The Epiphone Broadway is a well-appointed instrument that would be a bargain at twice the price. I've been playing guitar for almost 30 years and I've owned many guitars that cost five times more than the Broadway. I am pleasantly surprised - shocked, even - than an instrument THIS good is available at such a reasonable price point.Aesthetically, the Broadway is gorgeous out of the box. The vintage natural polyurethane finish is glossy and durable, though lacks the traditional charm of nitrocellulose. A heavy poly coat prevents the Broadway's hollow body from resonating optimally, though this is likely only an issue for very, very picky aficionados. The headstock inlay and Art Deco fingerboard inlays are beautiful and precisely installed. Tonally, the Broadway is responds extremely well to heavier flatwound strings. Simple truss rod, saddle, and bridge adjustments are all that's needed to accommodate flatwounds. Even with heavy strings (12+) the Broadway's action stays low and playable, with no fret buzz. Chords ring cleanly and single-note runs are articulate - both acoustically and when plugged in. Grover tuners are accurate and reliable, and the fret dressing is impeccable from the factory. The slim-taper 60s neck is substantive yet never unwieldy, though I'm accustomed to playing large necks on Les Pauls and 335s. Jumping from a Telecaster to a Broadway may feel like work for beginners.The stock pickups are good, though not as articulate as USA-made PAF replicas. The bridge… read more pickup is understandably thin - but who uses a giant jazz guitar with the bridge pickup? The neck pup provides warm, round tones that respond incredibly well to variances in pick attack. Too dark? Use an acrylic pick. Too bright? Lean toward casein, acetate, or wood picks. Overall, I am thrilled with Epiphone's recent quality control improvements and couldn't be happier with my Broadway. It's not an acoustic archtop: don't expect it to be one. Though if you're looking for an affordable way to dip your toes into Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Jim Hall, or Grant Green style tones, the Broadway will get you much of the way there with cash to spare.

Musical Background:
25+ Years Experience, Non-Professional

Musical Style:
Blues, rock, jazz, Van Halen. read less