EPI Masterbilt DR-500MCE VS AJ-500M 2015

[popguy]

I've been reading the reviews of both these guitars and they are excellent for the price. Or just excellent period.

I know the Epiphone AJ series is discontinued but there are plenty of used ones around.

I was just wondering what the differences are between the DR....and The AJ Masterbilts. And which AJ would be the best one.

Which is bigger? AJ or DR...Which has a faster better thinner neck and is easier to play?

Which sounds better and which one would you get?

As I have posted on several threads....I am looking for a very comfortable guitar with a very easy to play neck w good action and an acoustic that handles lighter strings better.

I know the obvious answer is to try both. I'm trying the DR-500MCE tomorrow as they are still in production. The AJ series seems to be discontinued...so I can't try one.....That is why I'm asking.

If I like the DR will I love the AJ ? or visa versa.....

They are both within my price range...under actually....which is great!

[Nyghthawk]

The Dr-500mce is not as loud. It has a great tone and a sustain that goes on for an unbelievable long time. The AJ is supposed to be a cannon. I have the DR-500mce. I love it. I have Elixer Polyweb Lights on.

[GuitarLight]

I will be keeping my AJ500M for a long, long time. In fact, they will have to pry it out of my cold dead hands to get it! I can't imagine a better sounding guitar for the price, anywhere.

[popguy]

Oh Man.....I was all set and excited to get the DR

Now I maybe I want the AJ.......

Well...I have heard the AJ series to be described as Cannons. I certainly don't want a Cannon. But I have also read great things about both guitars.

I do like the idea of getting a great guitar that is being discontinued (resale value)...but I'd rather get the one I prefer.

Is the neck on the AJ similar....I've read they are both D shapes.
Can the AJ use light Gauge strings and is the action fairly low...easy to play?

I hope more people weigh in. I might have to try an DR and order an AJ and see what I like better. But would really like to get the one I would prefer first.......obviously!

Anyone else? Thanks in advance for your help. And thank you guys.

I'm playing folkrock, pop, Beatles, Byrds, Jazzy pop, Bossa Nova, some R&B even. 60's influences. Neil Young, Simon & G.

[Rmz76]

Tone wise the AJ500M is the best Masterbuilt Epiphone that I've played. I don't know why they discontinued it (probably to make way for the upcoming AJ45ME). That said, the DR500 is also a great guitar.

[FolkMI]

I have owned both DR and AJ models, still have the DR (500M). The difference between them is like the difference between a square-shoulder dreadnought and a slope-shoulder dreadnought. Try both a Gibson Hummingbird and a J-45 Standard and you will have the answer to your question. You have to decide which you prefer.

As for why I got rid of the AJs I had, it was because the DR-500M I have is a very good guitar, better than the particular AJ instruments.

My opinion, I would get the DR you have access to, and go on. I'm sure it is a fine guitar.

[roylor4]

I have NEVER played a Masterbilt dread with electronics that sounded anywhere near as good as their non-electronic models. Lighter, louder and more resonant.

The neck profiles on the AJ & DR models are the same - thin and "fast" if you like thin necks with 1 & 11/16 nut (I don't).

To my ears, the Mahogany models sound best - but I'm a Spruce/Mahogany guy.

My favorites have always been the satin topped DR500M.

Bad Masterbilts can be pretty bad. Good ones can be pretty exceptional - especially for the price.

[popguy]

I tried the DR500M

the other day and really liked it. I most likely will get one!