Details Epiphone Masterbilt Collection Review By Andrea Balisia Copyright 2021 Gibson Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Session drummer Jim Keltner recalls John Lennon and George Harrison telling him not to bad-mouth Paul McCartney, GEAR EXPO 2023: The essential new audio interfaces and mixers of 2023, Best budget mic preamps 2023: Upgrade your studio setup for less, How a song written in 1974 turned up on Bowie's Let's Dance and unwittingly kicked off a controversy, Doug McKechnie is the 81-year-old synth pioneer you've never heard of: "The history of electronic music needs a rewrite", What is spectral processing? Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500ME NS acoustic/electric - ReverbEpiphone AJ-500ME NS/ - jce.edu.gh . Since then, the Epiphone brand has been seen on a wide variety of guitars, from entry-level student models like the SG Special, to pro models like the Casino electrics the Beatles used from the mid-sixties onward, or the Texan acoustic that Paul McCartney used to play Yesterday on the Ed Sullivan Show, and now, once again, the Masterbilt line. Even big bold barre chords, bashed out with a little muscle, sound great on the Hummingbird. $999.00 18 x 12 x $83.25 8 x $124.88 No Credit Check 6 x $166.50 No Credit Check 4 x The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 and J-200 closely capture the irresistible tones and appealing mojo of the originals at prices that won't break the bank. Slight difference in radius (14 vs 12 inch) and neck shape (slim taper D vs rounded C), different tuners and minor aesthetic differences. Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Served with love! Epiphone guitars were then considered to be among the finest in the world, but after WWII, following Epi's death, the company's fortunes began to falter, and it was eventually sold to Gibson in 1957. Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Acoustic Guitar Blindfold Challenge And with these solid tonewoods, its only going to get better with age. Yamaha FG5 I'd go for the Texan. Not really a "Guitar A vs. Hey! Scale: 628 mm (24.724") Nut width: 43 mm (1.693") Bone nut. Rounded C neck profile. The Hummingbird, Gibsons iconic square-shouldered dreadnought, has been the stuff of dreams for over 50 years, showing up in the hands of everyone from Keith Richards to Sheryl Crow, and a new generation seems equally intent on making it a go-to. The aged lacquer brings out the depth in that dark mahogany. Epiphone / Masterbilt J-45 EC Aged Vintage Sunburst Gloss ( Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Masterbilt J-200 vs Chinese - YouTube That'll depend on the player. I keep hearing good things about Eastman, hopefully I can try one out sometime. I think I leapt about with my thought process a little in the previous post (I have considered the M1A at various points in the past, though.). Good Condition. Sign in to see your saved items. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. In fact, I'm more into Takamine, but my Epi, which I bout it used, is a guitar well liked by my peers. Its resonant and strong across the spectrum, underpinned by lows that add consistent girth to rhythm work. Unlike Martin and Taylor, and others, with a Gibson or an Epiphoneyou need to find "a good one." The Epiphone Frontier from the USA collection commands a whopping price tag of $3,999.00, five times the price of the Chinese-made Masterbilt Frontier at $799.00. 2022.04.20 . Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Masterbilt Hummingbird Aged Antique Natural Gloss at the best online prices at eBay! I can tell you that the Texan is much, much more than just a good guitar. Gibson bought Epiphone, and Fender created the Squier line, further proof of these lower cost instruments' success. It could also be supply chain shortages as these are built in China. Add to Wish List. But I still appreciate the playability of most electrics, so I come from that starting point when I approach an acoustic. Given the instruments low price, its understandable that Epiphone outfitted the Hummingbird with Fishmans ubiquitous Sonitone undersaddle piezo system, though I sure wish it could have come with one of the electronics companys other excellent offerings. Pre-Order . Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. Crafted with all solid woods and traditional touches like body, neck and headstock binding, dovetail neck joints and hide-glue construction, the Masterbilts offer rich, full-bodied tone, excellent playability, and, thanks to the innovative eSonic2 preamp and Shadow non-piezo pickups, sound fantastic when plugged in, with lush, natural-sounding acoustic tone without the harsh, brittle sound typical of piezos. With those issues addressed, we can get playing. This is where the Inspired By Gibson model really exerts an advantage over laminate builds. MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. . I've never heard of that SIGMA model before, very nice. Every guitar or bass you My personal comparative thoughts: they are different - play-wise, feel and sound. The new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-200 promises tone and feel in the spirit of Gibson's stalwart classic at a more wallet-friendly price. The only question any guitar needs to answer, though, is whether it justifies its own price tag, and this big-lunged songbird sure does, and it'll only improve with age. Inspired by Texan VS Masterbilt - Gibson Brands Forums A few weeks ago I picked up an Epiphone IBG (Inspired by Gibson) J-45 and have decided to share some thoughts on this guitar. Just $799and you get much of the vibe of its costlier Gibson counterparts, as I discovered when I put the guitar through its paces. Guitar B question," but I'd like to know your thoughts on the Epiphone Masterbilt (all three current models) compared to Gibson acoustics. Those both seem like a steal for an all-solid wood J-45! I suggest contacting Maury's Music. And for those priced out of Gibson ownership (and have always lusted after a Hummingbird), thats welcome news. BTW.there are quite a few times when I might play out, that I don't want to bring a nicer, more expensive guitar. That led to me acquiring a less expensive instrument for such a purpose. Find out more about how we test. Were disappointed to see this design still being used instead ofthe alternative that places the battery with its own compartment and jack near the rear endpin. Epiphone Hummingbird - Thomann UK Steel-String Guitar with Pickup Inspired by the Gibson square shoulder dreadnought, Solid sitka spruce top, Solid mahogany back and sides, 6-Ply binding on the top, 4-Ply binding on the back, Mahogany neck, Indian. All in all, this is a guitar that doesnt feel or sound like too much of a compromise next to a Gibson. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Guitar B question," but I'd like to know your thoughts on the Epiphone Masterbilt (all three current models) compared to Gibson acoustics. Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Heritage Cherry Sunburst [2ND] [80-2100000416554] I believe, however, they only made 13 or 14 Excellentes. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to receive exclusive offers & promotions, news & reviews, and personalized tips for buying and selling on Reverb. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Enregistrement et informations sur la garantie. Terms & Conditions | Registered Trademarks. Does it have a good sound projection? Yes, why not just house the battery near the endpin, tucked away all snug its own compartment? The MOP fretboard inlay adds plenty of visual pizazz, too. I have the natural and love it. They are two very different guitars. The classic J-45 has been the choice of legendary musicians ever since it was first introduced in 1942. Free shipping for many products! Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Epiphone Masterbilt inspired by Gibson Hummingbird (Aged Antique Natural Gloss) at the best online prices at eBay! It appears the all solid Blueridge slopes have now been discontinued. For the same price there are other guitars that are superior to both. These new Inspired By Gibson line of Epiphones are matching vintage Gibson acoustic neck profiles and radius. Nice post, I've been slightly J-45 curious lately and appreciated your thoughts. Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Masterbilt J-45 - Long & McQuade Epiphone USA Collection FT110 Frontier review | MusicRadar My first proper acoustic. This all makes for a loud guitar. I really like the picture of your guitar John McClane 5000! The True Story Behind Japanese 'Lawsuit' Guitars - Flypaper * Finishes Available: Aged -Custom taper for a smoother volume or . Never played a Masterbilt, but I do have an Inspired by Texan. Body 14-fret square-shouldered dreadnought shape; solid Sitka spruce top with quartersawn spruce bracing; solid mahogany back and sides; reverse belly Indian laurel bridge with bone saddle; top and back multi-ply binding; tortoise pickguard with Hummingbird graphics; aged gloss finish (Cherry Sunburst or Antique Natural), Neck 24.72-scale mahogany neck with rounded C shape; glued-in tapered dovetail joint; dual-action truss rod;20 medium jumbo frets; Indian laurel fretboard with 12.01 radius and mother-of-pearl split parallelogram inlays; 1.69 bone nut; Epiphone Deluxe tuners with gold press-in bushings, Other Fishman Sonitone electronics; Gibson phosphor bronze strings (.012.053); optional EpiLite case ($90); left-handed available. The Gear Page is the leading online community and marketplace for guitars, amps, pedals, effects and associated gear. Strummers will love the authority in the low end, and while the voice is deep, there's no shortage of detail in the upper registers, with a powerful presence on single-note passages complementing its big rhythm tones. JavaScript is disabled. Lets talk sound and playability. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Outfitted with gold Epiphone Deluxe tuners, top and back multi-ply binding, Kalamazoo style headstock, and a bone nut and saddle. Epiphone L-00 Studio (VS) 1044682 Epiphone( )J; Epiphone Masterbilt Inspired By Gibson Hummingbird (Aged Cherry Sunburst Gloss) | coloradodecks.com That does produce a distinctly different sound, more in line with the original J-45s of the 1940s. These gorgeous, all solid wood guitars . Perhaps you can select the Texan, and share/ trade time with your brother? Something the SIGMA and Eastman slope shoulder dreads have in common, the all have Adirondack / Red Spruce top. Comparing the 2020 Epiphone Masterbilt J-200 and a Chinese Gibson copy for a J200! by Gibson Original Acoustic Masterbilt Acoustic Travel Bluegrass Ukulele Modern Acoustic SPACER Epiphone Gear . You are using an out of date browser. This article originally appeared in the November/December 2021 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine. puretone A convincing and grown-up Epiphone take on Gibson's most-famous acoustic, the Inspired By Gibson Hummingbird bears the sonic hallmarks of its illustrious US-built kin. Guitar Lesson: Exploring John Prines Simple but Distinctive Acoustic Approach, Guitar Lesson: Simple Acoustic-Blues Tips That Can Improve Your Bottleneck-Slide Technique, How to Adjust an Acoustic Guitar Truss Rod. Local stores have only had Gibson J-45 standards in stock, but one just got an a IBG J-45 that I'm hoping to try out soon. The tops Aged Antique Natural caramel hues bathe in a worn gloss that looks authentically played in. Epiphone J-45 EC User Reviews | zZounds The sound of these guitars though was largely shaped by the non-scalloped bracing Gibson had started using in 1955 and the ADJ saddle bridge supported by large screws combined with the stiff laminate bridge plate needed to support that heavy contraption. Gibson/Epiphone Les Paul Control Board (PCB)- Scrinia | Reverb MusicRadar's got your back Before MusicRadar, he worked on guitar magazines for 15 years, including as Editor of Total Guitar. I've always wanted a Texan, and I'm in doubt if buying one of the last available IB64 (which costs 50% less than a masterbilt) is worth or not. The best place to start if you're new is right below in our "Rules" section. All in all, this is a guitar that doesnt feelor sound like too much of acompromise next to a Gibson. INSPIRED BY GIBSON. Prices exclude shipping and tax/VAT/GST. The Frontier is a good fit for all kinds of styles, with a roomy 44mm nut width that makes chords and fingerpicking a little easier, and a big boxy body that makes strumming a high-volume, soul-stirring activity. Fishman electronics are not that exciting. Please pause and pledge before reading this article. Like the Casino, there are several key differences between these two to justify the vast gulf in pricing. The first thing I thought was, Holy f**k, this feels like a Cadillac!, Phil Collen on Jeff Beck: Jeffs amp blew up and his pedalboard didnt work, so they just brought in another Marshall he sounded exactly the same. And then I tried a Les Paul Standard. I recently got one of these. to guide you through your entire shopping experience. Free shipping for many products! 