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I've been playing Epiphone guitars for over 35 years and they just keep getting better and better. I had an AJ-45ME Masterbilt (that I loved but had to sell a few years ago) and I can honestly say that this 'Inspired By Gibson' J45 is a better guitar. The Fishman Presys II electronics are a major upgrade. You can do some delicate dialing in of bass and treble and the phase button really works to improve bass response at lower volume and it suppresses feedback at higher volumes. The overall sound of this guitar is incredible, my nephew who has a $1500 Taylor (that isn't all solid wood at that price) was a little miffed that my guitar sounds every bit as good as his and honestly I think better. Does this guitar sound better than a Gibson or Martin at triple the price? No, but it does sound every bit as good as the ones that are double it's price. The fretboard is silky smooth and so easy to play up the neck, I sometimes play at the 15th fret with no problems and the sound is still great. If you need an A/E that you need to plug in and play live with, then don't be afraid to pick one up, you will turn some heads. Plus it has the new Gibson like headstock, which helps makes this guitar look so sweet!

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