Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar  

In this price range it comes fully loaded.   No complaints.

So far seems to be a really solid and well built guitar.  One minor blemish on one of the split diamond inlays that I didn't notice for two days.  Almost not worth mentioning.

You're getting a lot for your money here.

Right after I ordered my sunburst model the availability went from "in stock" to not shipping for almost 2 months.  Got the last one... sorry about that haha.  Overall I'm totally happy with this guitar... I'm on a tight budget and the fact that I could still get an all wood guitar that looks, plays and sounds this good is amazing. Been playing with the Esonic and running the pickups to different amps and playing with the blends.  It's going to take some playing with but already I can get some great unique sounds coming out of it.  Unplugged it's got a great warm tone to it that I love.   The action needs to be brought down just a touch which I expected but other than that and throwing some better strings on it she sounded great out of the box.  Well done Epiphone!

I really like the eSonic2, the solid woods all around, the neck shape and feel.  The built in tuner seemed to work ok but if you're going to record with it you better double check it with a better tuner.

Everything looks and feels great.  The craftsmanship is much better then expected at this price.  But in my opinion to many guitar manufactures let guitars out of the shop with way to high string action.  This one is no exception.  Had 1/4" between the 12th fret and bottom of the strings.

For all you get with this guitar I feel it is well worth the price.  I have played much more expensive guitars that didn't sound and look this good, including Martins and Taylors.

All in all this guitar is a fine one.  The only issue I had was that Musicians Friend web sight listed it as having a 1.725" nut and it actually is a 1.68".  The primary reason I purchased this guitar is for that reason.  I have large fingers and play mostly fingerstyle and need the extra space between strings.  The action, out of the box was 1/4" high at the 12th fret to the bottme of the strings.  I'm sure this could have been adjusted but with the narrow nut I sent it back.  Really hated to because it really is a nice guitar and if I had skinny fingers I would have definetly kept it.

As always Musicians Friend took care of me and I ordered a Masterbilt EF-500MCCE that is for certain a 1.75" nut, should get it today.

This instrument has just arrived, and I just can´t stop playing it! It´s just spectacular: it sounds really good and it plays really well, which just makes you think how good an instrument can it be. I have played other high-end guitars such  as Martin and Taylor but this is surely one of the best acoustic-electric guitars I have ever played, owing nothing to the Big Boys. Its tone, quality, playability, all spectacular. The only thing you might want to do is place some Elixir strings and adjust the action, so it becomes even more playable and to your taste. Bottom line: the BEST BUY!

Only giving a 8 of 10 due to the electronics.  Although it does sound good with an amp it is missing the equalizer options offered with other guitars. But I would buy it again knowing that.

This is a good guality guitar.  I'm rating a 9 out of 10 only because the glue joints on the dove tailed neck are not as hidden as advertised.

You will not find an all solid wood guitar in this price range.  see comments in overall rating.

I just recieved this guitar in the mail thru MF a week ago.  My first pick was a Takamine G series 363 but due to issues I described in my review of that guitar MF was more than happy to send another guitar equal to or slightly greater in value than the Tak.  After deliberation I settled on the Epiphone DR500MCE and MF ate the cost difference.  Hats off to MF for there customer service.  Now about the Epip.: This is a nice guitar, you will not find an all solid wood guitar at this price and I've looked .  Also for the price this guitar comes stock with a bone nut and saddle.  I find it to be really well built and they are inspected prior to leaving the factory a signed check list is included in the box.  As indicated in other reviews I find the action is a little high and at first it was uncomfortable to play.  I took it to a Luthier and had the bone shaved down, wow what a difference.  As with most new guitars the strings were a little dead out of the box.  I had them replaced with some Elixers by the luthier when he did the guitar setup.  This guitar has a warm sound and sustains well, with a solid wood guitar that will only get better with age.  I'm not going to write a 3 page review so to keep it short, if you are looking for a quality guitar that will satisfy your needs for a long time regardless if you are just starting or an accomplished guitarist give this one a good look.  I am completely satisfied with the guitar and MF for coming thru in the end.   

I wanted an acoustic-electric guitar.  I went a major music shop to find one.  I checked out all the major brands except Epiphone.  I thought Epiphone was Gibson rejects and I own a Gibson acoustic.  I didn't want to spend a lot of money but I couldn't find anything in my price range.  Then I picked up the DR-500MCE and was surprised at the sound.  I was trying to get the sales guy to come down on the price but he wasn't going for.  He said, "Wait, a minute.  This display model has been played so much that it needs new strings.  I have a new one in the back with new strings. Let me get that one for you."  He did and I was blown away by the sound.  It is great.  I sounds better than my Gibson.  The DR-500MCE is now my favorite guitar. I love it!!!