Epiphone AJ28S: Is this a decent guitar?

[d***@gmail.com]

I thought I'd post a follow up for posterity. I just so happened to find my original post today.

The better part of 20 years later and this guitar is still holding up great. It looks almost mint. Some years back I did have the action cleaned up and had the plastic bridge replaced with one made from Corian.

I'd like to believe I've learned a fair bit over the years. The AJ-28 definitely opened up over the years. It has a rounded, full sound with nice harmonics. it doesn't cut through like a Martin, but having played it along side other people with various guitars, I've never once found it to be lacking. If one has the Martin sound stuck their head as the paragon of quality, this guitar will disappoint. But on its own terms, it's a wonderful instrument that has given me years of faithful service. Because of this mixed with a silly sense of sentimentality, you couldn't pay me to give up this old friend.

I recently purchaced an Epiphone AJ28S new for $360. Did I get a good
deal and how does this guitar rank in the same price range? I should
have researched more, but this instument just stood out among the rest
(sound quality and was just plain beautiful) and was the best I could
afford.... Did I do well with this?
Thanks in advance,
Doug

[j***@my-deja.com]

Post by d***@gmail.com
I thought I'd post a follow up for posterity. I just so happened to find my original post today.
The better part of 20 years later and this guitar is still holding up great. It looks almost mint. Some years back I did have the action cleaned up and had the plastic bridge replaced with one made from Corian.
I'd like to believe I've learned a fair bit over the years. The AJ-28 definitely opened up over the years. It has a rounded, full sound with nice harmonics. it doesn't cut through like a Martin, but having played it along side other people with various guitars, I've never once found it to be lacking. If one has the Martin sound stuck their head as the paragon of quality, this guitar will disappoint. But on its own terms, it's a wonderful instrument that has given me years of faithful service. Because of this mixed with a silly sense of sentimentality, you couldn't pay me to give up this old friend.

Glad to hear things have worked out. But then, I have never bought a guitar I didn't like, and very few that I have ever been willing to part with.

[m***@gmail.com]

I stumbled on your question and subsequent update as I was looking to find a comparable modern epiphone to take over for my own aj-28s which I have played owned since 2002. It still sounds and plays great, but I am worried about it lasting, as I tend to play rather heavy handed and this guitar has been through 100’s of shows with me.
So, as someone who also enjoys the aj-28s, I’d like to ask if you have found any epiphones recently that sound/feel similar? rockrockrock