Fwiw....I have an Epiphone ej200 that I use, with "bluegrass" d'addarios (heavy bottom/light top) that was every but of 3 clams and I wouldn't even
consider trading it for the Gibson j200.
For two reasons: 1) at that price I can afford to have a single purpose instrument (extremely low tunings and slide) if I choose and
2) it sounds and plays 90% as well as the 1000% higher Gibson
yep, that's right...1000% higher.
The ej 200 is well built (for a plywood box) is attractive if you like that kinda thing. VERY loud and very evenly voiced....works for me!
The j200 is also lovely, well built, loud and not quite as evenly voiced but with more subtlety and overtones..but 1000% more dough.
Were this to be my "main box" I'd have opted (assuming I wanted a jumbo body for a "main box") I'd look for a great deal on a j200 or a Guild..but, its not so, 90% of the sound for 10% of the cash...yep,...Epiphone works just fine!
