nothin but the blues

I was lucky enough to play a couple of these guitars the other day, which are apparently hard to find as they sell like hotcakes (I helped a sales guy at GC sell the 2 they had last Saturday). I wanted to let you all know about them if you haven't checked them out.

For the money, these are probably the best Acoustic examples available (well that I have played). They range from $599.99ish, to about $1,000.00. The ones I played were $629.99, and $599.99. The guitars are extremely well built, and are entirely "wood".

They have a decent selection model wise as well (check out they're website at the link I posted below).

The 2 that I played were Dreadnaught style, and those who know me here, know that I very much prefer small bodied guitars. I hang out in the GC every Saturday for hours, and have played just about every acoustic guitar you can think of, all price ranges, and in this price range its no competition, the Masterbilt Epiphone is the best hands down, sound wise, built quality etc.
You can get a all wood acoustic, with Rosewood back and sides, and Sitka Top for $629.00... pretty darn good deal if you ask me. They also have some with Mahogany back/sides, with Sitka Tops for a little less. It also comes with this neat soft/hardshell case, with a built in Hygrometer! Case isn't as good as a pure solid hard shell of course, but should hold up just fine.

Seeing how you all already know my Martin obsession (some call it loyalty ) I was so impressed with these guitars, that I just placed an order for a 000 sized, vintage sunburst (will be here next Tuesday). I was lucky enough to get the last one Music123.com had, as I mentioned they seem quite difficult too find.

Anyone that is looking for a relatively affordable acoustic, certainly check out these Epiphone Masterbilts (yea thats right I said it... Epiphone Acoutics!! )

I'll post some pics of it when I get it on Tuesday, as well as a short review if I get a chance to really play it. Here's a picture of one though to give you an idea.



http://www.epiphone.com/default.asp...CollectionID=15

P.S. My Martin 000-ECHF is at my Luthiers being set up, should be getting it back next week. I'll post some sort of review after I get a chance to really play it.

__________________
'NBTB'



"You may bury my body, down by the highway side.
So my old evil spirit, can catch a Greyhound bus and ride."

"I'm lonesome, and there's a lady here. She wants fifty cents, and I lacks a nickel."

'Robert Johnson'

TexMexMike

Erik. This amazes me! I almost posted about the "Masterbilt" series yesterday. I have been impressed. Played a few at GC also. For the price, they are one heck of a guitar! Wish they carried the smaller bodied MB's at GC. Would love to test drive one! BTW. Great choice on the EF-500r in sunburst for your new addition!

nothin but the blues

Thanx Mike, the only thing about the small bodied that I don't really care for was they are long scale. But, they do have a V shaped neck, and are 1 3/4" at the nut.

I wish they would of had the smaller bodied ones locally too, but apparently all these masterbilts are hard to find (Musicians Friend is only expecting more in June).

They have a prettier version of the one I got, its the EF-500RA, and runs about $950.00. It's got Abalone inlaying etc. I figured I had enough "bling-bling" on the Bellezza Nera so I opted for the less fancy one All the woods are the same however.

I was looking for a less expensive (solid wood) guitar to keep in some different open tunnings, and was so impressed with the Dreads I had played that I decided to give it a try. The 000-15S is still in my scope as well

__________________
'NBTB'



"You may bury my body, down by the highway side.
So my old evil spirit, can catch a Greyhound bus and ride."

"I'm lonesome, and there's a lady here. She wants fifty cents, and I lacks a nickel."

'Robert Johnson'

nothin but the blues

Oh Mike, also if your interested there is exactly like the one I ordered on Ebay right now with a But it Now price of $450.00. May be worth a looksie

__________________
'NBTB'



"You may bury my body, down by the highway side.
So my old evil spirit, can catch a Greyhound bus and ride."

"I'm lonesome, and there's a lady here. She wants fifty cents, and I lacks a nickel."

'Robert Johnson'

TexMexMike

Thanks Eric. Planning on spending some quality time on Ebay tonight drewling over some guitar porn. I'll give it a good look over!

BTW. I have been meaning to ask. Have you had a chance to play a 000-15s yet? Nobody has one around here. As you know, I love my 15 series, but I am very interested in the s. My plan is to have a minimum of 3 Martins. 00, I have, a 12 fret slot head 000, and 14 fret 000 short scale. Then I will be in heaven until GAS attacks again!

TexMexMike

Looked for the guitar by searching for both "Epiphone Masterbilt and Epiphone Masterbuilt." Found 3 or 4. But not the sunburst. A nice plain OM, and well priced! You have the Ebay ID? Like to look at it...and track!

As always, thanks!

nothin but the blues

I actually haven't gotten a chance yet too play a 000-15s. Locally they are difficult to find here. I hope to soon though, because I've been craving a slothead for awhile.

Here is the link to the Burst Epiphone (she's a beaut). Might be a real cheap way for you to try to get used to a V neck type profile before purchasing that 000 Martin with a V neck

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...7308921407&rd=1

besides, if you don't like it you could always sell it to me

__________________
'NBTB'



"You may bury my body, down by the highway side.
So my old evil spirit, can catch a Greyhound bus and ride."

"I'm lonesome, and there's a lady here. She wants fifty cents, and I lacks a nickel."

'Robert Johnson'

Hang10

I really like small bodied acoustics as well. I find the dreadnaught shape to be realy booooring...love the Gibson Blues King, anyone played these?

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Devotion......John McLaughlin

Cat

Hey NTBT,

Hows that Masterbuilt going? I am seriously considering picking one up.

Cat

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"Im gonna put a curse on you and all your children will be born completely naked" - Jimi Hendrix