20 Frets. #9. I'll check out the Sigma for sure. What do you think? The Epiphones fretboard and bridge are made of Indian laurel, rather than rosewood, and, as would be expected, the guitar has a polyurethane finish, as opposed to nitrocellulose lacquer. Thank you for reading 5 articles this month*, US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year, UK pricing 2.99 per month or 29.00 per year, Europe pricing 3.49 per month or 34.00 per year, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. While many guitars in this price range are built using laminated plywood or synthetic composite materials for the back and sides, the Masterbilts rely on the traditional materials and building methods that established their reputation as world-class instruments almost a century ago, complemented with modern electronics that make them favorites of such current pros like Alex Lifeson of Rush. Dec 7, 2021. INSPIRED BY GIBSON CUSTOM SHOP. Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Epiphone Masterbilt inspired by Gibson J 45 EC (Aged Vintage - eBay Get the latest and greatest Guitar news with one of our guitar magazine subscriptions. Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Masterbilt Hummingbird - Long & McQuade All rights reserved. They are both good guitars, but here is the problem. The list goes on. and vintage tuning keys. Epiphone 'Inspired By Gibson' Hummingbird: Price Comparison, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices. Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us. Epiphone / Inspired by Gibson ES-339 Vintage Sunburst (VS) FREE SHIPPING! The only question was how it was going to shape up against its high-end sibling. Epiphone | Locate an Authorized Retailer Dealer or Service Center near you 569.00. Epiphone J-200 Jumbo Guitar User Reviews | zZounds Its a playable neck for leads with notes given a muscular projection here. Thoughts on the Epiphone "Inspired By Gibson" J-45 and other all-solid They sound different, of course. Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Hummingbird review | Guitar World On the flagship Gibson models, you'll get rosewood, and on the Gibson Studio models, you'll get a choice of walnut or rosewood. That's what makes the new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird part of a line that also includes versions of the classic J-45 and J-200, among other acousticsso compelling. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. It's playable, looks the part and sounds it too. Fits right handed guitars only. He's currently set aside any pipe dreams of getting anywhere with his own songs and is enjoying playing covers in function bands. Ah, open micsI used to run one for many years. There has clearly been a step-up in quality control across Gibson brands. This is an all-solid-wood guitar and it feels like one. But as good as the IBG Epiphone J-45 is at getting in the ballpark, it's not an exact replica of any specific USA Gibson J-45. The visual elements have always been a big part of the J-200's appeal, and the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-200 includes a Moustache bridge with curved block inlays, Crown headstock inlay and Graduated Crown mother of pearl fingerboard inlays, and a J-200 style pickguard with two-color graphics. The Epiphone Masterbuilt AJ45ME and other Masterbuilt Epiphone's released under old Gibson management were trending to slim tapper necks. Not really a "Guitar A vs. Available in Antique Natural Aged and Faded Cherry Aged finishes and featuring Gibson strings. Itsaclassic dreadnought character forus ; no boxy dullness here. It has a fairly warm tone and projects well. Well, there are worse things I could do. A battery is not included. INSPIRED BY GIBSON. It may not have the breadth of dynamic response but its not as far away as some might imagine. Do. Just a thought but in Canada at Long and Mcquade you get the long,,year warranty with these Inspired by Gibson guitars.For longer periods you will have to pay for it. I am sorry. The last time I checked, Gibson only had one acoustic with a 1 3/4" nut. 4-Ply binding on the top. Back in the 1960s though, the Excellente was the highest dollar acoustic in the Gibson catalog costing more than a J200. I have the EF500RCCE and I think its tone is basically Gibson-like in terms of tone, but less. Its singing rather than sweet in the high end. Our Gear Advisers are available Make sure you like it. In all honesty it exceeded my expectations. Epiphone Masterbuilt DR 500 MCE Guitar REVIEW 2018 Best . Gear Buying I will try to find a Texan on a local dealer and try it! Get to know the technology behind the next generation of effects plugins, Try these 16 inspiring guitar chords that use open strings. I think I'd rather have a takamine if I were looking for a cheaper alternative to the gibson sound. I've been playng with my brother's masterbilt AJ500-m and i love its sound, playability and construction. The AJ500-M was the last great Epiphone Masterbuilt and I think the most "Gibson sounding" model they have made. Masterbilt Acoustic Travel Bluegrass Ukulele Bass. Antique ivory binding on the fretboard. I think in the past Epiphone has had some great guitars in the Masterbuilt line. Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s It is a fantastic guitar. Gibson vs. Epiphone: The Differences That Matter | Reverb News Epiphone's Inspired By Gibson series, however, is a little more ambitious, offering an all solid-wood build and an instrument that narrows the distance a little between a Gibson USA Hummingbird and one built-in China with Epiphone on the headstock. Gibsons new flagship Historic 1960 Hummingbird will set you back five grand, while the Hummingbird Original goes for $3,849. Epiphone Masterbilt Series vs. Gibson Acoustics - Acoustic Guitar Forum Decent guitars. Epiphone Jim James ES-335 '70s Electric Guitar (with Case) $899.00 12 x. Great, thank you. I've recently embarked on an affordable J-45/SS copy and found my guitar. Hummingbird 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar - Aged Cherry Sunburst Gloss. $ 899 .00. The original red label Yamahas have become sought after on the collector market and, if this reissue is anything to go by, its easy to see why. Our review model sported the Aged Antique Natural finish, a lovely muted amber with a soft patina-like effect, and the instrument is also available in the equally attractive Aged Cherry Sunburst. Epiphone Masterbilt inspired by Gibson Hummingbird (Aged Antique - eBay Features of the J-200 include: a sharp-looking solid figured maple back and sides, solid sitka spruce top for classic "Jumbo" tone, mother of pearl Graduated Crown inlays, a two-piece maple neck with a rounded C profile, gold Epiphone Deluxe tuning . General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis_Zmxz51NAwG1UJ. If that's the only negative, then you know it is a very good guitar. You must log in or register to reply here. I started out taking my own (at that time one and onlyhow did I survive with just the one?! Thanks for visiting. MusicRadar is the number one website for music-makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, DJs or producers "Sales don't mean anything. You can pick up a very reasonable Epiphone Hummingbird Studio for just under 300 bucks. Epiphone J-45 AVS - Thomann UK - Musikhaus Thomann Features of the J-45 include: an all solid-wood body, bone nut and saddle, carved and scalloped bracing with a dovetail neck joint. You must log in or register to reply here. Yes, you are correct. The only minus is the pickup is just ok. Fishman Sonicore pickup system with controls for volume and tone in the sound hole. It looks the part, with the split parallelogram inlays, square shoulders and decorative pickguard. You can really beat those strings hard, too, without worrying about throwing the Hummingbird out of tune. If I were looking for cheap sounding and thin, Epiphone and mostly Taylor would be perfect. Epiphone / Inspired by Gibson ES-339 Vintage Sunburst (VS) 17Shops Epiphone / Inspired by Gibson ES-339 Vintage Sunburst (VS) , ktmcapital.com.au 5mrtode_hc7j2rn45 Epiphone / Inspired by Gibson ES . Given that they appear to to be made in the same factory in Indonesia and have the same price ($699), is there any basis for buying one over the other? Slight difference in radius (14 vs 12 inch) and neck shape (slim taper D vs rounded C), different tuners and minor aesthetic differences. I have an older Masterbilt. The dark mahogany grain of the neck, back and sides screams premium; bound in aged ivory. All in all, its a good all-rounder. Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Heritage Cherry A Sigma JM-SG45.. Call or Chat for expert advice and to hear This is more than twice the price of the entry-level build, and in turn, is a little more grown-up. Epiphone - Inspired by Gibson | The Gear Page I wrote three or four new tunes within a day of receiving the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird; the pace has continued, and that tells me something important about the guitar. Free Standard Ground shipping (48 contiguous states, some overweight and Used/Vintage items excluded). In Stock . You still have those iconic Hummingbird pickguard graphics and the awesome mother-of-pearl split parallelogram fretboard markers. The