Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500RNS

The Epiphone Masterbuilt DR-500RNS. Satin finish, which is smoother than a baby's butt. Solid Sitka spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides. The wood almost doesn't feel like wood however- so I smelled the soundhole and yep, it smells like real wood! Its delicate in build like a very high end guitar. Dreadnaught shape with binding front and back, neck is thin like an electric and fully bound. Gold Grover vintage style tuners. Mine came with a very nice Epiphone soft case and humidifier. Its gets a 10 not because it has alot of features but because of its simple elegance.

I play country, rock and country rock mostly and it fits very well with that style. She projects with the gusto of her Gibson daddy's and mommy's even though she's built (dare I say) delicately, almost like a Taylor or a Santa Cruz (IMO). Her sound is well balanced though, the soundhole is 3 7/8" but doesn't compress it at all.

Factory set up was great. These guitars are built in China, but set up here in the U.S. Warranty card comes with inspection check-list. The only little thing I noticed is that one of the tuners is placed about 1/32" differently on one side than on the other. There could be a reason for that I don't know. It hasn't caused the guitar to go out of tune or any other problems so far. Back is perfectly matched with a decorative binding strip running down the center. I am still not convinced that this guitar is 100% REAL wood however. It is TOO perfect and smooth. I don't know if anything has been developed to almost perfectly match the sound, density, smell etc of wood but it wouldn't surprise me if this was made from it. It is too good quality to be made from 100% REAL solid wood. Period. I don't see how Epiphone could be making any profit on this guitar if it is real wood. I'm stumped, but I'll give it a 10 because there is really nothing wrong with it even if it isn't 100% pure solid wood (but as far as I know it is real wood).

I don't play out live, but I don't see why it wouldn't be fine in a live setting without a backup. The hardware seems like it will last, yes. The finish is impregnated into the guitar- it's not going anywhere. And it doesn't pick up fingerprints easily which is nice. Solid strap button.

It came with a limited lifetime warranty from Epiphone. Just fill out the warranty card and you're good. I haven't had to contact them for anything.

I can't complain about one thing with this guitar, but if someone has an opinion on whether or not they think it is 100% real solid wood and not a technologically outstanding composite I would be very interested in hearing their opinions. But be sure of this- For $600 you CANNOT go wrong with this guitar, it rocks!