Epiphone Masterbilt DR500 Acoustic Guitar

[@frankblake3365]

I've watched tons of guitar reviews. Your video is on point and you should do more of these. Good down to earth conversation, felt like I was right there with you. I subspribed and hope to see more of your work. All the best!

[@davet9387]

I'm an old fart and can therefore afford any guitar I want (it's been a fun journey since my first unplayable $10 Sears acoustic when I was 11 y/o). I have high end Martins, Fenders, Gibsons, Larivees - basically all the premium quality guitars. I was on a project in New Orleans and picked one of these up at Guitar Center when I was in the "climate controlled" room looking to buy an expensive Taylor. I could not believe my fingers and ears when I played this thing. It was almost set up perfectly from the first note. As good as it sounds and plays, it has become my go to acoustic. I can throw it in my truck and not worry about it, and because it checks all the boxes I tend to play it a lot, which makes it sound even better with time. This guitar is a relatively unknown gem. If you don't have one, get one.

[@mitchsiripanya3870]

I bought one and love it I tested out many guitars in Sweet water sound showroom but this guitar sound much better than high price guitar they have in the showroom it just makes you wanna keep playing that's a good guitar, it's cool that you go to Sweet water sound they have guitars from $250 to $5000 in the showroom and you just try them all out you'll know that the price tags it doesn't matter it matters if the guitar that you play makes you fall in love with it, that's the guitar you wanna have.

[@Fargosportsmassage]

I have small hands..that guitar is for me? Thanks

[@kevinhaynes47]

Think I'll get one, great playing! thanks for the review

[@musicalgear1024]

Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it tremendously. I am now trying to make a few more videos in order to try to grow the channel. I dont have access to the things the big boys have but I've got some great gear to demo and many simple lessons to apply. Going to try to maybe approach the lessons from a little different angle. Appreciate the help. Please don't forget to like and subscribe so we can get this thing going. It takes a lot of time to make some of the videos. We have now obtained new cameras, interface, etc to make the videos a bit better so hopefully in time we will have a better look. I'm just a regular guy so, I don't anticipate the moon or anything. Besides, only wanting to help other musicians out anyway. that's the bottom line regardless. take care thanks again

[@rexbernard2805]

I just received mine yesterday. Love it! Nice review and playing

[@saadalkhafaji435]

Awesome play and great sounding guitar. Can you please elaborate more on the built quality and durability. Thanks

[@e_ripley1267]

have had mine for 2 yrs. i have more expensive guitars, but this is my workhorse acoustic. build is great.

[@theo9952]

A friend of mine has this one. I must admit that i was impressed by the sound and playability of it, regardless of the price. Compared to my most expensive guitar, a Guild JF55 which costs four times as much, I'd say that I would not be able to tell that this is a much less costly instrument. Great guitar. No compromise. Just great. There is nothing more to be said, except that it has to have new strings on to fully appreciate it, which goes for every guitar.

[@drgnslyr221]

I just picked up the new inspired by Gibson Hummingbird. Love it. Amazing guitar for under 1k. Epiphone are really knocking out the 500-1000 market.

[@AnythingGoals]

This guitar sounds more blues oriented than say country or beatles.. im still debating if i should get this or pure acoustic dreadnought

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

great playing! heading to GC in the morning.

[@carolwarren7723]

Yes, sir, I have this beautiful Epiphone also, and it sounds better than any guitar I have heard. Of course, I don’t often get an opportunity to hear the $5,000 guitars. I took an expert with me to buy it after I had already decided it was the one, and he loved it also. Thanks so much for posting this review!

[@musicalgear1024]

welcome

[@MrDimBom]

Thanks for the review!I have a small hand,how convenient the neck of this guitar is,,for a small hand?!

[@arthurogle7581]

I play an Eiphone DR400 in the BG genre (45 years +) so pickups are Machts Nicht to me. When a non amped BG plays, what you hear is what you'll get!!! I belong to the S W BG Club. Each month we have a jam session. Some players playing Hi End Martins, Collings DM1s nd even a 67 Yamaha FG180 "Red Label" guitar. My 400's,a nd another members Epiphone DR500 hold their own!!!

[@joemonroe8896]

I really like this guitar and I think it will be my next one. I wonder though if it could sound even better without the heavy gloss finish it comes with.

[@wilstandridge7388]

The one you want isn't made anymore, if you find two let me know, it's a Masterbilt DR500 RNS ROSEWOOD NATURAL SATIN, no cutaway, no electronics and being all satin no lacquer.

