- Description
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Details
When it comes to acoustic guitar tone and quality, nothing performs like an all solid wood instrument. Harking back to the 1930's and their heritage, the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE combines traditional construction methods and features with premium all solid tone woods to bring you a new "vintage" instrument 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 every Masterbilt holds true to it's all solid wood promise.
The DR500MCE model features a solid Sitka spruce top, hand-scalloped Sitka spruce braces, mahogany kerfing, a 25.5"scale rosewood fingerboard and a rosewood bridge. Players looking for vintage tone and vibe will appreciate the hand-crafted dovetail neck joint and hide-glue construction. The DR-500MCE also 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 that is adorned with carefully cut, "split-diamond" pearl fretboard inlays. As with all Masterbilts, the DR-500MCE features Epiphone historic "off-set" headstock with "stickpin" headstock inlay.
While the DR-500MCE sounds great "unplugged," it really comes alive when plugged in thanks to the new eSonic2 preamp system. Made in cooperation with Shadow Germany, the new eSonic2 preamp features a built-in, easy to use tuner. When engaged, the 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, low-impedance pickup. Not a piezo, this unique flexible sensing material features integrated active electronics that not only picks string vibration but also top and body vibrations as well for a truly acoustic tone without the harshness of piezos. Complimenting that 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 1/4" mono output blending both pickups or 1/4" stereo output splitting the two pickups, you have incredible flexibility and opportunities to create the perfect acoustic tone live!
- Specification
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Manufacturer Epiphone Model Masterbilt DR-500MCE Top Material Solid Sitka Spruce Back & Side Mahogany Neck Material Mahogany Fingerboard Material Rosewood Body Shape Dreadnought Cutaway Colour Natural Pickups eSonic2 System Guitar Size Full Number of Strings 6 Special Electronics eSonic2 preamp with built-in tuner Controls Master Volume Pot, NanoMag EQ Pot, NanoFlex EQ Pot, Phase "Anti-feedback" Switch, Electronic Tuner Activation w/Output Mute Switch Tuners Grover Sta-Tite 18:1 ratio Pickguard Tortoise Binding Body: 6 ply; Neck: 1 ply; Headstock: 3-ply Finish Gloss
- Reviews
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Hats off to Dawsons and particularly Elliot at the Manchester store. I made a phone call and asked if I could order this guitar over the phone because it was too far for me to travel. Elliot sorted this for me and also agreed to perform a setup prior to dispatch to make sure the action was set correctly. I took delivery this morning and I'm over the moon at the quality of this instrument! It plays great, sounds beautiful and it's stunning to look at. Well worth the money I have spent! Thanks to Elliot and Dawsons for a great service. -
When delivered this guitar was perfect. After a few weeks, however, some buzz has crept in around the 8th fret. This is disappointing as the instrument was set up with the Plek machine in the factory, but I think can be adjusted out with the truss rod.
Given that the guitar was made in a more humid environment in Indonesia and has probably been stored since in the more humid Cheshire environment (compared to the much drier East Anglia, where I live), its not surprising.
Its a beautiful instrument nevertheless and has already increased in price +£100 since I bought it in September.
I think I prefer the mag pickup to the piezo one as it gives a more acoustic guitar sound. -
Had this for just over a year now still looks and sounds great. Never had to do anything but clean it and fit new strings.
Every time just pick up and play I very nearly never have to retune it. it stays in tune for an amazingly long time.
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Just a quick mention sales person Barry Riding very helpful and gave good advice, as for the guitar, superb, the set-up, the tone, the sound was all spot on. Tried many other makes and models and not one came near, made up with it. Love it -
Great guitar with a wonderful tone. I had to get the bridge lowered at first because the strings were very high but this was easy and its absolutely great.
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