EPIPHONE MASTERBILT DR-500MCE NA BY GAYLA DRAKE PAUL
preamp, Epiphone has built a dread that’s stage ready too—all at a street price of about $600.
Though Epiphone has often been viewed as Gibson’s entry-level brand since coming
under the company’s control in 1957, it has
produced some first-class instruments. Vintage
American electric and acoustic Epiphones
are associated with artists from the Beatles to
Tom Petty to Oasis. But even after the company shifted its focus to Asian production in
the 1970s, Epiphone built a lot of rock-solid
instruments—particularly acoustics—for working players with less dough to spend.
Epiphone’s Masterbilt series guitars are
one of the most complete expressions of the
bang-for-the-buck philosophy that’s now the
backbone of Epiphone’s business. Masterbilts
are some of the most reliably impressive instruments in the under-$1000, solid-wood
acoustic market. They’re a great option for
serious acoustic players who aren’t thrilled
about toting their Collings or vintage
Martin to bar gigs or dusty, sweltering
festivals. And with the introduction
of the cutaway DR-500MCE,
which comes with a Shadow
NanoMag and eSonic 2
Seasoned Look and
Amplified Flexibility
The DR-500MCE is one of the best Epiphone
acoustics we’ve encountered. Our review
guitar was built around a solid Sitka spruce
top with a beautiful, caramel-hued finish that lends a seasoned, vintage
look. The solid mahogany back
and sides are rich in color with
brilliant golden striping. In
eSonic 2 preamp
NanoMag soundhole pickup
NanoFlex undersaddle pickup
All-solid Sitka spruce top and ma-
hogany back and sides