[@LegsON]

I've had one. This finish butchers the sound, sadly.

[@dalecauthen9086]

love your playing ... sounds like a mix of Greg Lake and John Bonjovi ... convinced me to buy that guitar

[@paulbiscaro578]

How do you like the guitar? It looks and sounds great

[@dalecauthen9086]

@@paulbiscaro578 actually, I returned it ... when I ordered it, the specs said it had two pickups and two output jacks, the one I received only had one pickup and one output, it also used a 9v battery instead of the expected coin batteries and had a different electronics panel, though the price wasn't lowered for the other half of the electronics not being on it ... and it had some assembly flaws that I didn't think qualified it for the "Masterbilt" label ... I'm not down on Epiphone, I've bought an AJ-220SCE and an EJ200 "Coupe" and enjoy them both ... but wasn't positively impressed with the "Masterbilt" and am a little wary of Epi's stated tendency to change specs on the fly and without notice

[@musicalgear1024]

You ordered the knock off version. They don’t make it anymore so you’ll have to find a used one. Remember…DR 500

[@Edward1312]

The new Indonesian made all solid Frontier and Excellente Masterbilt's are killer.

[@godsfreemusic5508]

This is a DR500MCE, NOT a DR500. There is a BIG difference between the two. Nice review, and nice, down to earth explanations. Thank you!! I own this guitar, and use Elixir Polyweb light strings - really brings out the great tone and playability of this fine guitar!

[@brendanoneal4513]

I do the same on mine with the elixir strings. I play .12’s. May not be the most expensive guitar I own but it is flat out my favorite. I’ll be surprised when I favor a different guitar.

[@musicalgear1024]

I believe if you check you will see that the acronym “MCE”. after the DR500 means mahogany/cutaway/electric. Never heard of a DR500 without this acronym.

[@arthurogle7581]

FYI. I always set my string action to 2mm above the fretbord at the 12th fret. I can barely slide my 2mm Blue Chip pick beween the strings and fretboard.

[@wsjohnston3956]

I'm a beginner....just bought the dr 400, would love to know the chords your using. Great video! Thanks.

[@RickMartinYouTube]

I don't know anything about guitars but I liked your review --I like your playing, too

[@Andrew.D-S]

They don’t see to make these any more, (March 2021), the DR’s that is, they do the “Gibson inspired “... which I think is a shame because if I want a Gibson inspired guitar I’m gonna buy a Gibson! (Which I have). But really like the look of the DR with cut-out dred and musical headstock. I just came across a DR400(MCE?) like new on eBay so bought it. Can’t wait! Same as 500 but satin and less fancy fretboard markers. Anyway thanks for review, looks and sounds great!

[@musicalgear1024]

It's amazing to me that they sold these guitars at such a price. The binding, mother of pearl inlay, solid top, back and sides, magnetic pickup and piazzo, bone nuts, and basically the entire guitar is just amazing. Epiphone has turned a new leaf these days. The new 355 is the best electric guitar I believe you could possibly get in the semi hollow body type. yet people continue to flick their noses up at them. Oh well, more for the smart people right...LOl. Anyway, thanks for your comment. I've recently acquired some new cameras, interface, etc and I am about to start making more videos of all the gear I have access to as well as some simple lessons which I plan to present with a different approach than the norm.

[@JosepSoria]

Great sounding guitar! where is it made (China or Indonesia)? I'm thinking about purchasing one. Thanks

[@ebrian33]

Indonesia

[@musicalgear1024]

Honestly I dont know. I dont ever look at where the guitars are made, I look into what the guitar is made from, the electronics if applicable, the hardware, etc.

[@antonio.lovric]

I think the old version with eSonic2 is made in Indonesia, and the new version with Fishman is made in China. Only thing I would like to know, how you people satisfied with eSonic2?

[@musicalgear1024]

This guitar has been amazing. Ive literally done nothing besides change the strings. The bow was set to my liking and hasnt moved as of yet. It only seems to sound better week after week.

[@jeanrobertplante]

Does the shadow system work well and last without problems cause my music store only has the 500 with the Fishman .

[@musicalgear1024]

Jean Plante I personally prefer the shadow system.

[@bigtom71]

I play mine with elixir polyweb strings strenght: 10....a great guitar!!!!

