Epiphone Masterbilt: Share the Love

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by shutterbiker

I have had my Masterbuilt DR500MCE for at least 5 years or so. It is a great sounding guitar. I like the ability to adjust and mix the sound of the two different pickups. I put medium strings on it at one point, and it just roars with the mediums on it. I was concerned about the extra string tension so I went with the mix of mediums on the E,B, and E strings, and lights on the rest.

I've heard great reports through the years on those pickups. The Epi MBs I've preferred to purchase are the ones without electronics. But good to know on your end.

Thanks For Your Post,
Scott

[Lee Callicutt]

Just put a fresh set of strings on my AJ-500 RNS and fell in love with it all over again.

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by Lee Callicutt

Just put a fresh set of strings on my AJ-500 RNS and fell in love with it all over again.

Fantastic, Lee. They are ridiculously good guitars, at any price. I've never played the rosewood AJ, but I'm sure it rocks.

BTW, I have a satin finish on one of my AJ-500Ms, and good Lord, is that guitar loud. Have you noticed that too? I'm just wondering if that thinner finish allows the top to vibrate more. It's a lot louder than my other AJ-500, and the only guitar in my entire collection that one could call a "cannon." It actually turns heads at acoustic jams.

Thanks, Lee,
Scott

[00 HOG]

I have the pretty rare 12 fret AJ-500RCSNS and a pre-production '03 DR-500PANGH (that's maple B&S, Antique Natural, Gold Hardware).

I play them both as much as the pricey custom shops I own.

I first learned to play in '05, and I can't imagine a better time than then to buy an entry level Epiphone.

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by 00 HOG

I have the pretty rare 12 fret AJ-500RCSNS and a pre-production '03 DR-500PANGH (that's maple B&S, Antique Natural, Gold Hardware).

I play them both as much as the pricey custom shops I own.

I first learned to play in '05, and I can't imagine a better time than then to buy an entry level Epiphone.

Agree wholeheartedly. That's right about the time I bought my AJ-500M. By around 2010 Gibson/Epiphone began making a concerted and effort to gut the Epi MB line. What remains now is a pale shadow of what they offered.

Those sound like great MB rarities. They would be with me for life, as they will likely be for you.

Thanks for you post,
scott

[SpruceTop]

I've got this neat model with a review! http://https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=535969

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

I've got this neat model with a review! http://https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=535969

Thanks for the review. Still spreading Masterbilt love ten years after the fact.

memmer

[Lee Callicutt]

Originally Posted by Charmed Life Picks

BTW, I have a satin finish on one of my AJ-500Ms, and good Lord, is that guitar loud. Have you noticed that too? I'm just wondering if that thinner finish allows the top to vibrate more. It's a lot louder than my other AJ-500, and the only guitar in my entire collection that one could call a "cannon." It actually turns heads at acoustic jams.
Scott

Yes, the bass is particularly satisfying on this one. I thought the same when I first bought it, but it just kind of got lost in the rotation of guitars and old strings, and I had forgotten how good it sounded.

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by Lee Callicutt

Yes, the bass is particularly satisfying on this one. I thought the same when I first bought it, but it just kind of got lost in the rotation of guitars and old strings, and I had forgotten how good it sounded.

Lee, thanks. You know, this is the only guitar of my whole collection that I would legitimately called a "cannon." Still, to this day, when I play it in an acoustic jam, people literally turn their heads. Such good guitars -- especially the clean AJ-500Ms -- for so little money.

thanks again,
scott memmer

[Brianl55]

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/msg...001530904.html

[pszy22]

I may be putting my mint beauty up for sale in Michigan. I've run out of physical space to keep it easily accessible, so it just doesn't get the play time it deserves. decisions, decisions....

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by pszy22

I may be putting my mint beauty up for sale in Michigan. I've run out of physical space to keep it easily accessible, so it just doesn't get the play time it deserves. decisions, decisions....

Got too many MBs already, but which model?

scott memmer

[Beachrunner]

Just restrung my 2015 DR-500MCE with Martin Lifespan SP Phosphor Bronze lights (12-54), and man, does this thing sound good..

[davidd]

My 2004 EF500RAN. I buffed the satin to gloss many years ago... the top has aged to a beautiful golden hue.

[Ralph124C41]

Originally Posted by Charmed Life Picks

Fantastic, Lee. They are ridiculously good guitars, at any price. I've never played the rosewood AJ, but I'm sure it rocks.

BTW, I have a satin finish on one of my AJ-500Ms, and good Lord, is that guitar loud. Have you noticed that too? I'm just wondering if that thinner finish allows the top to vibrate more. It's a lot louder than my other AJ-500, and the only guitar in my entire collection that one could call a "cannon." It actually turns heads at acoustic jams.

Thanks, Lee,
Scott

The one I bought recently, a 500MSN, isn't a "cannon" by any means but is hardly a derringer. Maybe it's the strings, which I haven't changed since I got the thing. They're light gaugers but that's all I know about them. It has good volume but I expected it be louder.