Epiphone Mystery

Laveglia · #1 10-24-2020, 12:41 PM

Hello.... I recently purchased an Epiphone Masterbilt AJ500RC 12Fret. (Pics links below)

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mdtt459p0w...43.10.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/zyrbn8itxk...%2003.jpg?dl=0

At least that is what it's supposed to be. Of course this model is unique and easily identified. But there is a bit of a mystery here. The label identifies it as AF500 instead of AJ500. The serial number indicates it was built at the Grand Rewards Factory in China during July of 2006. All of that syncs perfectly with the AJ500RC model history. Does anybody have any idea about the AF500 model number indicated on the label???

Thanks.... Dan

geelinus · #2 10-24-2020, 01:03 PM

You may consider contacting Gibson Customer Service I'll bet they can tell you more than you want to know based on the serial number.

SalFromChatham · #3 10-24-2020, 05:00 PM

I would chalk that up to a label typo. That is definitely the AJ500RosewoodCedarSatinNaturalSlothead.

That first generation is supposedly the best...

https://forum.gibson.com/topic/14103...stock-12-fret/

Laveglia · #4 10-24-2020, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geelinus

You may consider contacting Gibson Customer Service I'll bet they can tell you more than you want to know based on the serial number.

I did send them something few days ago but but haven't heard back yet. Guitar arrived a few days ago but I had to leave for work and haven't returned yet. Thanks for the suggestion....

Laveglia · #5 10-24-2020, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SalFromChatham

I would chalk that up to a label typo. That is definitely the AJ500RosewoodCedarSatinNaturalSlothead.

That first generation is supposedly the best...

https://forum.gibson.com/topic/14103...stock-12-fret/

I thought the same thing but it seems like a large mistake to make. Maybe the Chineese translator was off that day!

SalFromChatham · #6 10-24-2020, 06:06 PM

Get it into open tuning and play some Jackson Brown!

Steve DeRosa · #7 10-24-2020, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SalFromChatham

...That first generation is supposedly the best...

IMO the finest acoustic instruments in Epiphone's post-Kalamazoo history, and among their best of any generation; why they chose to muck it up in later iterations is beyond me - unlike the Elite/Elitist electrics they were no direct competition to the Gibson lineup - and I'm sorry I didn't grab one of those 12-fretters back when...