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.

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… read more maybe even blues. Great fluidity on the neck p/u for creamy lead tones.

Features
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!

Musical Background:
hobbyist, been in the music retail business a number of years

Musical Style:
Metal read less