Epiphone masterbilt aj-500 vs. Bluerigde BG-40

[PeterFrederik]

I am on the market for a new western guitar and as I am a big fan of the Gibson j-45 i am looking to purchase a guitar with the same looks. I mostly play music by The Libertines, but I also like the babyshambles, the black keys, arctic monkeys and the strokes.

My 2 favorite guitars at the moment is the Epiphone masterbilt AJ-500 and the Blueridge BG-40. They both look very similar to the Gibson j-45, and I hear good things about them both.

Which one would you guys suggest to me? I have only been playing guitar for 4 months and I don't know a thing about guitars. I like the looks of them both, but which one has the sound closest to the Gibson J-45, and is most suitable for the music that i like? As mentioned before I really enjoy the libertines, and Pete Doherty plays the Gibson j-45.

[SalFromChatham]

I have owned both. There is just no comparison in terms of their sound. The AJ500 is so much more sound and tone. The BG 40 is laminate back and sides, and although it looks pretty and is short scale, it sounds thin and tinny in comparison. The two guitars are not even in the same league.

If I could have one guitar under a grand, it would be a tough toss up between a Martin 15 series and the AJ500.

[GuitarLight]

I have an AJ-500M....it wins hands down, and sounds very close to the Gibson, if not better. I sold my Gibsons because their sound was thinner than the AJ500M...which is a real cannon of tone and power. The AJ-500R (rosewood) is just as good if you like rosewood tone. And the DR-500mce tone is as close to a Gibson Hummingbird in tone as you will find anywhere.

[blaren]

Originally Posted by GuitarLight

I have an AJ-500M....it wins hands down, and sounds very close to the Gibson, if not better. I sold my Gibsons because their sound was thinner than the AJ500M...which is a real cannon of tone and power. The AJ-500R (rosewood) is just as good if you like rosewood tone. And the DR-500mce tone is as close to a Gibson Hummingbird in tone as you will find anywhere.

WOW!!
Which Gibsons did you sell? I'm really going to have to track one of these Epiphones down and take it for a spin.
Heard pretty good things about them but I had no idea they were this superior.
Add another to my list of must tries I guess.

[jcr55]

+1 for Masterbilt AJ500. Had the M and foolishly sold it. Found an R and its great also. Don't think I'd ever part with it. If you can find one, better grab it.

[The Old Gaffer]

Originally Posted by GuitarLight

I have an AJ-500M....it wins hands down, and sounds very close to the Gibson, if not better. I sold my Gibsons because their sound was thinner than the AJ500M...which is a real cannon of tone and power. The AJ-500R (rosewood) is just as good if you like rosewood tone. And the DR-500mce tone is as close to a Gibson Hummingbird in tone as you will find anywhere.

I had a similar experience. I went to a shop to look at acouple of used Gibsons and ended up buying a used AJ-500M - fantastic guitar!

[sdnesmithcpa]

The sound of my DR-500MCE makes me smile every time I play it!

Shawn

[Boneyard75]

The sound of my DR-500MCE makes me smile every time I play it!

Shawn

Me too, Shawn....It is my main plugged-in guitar....I love the pickup system,,,
And unplugged, it is just as satisfying...I do have a good one & I have tweaked it, but they are extremely fine guitars & especially for the money! I like them so well that I picked up a used one as a backup....
Boneyard

[FolkMI]

I have both an AJ-500M and an AJ-500RE. They are great guitars! But the AJ Masterbilts are discontinued. If you want one, you will have to find one left over in a shop, or a used one.

Roger

[Huskyman]

Thumbs up for the Masterbilt. Great sounding guitars.

[Westy]

You probably should be comparing the Epi with a BG-140 all solid wood. I can attest to the build quality of the Blueridge which is very nice indeed. I have one which plays very good but not a match for my Gibson .

[PeterFrederik]

I can't seem to find the Epiphone Masterbilt aj-500m anywhere. Is it out of production?

[dmcowles@comcas]

Originally Posted by PeterFrederik

I can't seem to find the Epiphone Masterbilt aj-500m anywhere. Is it out of production?

Yes, you'll need to locate one on the used market.

[patticake]

i'd go for the masterbilt. i like blueridge guitars, but you can't beat an all solid axe, and the masterbilts i've played or heard definitely have that extra resonance.

[montydog]

Thumbs up for the AJ 500 either M(mahogany) or R(rosewood). Both wonderful guitars.