Epiphone ES-175 vs Joe Pass

[Bach5G]

An Epi 175 came up for sale on FB Marketplace. A little pricey, maybe, at $1200 (all prices in CDN funds). Meanwhile, I see Epi Joe Pass guitars, various models, routinely going for $500.

Any particular reason for such a difference? It seems to me these guitars would be similar, built by the same fellows, in the same factory. Same basic specs.

[Cunamara]

Is it the Epi ES-175 Premium, with the Gibson Classic 57s? Those command more.

[Bach5G]

Is it the Epi ES-175 Premium, with the Gibson Classic 57s? Those command more.

Yes. I suppose that might account for some of the difference, although I think the 175 is pre-Premium.

[garybaldy]

An Epi 175 came up for sale on FB Marketplace. A little pricey, maybe, at $1200 (all prices in CDN funds). Meanwhile, I see Epi Joe Pass guitars, various models, routinely going for $500.

Any particular reason for such a difference? It seems to me these guitars would be similar, built by the same fellows, in the same factory. Same basic specs.

I've recently seen the 'regular' Epi 175 on ebay UK going for around the £500 mark.

[WillsJazz]

A stock, non-Premium Epiphone 175 is not a $1200 guitar. Even 175 Premiums aren't going for that. I'd look elsewhere.

[chris32895]

If it was a premium 175 and you really liked it I would pay max $1k. If it's not a premium 175 I would not bother.

My take on the 2 vs each other. I owned a non-premium 175 for a couple months a few years back and have played my teacher's Epi Joe Pass. My experience with the 175 was less than stellar - heavy, narrow-ish nut, thin neck, and a sound I did not like at all (would need pickups replaced which is more $$). Maybe mine was a dud but it had no life to it at all. My teacher's Joe Pass however was a really nice playing guitar with a lively acoustic resonance and comfortable body and great sound. Granted, his had pro luthier setup work so it would play real well. Also, his had GHS burnished nickel rockers which I was surprised by but overall that JP was awesome.

If I were you I'd pick up a JP. You can get a real nice blonde model for good money nowadays still.

[Birddog]

I’ve never played an Epiphone 175 so I can’t comment on that model. However, I purchased a new Epiphone Joe Pass back in 2005 when I started playing jazz and it’s hands down the best ‘bang for the buck’ guitar I own. Great player, comfortable size, very stable and looks nice too. The electronics/pickups are probably its weakest attribute, but overall it’s an excellent guitar for the money. MHO, of course.


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[va3ux]

A stock, non-Premium Epiphone 175 is not a $1200 guitar. Even 175 Premiums aren't going for that. I'd look elsewhere.

$1200 Cdn is currently around $875 US, if that makes any difference.

[Sleeko]

I've heard nothing but good things about the JP.

[jaymen]

For sure go for the Joe Pass.
Another great option is the poor mans L5/Johhny Smith, the Epiphone Emperor Regent from 1995-2011.

[Cunamara]

I have played one Epiphone JP and it had a pretty substantial neck. Maybe not quite a baseball bat, but heftier than any guitar I own. That said, it was a nice sounding guitar.