Epiphone AJ-15 12

I just purchased this guitar which was made 1/1/00 (New years day) in Bozeman, Montana (See gibson.com/search/serialnumberm.html for their numbering system and dating). Having purchased this instrument from a pawn shop I had a hard time finding information, but, basically it's an AJ-15 except that is a 12-string.[ Dreadnoght shape, color = "Natural" w/high gloss finish, Spruce top, mahogany back, ivory edging olong the side edges, rosewood fingerboard, chrome strap holders and tuners, rounded neck in back]. It's a lovely looking guitar and has kept it's appearance well conscidering the abuse I'm sure it's suffered. I rated this an 8 because it's mostly non-frill and a evry nice "simple" 12-string guitar

I play contemporary christian music in small settings and the instrument was purchased to provide my own accompaniment (sounds funny huhh?). With a 'pick' the instrument can at times sound like a banjo or a harpsichord (according to my family) depending upon my stroke, and a full deep tone when played by hand. It's a sure sound generator and I have no problem getting the Db's out there; that's nice because I don't need to play it as hard (therefore it requires more control on my part).

You need an electonic tuner "fur certin'" as I found out the neck will bend enough to send every string out of whack as you go along re-stringing it. Even a slight difference in the notes will give a completely different sound to your play.

I rated this a 9 because it really was a pleasant surprise once it was finally all set up.

When I re-strung the piece I noticed that the tuners didn't have a smooth action, showed some slight corrosion arounnd the ring on the string side, and some had more play in the spindle than I cared for. When I was first cleaning and inspecting the piece I noticed A few of the frets have a rough edge but it didn't get in my way at all. The action is absolutely wonderful; very tight and easy. I've actually had less trouble with "twang" as compared to my Takamine G-330 6-string low-E and the action is just as nice (or slightly better). The pick plate has been scratched due to normal play but overall there is no abuse from playing.


I rated this lower (6) because I'm not happy with the corrosion and action of the tuners so early in this instruments life, regardless of the abuse. After all, it wasn't sitting in water and this is supposed to be the most durable part of the instrument. All of the other aspects keep this above an average rating.

As stated above, I wasn't happy with the tuners because these should be top notch for an instrument and even the slightest corrosion (2 out of 12)will eventually mean it will need replacement one day. However, once the strings were replaced the action was smooth and held the tension like it's supposed to.

The instrument's finish was excellent and I was surprised how well it cleaned up with a mild cleaner. There were NO cracks around or in an of the stress points, laminant, or finished exterior.

Time will tell about durability but I plan on playting the heck out of this instrument so I'll know shortly I'm sure. I rated this a 6 for the same reasons as the previous section.

Trying to find information was a mixed bag of trix. Serial numnber information was easy, features were easy, comparisons with other instruments was very hard, and attempting to find market value was impossible at the company site. In fact, finding brouchure information (owner's manual, care, ...) was also impossible. They do have a an 'exchange' site but I don't call asking a stranger good customer service. It would have been nice if questions were answered by a knowledgable agent.

Direct contact isn't necessary yet so I'll leave this as an N/A rating and simply leave the comments about internet access to stand for themselves.

I've only been playing less than 1 year but I've had a few really good teachers and picked up very fast. I also own a Takamine 6-string (g-330) which I use regularly as well. The AJ15-12 is really beautiful and a lot of fun to play. It's much easier to play than I first thought it would be, but, still takes some getting used to as compared to a 6-string. Most articles/comments I've heard about tuning this instrument I've found false except for when replaing new strings. Once set up it keeps it's sound --> A tuner is a must and made the job a 'piece of cake' (15-20 min. on a new set of strings, without having had prior experience).

I really like this guitar and probably would only switch to a fancier looking guitar if I had the money. But that's shallow and superficial because it playes very nicely. It has everything you'd need at a very nice price as compared to what I was exposed to in the market place.

Overall I'd rate this about as 9 becasue it gives you exactly what it is supposed to at a fair price (and less than perfect because of the tuners)

I would have to assume that this is a 2000 guitar. Like most Epiphones it's a korean made instrument, but the quality is still really really really good. It's got 20 well leveled frets and I've yet to experiance any buzz or unpleasant sound. It's got a beautiful natural finish and a gorgeous sunburst color around the back part of the headstock and neck. It's just an ordinary dreadnaught style acoustic and I gave it up over a single cut acoustic/electric that I'd been wanting for so long. One look at the $399 price tag (and that's canadian) and I was hooked! After playing electrics all the time the next was a bit wide but i also play 5 string bass so it was easy to get used too. A bit thinnner than my les paul but wider so it's a bit awkward at first. Gets an 8 for standard acoustic features... wish I had an electric acoustic though.

Really really sweet sound. As anyone who's played a 12 string will tell you, you can't get a fuller sound. It's friggin sweet. I play (with this guitar anyway) all kinds of things. Little tragically hip, lots of weezer... it's good for a lot of things but I woudn't advise tuning down because holy crap is tuning a 12 string a task.

I have absolutely no problems with this guitar. I love the action... I have everything that came with this. The strings did really well at staying in tune at first but then I changed the strings and forgot to stretch them and they've been slipping... I'm not about to change them again either cause strings for a 12 are expensive. Finish is gorgeous with not a scratch on it. I might get new tuners some day... if I get ambitious... but I think these do fine anyway

Strap buttons are solid. This is a very solid guitar and I imagine that if I were to get a pickup for the sound hole or even miked that I would use it gigging. Need a band to do that though :) And I would most certainly gig with it without a backup because A) I love this guitar and trust it, and B) I can't afford a back-up acoustic right now

Never delt with with epiphone directly. And I've never needed them for help with this guitar. I've needed to repair my les paul however and that was under warranty for a year... I believe this one was too.

gets a 6 cause I've never really delt with them

I've been playing for only 2 years... seems like just a short time but I've amassed a small arsenal of 4 guitars. 3 of those are Epiphones and the only ones worth mentioning. I have this acoustic and I have an Epiphone Dot (ES335) and a Les Paul 100. I also have a 5 string fender jazz bass that I'm learning on which I borrowed from a friend. If this guitar were stolen I'd cry. It's my only acoustic (once again, worth mentioning) and I totally love it. The only thing I wish is that it was an acoustic electric but they only had this one that day and I really really had to have it. Friggin excellent guitar for under $500

This is a Korean made, American setup 12 string acoustic. 20 frets. this is off their website: Hardware: Chrome Scale: 25.5" Nut Width: 1.68" Neck Joint: Set Neck Material: Mahogany Fingerboard: Rosewood/Dot Binding: Body Body Material: Mahogany Top: Select Spruce Finishe: Natural

I was just looking for something new and as far as 12 strings go, this one was sounded the best in comparison to price. No big complaints. I love this guitar. I think my six string is going to be very lonely for a while.

The action was wonderfull, low enough to be very comfortable, yet not so low that you get that nasty buzz. the finish looks good. I have yet to find a flaw in it, but nothing is perfect.

I don't play live or anything and I just recently bought this guitar so I don't really have much to say about durability. I think this guitar was solidly built so lets see.

Hope I never have to deal with them.

As with all of my guitars/basses, I would be very disapointed if this guitar disapeared or was run over by a car. this is an excelent 12 string for anyone thinking about learning how to play 12 string. I have heard that some 12s don't play lead guitar parts easily. I have to say this one does a great job at playing both rhythym and lead parts.