There’s a definite buzz online about Jay Turser Guitars, and not all of it is positive. You often hear people dismissing them quickly due to their origin – manufactured in China. However, it’s worth digging a little deeper. Interestingly, these guitars come from the same region as the Epiphone factory, a brand often associated with Gibson. In fact, some internet research suggests that the very factory producing Jay Turser guitars also exports components to both Gibson and Epiphone in Tennessee. While the exact nature of these shipments remains unclear, it hints at a shared manufacturing background that’s more intertwined than many might assume.
When it comes to Jay Turser guitars themselves, transparency is key. They are upfront about their production, and what you see is generally what you get. Like many instruments produced in China, consistency can vary from guitar to guitar. This means buying one sight unseen might be a gamble. However, Guitar Center frequently lists “used” Jay Turser models across the country, presenting an opportunity to find well-priced instruments. I personally picked up a JT-220 Gold Top model this way and was even able to register it as a new purchase on the Jay Turser website for warranty coverage.
While the black and sunburst finishes didn’t appeal to me personally, the Gold Top (GT) model stood out with its impressive fit and finish. Contrary to some assumptions about budget guitars, the body is solid, not constructed from laminate or pressboard, and appears to be a single piece. Similar to many Gibson Les Paul models, it features chambering, which contributes to a lighter weight – a welcome feature for many players. On my particular guitar, the neck also appears to be a single piece. According to Jay Turser customer service, the Gold Top models boast a mahogany body and neck, while other Les Paul-style models in their range typically use an alder body and maple neck. This information was confirmed via email correspondence with their customer service.
The electronics in the JT-220 are on par with other guitars in the import category. The pickups are certainly voiced to be hot, but contrary to some online claims, mine are not microphonic. Tuning stability is solid, and I haven’t experienced any fret buzz across the neck. Notably, the nut is manufactured by Graphtech, a reputable company that, according to their website, supplies nuts for all Jay Turser guitars. The bridge seems to be the least impressive component of the guitar, but functionally, it performs adequately. The tuners appear to be Wilkinson-style, possibly even manufactured by Wilkinson without the branding. Before purchasing, I had a Guitar Center technician inspect the guitar internally. His assessment was positive, noting that the internal wiring and soldering were cleaner and more robust than often seen in import guitars. Initially, I considered upgrading some components, but so far, the only change I’ve made is swapping the factory strings for Ernie Ball Slinkys. The guitar arrived well-set up from the factory with a comfortable low action and accurate intonation.
In terms of sound, the JT-220 Gold Top performs admirably. Experienced guitarists who have played it have been impressed by the value it offers for the price. In my opinion, its playability is comparable to an Epiphone Les Paul, and I own an Epiphone for direct comparison. I particularly appreciate the lighter weight of the Jay Turser and the visually appealing gold finish. The binding is well-executed, and the frets are well-seated and smooth along the edges of the neck. Overall, for the price point – around $130 to $140 when bought used – it represents a compelling Les Paul copy in my humble opinion (IMHO). Looking at online forums dedicated to Fender guitars, it’s evident that many players consider Jay Turser Stratocaster and Telecaster copies to be excellent bargains as well. Of course, if budget were no object, a Gibson Les Paul would be the ultimate goal. However, for around $140, the Jay Turser JT-220 Gold Top delivers exceptional value and performance that’s hard to beat.
