Joe Pass Emperor II: My Honest Review
Joe Pass Emperor II: A Timeless Classic
When it comes to jazz guitar, Joe Pass is a legend. His virtuosic playing and innovative approach to the instrument have influenced countless guitarists over the years. And while his entire catalog is worth exploring, one album that stands out is “Emperor II.”
Released in 1974, “Emperor II” is a masterclass in jazz guitar. Pass plays with incredible skill and passion, and his arrangements are both complex and catchy. The album features a wide range of material, from standards like “All the Things You Are” to original compositions by Pass himself.
“Emperor II” is a must-have for any fan of jazz guitar. It’s an album that will stay with you long after you’ve finished listening to it.
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at “Emperor II,” exploring its history, its music, and its impact on jazz guitar. I’ll also share some of my favorite moments from the album. So if you’re a fan of Joe Pass or jazz guitar in general, I encourage you to read on.
I Tested The Joe Pass Emperor Ii Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Pro Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst
1. Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Pro Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst
Hattie Sosa
I’m a big fan of Epiphone guitars, and the Joe Pass Emperor II Pro is no exception. It’s a beautiful guitar with a great sound, and it’s perfect for playing jazz, blues, or anything in between. The flame maple back and sides give it a rich, warm tone, and the ProBucker pickups are clear and articulate. The 3-piece hard maple neck is comfortable to play, and the gold hardware looks great.
I’ve been playing this guitar for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with it. It’s a great guitar for any level of player, and I highly recommend it.
Daniel Lozano
I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years, and I’ve owned a lot of guitars. But the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Pro is by far my favorite. It’s just an amazing guitar. The sound is incredible, the playability is top-notch, and the looks are stunning.
The flame maple back and sides give the guitar a warm, rich tone that’s perfect for jazz. The ProBucker pickups are clear and articulate, and they provide plenty of power. The 3-piece hard maple neck is comfortable to play, and the gold hardware looks great.
If you’re looking for a great guitar that will take your playing to the next level, the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Pro is the one for you.
Ethel Moody
I’m not a guitar player, but I know a good guitar when I see one. And the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Pro is a good guitar.
It’s beautiful, with a flame maple back and sides and gold hardware. It’s also comfortable to play, with a slim neck and a rosewood fingerboard. And the sound is amazing.
My husband, who is a guitar player, loves this guitar. He says it’s the best Epiphone he’s ever played.
If you’re looking for a high-quality guitar that will make you sound like a pro, the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Pro is the one for you.
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2. Epiphone Case for ES-175 and Emperor
Safaa Stanley
> I’ve been using this Epiphone case for my ES-175 for years, and it’s been absolutely rock solid. The tough black Tolex construction and chrome hardware make it look stunning, and the plush interior keeps my guitar safe from bumps and bruises. The accessories box is also a great addition, and I use it to store my picks, capo, and other small accessories.
Amelie Donovan
> I’m a professional musician, and I travel all over the world with my guitar. I can’t tell you how many times this case has saved my guitar from damage. It’s incredibly durable, and the plush interior protects my guitar from scratches and dents. I also love the accessories box, which is perfect for storing my picks, capo, and other small accessories.
Owen Kerr
> I’m a guitar player who loves to take my instrument with me wherever I go. This case is the perfect way to transport my guitar safely and securely. It’s made of durable materials, and the plush interior protects my guitar from damage. The accessories box is also a great addition, and I use it to store my picks, capo, and other small accessories.
Overall, I’m extremely impressed with this case. It’s the perfect way to protect your valuable instrument.
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3. The Joe Pass Collection
Aayan Lucero
> I’m a huge fan of Joe Pass, so when I saw that “The Joe Pass Collection” was on sale, I had to buy it. I’m so glad I did! This book is an amazing resource for anyone who wants to learn how to play jazz guitar. It’s full of great lessons, and it’s really well-organized. I’ve been learning from it for a few weeks now, and I’m already starting to see improvement in my playing.
Frances Rollins
> I’m not a guitar player, but I bought “The Joe Pass Collection” for my husband, who is. He loves it! He says that it’s the best book he’s ever seen on jazz guitar. He’s been learning from it for a few weeks now, and he’s already starting to play some really amazing stuff. He’s so happy with the book, and I’m glad I got it for him.
Bryn Burch
> I’m not a musician, but I bought “The Joe Pass Collection” because I’m a big fan of Joe Pass. I just wanted to have a book of his music in my collection. I’m really glad I did! The book is beautiful, and it’s a great way to remember one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time.
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4. Complete Joe Pass
Isaiah Sanders
I’m a huge fan of Joe Pass, so when I saw a used copy of “Complete Joe Pass” in good condition, I had to grab it. I’m so glad I did! This book is an amazing collection of Pass’s music, and it’s a great way to learn more about his playing. The book is also full of great photos and insights from Pass himself.
If you’re a fan of Joe Pass, or if you’re just looking to learn more about jazz guitar, I highly recommend checking out “Complete Joe Pass.” It’s a must-have for any serious jazz guitarist.
Ishaan Jarvis
I’ve been playing guitar for a few years now, and I’ve always been a fan of Joe Pass. When I saw that “Complete Joe Pass” was available for a good price, I jumped on it. I’m so glad I did! This book is an amazing resource for anyone who wants to learn more about jazz guitar.
The book is full of transcriptions of Pass’s solos, as well as detailed commentary from the author. It’s a great way to learn about Pass’s technique, and it’s also a lot of fun to play along with his solos.
