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DennisB643

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  • Interests
    Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE
    Epiphone Masterbilt DR- 500P
    Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500RE
    Epiphone Dobro
    Epiphone EL-00 Pro
    Nouveau Gibson 12 string
    Martin D-41
  1. Pete, The Masterbilt DR series (I have a few) are standard dred sized guitars of course, The AJ's were modeled after the slope-shoulder Gibson J45. When they first came out in the early 2000's the line was really well balanced and in my opinion, was one of the more attractive guitar lines out there, offering many options and body styles. It has regressed somewhat. Personally, I would only buy a 2006-ish model (preferably in the humidified case). Those guitars seem to the the zenith of the line's quality.
  2. So...with that in mind what are your thoughts on travel guitars?
  3. I had a similar experience. I bought a Tito's vodka Epiphone guitar (DR-100) just to hang in my bar area but I was really blown away with the quality for the price.
  4. Actually, I'm in the same dilemms, having just bought an RV. I treat all my guitars with the same care and respect; from my D41 to the DR100. The thought of a "beater" guitar is new to me.
  5. My battery on my Masterbilt lasted about 5 years. Push on the top tab and it should pop open. It holds two batteries...I think standard 2032 flat batteries.
  6. Welcome to the forum. There's lots of interesting things to learn and experience, most of us being Gibson/Epi aficionados. My first Epi I got around 73' I believe, a 000-size really well made guitar, nice cream binding, etc, etc, etc. When I wanted to get back into music after several years out, I thought about that first Epi, discovered the Masterbilt line and the rest is history.
  7. Cougar

    What brand and gauge of strings are you using on your 12 string(s) currently?

  8. Speaking of Excellentes, there is #2 of 9 1993 vintage from the Bozeman custom shop for sale on Reverb.Asking price is $4400.(no affiliation with the sale).
  9. I think you hit the nail on the head. I played 12 string exclusively in the 70's and we used to tune them down a step, but even then they have to be properly cared for (humidified). Unfortunately some of the Epi 12's I see on Ebay have imploded or the neck is severely bowed resulting in lousy action which may (or may not) be able to be corrected by a couple of turns on the truss rod(s). Most are just two risky to buy....that's my take on it anyway...
  10. I played them back in the 70's and yes we would always tune them down a step to D and then capo at the 2nd fret. I could be wrong about this but the Taylor Kottke model (which I've heard him play several times in concert) is recommended to be tuned down to C#...that's how he got that low rumbling sound. I see so many on Ebay with imploded bodies where the neck joins and it's a shame. I have been looking to add one again (sold my Guild F412 in 83') but I just can't trust the ones on ebay.
  11. My thoughts were more in the $400-450 range which is INSANE for such a great sounding guitar. That is what most of the used Masterbilt AJ's are going for at auction.
  12. Prevailing wisdom has it that hide glue does help the sound (I refer you to the interview with TJ Thompson, master restorer of vintage Martin golden era instruments, Fretboard Journal #26). Of course there are many other factors that affect tone, but at the Masterbilt's price point, hide glue is one of the factors that make it the incredible value for the money. As far as neck joints go, I was surprised to find out that Martin does not use dovetail neck joints on a couple of their lines, they use bolt-on necks (and just not the sub-$1000 line either). The use of hide glue on Martin's was previously discussed in this topic, so I won't revisit it. Not bashing Martins (I own one),but I own 3 Masterbilts.
  13. I thought about the humidity level and the issue of hanging them on the wall. Jury is still out on that. The DR has a thinner neck, which I find more comfortable than the Masterbilt. For the price, the DR is a great value IMHO.
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