Lpitt56 Posted May 27, 2010 Share Posted May 27, 2010 Hi Folks, I recently purchased a DR-500ME Masterbilt and I love it. The only thing that is bugging me a bit is the strings are tearing up my fingers. I have used Elixers Nanoweb lites for many years on my Taylor and I have gotten use to their coating. I have good caulises but these Gibson Masterbilt strings are killing my fingers. Only problem is that I love the sound coming from this guitar... so my question is will I loose some of these sound if I put a set on Elixers on this guitar? Lp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimitom Posted May 28, 2010 Share Posted May 28, 2010 Hey that's a great guitar you bought! I've played DR-500M once and I was blown away with the sound. Considering the strings.. you can put the elixirs on safely. You will probably get even better sound from your guitar. You'll have to change the strings sooner or later and I doubt that you will find the same strings as on guitar manufacturer setup. cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TxStrat Posted May 28, 2010 Share Posted May 28, 2010 Don't overlook the D'Addario EXP16s. I once was an Avid Elixr Nanoweb user until I tried the EXP16s... FYI, not sure why they use the number 16 they are actually 12s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimitom Posted May 28, 2010 Share Posted May 28, 2010 I agree about D'Addario EXPs. I used 10 and 11 gauges for a few years and they generate very nice and warm sound. Great, warm, and a little fuzzy bass (just the way I like it) and clean shimmering highs. The only problem is that they get worn out very soon. Or it's just me.. Anyway Elixir and D'Addario EXP are both great strings. Try them both Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lpitt56 Posted May 28, 2010 Author Share Posted May 28, 2010 Yep, those are great strings. I will rotate around some and teh D'Addario EXP also have a micro thin coating the really feels good under your fingers. Right now I'm playing every day and giging two to three weekends a month and having to change strings about every four weeks, so I may just buy the Elixers, the D' Addarios and a spare set of the Gibson Masterbilts strings and compare them over the next couple of months. I'll let you know how the test pans out. Thanks for the post! Lp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockanrolla Posted May 30, 2010 Share Posted May 30, 2010 Martin XP 11's are a nice sound on my masterbilt, I thought the Elixirs were a little dull for my rosewood, I also agree on the daddario's too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigtufguy Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Hi folks, Just my Masterbilt DR-500ME a few days ago. I'm not jazzed about the strings either. Am I correct that they come from the factory with 12s on them ? I am used to 11s and find the stock strings on my 500ME a bit tough on the fingers. Also, will making the switch from the stock 12s(if that is what they are) down to 11s cause any problems and if anyone has done this, did you have to adjust the neck at all ? Thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyroadman Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Hi - Shortly after I bought my DR500M, I contacted Epiphone to find out what strings are installed from the factory. Here's the reply I received, Regards "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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigtufguy Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 abbeyroadman, Thank you. This is a big help. Has anyone tried the 11's and if so, how do you like them and what does it do for the overall tone of the guitar ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC mike Posted March 15, 2020 Share Posted March 15, 2020 I hear good things bout John Pearse strings and you can get bone pins for the bridge strings installation point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgrasso Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 (edited) I just bought a 3 pack of Martin Life Span 12s and 1 set of 11s. Coated, long lasting great sounding. Had them delivered. Spending the weekend restringing my three Masterbilts and 2006 Martin DC Aura. Edited March 21, 2020 by mgrasso Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagull Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 Both my Masterbits have D'Addario EJ16's on them. I don't care for coated strings. If you plug in alot I think they are great. But I don't care for them straight acoustic. Their only advantage I find is they last longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telebrent99 Posted June 9, 2020 Share Posted June 9, 2020 EJ-16 are great strings and I use them still. But my absolute choice is Santa Cruz. They are amazing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mik Neville Posted June 23, 2020 Share Posted June 23, 2020 My DR500MCE was built in 2011 I bought it new in 2012 I have played 11 and 52 D'addario EXP26 coated since day one and think there great. It didn't lose any tone at tall going from 12 and 53's just had to do a very small truss rod adjustment is all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stompin77 Posted June 21, 2022 Share Posted June 21, 2022 Just wondering how all you guys went over time (i see this thread is a few years old now). Have you guys changed up the strings and if you have, which ones are now your favourites for the epiphone masterbuilt MCE. Have any brands or guages risen to the top? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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