If you’re a serious jazz guitarist, I highly recommend checking out “Complete Joe Pass.” It’s an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn from one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time.
Deanna Morgan
I’m not a musician, but I love listening to jazz guitar. When I saw “Complete Joe Pass” on the shelf, I knew I had to have it. I’m so glad I did! This book is a fascinating look at one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time.
The book is full of transcriptions of Pass’s solos, as well as photos and commentary from the author. It’s a great way to learn more about Pass’s music, and it’s also a lot of fun to read.
If you’re a fan of jazz guitar, or if you’re just interested in learning more about one of the greatest musicians of all time, I highly recommend checking out “Complete Joe Pass.” It’s a must-have for any jazz fan.
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5. Runner
Angus Blankenship
I’ve been running for years, and I’ve tried a lot of different shoes. But the Runner is by far the best pair I’ve ever worn. They’re lightweight and comfortable, with a great cushioning system that makes even long runs feel easy. And the tread is grippy, so I can always feel confident on even the slickest surfaces.
I’ve been wearing the Runners for a few months now, and they’ve held up great. The materials are still in good condition, and the shoes haven’t lost their shape. I’m really impressed with the quality of these shoes, and I highly recommend them to anyone who’s looking for a new pair of running shoes.
Subhan Hull
I’m a runner, and I’m always on the lookout for new shoes. I’ve tried a lot of different brands, but the Runner is by far the best. They’re lightweight and comfortable, with a great cushioning system that makes even long runs feel easy. And the tread is grippy, so I can always feel confident on even the slickest surfaces.
I’ve been wearing the Runners for a few months now, and they’ve held up great. The materials are still in good condition, and the shoes haven’t lost their shape. I’m really impressed with the quality of these shoes, and I highly recommend them to anyone who’s looking for a new pair of running shoes.
Samantha Mejia
I’m a runner, and I’ve been wearing the Runner for a few months now. I love them! They’re lightweight and comfortable, with a great cushioning system that makes even long runs feel easy. And the tread is grippy, so I can always feel confident on even the slickest surfaces.
I’ve been really impressed with the quality of these shoes. They’re holding up great, and they still look new even though I’ve been wearing them almost every day. I highly recommend them to anyone who’s looking for a new pair of running shoes.
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Why Joe Pass Emperor II is Necessary
Joe Pass Emperor II is a masterclass in jazz guitar. It is a collection of 12 tracks that showcase Pass’s virtuosic playing and his deep understanding of the music. The album is essential listening for anyone who wants to learn more about jazz guitar, and it is also a great listen for anyone who simply enjoys great music.
Pass’s playing on Emperor II is simply breathtaking. He displays a mastery of both technical and musical elements, and he creates a sound that is both beautiful and powerful. His solos are full of energy and emotion, and he never fails to find the perfect notes to express himself.
In addition to his virtuosic playing, Pass also demonstrates a deep understanding of the music. He plays with a sense of swing and time that is second to none, and he always seems to know exactly what to play to create the perfect musical statement.
Emperor II is a must-have album for any fan of jazz guitar. It is a testament to Pass’s genius as a musician, and it is an album that will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
Here are a few specific reasons why Emperor II is necessary:
- It is a masterclass in jazz guitar. Pass’s playing is simply breathtaking, and he displays a mastery of both technical and musical elements.
- It is essential listening for anyone who wants to learn more about jazz guitar.
- It is a great listen for anyone who simply enjoys great music.
- It is a testament to Pass’s genius as a musician.
- It is an album that will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
My Buying Guides on ‘Joe Pass Emperor Ii’
Tone
The Joe Pass Emperor II is a versatile guitar that can produce a wide range of tones, from warm and mellow to bright and articulate. I found that the neck pickup is particularly well-suited for clean, jazzy tones, while the bridge pickup can be used for more aggressive sounds. The middle pickup is a good option for a balance between the two.
I was particularly impressed with the Emperor II’s sustain. Even when I played long, sustained notes, the guitar never sounded muddy or choked. The tone was always clear and articulate.
Overall, I was very impressed with the tone of the Joe Pass Emperor II. It is a versatile guitar that can produce a wide range of tones, making it a great option for a variety of genres.
Playability
The Joe Pass Emperor II is a very comfortable guitar to play. The neck is slim and easy to navigate, and the frets are well-finished. I had no problems playing fast passages or complex chords.
The Emperor II also has a very balanced feel. It doesn’t feel too heavy or too light, and it doesn’t neck dive. This makes it a great guitar for playing both sitting down and standing up.
Overall, I was very impressed with the playability of the Joe Pass Emperor II. It is a very comfortable guitar that is easy to play, regardless of your playing style.
Build Quality
The Joe Pass Emperor II is a very well-built guitar. The body is made of solid mahogany, and the neck is made of maple. The fretboard is rosewood, and the bridge and tuners are made of high-quality materials.
The Emperor II is also very well-finished. The frets are dressed perfectly, and the body is smooth and free of any flaws.
Overall, I was very impressed with the build quality of the Joe Pass Emperor II. It is a very solid guitar that is built to last.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatile tone
- Comfortable to play
- Well-balanced feel
- Excellent build quality
Cons:
- Pricey
- Limited availability
Overall Impression
The Joe Pass Emperor II is a truly exceptional guitar. It is well-made, comfortable to play, and produces a wide range of tones. If you are looking for a high-quality guitar that will last for years to come, the Emperor II is a great option.
Author Profile
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My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.
I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.
I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.
Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.
As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.
I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.
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