Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500ME Acoustic-Electric Guitar

No longer available at zZounds
zZounds Gear Experts Say...
This guitar is built to the same specifications as many of the higher-end guitars on the market. It features a solid spruce top, adding warmth and character and an eSonic2 pickup system.

Epiphone Masterbilt guitars are built to such great specifications that they rival overly expensive "higher-end" guitars. The DR500ME is crafted with a solid, mahogany body and topped with solid sitka spruce providing both warmth and character that only gets better with age. A rosewood fingerboard on a mahogany neck provide smooth playability. Masterbilt guitars provide quality to last for years whenever, wherever, or however you use them.

Hardware: Nickel

Scale: 25.5 in.

Nut width: 1.68 in.

Neck: Set

Neck material: Mahogany

Fretboard/Inlay: Rosewood/Split Diamond

Binding: B/M

Body material: Solid Mahogany

Top: Solid Sitka Spruce

Pickup system: eSonic2

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-4GIBSON
Web: https://www.epiphone.com/en-US/Support/Contact

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (8 ratings)
Submitted January 1, 2010 by a customer from embarqmail.com

"A Tremendous Value"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
This will be my primary instrument for many years to come. If it were lost or stolen, I would immediately replace it with the exact same model! This guitar will be perfect for playing through the PA at church. I will be playing it live every chance I get!

Sound
This guitar has a nice even sound top to bottom. The highs are sweet and articulate. The bottom is clear and smooth with definition. Very responsive instrument and fun to play.

Features
The on-board electronics are quite good and very pleasing to the ear, without the harsh piezo sound. The magnetic pickup captures the acoustic sound quite nicely. The jury is still out on the under saddle pickup. I've definitely heard worse. The tuner is very accurate, but quite hard to see if you are over the age of 45.....I'm sure I'll get used to it!

Ease of Use
The guitar was playable out of the box, but not perfect. I took it for a set-up, resulting in the guitar sounding and playing much better than before. The neck needed a little adjustment because I had some buzzing on the low strings. This is to be expected on most guitars. It is now an awesome instrument!!!

Quality
There were some small factory blemishes. A small 3 mm shiny area on the neck binding is an example. Most of the finish related issues require very close examination and are really not a factor. It's still a very beautiful instrument. Time will read more tell how reliable the guitar will be, but my experienced acoustic guitar tech was very impressed. He believes it will give me a lifetime of playing.

Value
This product exceeded my expectation in regards to value. The sound is exquisite and the instrument is beautiful, even if it is made in China! You can't find a better acoustic/electric at the price point; period!

Manufacturer Support
I own an Epiphone Sheraton II. One month after I owned it, A screw was missing that holds the pick guard in place. I called the dealer, who gave me a phone number at Epiphone. In a few days I received a replacement screw along with the bracket. To me, it was a good service experience.

The Wow Factor
I have been drawn to these Masterbilt guitars from the day I first saw one. I love the offset notch head stock. The inlays are beautiful and the guitar has a vintage look and feel.

Musical Background:
Active Musician

Musical Style:
Blues-Gospel, Christian Rock, Alternative
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