Epiphone Masterbilt AJ500RC 12-Fret Acoustic Guitar

Feature:
For $599.00 it's a GREAT value...sounds like a much more expensive guitar. No case included and none offered at Epiphone or Gibson website for a 12 fret. Would prefer a spruce top to cedar but it sounds very nice. Rosewood back and sides helps. A couple of minor finish blemishes...but as this is a tough guitar to find to buy...I'm keeping it! Mine is 'pre-pickguard' which I think looks better. Don't really like the matt finish...the neck becomes regular gloss in a day of playing....but the matt body will be difficult to maintain and will show 'shiney wear'...would prefer GLOSS. PERFECT set-up right out of the box!....I tuned up and haven't done anything except play. I wish it had an electric option installed.

Quality:
Finish had a couple blemishes...one darker spot with hint of gloss where matt finish was a little imperfect....near neck built up matt is a bit uneven....wood and assembly seem to be very, very accurate with great intonation up and down the neck! All joints and seems are extremely tight with matched top and back sides better than most expensive guitars. (I AM worried that many of the early models' bridge be came detached due to top being finished before gluing bridge in place...Don't know if my March 2008 is 'old' school or not. Sent in the warranty card on time!)

Value:
A real bargain and a very very fun guitar to play!....

Desirability:
Looks very nice and plays great! The new ones have a pickguard that looks cheap. I would like a pickguard but am glad I wasn't stuck with the cheesy ones they are 'sticking' on now. The matt finish is a disappointment. I would much prefer gloss. (The neck becomes glossy after a day of playing and looks very nice!)

Sound:
The sound is nice and punchy like a 12 fret should be. Really nice for chords or fingerpicking especially. Sort of a Rickenbacher jangle...chords sustain and ring! Loudest guitar I have...louder than my Taylor GS or Guild D-25C (1976).

Ease of Use:
Chords ring and strumming becomes a cascade of overlapping sound with ease. Nut and saddle width makes fingerpicking styles very comfortable. Comfortable neck size!

Support:
Although I haven't dealt with Epiphone's CHINESE FACTORY....I have dealt with Gibson's customer service/warranty claims through the Nashville store. Gibson was very responsive and can recommend the NEW Gibson warranties as nothing to worry about...they will take care of it!...It may take a couple of months or so but they DO honor their warranty if there is a problem with the instrument. Beware of Gibson Authorized Repair locations...some of the local guys shouldn't be working on guitars...but Nasvhille's warranty service is very good.

Overall:
I'm still looking for a 'high end' 12 fret guitar....but this is a great, fun instrument that I do not regret purchasing....

Feature:
Still getting used to the "V" neck but I love that chunky feel. Great for bar-chording. Gold tuners are a plus as are the bone nut and saddle. Mine came without a pickguard. (Good) The finish is not perfect - there is a mar where the neck joins the body. My tech suspects that when they wiped off the excess glue from the joint, the residue prevented a good adhesion with the finish. Not thrilled with that but does not affect the sound and is hardly noticeable.

Quality:
Guitar is very well made. Apart from some of the aforementioned finish checks, the construction (and design) is excellent.

Value:
This is my 2nd Masterbilt. In my opinion, they are priced at about 1/4 to 1/3 to a similar USA made guitar with this sound quality.

Desirability:
This is a gorgeous instrument and will be admired by all of my fellow pickers for its sound and beauty.

Sound:
The sound is warm but has a bite. With the cedar top, the notes jump off of the soundboard. VERY loud, clear, and articulate.

Ease of Use:
I had mine professionally set-up and it plays like a dream. My tech said that it was perfectly hydrated and that all of the key-measures were spot on. I had him take the action down a tad to my personal playing preference.

Overall:
This is a lifetime instrument and will hold up to my Martin and my Taylors. I have a Louden cedar and walnut guitar that is more beautiful and is probably better made. That said, I do not consider this to be a cheap, Asian import. It is heirloom quality and will service my kids long after my passing.