Epiphone AJ-220S - Guitar Site

The Epiphone AJ-220S is an affordable solid top acoustic guitar based on the 1936 bell shaped dreadnought Gibson Advanced Jumbo.

This shapely guitar has a larger lower bout and a smaller rounded upper bout which helps it create a focused and even tone.

The first thing you’ll notice is the guitar’s one-inch wider 16″ lower bout that gives it a bell-like shape. This results in better bass response and louder overall volume.

For its price, you would expect this guitar to use entry level or mediocre tonewoods and construction. However, upon closer inspection, you will find that the top is made of solid Sitka Spruce which is a pleasant surprise for the price range of AJ-220S. The resonant top is complimented with mahogany back and sides, while the glued-in neck is made of solid mahogany. The satin finished neck has a comfortable profile, bearing a SlimTaper 1960’s D-shape.

Other upscale features include a bound fingerboard and great looking die-cast tuners with 14:1 gear ratio. The guitar also has a solid “reverse-belly” Rosewood bridge with compensated saddle that gives it a traditional look and helps ensure intonation and stability. Finally a tortoise-colored pickguard with the “E” logo rounds up its impressive looks.

The Epiphone AJ-220S acoustic guitar is currently retailing for a surprisingly low price of $199.00. Its price to feature ratio easily makes it one of the better entry level acoustic guitars available. It can even match the specs of guitars priced twice or even three times as much. Just make sure that you get one that is properly set up and you have yourself an inspiring and very affordable acoustic guitar.

Check out the reaction of these guitar players when they learned the actual price: