The Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II is a classic full-hollowbody archtop electric guitar designed in collaboration with legendary jazz guitarist Joe Pass. This example was manufactured in 1997 at the Samick factory in Korea, a period widely regarded for producing some of the highest quality Epiphone guitars outside of Japan and the USA.

Finished in a traditional Natural gloss, the Emperor II features a laminated maple body with a Florentine cutaway, offering the warm resonance and projection expected from a classic jazz archtop. The elegant design includes multi-ply body binding, gold hardware, block fingerboard inlays, and Epiphone’s distinctive tree-of-life headstock inlay, giving the guitar a refined vintage appearance.

The maple neck with rosewood fingerboard provides smooth playability and classic archtop feel, while the dual humbucker pickups deliver warm, articulate tones ideal for jazz, blues, swing, and classic rock styles. With independent volume and tone controls for each pickup and a three-way selector switch, the Emperor II offers a wide range of tonal possibilities from mellow jazz warmth to more dynamic blues tones.

A floating adjustable bridge and trapeze tailpiece help preserve the natural resonance of the hollow body while allowing accurate setup and intonation. Gold Grover-style tuners provide reliable tuning stability.

The Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II remains one of the most respected affordable jazz archtop guitars, prized by players for its rich tone, comfortable neck profile, and timeless aesthetic.

This item is second hand and has had the original scratch plate removed (not included). A hard case is included and any obvious marks or blemishes will be visible in the photos.

Key Features

• Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Hollowbody Electric Guitar
• 1997 Korean Samick factory production
• Laminated maple hollowbody with Florentine cutaway
• Natural gloss finish with multi-ply binding
• Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
• Block fingerboard inlays and tree-of-life headstock inlay
• Dual humbucker pickups with 3-way switching
• Independent volume and tone controls
• Floating adjustable bridge
• Trapeze tailpiece
• Gold hardware
• Ideal for jazz, blues, and classic hollowbody tones