Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar (Used)
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- Product #423559
When it comes to acoustic guitar tone and quality, nothing performs like an all-solid wood instrument.
The Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE guitar combines traditional construction methods and features with premium all-solid tone woods to bring you a new-vintage electric guitar with deep, rich lows, shimmering highs, and just the right amount of mids. While many other guitars in this price class use pressed backs, spliced neck joints, and even artificial wood backs and sides, you can be assured that this Epiphone guitar holds true to its all-solid wood promise.
It features a solid Sitka spruce top, hand-scalloped Sitka spruce braces, mahogany kerfing, a 25-1/2"-scale rosewood fingerboard, and a rosewood bridge. Players looking for vintage tone and vibe will appreciate the handcrafted dovetail neck joint and hide-glue construction. The Epiphone DR-500MCE guitar has a solid mahogany back and sides, as well as a 20-fret, hand-shaped mahogany neck that joins the body at the 14th fret, which is adorned with carefully cut, split-diamond pearl fretboard inlays. As with all Masterbilts, the Epiphone electric guitar features a vintage-style offset headstock with a stickpin inlay.
While the Epiphone DR-500MCE sounds great unplugged, it really comes alive when plugged in—thanks to the eSonic2 preamp system. Made in cooperation with Shadow Germany, the eSonic2 preamp features a built-in, easy-to-use tuner. When engaged, the Epiphone guitar's output is automatically muted—with no popping noise—making it a perfect choice for stage use. You can even push in the tuner button and unplug the guitar without a loud pop. Other controls on this state-of-the-art preamp include Master Volume, NanoFlex Tone, NanoMag Tone, Stereo Blend, Low Battery indicator, and a Phase switch to help eliminate unwanted feedback. The preamp uses two 2032 lithium watch batteries that are not only lightweight, but provide significantly longer life than old-fashioned, heavy 9V batteries.
Under the bone saddle is Shadow's proprietary NanoFlex, a low-impedance pickup. Not a piezo, this unique flexible sensing material features integrated active electronics into the Epiphone electric guitar that not only pick up string vibration, but also top and body vibrations for a truly acoustic tone without the harshness of piezos. Complimenting the NanoFlex is the revolutionary NanoMag pickup mounted at the harmonic-rich, end of the fingerboard. Exclusively from Shadow, the NanoMag features 3 Samarian-Cobalt magnets and an integrated active circuit to capture all the highs and lows, including a wide range of harmonics. With your choice of either a 1/4" mono output blending both pickups, or a 1/4" stereo output splitting the two pickups, the Epiphone Masterbilt guitar pickup gives you incredible flexibility and the opportunity to create the perfect acoustic tone live.
Other features on the Epiphone Masterbilt acoustic electric guitar include quality vintage-style Grover Sta-Tite 16:1 ratio machine heads; bone nut and saddle; imitation tortoise pickguard; nickel hardware; and a bound body, neck, and headstock.
Check the drop-down menu to the right to select colors and/or other options.
Features
- Top material: solid sitka spruce
- Body material: solid mahogany
- Side material: solid mahogany
- Neck: mahogany, 1-piece plus heel
- Neck shape options: SlimTaper "D" profile
- Neck joint: glued-in, dove-tail, hide-glue construction
- Scale length: 25-1/2"
- Fingerboard: rosewood with mother-of-pearl split-diamond inlays
- Neck pickup: Shadow NanoMag
- Bridge pickup: Shadow NanoFlex
- Electronics: eSonic-2 stereo pramp
- Controls: eSonic2 preamp with built-in tuner, stereo output, master volume pot, NanoMag EQ Pot, NanoFlex EQ pot, phase anti-feedback switch, electronic tuner activation with output mute switch,
- Binding: 6-ply body, 1-ply neck, 3-ply headstock
- Fingerboard radius:14"
- Frets: 20, medium
- Bridge: rosewood
- Saddle material: bone
- Nut width: 1.68"
- Nut material: bone
- Hardware: nickel
- Machine heads: Grover Sta-Tite, 18:1 ratio
Gorgeous, radiant solid-top tone and Masterbilt quality. Order now!
