What would you buy?

[TBman]

I always thought that my Masterbilt DR-500R sounded like a Martin.

[UncleBill]

Originally Posted by Zissou Intern

Yet in these threads, it is inevitable that people recommend that the OP's up their budgets by 10-100%. Go figure.

Probably because people realize you often overshoot your budget when you actually see what's available. I don't remember the last time I stuck to what I thought my budget was going in on any purchase, it's a moving target.

[Atalkingsausage]

one of these days I will own a Gibson J45, and most likely i'll be buried with it lol. but the purpose of my original post was more a question of if you had "x" amount of money what guitar would you buy? I mentioned the Epiphone masterbilt line as a point of reference to see if there was anything better in the same price range. because on paper they seem to have an excellent feature/cost ratio going on.

[skiltrip]

Originally Posted by Atalkingsausage

one of these days I will own a Gibson J45, and most likely i'll be buried with it lol. but the purpose of my original post was more a question of if you had "x" amount of money what guitar would you buy? I mentioned the Epiphone masterbilt line as a point of reference to see if there was anything better in the same price range. because on paper they seem to have an excellent feature/cost ratio going on.

I totally hear what you're saying. I responded earlier too.

If I had a "someday" guitar in mind, I'd be shopping for something different sounding that is also something I'd want. Or at the very least something versatile that I'd want to keep even when I finally got the dream guitar.

For under a grand and all solid wood, I'd definitely give a strong consideration to the Yamaha LL16 ($799) or LL16M ($699). Solid versatile guitars that are well built that could easily be the guitar you take with you in the future to places you don't want to take your J-45.


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[sbpark]

Originally Posted by Atalkingsausage

one of these days I will own a Gibson J45, and most likely i'll be buried with it lol. but the purpose of my original post was more a question of if you had "x" amount of money what guitar would you buy? I mentioned the Epiphone masterbilt line as a point of reference to see if there was anything better in the same price range. because on paper they seem to have an excellent feature/cost ratio going on.

I love Epiphone acoustics. The Materbuilts I've played are fantastic guitars, and an EXCELLENT value, as are the lower end models like the EL-00, and I also love the IB Texans, but none sound like J45's. You might dig the IB Texan though, as long as you're cool with the longer scale.

[JosephKim]

I know we all hear things differently but for the life of me I can't understand why people like the Masterbilts. I tried a few at Guitar Center and after one strum I put each one down in disgust lol. I thought they sounded horrible. Of course you might feel differently so try em out.

I agree with those saying check out Eastmans.

[skiltrip]

Originally Posted by JosephKim

I know we all hear things differently but for the life of me I can't understand why people like the Masterbilts. I tried a few at Guitar Center and after one strum I put each one down in disgust lol. I thought they sounded horrible. Of course you might feel differently so try em out.



I agree with those saying check out Eastmans.

I'm with you on at least the only Masterbillt I tried, the DR-500MCE. I ordered one from Sweetwater and I felt I was trying to hard to like it. It also did not play as fluid as my other guitars, even my FG700S. They are very heavily built and it comes across in the tone. The bridge pin holes were also cut terribly. Very inconsistent. I got a replacement and it was pretty much the same with the same things I didn't like.


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[hiddenmickey]

$500 is my personal limit on an import because there are tons of great choices like the Masterbilt DR500MCE (MF blemished can be had for under $500). I agree with what has been said before about the Blueridge all-solid BG140; however, they start in the mid $600 range without a case.

GC has 4 used Gibson J-15's listed on their website for $1,100. They all come with cases and have LR Baggs Element pickups. My money would be on a used J-15.

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by Atalkingsausage

So in the sub $1,000 dollar range. How do Epiphone Masterbilt guitars stack up? I want something that is made from solid wood. I like that they have bone nuts, and saddles already installed, in addition to the grover machine heads. Plus they are also electric to boot. I love Gibson guitars but I can't afford them, nor could I justify doing so, even if I had the money to spend. (I have too many other ducks to get in a row) So with all that said, I suppose my real question is: are there other brands that offer this much bang for the buck, while also giving that Gibson-esque vibe. I'm particularly interested in the Epiphone AJ-45me which is a short scale J45-ish type thing. I would like to get something that that I can get attached to rather than being tempted to trade in a couple months. thanks!

As another poster mentioned, I'd seriously consider the 24-month same as cash deal at Sweetwater to acquire your Gibson J-45 Standard. Although you can't play them before ordering, you can visually compare several in-stock guitars and select the one that looks best to you. You can always return it for another if the tone isn't to your liking. At least this way, you'll get a real J-45 that you'll be more likely to keep for a lifetime.

Regards,

SpruceTop

[skiltrip]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

As another poster mentioned, I'd seriously consider the 24-month same as cash deal at Sweetwater to acquire your Gibson J-45 Standard. Although you can't play them before ordering, you can visually compare several in-stock guitars and select the one that looks best to you. You can always return it for another if the tone isn't to your liking. At least this way, you'll get a real J-45.

Regards,

SpruceTop

Definitely. I had suggested that above. On a j-45, the monthly payment is just under $93 for 24 months. If the OP could feasibly put aside $25 a week, they could easily just order up a J-45 today.


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