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PeteMarko

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Posts posted by PeteMarko

    What model Gibson is being played in this video?

    in Gibson USA

    Posted

    2 minutes ago, Twang Gang said:

    Having owned a 336 and now a 356 I'd say that is definitely a 336.  They don't come stock with a Bigsby, but anyone can add one.  Believe that would be the tangerine burst.  The tone is 336 which is carved from a solid block of mahogany as opposed to a 339 which is the maple/poplar/maple sandwich.  Gibson doesn't make them all the time so they are pretty hard to find.

    Its a shame there hard to find, I would love to try one 🙂

    Epiphone Casino Coupe hard case

    in Epiphone Electrics

    Posted

    I just purchased a new Epiphone Casino Coupe , the dealer was not able to supply me with a hard case. I have searched and cannot find a suitable case for this instrument. I live in Australia so ideally would like to buy one here.

    I have  seen it said online that a 339 case will fit, others say it won't fit properly, if I'm going to buy a case I need one that fits properly.

    Any suggestions welcome

    Thanks

    Pete

    Epiphone DR500MCE | I have 2 questions.

    in Epiphone Acoustics

    Posted

    1. Epiphones are often modeled after a Gibson, so  which guitar is the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE modeled after?.

    2. My guitar is new so it still has the original strings. I have a few packets of D'addario EJ16's  and will try them first. But does anyone have any comments about their preferences in regards to strings for the DR500MCE?

    Pete

    Epiphone DR-500MCE | Possible purchase

    in Epiphone Acoustics

    Posted · Edited by PeteMarko

    On 12/19/2019 at 12:17 AM, Cougar said:

     

    Never say never!  Congrats on your new Masterbilt!

     

    Thank you

     

    One question and its not a big deal, my DR500MCE comes with a owners manual, its just general information about Epiphone guitars in general its contains very little about my specific instrument.

    I can't find a specific manual for this instrument, string gauges, electronics etc.

    If not, no a big deal.

     

    Epiphone DR-500MCE | Possible purchase

    in Epiphone Acoustics

    Posted

    On 11/8/2019 at 12:55 AM, PeteMarko said:

    I am seriously considering buying the Epiphone DR-500MCE here in Australia. I haven't played one yet but from all accounts from all the positive reviews I have read, I doubt I can go wrong.

    I currently have a Epi Hummingbird Pro and an AJ220SCE  which I may sell to finance the new DR-500MCE. I am now 65y old and I want just one guitar, a keeper. I cant afford a Gibson, Martin or Taylor ect.

    My question is, given most of the reviews are years old, is the build quality still as good now in 2019? Has anything changed to the guitars detriment? Where is the guitar now built? I assume China?

    Thanks in advance

    Pete

    I took delivery of my Epiphone-DR500MCE today, I purchased the guitar online, I am thrilled with it already. Everything with the sale went faultlessly, I took a call from the tech who did the Pleck and full check on the instrument. He also asked me about string and setup preferences. 

    The guitar itself is all I expected, the first thing I noticed was the sustain, wow! a full and rich bass. I was a little worried about the neck but it is perfect. It is gorgeous to look at, and flawless.

    Would I do this process again, in a heartbeat using the same retailer? 

    I am 66y in February and I don't seem me buying another acoustic, a strat and an Epiphone Casino would be nice but, well we shall see.:)

    I have yet to plug it into my Fishman Mini Loudmouth, but all the accounts from other users that have plugged it in have voiced high praise for the DR500MCE when plugged in.

    I am 10/10 on the happy meter.

    Pete
     

    Epiphone DR-500MCE | Possible purchase

    in Epiphone Acoustics

    Posted

    Thank you for posting about your experiences with the AJ500ME and Hummingbird. I am still waiting for my new AJ500ME to arrive, its had to be ordered in from the distributor. My only concern is the neck, it seems the Hummingbird Pro and the AJ500ME share the same neck specs. The neck on my Hummingbird is a bit to thick for me and is the only thing I'm not overly keen on. However its not a deal breaker tho in reference to buying the .AJ500ME, I hope 🙂

    Epiphone DR-500MCE | Possible purchase

    in Epiphone Acoustics

    Posted

    Yes I have seen the rosewood version 🙂 It's early days yet but at this stage I am thinking the Epiphone AJ-500MCE might be best for me, it ticks all the boxes except for scale length perhaps. I really am at the stage where only playing each version  should help me make the final decision.

    I'm really looking forward to playing them.

    Epiphone DR-500MCE | Possible purchase

    in Epiphone Acoustics

    Posted

    Its funny how things happen sometimes, you mentioned Elixir 80/20 nanoweb lights (.12-.53) which I had already ordered and turned up today 🙂  I am going to fit them to my hummingbird tomorrow probably.  I dont play the hummingbird very much as I have always considered the sound of it a bit thin. Plugged into my Fishman Loudmouth mini is a another story, it literally comes alive and sounds full to a point I need to roll some bass off. I bought the guitar very cheaply and have no regrets, its almost in mint condition. I might sell the AJ220 but I dont think I can let my Hummingbird go actually.