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Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 30 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
83%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Was this a gift?:
- No (5)
Most Liked Positive Review
Good But Had Issues
Okay - I have been torn between giving the DR500MCE a higher score than I did. Here's the reasons. (1) There were certainly issues with the one I ordered and received. And I...Read complete review
Okay - I have been torn between giving the DR500MCE a higher score than I did. Here's the reasons. (1) There were certainly issues with the one I ordered and received. And I read some reviews that mentioned these issues as well. (2) Out of the box, the DR500MCE was not very playable at all. Action was incredibly high. The bridge saddle was pivoted toward the neck due to it being 3/32" instead of 1/8" wide. This meant that the bridge saddle slopped around and with string tension leaned forward - which throws the intonation way off. And the intonation was way off due to this. I lowered the action (sanding the bottom of the bridge saddle properly). In addition, all marketing photos I have seen show a compensated saddle. This was not. After a call to Epi customer service, it was necessary to order a good TUSQ compensated saddle of the correct width from Stewmac. (3) Frets were leveled, except for the last 4 closest to sound hole were not. The frets were not finished or polished. A rough fret surface on every fret. I removed strings and used a solid wood block with 800 grit wet/dry and got the frets dressed, then polished. Made a huge difference. Edges of frets also needed to be finished, as they were very sharp. Epiphone needs to keep a better eye on this stuff! (4) Bridge pins are terrible. Holes for bridge pins are slightly to large. Ordered TUSQ bridge pins from Stewmac. (5) Lots of debris inside body. Easy to shake out, but should not have been there in the first place. (6) Neck had way too much bow. Easy to fix, so not really a problem. Overall, I would hope that Epiphone would take care of at least some of these issues. OKAY, that is it for the negative. Now to the positive. Yes, lots of positive. I don't want to imply this is a bad guitar. Some of the above issues can be found in much higher price guitars. For the most part, they can all be handled easily. After all the fixes, I tested several brands of high-quality strings. I ended up with Martin MSP4100 strings. Huge difference over the stock things that came with it. Huge difference. At this point playability was great. Really great. Absolutely beautiful sound and projection. I would actually put this DR500MCE up with one or two of my Martins now. Really. Build quality is very good. Sure, there are a few things I noticed build-wise, but don't think most players would notice or care. Although the neck is slightly fatter than I expected, it is still very nice. Fretboard is nice. I'm not a big fan of Grover Sta-Tite tuners, but they are good and provide precise tuning. The electronics are superb. Built-in tuner is very good. Through amp or PA it sings wonderfully. Bottom line is that this is a great players guitar (after the fixes I had to make to mine). Sound and tone are excellent - period (good strings make a big difference). Don't get to hung up on the negatives I've indicated. The plus side outweighs the negative. I would recommend the DR500MCE to anyone on a budget. Solid woods, etc. The DR500MCE is probably the best acoustic guitar on the market in it's price range. you really can't go wrong.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Too Much Buzz
I just received my guitar after waiting over a month. I was really excited to play, but was greatly disappointed upon first strum. The buzz was just too much. I am considering taking ...Read complete review
I just received my guitar after waiting over a month. I was really excited to play, but was greatly disappointed upon first strum. The buzz was just too much. I am considering taking it to a local guitar shop to see if they can make adjustments, but I think I'm just going to exchange it for another one and take my chances. Hopefully, there will be no problems with an exchange, and the new one will meet my expectations.
Reviews
Reviewed by 30 customers
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
I received one of these guitars a few weeks ago, and there was too much fret buzz. I sent it back in exchange for a new one, and still...too much fret buzz even with the second one. I just couldn't play it the way I wanted to (with energy) without it giving off horrible buzz. The guitar just felt cheap. But it looked awesome. I had to send back both guitars because of fret buzz.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Plays Very Nice
- Stereo Output With Esonic
- Very Full Sound
Cons
- Had To Teturn A Bad One
Best Uses
- Gig
- Studio
Comments about Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
I got this guitar mainly to play out and to record in my Studio. I've been playing and collecting Guitars and other instruments for 30 yrs. This Guitar plays very nice, good action and sounds very full through the PA. My friend called it the "Bat mobile" of acoustics - it's fun and plays well. The fit and finish is very good, but not perfect - very good for the price. I look forward to what she will do with some setup and new strings. I wish there was a mute button on the controls. The tuner mutes, but I find myself leaving the tuner on. I also wish there were separate EQ and not just one sweep-able per pickup. Also note that the volumes are not completely matched when in stereo mode. Not hard to fix on the board, but just a heads up. All in all I'm very happy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Looks beautiful
Cons
- Buzzed Badly
Best Uses
Comments about Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
I just received my guitar after waiting over a month. I was really excited to play, but was greatly disappointed upon first strum. The buzz was just too much. I am considering taking it to a local guitar shop to see if they can make adjustments, but I think I'm just going to exchange it for another one and take my chances. Hopefully, there will be no problems with an exchange, and the new one will meet my expectations.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- BEAUTIFUL
- Contruction
- feel
- Great build
- Mids
- price
- Set up
- Tone
Cons
- Strings
- Tiny details
Best Uses
- Anything
- Gigging
Comments about Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
The guitar is amazing. I had received mine, and was blown away by how great it was. There were a few problems, dealing with the truss rod, strings, and the interior appearance.
