The new Prophecy Collection features four distinct shapes that all share common features. In addition to the guitar style the model either is an EX (EMG active or the new EpiActive pickups), GX (Gibson USA pickups), or FX (original Floyd Rose Tremolo). Common features include highly figured quilt Maple tops, 24-fret SpeedTaper satin necks, jumbo frets, unique "blade" inlays, Epiphone new pattent-applied-for Straplocks, hand-stained colors and eye-catching Pearl knobs. Because they're all "Customs", they all have bound bodies and necks. The new Prophecy Collection takes advantage of all the design work and testing Epiphone has been doing over the past two to three years.
EM2 Custom EX
The EM2 EX is fitted with a set of Epiphone new EpiActive humbuckers. These are designed to provide razor sharp attack and endless sustain. Unlike most other active pickups on the market, EpiActive's can also be used in passive mode to provide a traditional output without the need for a battery. The neck is hard Maple and bolted to the body using Epiphone's recessed, All-Access design. Combined with the patented "swept-C"cutaway, access to all 24-frets on its Rosewood fingerboard is uninhibited.
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"Not Just For The Bedroom Rocker..."
Sound:
Epi Actives. Switchable between active mode and passive mode. Excellent idea...I hope the person that thought that one up gets a promotion. Or at least a raise.
These pickups attempt to do what all active pickups do, and that is provide a very focused and articulate midrange punch. And that they do. They're very high output. Do they sound like EMG's or SD Blackouts? No. Only EMG's and Blackouts sound like EMG's and Blackouts respectively. These tend to have more high end bite to them. The bottom on mine tends to sound a tad fizzy, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's just different.
In passive mode the output gets reined in a bit and the EQ curve tends to flatten out more. Very remimiscent of a set of SD 59's. Great for Classic Rock and maybe even blues. Great fluidity on the neck p/u for creamy lead tones.
Feature:
Based on the old 90's Gibson M-III body, Gibson's attempt to compete with Kramer, Jackson, Charvel, et. al. Differences being H-S-H pickup combo (non-active natch!), set neck, licensed Floyd Rose trem, and reversed headstock circa the style of the time. By all accounts this was a flop for Gibson, mostly because they jumped on the wagon way too late...just as hair metal and virtuoso shredding were being buried by grunge.
This piece, while retaining that retro vibe has definitely gone through a modern makeover that distances it from it's older relative. First off, obviously, are the active Epi pickups. They're definitely voiced for heavier modern styles. The bolt on maple neck with rosewood fretboard also is a change. The scale length, at 25.5" is more for shredders than the standard Gibson 24.75" scale. The SlimTaper neck profile and satin finish also enhances fretboard pyrotechnics. String through body, while relatively rare in the 90's, is an added feature.
Quality hardware all throughout (BTW-these are NOT Grover tuners, as many reviewers have stated. This and the EM2 FX are the only ones not so equipped. These are also the only models in the Prophecy lineup made in Indonesia and not in the Epiphone/Gibson manufacturing facility in China). Otherwise, quality pots and an all metal switching mechanism.
Also included are Epi designed strap locks. I'll spend more time on these in the "Quality" section.
Ease of Use:
The SlimTaper necks featured on all of the Prophecy series are a shredders dream come true. If you've never played on a flat-wide profile neck before you'll be amazed at how nimble your fingers become. I'm hooked on 'em and I can't ever go back to the more tradional U shape now.
I do have a slight issue with the positioning of the pickup selector. It's between the volume pot (which you pull UP on to enter passive mode) and the tone pot. I've found myself running into them a few times when I change pickups. No bigggie, it'll just take some getting used to.
Quality:
As stated before, quality throughout. Nice tight join in the neck pocket. Heavy duty four bolt neck construction. Beautiful "Midnight Sapphire" maple cap (surely a veneer). Well done creme binding all over and six on a side mini tuners. Volume and tone knobs are knurled metal for a good grip and easy adjustment.