    BTW, both my guitars have has bone nut and saddles fitted by a well-know luthier in my area.

    For some reason I didnt notice the aj-45 is not a cut-away, again not a deal breaker but I do often like to play up the neck.

    So much to think about! I will have to find a store that has both and spend a good few hours trying them both 🙂

    Its all part of the  fun.

    Epiphone DR-500MCE | Possible purchase

    in Epiphone Acoustics

    Posted

    Well again I applaud you for your very detailed response, I am drawn to your description of a sweeter sound from the Masterbilt AJ-45me. Your description of the  DR500mce somewhat fits my AJ-220SCE, I love the sound of it, but I wish the treble was a little brighter, sweeter. Perhaps the AJ-45me is a better choice for me. I will have to try them and see. As said earlier, I was prepared to go with the DR500mce , its great to have a second choice to consider.

    A couple of things I forgot to mention, I use D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Light Acoustic Strings 12-53.

    I play mainly fingerstyle, again the aj-45 might be the better fit.

    BTW I do prefer a glossy finish and did see a post somewhere else about polishing in a high gloss. I didn't realize it was so labour intensive tho 🙂

    Epiphone DR-500MCE | Possible purchase

    in Epiphone Acoustics

    Posted

    Thank you for your detailed response, I am glad you have made me aware of the Masterbilt AJ-45me, I really did not even look at it. Again, rave reviews for this guitar.

    A couple of minor concerns are the scale length and the neck profile.

    My AJ-220SCE has a SlimTaper™ C-Shape ( thinner) which I really like,  The Epiphone Masterbilt 2015 AJ-45ME and 500MCE use the SlimTaper™; D profile (thicker)

    I think I can live with the thicker profile, my Hummingbird Pro uses it and it' s the first thing I notice when I play it.

    My AJ-220SCE has the longer scale length which I like too : Scale Length    25.50"

    The Masterbilt 2015 AJ-45ME:  Scale Length    24.75”

    The 500MCE :  Scale Length    25.5" same as my AJ-220SCE

    Neither of these issues are deal breakers tho.

    I will need to find a dealer that has both, unfortunately none close by, but I will make a trip.

    You have described the sound of the 500MCE  "has a  wonderful chocolate dark tone" taking into account it is near impossible to describe how guitars sound, I will ask anyway and take it as subjective.  Are you able to put into your own words the difference in sound between the 2 guitars? 

    Many thanks

    Pete

    Specs from the Epiphone site;


    Hummingbird Pro
    SPECIFICATIONS
    Top    solid spruce
    Body    select mahogany
    Neck    select mahogany
    Neck Profile    SlimTaper™ "D" Profile
    Fingerboard    
    Fingerboard Radius    12"
    Truss Rod    Adjustable
    Binding    -fingerboard 1-ply (white)
    -body top 5-ply (white/black)
    -body back 1-ply (white)
    Fingerboard Inlay    pearloid parallelogram
    Scale    24.75"
    Frets    20, medium frets
    Nut    1.68"
    Bridge    reverse belly
    Saddle    compensated, imitation bone
    Pickguard    imitation Tortoise with traditional Hummingbird artwork
    Hardware    nickel
    Machine Heads    Grover™ 14:1
    Electronics    Active Pickup System with EQ
    Controls    -master volume
    -treble eq
    -bass eq
    Typical Weight (+/- 5%)    5.0 lbs
    Strings    D’Addario® 12, 16, 25, 34, 41, 53

    AJ-220SCE
    SPECIFICATIONS
    Top Material    B, NA, VS = Solid Sitka Spruce, MA = Solid Mahogany
    Body Material    Select Mahogany
    Neck Material    Mahogany
    Neck Shape    SlimTaper™ C-Shape
    Neck Joint    Glued-In, Set Neck
    Scale Length    25.50"
    Fingerboard Material    Granadillo with "Dot" inlays
    Fingerboard Radius    12"
    Frets    20, Medium/Jumbo
    Truss Rod    2-Way Adjustable
    Nut Width    1-11/16"
    Hardware    Nickel
    Machine Heads    Premium Die-Cast with Kidney buttons; 14:1 ratio
    Bridge Pickup    NanoFlex™ low-impedance pickup
    Controls    Shadow® Performer Tuner HD Preamp, Built-In Tuner with auto-mute, Master Volume, Phase (feedback cancellation), Treble EQ, Bass EQ, Tuner (on/off); On - Output Muted
    Pickguard    Imitation Tortoise with vintage metal "E" logo
    Power    Two 2032 Lithium Batteries
    Output    1/4" Endpin
    Colors    Ebony, Natural, Mahogany Burst, Vintage Sunburst
    Bridge    Granadillo
    Options    Hard Case (940-EDREAD), Case UPC = 711106261362
    Warranty    Epiphone Limited Lifetime
    Service    1-800-4GIBSON (1-800-444-2766), service@gibson.com

