Gearank High Notes
Gearank Recommendation
The AJ-100CE appeared on our recommended list for Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $300 from April 2020 until April 2021 when it had been out-ranked by higher rated models.
Overview
Epiphone acoustic guitars are hard to miss because they are available almost everywhere. And for good reason, they offer quality and nice features at very affordable price points.
This rings true with the AJ-100CE, which for the price gives you an advanced jumbo body which is slightly bigger than conventional dreadnought. This size gives the AJ-100CE a bit more volume and bass representation than a similarly built dreadnought. The price to pay for having a fuller sounding acoustic tone is having a bigger body, which can be a downer especially for younger players.
Also the need for a separate preamp complicates stage use a bit, and requires a bit more spending in the long run unless you already have an acoustic guitar amp
The AJ-100CE features a passive Fishman pickup, which is marketed as being a piezo alternative that gives a better tone than your standard piezo.
In practice, the difference is negligible. The pickup in the AJ-100CE performs just as well as any other passive pickup system, though keep in mind that amplifying your instrument becomes a bit more complicated when using a passive pickup. This means that you’ll need a separate preamp when plugging into a mixing console, but not when using an acoustic amp.
Specifications
- Body Shape: Advanced Jumbo
- Top: Laminated Spruce
- Body: Laminated Mahogany
- Finish: Gloss- Natural
- Bridge: Rosewood
- Neck: Mahogany
- Neck Profile: Slim Taper
- Number of Frets: 21
- Scale Length: 25.5”
- Nut Width: 1 11/16″ (43 mm)
- Electronics: NanoFlex Pickup
Demo
About the Author
Alexander Briones
I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.
