Stock strings for Epiphone Masterbilt AJ 500-M

[dtharp]

I recently purchased a Masterbilt AJ 500-M and am trying to find out what strings, both brand and whether medium or light gauge, come with it as stock strings when it is setup here in the states prior to shipping. They had color coded ball endings, similar to D'Addario's, although I have since tried both light and medium PB D'Addario's, and I do not believe they are the same. I wondered if it might be the Gibson Masterbilts or J200L, but was not sure if these had the color coding. Anyone have any ideas?

[sangemon1281734057]

I don't know what the stock strings are, but I'm using D'Addario PB lights (12s) on mine and they sound great.

 

In fact I was just thinking to myself how good this guitar sounds as I sat here finger-picking just now.

 

Now to be fair, I've modified my AJ500M. I've slotted the bridge and I'm using these beautiful unslotted snakewood bridge pins. It has improved the sound of this guitar; more volume and better sustain.

 

This one is a definite keeper.

 

[Red 333]

I recently purchased a Masterbilt AJ 500-M and am trying to find out what strings' date=' both brand and whether medium or light gauge, come with it as stock strings when it is setup here in the states prior to shipping. They had color coded ball endings, similar to D'Addario's, although I have since tried both light and medium PB D'Addario's, and I do not believe they are the same. I wondered if it might be the Gibson Masterbilts or J200L, but was not sure if these had the color coding. Anyone have any ideas?[/quote']

 

Gibson Masterbuilt Phosphor Bronze 12's.

[dtharp]

Thanks for the input.

[Ship of fools]

I really like the looks of those pins sangemon, I think they really add to the guitar. How are you liking the unslotted pins, me I think that is often the best way to go for most acoustics these days. I know I have had great luck with them just adding that touch more of vibration to the tops.Ship

I thought I would add this great article regarding strings, hope you guys and girls enjoy reading some.

http://www.flatpick.com/Pages/News_And_Reviews/Gear.html#ST1

[sangemon1281734057]

I really like the looks of those pins sangemon' date=' I think they really add to the guitar. How are you liking the unslotted pins, me I think that is often the best way to go for most acoustics these days. I know I have had great luck with them just adding that touch more of vibration to the tops.Ship

I thought I would add this great article regarding strings, hope you guys and girls enjoy reading some.

http://www.flatpick.com/Pages/News_And_Reviews/Gear.html#ST1[/quote']

 

I love this guitar. It is SHWEEET.

[abbeyroadman]

Hi DTHARP -

 

Here's some information I received from Epiphone about strings on Masterbilts - hope it helps:

 

AbbeyRoadMan

 

Posted: Monday, May 19, 2008 1:33:39 PM

 

All -

 

Here's the question / reply I received from Epiphone re. strings for Masterbilts:

 

QUESTION:

 

I am a new owner of an Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500M - what brand/model and gauge

of strings were installed on the guitar at the factory? I reviewed the Epiphone

acoustic guitar forums (new & old) and there seems to be a discrepancy from

Gibson Support Services when this question was previously submitted to you.

 

One reply was as follows: "The strings used from the factory are Gibson

Masterbuilt strings gauges .010-.046. Thanks." Jon Sutherland, Customer

Services, Gibson Guitar Corporation. The other response was: "I emailed Gibson

this question about what strings are recommended. The response I got was that

the guitars are shipped with Gibson Masterbuilt phosphor bronze gauges 0.12-0.52

(What most would consider a light gauge string)."

 

Can you clarify for us owners exactly what strings are installed at the factory?

It would be helpful to know if there is a difference by model type as well - DR, AJ and EF.

 

Finally, would I invalidate the Epiphone Limited Lifetime Warranty if I

installed medium gauge strings? Thanks in advance for a quick and accurate

reply.

 

REPLY:

 

Sorry about the confusion! All Masterbilt steel-string guitars come

from the factory with Gibson Masterbuilt .012-.052. It will not void your

warranty to use medium-guage strings, it will just require the appropriate neck

adjustments to accommodate for the increased neck tension. I hope this

information is helpful! Thanks for the inquiry!

 

Best regards,

Benton Cummings

Gibson Customer Service

1-800-4GIBSON

service@gibson.com