Epiphone Masterbilt: Share the Love - Page 7

Charmed Life Picks · #91 11-15-2019, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ralph124C41

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.

I hear ya, Ralph. Some people have told me that the quality on some of the older MBs varies quite a bit. Maybe I've just been lucky. The satin version of the 500M I have is demonstrably louder than the gloss-top version I also have. Anyway, there will be variety.

BTW, if you get lucky enough to score one of their little OM models you will be most impressed. These are EXTREMELY hard to come by. I got a steal on one on CL about two years ago. Great fingerstyle guitar.

Ralph124C41 · #92 11-15-2019, 02:14 AM

Actually I should revise my post ... in a way. The Masterbilt with the light-gauge strings is louder than another guitar with medium-gauge Martin Retros on it and louder than two other guitars also strung with lights. I guess I was expecting a little too much ... like in the first part of "Back to the Future" when our hero plays his electric guitar with that skyscraper of amp turned to 10 and the audio shockwave hurls him against the wall. I took the Masterbilt to a jam and for the first time in many years I could actually hear myself play ... which was also sadly a little embarrassing because I could also hear all of my mistakes.

Charmed Life Picks · #93 11-15-2019, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ralph124C41

Actually I should revise my post ... in a way. The Masterbilt with the light-gauge strings is louder than another guitar with medium-gauge Martin Retros on it and louder than two other guitars also strung with lights. I guess I was expecting a little too much ... like in the first part of "Back to the Future" when our hero plays his electric guitar with that skyscraper of amp turned to 10 and the audio shockwave hurls him against the wall. I took the Masterbilt to a jam and for the first time in many years I could actually hear myself play ... which was also sadly a little embarrassing because I could also hear all of my mistakes.

Thanks for the update, Ralph. Yeah, mine is plenty loud.

scott memmer

Charmed Life Picks · #94 12-11-2019, 02:37 AM

I own three Epi Masterbilt AJ-500Ms. Two are great, and one is truly amazing. After spending most of the with this guitar, I am just stunned at how good it is. I own a fabulous Eastman slope E-10SS and a fab Martin HD-28. This little Epi goes toe-to-toe with both of those guitars -- and I bought it for $450, in close to brand new condition.

Sometimes the melding of wood, glue, plastic and metal comes together in a perfect blend of performance. I feel so humbled and blessed to own this incredible instrument.

Thanks for Reading,
Scott Memmer

RalphH · #95 12-11-2019, 02:39 AM

They are great guitars.

I have a basically new one for sale if this tread inspires anyone to try one

(see sig)

The sound is very good, though not as good the torrified top customshop Gibson that replaced it (I don't think anyone would be surprised about that). Fit and finish is beautiful. Far better than the Gibson.

Ralph124C41 · #96 12-11-2019, 09:08 AM

Btw, I've just come across a Masterbilt I never knew existed, an AJ500PNS ... I guess just like my AJ500MNS except the back and sides are solid maple ... not mahogany as in mine or rosewood as in a few others.

Anybody else know or play this guitar?

Charmed Life Picks · #97 12-11-2019, 01:40 PM

Ralph, I've heard of that model and I think seen a pic or two. Yes, very rare.

So they one you're looking to sell is the AJ-500MNS, correct?

thanks,
scott

Ralph124C41 · #98 12-11-2019, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charmed Life Picks

Ralph, I've heard of that model and I think seen a pic or two. Yes, very rare.

So they one you're looking to sell is the AJ-500MNS, correct?

thanks,
scott

No I'm not looking to sell my Epi. I just posted that I saw this one for sale.

Charmed Life Picks · #99 12-11-2019, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ralph124C41

No I'm not looking to sell my Epi. I just posted that I saw this one for sale.

Oops, sorry for the understanding. Anyway, I have two AJ-500Ms, but superb guitars. However, the one with the satin top (versus glossy) is just through the roof. I've always wondered if the nitro on the glossy top one subdues the sound a bit. The more I think about it, this satin one is the only guitar in my collection I would truly call a MONSTER.

On another note, Ralph, if you ever need a good OM, they made a few Epi MBs of this shape too, called the EF-500MNS.

These tend to go used for about $500. At that price you might get more bang for your buck with one of the new Eastmans or something like that. However, I scored one by sheer chance here in L.A. about two years ago for $250. At first I thought it was hot, but it turned out the seller was a really nice, clean-cut young man who was moving back to Chicago and just had to sell the guitar. They also made a blinged-out version of this same guitar -- very rare -- that you'll see out there for sale for around $800.

Anyway, this monster of mine is really something.

Best To You,
Scott

guitararmy · #**100** 12-11-2019, 02:53 PM

I've been a Masterbilt fan for years. I had several of the early ones when you would find factory refurbished ones on eBay. I bought two of them, one mahogany and one rosewood dreadnought. Great guitars! I wish I hadn't gotten rid of them.

Beachrunner · #**101** 12-11-2019, 06:08 PM

Just picked up my second Epi Masterbilt - a DR-400MCE - and it plays and sounds just as good as my DR-500MCE..

Charmed Life Picks · #**102** 03-11-2020, 04:33 PM

Very cool. This thread has been moribund since Dec. Thought I'd bump it up and snag some new Masterbilters. These are fine instruments in their own right.

scott

StrumNSing · #**103** 03-11-2020, 06:18 PM

Still love my AJ500M!
I’m thinking about adding an AJ500R.

Does anyone own both? If so, tell me what you like about both

geekman · #**104** 03-11-2020, 08:44 PM

Scott,

First post and Noob here.

Thanks to you Scott and your great videos, I went off the wagon and bought 3 AJ-500, 2 of which are in superb condition, and the third with a few dings and scratches or "honest wear". All three sound outstanding and are very balanced, so I must have lucked out.

I really enjoyed your cover of "The Dutchman" and have been trying to learn it.

Will also have to try some of your great picks soon!!

Brian

Ralph124C41 · #**105** 03-11-2020, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrumNSing

Still love my AJ500M!
I’m thinking about adding an AJ500R.

Does anyone own both? If so, tell me what you like about both

I'm in the same boat as you so I'm looking for some reviews. The ones I've read here seem to say the AJ500R is nice ... but for some reason the AJ500M is better. Is the "R" boomier and not as clear or what, so I'm looking forward to some thoughts. They are a lot harder to find than the "M" series.

Or I wouldn't mind a review of a DR500R ... just not the newer models with the pickup.