Epiphone AJ-500MNS

I bought the Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500 last year as a Christmas gift to myself from Guitar Center. In truth I was only going to buy strings but this guitar called to me. The guitar is based on Gibson's slope-shoulder dreadnought shape (the Advanced Jumbo) and holds true to the original idea: make it simple, make it good. There are no electronics (although I do use a drop-in Fishman pickup when needed), a solid Sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, and it has a non-gloss satin finish. The tuners are nickel open back Grovers. It came with a nice case and humidifier.

I try to play a variety of styles (blues, rock, country, folk) and so far this guitar has been good for all of them. It responds well to your playing style, so a light touch gives it a clear, balanced sound while digging in will throw some more depth in it and overdrive the top a little. The biggest selling point for me was that it didn't "shimmer" - the sound is dry and natural sounding. Everything from light fingerpicking to heavy strumming sounds "right", exactly how I want it to sound.

There are no obvious flaws, just had to do a little truss rod adjustment to raise the string height a little. When the weather changes I usually end up having to make a few adjustments to compensate for fret buzz but that's normal. The action is great and perfectly playable as high as I can reach. The satin finish keeps the neck and body from feeling sticky no matter how long you play. No complaints here.

It has a very solid strap button that is screwed into the guitar - no popping out accidentally. I've played live with it and never had a single problem. I'm not sold on the tiny little screws that hold the tuners in place but so far there hasn't been a sign of trouble... I would just be more comfortable with heavier screws. Overall it is completely dependable with a rating of 9 due to the tuner screws.

I have no idea what the warranty is and have never dealt with Epiphone. No opinion.

I've been playing for about 7 years and have owned a few different acoustics, as well as playing any others I can get my hands on. Other gear that I currently use: a Fender American Stratocaster, Fender Blues Junior, Washburn D-150, Fender FR-50, some cheap classical guitar, and a cheap banjo. This is my main guitar now and the one I usually pick up. If it were stolen I would either replace it or go for one of the Epiphone Masterbilt EF style guitars. I love the sound, finish, and playability, and there is nothing I dislike. If I had it to do over again I probably would have purchased the one with a built-in pickup, but it still would have been the Epiphone Masterbilt. When deciding I compared it to the Gibson AJ-45 and a few different Martins. I chose this one because it just sounded and felt right to me - it was my guitar before I ever bought it.

A very nice sounding guitar. I have several other brands that cost considerably more than the Epiphone but they don't sound any better. The bass response is exceptional and it has an overall tonal clarity.

From the factory the action was slightly stiff, which is not unusual. I simply had it set-up differently. The model that I bought has a satin finish. While not unattractive, it's just a little dull.

I've been playing guitar for 35 years. Over that time I've owned mostly Martins, along with an Alvarez or two and an Ibanez. However, I currently have three Martins, a Taylor, a Guild, a Washburn and a Schecter. The Epiphone compares favorably with them all and is actually better sounding than some. The only features I don't like are the tuning gears. They seem stiff and clumsy compared to closed, pre-lubricated gears.

Mahogany neck and sides and back, all solid. Spruce top. Round-shoulder dreadnought, non-cutaway. Solid bone nut and saddle. Open back tuners by Grover. 25 1/2' scale neck. Gig bag is thick and non-flexible, with Hygrometer built into the lid!
21 Frets. Binding all around, asymetric old-style headstock with inklaid stick-pin emblem and mother of pearl logo. Real nice.

Plays like a dream; very mellow and full which was what I wanted.
Nice bound fingerboard and satin finish help this thing really project into a room. Mahogany sides and back are solid, and have some of the dark tone of rosewood.

Got it used, but action still very close. Easy gear ratio o the winders, which are open backed with kidney bean knobs. Satin finish all around.

Very light weight, abut seems solid and quite durable. Have to add aneck button, though.

For a 2nd hand guitar, this is a real step up. Built like the old days, and very retro-cool. High marks for styl and sound. You can see the video on the Musician's Friend website covering all the Epi Masterbuilts.