, don’t worry! There’s still a few other affordable guitars out there. Of course, it all depends on what you’re looking for and how much are you willing to spend.
Here’s a few acoustic-electric guitars that also deserve a lot of attention.
Firstly, I highly encourage you to check out the Takamine GD11MCE. This is an excellent acoustic-electric guitar which offers a really high quality. I think that it will be particularly great if you like to play with your fingers. The GD11MCE model has the all-mahogany construction, so as a result it sounds very warm. This is a perfect tone for fingerpicking!
Alternatively, you should definitely check out the Gretsch G9520 Gin Rickey. This is an another high-quality acoustic-electric guitar suitable for the most demanding guitarists. It’s a bit smaller than Epiphone EJ-200SCE, but it definitely deserves a lot of attention. And in fact, it’s pretty cheap!
If you don’t necessarily need the acoustic-electric guitar and you’re okay with getting a regular acoustic guitar, check out the Epiphone DR100. This cheap guitar is perfect for all guitarists who are searching for an entry-level instrument that doesn’t cost too much. It was actually the first acoustic guitar that I ever bought! Even though I bought it 14 years ago, it still offers a really good quality.
But overall, Epiphone EJ-200SCE has everything you need from a good and reliable acoustic-electric guitar. If you have the budget for it, I don’t think that you need to search for something else – this guitar will exceed all of your expectations.
FAQ
Where is Epiphone EJ-200SCE made?
Epiphone EJ-200SCE is currently manufactured in China.
Are jumbo guitars good for fingerstyle playing?
Yes, jumbo guitars work perfectly fine for fingerstyle playing and strumming.
Can an Epiphone be as good as a Gibson?
In general, Gibson guitars feature a better quality than Epiphone guitars. Nevertheless, in many cases the differences between these guitars aren’t that obvious. That’s why a lot of guitarists think that Gibson guitars are overpriced.
Is Epiphone a good guitar brand?
Yes, Epiphone is a really good and reputable manufacturer of acoustic and electric guitars. Their gear is definitely worth it!
Summary
As you can see, Epiphone EJ-200SCE is a truly great acoustic-electric guitar. Despite of a few disadvantages, it’s definitely one of the best guitars of this type available on the market right now. That’s why I highly recommend checking it out!
What do you think about this jumbo-style guitar? Would you add it to your own collection of guitars? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear what you think!
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