Epiphone Acoustic Guitars: the truth

[Indie P Bass]

With this cool tax thing that we're getting from china in the next couple months, I'm thinkin' I'm gonna buy me a new acoustic. Now, I've got this old 1970's Sigma DR12-7 that's starting to show its years and want to get something that's a touch on the differant side.
Now, I love the old Sigma and was thinking of getting the Epiphone EJ-160e (I'm'a sucker for artist signitures), but I've seen a few conflicting things. It seems their are three runs of the guitar thus far, one Chinese, one Korean and one Indonesian. It also seems that the Epiphone model is a differant scale and finish than the original model.

Now, my questions are these:
Epiphone acoustics (that I've played) has always seemed to be on the nicer side of their budget, but I want to know which country of origin would yeild the best guitar.
Also, what are the scale differances between the original J-160 and the new EJ-160e?
And if anyone knows exactly what the guitar is made of (all I can find is, "Sitka Spruce Top with Mahogoney back, sides and neck") I would love to know what type of woods they are and whether or not they're solid.

Thanks in advance, guys.

Also, any first hand experience with Epiphone acoustics that you have, I'd love to hear.

 

[lex666]

Re: Epiphone Acoustic Guitars: the truth

The only Epi acoustic I owned was a very inexpensive model. It was one of my first acoustic guitars. The materials were good, and the guitar sounded ok, if a little bright. It did quickly show signs of aging - the back started to show some glue separation - but I must admit, I didn't take good care of this one like i should have.

Is there a reason you've decided on Epi's? There's a lot of other fine guitars within that price range...

 

[darnright]

Re: Epiphone Acoustic Guitars: the truth

I bought a '000' model small bodied acoustic from Epi about a year ago. I tried new nuts and bridge saddles and 5 different brands of strings. I finally traded it to my local music store. Just couldn't come to terms with it. I have had some D-size Epi's in the past that were pretty good. I would say their J-160 should be pretty good.

-dave