Finally Found the right fit! Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE

[anonymized]

I’ve been through the whole acquisition-thing for about the last year, having bought four and sold six guits. It was really quite an addiction in and of itself, and a tremendous waste of attention, money, and time. A few months ago I went way over my usual spending limit for a guitar and ordered a used Taylor 12 fret Mahogany from Guitar Center. It was beautiful and sounded great, but I took it back mainly due to the string spacing. I felt bad about asking for a full refund even though I only had it a week, so I took part of it as a gift card and kept right on with the search. I decided to take a chance on the Epi, and after about 3 weeks with it there is no way I am taking this one back! It has really opened up a lot and sounds fantastic with Elixir Nano 80/20 lights on it. I was really surprised when I opened the box up and saw that the string spacings looked greater than what my research had indicated they’d be. It turns out it’s 1-13/16 and 2-3/8, respectively, not 1-3/4 and 2-1/4. I love it!

So now I can get to more playing and less time online spent shopping for “the one” that’s gonna help me improve my playing. This one is it! If you’re looking for a great fingerstyle guitar that strums really well too, you may want to check these out. Apparently they’re coming from Indonesia now. I’m tempted to see if I can’t find another one with 1-3/4 nut and 2-5/16 at the bridge, but I should know better about that by now!

[montydog]

I used to have one of those which I sold to finance a banjo. I totally agree with you. They are fabulous guitars, in fact the whole Masterbilt range is brilliant.

[Jim Owen]

Congrats, M!
We'll expect pics soon, you know. Those Masterbilts are fine guitars.

[chitz]

I missed a chance to buy one of those. Few years back and have regretted it ever since. It was a sweet deal too. Those are fantastic guitars, Congrats!