tones are three-dimensional, rich, nuanced, and well balanced. Joe Bonamassa plays AC/DCs Back in Black like youve never heard it before in this soulful rhythm n blues reimagining, How Jeff Beck passed the Telecaster torch to Jimmy Page and changed the course of rock history, Ozzy Osbourne names his dream supergroup and it features three guitarists. Epiphone/Masterbilt AJ-500RNS / Yes, I forgot to mention the shorter scale! purchase from Musician's Friend (electric or acoustic, New or Open Box) includes two years of This is a forum where guitarists, from novice to experienced, can explore the world of guitar through a variety of media and discussion. It wasn't long before I realised that it was becoming the 'de facto' house guitar, for any aspiring performer, however sober or otherwise, to borrow and abuse. The Captain & Ben find out how good they really are when compared to their Gibson. Heres how it works. OK, the nut width is slightly slimmer than the original Gibsons 1.72 inches, but only by a fraction, at 1.69. This Inspired by Gibson J-200 combines beautiful maple back and sides with stylish appointments throughout. That detail will only appreciate in the years to come as the solid wood ages. Epiphone AJ-500ME NSEpiphone Masterbilt AJ-500ME NS Modern Acoustic. I do have a 'thing' for long scale slopes and have fond memories of a Martin CEO-4R. The street price on Epiphones Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird? Epiphone / Masterbilt J-45 EC Aged Vintage Sunburst Gloss ( /+2308111625005 . They are heavy, and provided you find one whose neck is not warped, they are decent guitars. + Good value. Interviews & It's really a great guitar, fit and finish was excellent. That will have been the tail-end of the 'electric years') electro-acoustic at the time. Priced at $200 more than the Masterbuilt AJ45ME, Epiphone upped their game a bit. Cons - Wood vibrates more freely when not buried under a heavy coat of finish-as a result, the Masterbilt guitars have less flash, but a stronger vintage vibe. Acoustic Guitar Review: Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente Offers Modern Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente vs Masterbilt/Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird Black_Pearler Feb 7, 2021 1 2 Next B Black_Pearler Member Messages 116 Feb 7, 2021 #1 Hi all. The DR-500RA and EF-500RA are saved from dullness by a rather spectacular . BA1 1UA. We know this issue because we suffered from it on ourten year old Sigma dreadnought. Please check the fields highlighted in red. i've been thinking about buying the masterbilt dr-500m, but recently i discovered the new model "inspired by texan" and i love the look of it. All at a more attainable price. The thing is: it's expensive. Its easy to talk about aspects like specs and build quality, but then theres that intangible with any acoustic guitar: is it a song machine? MusicRadar verdict: A convincing and grown-up Epiphone take on Gibson's most-famous acoustic, the Inspired By Gibson Hummingbird has all the sonic hallmarks of its illustrious US-built kin. Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Masterbilt Hummingbird Aged Antique - eBay BODY STYLE. Epiphone Masterbilt J-45 vs Gibson J-45 - YouTube With its ornate pickguard depicting flowers and, yes, ahummingbird, theres no mistaking this for any other square-shouldered flight of fancy either. Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson" Acoustics | Page 2 | The Gear Page The results of "lawsuit-era" guitar making are still felt today. BA1 1UA. Whats surprising is how close to Hummingbird territory this DM-SG5+ gets. Les termes et conditions s'appliquent. Find an Epiphone Dealer Dealer Resource Center . I had an AJ-45ME Masterbilt (that I loved but had to sell a few years ago) and I can honestly say that this 'Inspired By Gibson' J45 is a better guitar. Rob is the Guitars Editor for MusicRadar (opens in new tab), handling news, reviews, features, tuition, advice for the strings side of the site and everything in between. The Epiphone Masterbilt line of acoustic-electric guitars continues Epiphone's long tradition of producing high quality, masterly crafted instruments, built with the finest materials and workmanship. I bought an Inspired by Gibson Epi J-200 from Musicians Friend. Cowboy chords on the Hummingbird rang true and full, with a nice coppery top and plenty of balanced bottom end. I have a DR500-M, and had the opportunity recently to play an Inspired by Texan.