[@kelsawyers3597]

Love it want one

[@ronbooth1382]

I have been playing 50 years and never heard the term "Pleked" can someone enlighten me please? I am about to purchase this very guitar. Thanks

[@musicalgear1024]

A laser is used to basically level the frets and I believe edges

[@shaunmcinnis1960]

I was told you can get some gain from the pickup"distortion" is that true?. Im buying this guitar and that would be an extra bonus on top or the already great features it boasts..Thanks

[@musicalgear1024]

Distortion? Not sure what you would want distortion for from an acoustic but no, any good acoustic pickup will maintain clarity at peak volume levels. A pickup that distorts would be considered a low end piece of equipment when speaking of an acoustic guitar and this guitar is absolutely NOT low end, regardless of it not costing 5K. You could incorporate a pedal but the dynamics will probably cause feedback issues even if utilizing a brake. Maybe you should think about buying a hollow body electric. Just mhp

[@shaunmcinnis1960]

I understand that an acoustic is clean. David Gilmore sometimes soloed on an acoustic with distortion," most likely using a pedal", but I thought I saw a guy demo an acoustic with a gain setting.

[@saintangernew]

Hy ! What kind of strings have you on guitar ? And you play with the amp or not ?? Thanks !

[@musicalgear1024]

Andy Penda Cleartone elevens. On the video I played with and without in order to showcase how awesome the guitar sounds either way and how it sounds the same overall plugged or unplugged. Personally it’s according to the venue

[@saintangernew]

@@musicalgear1024 SO,PLEASE SAY ME IF YOU SINGING WITH AMP OR NOT IN THIS VIDEO !! THANKS !! AND I FOUND ON THOMANN AND THE SITE GIVES ME EARNIE BALL AND ON ANOTHER SITE, SOME GAUGES SO, PLEASE TELL ME EXACLY WHAT CLERTONE YOU USE ! THANKS A LOT !!

[@saintangernew]

@@musicalgear1024 SO, IM INTERESTING IN ACOUSTIC EXACLY STRINGS GAUGES PLEASE !!

[@arthurogle7581]

Maybe my 82 year old ears cant hear anymore, but this 500 sounds a bit brighter than the 400 which BTW, I ordered yesterday. Im used to playing a pals D35 Martin. He plays anything with strings well! But he cant play 5 string banjo and the D35 at the same time. Just hope the 400 is as good as the videos on You Tube.One video maker said the 400's are set up in Calif?

[@musicalgear1024]

arthur ogle you’ll be sorry that you didn’t get the 500. No comparison can be made between the 400. The DR500 is a Masterbilt series which includes all of the attributes of any top of the line acoustic guitar. Dovetail, solid wood all the way, great electronics and great build in general with the addition of premium hardware. It is and will always be one of the best production acoustic guitars ever built not to mention probably the best value ever. But to each his own. The “brightness” or “darkness” is the string type and eqsettings. As stated in the video this guitars versatility is phenomenal. Only time for a general overview in the video though. Best wishes and good jammin to ya

[@tonym3675]

I bought mine just yesterday. While at GC I got the sales guy to let me play it against a Martin HD 28, a D- 28, 000-28, Gibson Hummingbird, Gibson Song writer Studio EC. While playing them all, I of course drew a pretty good crowd. Not because I play that well, but because of the resonance they heard from the room. I didn't put the guitar up against any Taylor, simply because IMO the tonal difference between the Taylors, Martins and Gibson are truely far and apart. And personally, I don't like the sound of a Taylor. To shorten this all, it was pretty much unanomous between all watching and listening that the DR-500 out did most of the other high end guitars. Martin scoops thier mids I think too much! not to mention the price points of Martin. The Gibsons actually got closest to what the DR-500 was doing, but I do think they resonated a bit more, but hey! we're talking about a $580.00 dollar DR 500 up againts Gibsons and Martins @ the $2800.00 + range, so one might expect at least one of those would out do the DR-500. Bottom Line! I think they (Epiphone) stepped the bar way up when they decided to make the DR-500. I fully expect to see this guitar sore in price in the next few years, once sales show Epiphone what they've really accomplished. Retail price sits at GC at about $1100.00... so GC says. And I expect to see this at sales price in years to come at this $1100.00 price point. It's worth that now! A 580.00 Guitar as good as, if not in some ways better, than a 3k guitar! Please! you can't go wrong.