The guitar's neck was back boned, very badly, the truss rod was incredibly tight, and caused horrible fret buzz. Later after adjusting it, i had noticed buzzing to persist. That was due to indentation in the low E and A strings. I had put Elixers on and now it sounds beautiful. Has a very warm tone to it, with beautiful mids.
The guitar's construction is very nice. The shape is dreadnaught cutaway, and it is one of the most beautiful guitars in the market. I have vintage sunburst. The fretboard felt nice, almost natural. The neck is Slim Taper D, and is very nice, it is smooth and very comfortable.
The Electronics are nice. The tuner is very accurate, and very easy to use. The nanomag and flex sounds beautiful, the guitar has a blend option, and the electronics are amazing for the price.
The bridge is a normal rosewood bridge, with a bone saddle, mine was condensed, and it is very nice. The bridge pins are sketchy. I noticed when changing strings they were incredibly loose, and didn't hold the best, but that is very minor.
The headstock is beautiful, one of great looks. It has the original off centered notch, with original pre war logo. The tuners are not my favorite, but they are nice, and the keys on the tuners give it some class. The inlays are mother of pearl, it says pearled, but they are definitely not haha.
Overall the guitar is amazing, it may have a few minor problems, but they are easy to work out. A change of strings, an adjustment of the truss rod, and possibly a change of bridge pins, nothing major :)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Great build
- Great looks
- great playing
- Great sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Gigging
- Jamming
- Just Playng
Comments about Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
I have owned this guitar for over 6 months and all I can say is it is my favorite I own 3 others and I find myself picking up my masterbuilt even if my es 339 might be a better choice. We you plug her into a good amp she can really sing.
I think this guitar is the best for the money hands down. Thanks MF for sending me this great guitar.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
The Cons are: RESTRING! Lowered the saddle just a touch for better action above the 5th fret.
The Pros are: This Guitar sticks to my hands. I've played em all, Taylors, Martins, Guilds, Gibsons and in my view this instrument will rate right along with the best of the best for sonic quality at a better price. I played both finishes, they both had the same quality sound. I chose the Vintage Sunburst.
The DR-500MCE is a Good Guitar and I am a Good Guitarist...Highly Recommended!!
Pros
- Just A Great Acoustic
Cons
- none
Best Uses
- A Joy To Play Anywhere
Comments about Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
im extremly satisfied with this masterbilt.I sold my gibson hummingbird pro because this masterbilt sounds just as good on a side by side comparison.It came with the action perfect no adjustments needed anywhere..the pickup just as good as lr baggs undersaddle...save yourself alot of money and stress..purchase this guitar and just enjoy...
Pros
- I Love This Guitar
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
I play a Gibson J-45 and was pretty amazed at how great this guitar actually is.
Fit and finish isn't bad taking the price into consideration. Frets could use a slight dress I suppose. Over all, a beautiful guitar.
I like a chunky neck. Probably the only drawback is the neck on the Epi. is more tapered than the Gibson. However, not to the degree that felt inhibiting. The neck is fast and smooth with a finish that seems a lot like an unfinished neck only faster. Great access to the higher frets.
Things get way better when it comes to the eSonic electronics. Best acoustic guitar pickup system ever. Excellent tone capabilities... No feedback what-so-ever... a huge plus when compared with the J-45.
I think the bottom line is when it comes to this guitar it's the price. When I play the Masterbuilt it seems hard to believe it costs less than a grand. Furthermore, i would prefer this guitar to the guitars by Martin at the lower price point any day.
Pros
- Appearance
- price
- Sound
Cons
- Feedback With Amp
Best Uses
- Personal use
- Small Shows
Comments about Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
This guitar is awesome. It has a great, full sound and solid construction. I do recommend changing the strings though. I like DR brand but that's up to you. The only downside I have found is feedback when using the bridge pick up. However I haven't had time to figure out how to fix this issue as I don't play plugged in very often. I do highly recommend this guitar to anyone looking for a great guitar at an affordable price!
Pros
- Looks Sounds Quality
Cons
- Strings
Best Uses
- All types of music
Comments about Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
Research pays off. DR500MCEVC was it. The pictures do not do it justice (brighter with a more red than brown center), wow. I have felt some slight finish flaws, but you have to look hard to find them. Other reviews were right strings will be replaced soon, but don't miss out on this great guitar over $15 worth of strings. Action was set well and plays great. Now, I have to pick up my game. Enjoy.