At first I thought the provided straplocks left something to be desired in their design. They're basically a push-on/pull-off spring clip fit, so my concern was that they could be pulled off in more, uh, inspired moments of stage antics. However, I ran some tests on them and determined that the torque required to release them is far more than could ever be generated by throwing your guitar over your shoulder/around your head/between your legs etc. I have full faith in them to do their job. The strap buttons are designed to also allow you to use them without the strap locks if you so desire.
Value:
Value is where this guitar exceeds all expectations, along with every guitar in the Prophecy lineup. While this one might be the odd duck low end model it by no means feels or plays like a "budget" guitar. This axe feels solid throughout. Great sounding pickups and top notch hardware belie the very low price of this guitar.
Manufacturer Support:
Excellent support. I've emailed Gibson/Epiphone on numerous occassions with technical questions and case questions and they've always responded within twenty four hours with helpful information.
zZounds support is the best in the business. They take care of their customers.
The Wow Factor:
This is definitely a different guitar as far as it's body design. At one time Gibson took a gamble on some revolutionary body designs (Explorer, Flying V, Futura, Moderne). At the time they didn't pay off...just a little too radical for the staid 1950's. Well, history will tell you that they became very popular several decades after their initial production had ceased. And as with most issues of style now we see them revived and revitalized (Well, maybe not polyester leisure suits. Some things really do deserve a permanent death...). The M-III/EM-2 body design, not initially arriving until the 90's may or may not fall into this category. Only time will tell. But it is definitely unique!
Overall:
Despite it's low price this is not just a "beginner's guitar" meant for bedroom rockers. I have two other Epiphone Prophecy guitars, a Les Paul Custom EX and an SG Custom GX. Both of them are outstanding guitars and a great value. With that experience in mind I decided to take a chance on the EM-2, since it was certainly cheap enough. I'm glad I did! This guitar is outstanding! I'm amazed these days at the value one is able to find in musical instruments and Epiphone is surely at the forefront of this. They seem to know what people expect and they deliver those expectations. I eventually hope to get a chance to own one each of every guitar in the Prophecy range. They're that good.
Style of Music: Metal
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"Epiphone well worth Bang For A Few Bucks"
Sound:
The EM-2 EX has a bright and crunchy sound on the Active mode with the EPI-Active P/U's on active and a mellow tone for Blues in the off
position. I use it with my Marshall MG Full STK, Kustom HDFX 100
2x12, Raven Practice RG20 1x12 all with on Board FXs and just one
Wah and it does an excellent job.
Feature:
The Grover tuners work Great, stays in tune very well along with the
Graphite Nut, TOM bridge and string thru body tail all help with the
best sustain. The Neck(Suspectful of Bolt On's)put that to rest with
Excellent neck and nice joint and jumbo frets all matched to a
suprising Body Material(Poplar) and of course the EPI-Actives all come together.
together
Ease of Use:
All the Mechanics make it Very easy to play. Mine came Inspected and
set up right out of the box with a low setting, the way i prefer.
Just set the Pups a little. I play Classic Rock and Blues and rides
along just Great. Try one out and you will feel it.
Quality:
The fit and finish of this MidNight Blue are Excellent and its not a
Wimppy Stick and Strings, I think with the way I take care of my
Gear it should last me a long time.
Just two fly's in the ointment are the Push/Pull Vol.- Active/Standard Pot. It should be reversed with Standard down,Active
UP. Second Epiphone shoud have used a toggle instead of slider P/U
Switch, but thats it...
Value:
Epi could sell for MSRP and I would Pay !
Manufacturer Support:
Never had to Call
The Wow Factor:
EM-2/ EX Better curves than some ladies I know
Overall:
I don't expect to sell,give or lend it to anyone for a long time.
Steal it, I'll buy another. House burns I'll but EX and FX.
Style of Music: Classic Rock, Blues
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Really. It's not a problem for us. In fact, we'll thank you
for the chance to live up to our lowest price guarantee!
It's fast and easy
Just tell us where you saw the lower price - another
website, an email offer, your local store - and we'll send
you our lowest price offer in a matter of hours.
Simply click the Seen it for less? link
Next to the item you want, or give us a
call at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637).
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