[@musicalgear1024]

Yes, and you were lucky to find one. My local mom and pop store get 3 at a time and they sell immediately. Not to get off topic, but I also have the Epi 60's Tribute Les Paul and I have been doing the same thing in music stores with this Les Paul. What I mean is being surrounded by people when I plug it in testing amps. If you want an electric guitar do not buy one without checking it out. It literally comes stock with every part I would install if I was a billionaire building my own guitar. 57 Classic humbucker in the neck, 57 Classic Plus in the bridge, Mallory Pots, Switchcraft Switch, Plek'd Frets, Deep set neck joint, Premium Grover Tuners, etc.etc. AND it has push/pull Tone Pots which can split the coils in the pickups creating a near Strat sound. I love to support American products but if this guitar had Gibson on the headstock theres no doubt it would cost $3K minimum. Heck Gibson doesnt even use many of these parts in their top end guitars anyway. Just look for a Gibson with 57 Classics in it. You'll see from that what I mean. But you will be hard pressed to find one in Guitar Center or any other major music chain store. Why???...I know why, but I'll leave that alone for now.

[@musicalgear1024]

It is true that various guitars have different tonal characteristics, but the material used in each guitar create similarities. Example, a spruce top Gibson, Taylor, Martin and Epiphone or Gibson will sound similar. The DR500 is a Solid top, back and sides. I prefer the solid over laminate, some prefer the laminate, or at least claim that they do. Also the way the neck is set or if it like the Taylors and bolted on makes differences in the tonality of the instrument. And then there's the type of bridge material, saddle material, and top nut material, which play parts in the sound. The primary difference is due to the actual thickness or better yet, thinness of the body material and the bracing within the acoustic guitar. If you do the research you will find that the Masterbilt series guitars like the DR500 incorporate the highest standard of both bracing and neck joint applications. This is why the Masterbilt series of Epiphone Acoustic guitars have the sound of excellence, AND can hold their own, so to speak, when compared to ANY acoustic with the same materials mentioned before on the market. Novice players sometimes try to buy ability, and then some folks just have enough money to buy those "names" but seasoned musicians, and working musicians, for the most part, buy Tone, Resonance, etc., no matter the name. The DR500 and EF500 and the EJ500 guitars are top of the line in every way. If these guitars had Gibson printed on the headstocks the prices would be astronomical. And just so you know, the 60's Tribute Plus Les Paul, by Epiphone, is the same exact situation. It is the best solid body electric guitar I have ever owned hands down and it came that way straight outa the box. Loaded with the best hardware on the market and '57 classic pups. I'm a 20+ year gigging artist and 15+ year luthier. I thank God that I not only learned to play music but also learned what it was I was actually playing. Good luck and best wishes....keep on jammin'

[@sumdood2035]

Am I correct in Assuming that the dr400mce is the same physical guitar other than cheaper pickups?

[@musicalgear1024]

No

[@christopherjetter9486]

Does the neck pickup work well with phosphor bronze or do you need to get zebra strings for that?

[@musicalgear1024]

whatever your taste prefers. The electronics are marvelous.

[@felipedazacortes5548]

what gauge dou you use?

[@staple765]

nice playing style!

[@musicalgear1024]

well thanks, but just doodlin...lol

[@andreivaleanu40]

hello. is this the EF-500RCCE?

[@ryancapen4187]

Andrei Valeanu DR-500MCE

[@musicalgear1024]

No the EF500 is made with a Cedar top. The Finger picking style guys love the Cedar but I do as well. Its amazing sounding. Very warm and rich.

[@rcjoe406]

Nice git brother

[@musicalgear1024]

tks

[@arthurogle7581]

I own the DR400 Masterbilt . I wouldn't kick either 400 or 500 out of a gig or jam sessiom.

[@seanarmao7385]

I heard the new ones aren't plek'd....

[@musicalgear1024]

heard???? Just checked the store I use and the guitars are plek'd

[@seanarmao7385]

James Brady yeah I don't live close to a store. I was looking online. Google also said it was for previous years. :(

[@musicalgear1024]

Dude, they are Plek'd. at least every one I have ever played, including the two this weekend. Contact Epiphone directly and see what they say. But for the record, the Plek thing is nice because its done with a computerized mechanism. But a skilled luthier can even do a better job so dont let that bug ya. Basically, all those 5000 dollar Martins out there among all the others have never been Plek'd.

[@KD-ib4qq]

I bought one 2 months ago and it's plek'd