Epiphone J-45 EC Studio EE2SEBNH3 Electro-Acoustic Guitar in Natural The Epiphone J-45 EC Studio EE2SEBNH3 Electro-Acoustic Guitar in Natural is a popular and well-regarded acoustic-electric guitar, especially for its price point. It's designed to offer a blend of traditional J-45 aesthetics with modern playability and amplification features. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects: Key Features & Specifications: Body Shape: Round Shoulder / J-45 with a classic cutaway. This dreadnought shape is known for producing a big, resonant sound with good low-end, while the cutaway provides easier access to higher frets. Top Material: Solid Sitka Spruce. A solid spruce top is highly desirable as it improves with age, gaining richer and more complex tonal qualities. Back and Sides Material: Layered Mahogany. This contributes to a warm, mid-forward sound. Neck: Mahogany with a Rounded 'C' or SlimTaper D-Shape profile. This neck is often praised for its comfort, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players. Fingerboard: Pau Ferro or Indian Laurel (sources vary slightly, both are good alternatives to rosewood). Scale Length: 25.5 inches. Frets: 20 Medium Jumbo frets. Nut Width: Approximately 1.68' - 1.692'. Bridge: Reverse Belly Pau Ferro or Rosewood. Saddle: Compensated Bone or PVC. Electronics: Fishman Presys II Preamp with a Fishman Sonicore under-saddle pickup. Fishman Presys II Features: This preamp system is a major selling point, offering: Volume, Bass, and Treble controls for tone shaping. A Phase switch (useful for feedback control). A built-in tuner with an LED display. Low battery indicator. A unique pivot design for easy 9-volt battery access. Low-profile control knobs. Some Presys models (like Presys+) also feature a Notch filter for anti-feedback and a Brilliance control. The Presys II typically has these as well. Tuners: Epiphone Premium Die Cast with Kidney Bean Metal Buttons (14:1 ratio). Finish: Gloss (Natural). Performance and Target Audience: Sound: Users generally praise its rich, resonant acoustic tone with good clarity, especially when amplified through the Fishman system. The solid spruce top allows the tone to develop over time. Playability: The comfortable neck profile and cutaway make it easy to play, appealing to beginners and those who play in higher positions on the fretboard. Versatility: The built-in electronics make it stage and studio-ready, eliminating the need for external microphones in many live settings. It's often recommended for singer-songwriters due to its balanced tone and projection. Value for Money: It's considered a high-quality yet affordable option within its category, offering excellent features for its price. Things to Note: While many reviews are positive, some older reviews for the 'Studio' or 'AJ-220SCE' (which the J-45 EC Studio superseded) mentioned potential for minor quality issues like sharp frets, which might require a professional setup upon purchase. However, newer models are generally well-regarded. A 9-volt battery is required for the pickup system and is typically not included.