    DR-500MCE
    PRODUCT FEATURES
    Solid Sitka Spruce top
    Bone nut and saddle
    eSonic2 HD™ preamp
    Epiphone vinage style 18:1 machine heads
    SPECIFICATIONS
    Top    Solid Sitka Spruce
    Body    solid Mahogany
    Side    solid Mahogany
    Neck    Mahogany; 1-piece plus heel
    Neck Shape Options    SlimTaper™ “D” profile
    Neck Joint    Glued-In, Dove-Tail with hide glue
    Truss Rod    Adjustable
    Scale Length    25.5"
    Fingerboard    pearloid Split-Diamond Inlays
    Neck Pickup    Shadow NanoMag™
    Bridge Pickup    Shadow NanoFlex™
    Electronics    eSonic-2HD™ Stereo Preamp
    Controls    eSonic2™ preamp with built-in tuner, stereo output, Master Volume Pot, NanoMag™ EQ Pot, NanoFlex HD™ EQ Pot, Phase "Anti-Feedback" Switch, Electronic Tuner Activation w/Output Mute Switch Binding: Body: 6-ply; Neck:1-ply, Headstock: 3-ply
    Fingerboard Radius    14"
    Frets    20; medium
    Bridge    
    Saddle Material    Bone
    Nut Width    1.68"
    Nut Material    Bone
    Hardware    Nickel
    Machine Heads    Epiphone vintage style 18:1 ratio
    Color    Vintage Sunburst (VS), Natural (NA), Gloss Finish
    Typical Weight (+/- 5%)    5.1 lbs
    Strings    D’Addario® 12, 16, 25, 34, 41, 53


    Epiphone Masterbilt 2015 AJ-45ME
    SPECIFICATIONS
    Top    Solid Sitka Spruce
    Back    Solid Mahogany
    Side    Solid Mahogany
    Neck    Mahogany, 1-piece heel
    Neck Shape    SlimTaper™; D profile
    Neck Joint    Glued-In; Dove-Tail with hide glue
    Truss Rod    Adjustable
    Scale Length    24.75”
    Fingerboard    Pearloid Dot Inlays
    Bridge Pickup    Shadow® NanoFlex™ ; Under Saddle
    Electronics    Shadow® Sonic™ Soundhole
    Controls    
    -Master Volume
    -Treble EQ
    -Bass EQ
    -Phase “Anti-Feedback” Switch
    -Low Battery Indicator
    Power    Two #2032 Lithium Batteries (3V)
    Binding    Body, 5-ply
    Fingerboard Radius    14”
    Frets    20 medium
    Bridge    
    Saddle Material    Bone
    Nut Width    1.69”
    Nut Material    Bone
    Hardware    Nickel
    Machine Heads    Grover™ Sta-Tite™ 18:1 ratio
    Includes    
    User Manual
    Truss Rod Wrench
    Epiphone Poster
    Epiphone Bumper Sticker
    Optional    Hard Case
    Color    Vintage Sunburst Satin

     

     

     

    Epiphone DR-500MCE | Possible purchase

    in Epiphone Acoustics

    Posted

    I am seriously considering buying the Epiphone DR-500MCE here in Australia. I haven't played one yet but from all accounts from all the positive reviews I have read, I doubt I can go wrong.

    I currently have a Epi Hummingbird Pro and an AJ220SCE  which I may sell to finance the new DR-500MCE. I am now 65y old and I want just one guitar, a keeper. I cant afford a Gibson, Martin or Taylor ect.

    My question is, given most of the reviews are years old, is the build quality still as good now in 2019? Has anything changed to the guitars detriment? Where is the guitar now built? I assume China?

    Thanks in advance

    Pete

    Epiphone Model AJ-220SCS/EB | Finish?

    in Epiphone Acoustics

    Posted

    Ok, thanks, maybe its because its black and shows every little mark, I clean it with Gibson Pump polish which isn't bad, I'm looking around for a silicone free wax to try on it, Taylor recommend Turtle Express Shine which funny enough apparently contains silicone, and they say don't use anything with silicone? go figure?

    Pete

    Epiphone Model AJ-220SCS/EB | Finish?

    in Epiphone Acoustics

    Posted

    Hi Jeff, I have  a Hummingbird Pro which has a very shiny finish, I'm sure it is polyurethane.  but my 220 SCS/EB is not quite as glossy as that, it will show marks and fingerprints, the Hummy responds to a quick wipe with a clean rag and is good as new. I think there might be a difference, not sure what though. Its not a satin finish. 

    IMG_20181104_154639.jpg

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