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Average Price: $732

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$200

$1001+

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Description

Step into a world where vintage allure meets modern innovation with the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic. This acoustic-electric marvel brings back the elegance of the early 20th-century archtop guitars, tailored for today's discerning musicians. At the heart of its timeless sound is a solid spruce top with longitudinal bracing, paired seamlessly with a rich solid mahogany body, ensuring a resonant and full-bodied tone that both fingerstyle players and strummers will adore.

The neck, crafted in a comfortable C-shape from solid mahogany, offers a smooth playing experience, whether you're delving into intricate jazz chords or letting loose on a folk ballad. But what truly sets this instrument apart is its modern electronic capabilities. The eSonic HD preamp system, paired with a Shadow NanoFlex HD undersaddle pickup, delivers pristine amplified sound, capturing every nuance of your performance with clarity and depth.

From the studio to the stage, the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic is more than just a guitar; it’s a statement piece, bridging the gap between vintage charm and contemporary needs. Whether you're an acoustic purist or an electric enthusiast, this guitar offers a versatile palette of sounds that will inspire and captivate.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top with longitudinal bracing
  • Solid mahogany body
  • C-shape mahogany neck
  • eSonic HD preamp system
  • Shadow NanoFlex HD undersaddle pickup
  • Vintage-inspired archtop design

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Masterbilt Century Collection De Luxe Classic Archtop Acoustic/Electric Guitar
Finish Vintage Natural, Vintage Sunburst
Year 2010s
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars, Archtop Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Maple
Body Shape Archtop
Color Family Brown, Natural, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Ebony
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Maple
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What kind of wood is used in the construction of the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic?

The Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic features a solid spruce top, maple back and sides, and an ebony fretboard, providing a rich and resonant tone suitable for various playing styles.

Does the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic have an active preamp?

Yes, the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic includes an active preamp, which enhances its acoustic-electric capabilities for amplified performances.

What type of pickup is used in the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic?

This guitar is equipped with an undersaddle piezo pickup, allowing for clear and natural amplification of its acoustic sound.

Is the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic suitable for jazz music?

With its archtop body shape and rich tonal qualities, the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic is well-suited for jazz, providing a warm and resonant sound ideal for this genre.

How many frets does the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic have?

The Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic features 20 frets, offering a comfortable range for both rhythm and lead playing.

OfficialEpiphone

OfficialEpiphone

Masterbilt Century De Luxe Classic - Chris Scruggs

Video thumbnail for Masterbilt Century De Luxe Classic - Chris Scruggs by OfficialEpiphone

Masterbilt Century De Luxe Classic - Chris Scruggs

OfficialEpiphone

OfficialEpiphone

Video thumbnail for Stacy Mitchhart Demonstrates The Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic by OfficialEpiphone

Stacy Mitchhart Demonstrates The Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic

OfficialEpiphone

OfficialEpiphone

Video thumbnail for Review: Epiphone Masterbilt Century De Luxe Classic, an Affordable Archtop by Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Review: Epiphone Masterbilt Century De Luxe Classic, an Affordable Archtop

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Video thumbnail for Chris Scruggs Demonstrates The Epiphone Masterbilt Century De Luxe Classic by OfficialEpiphone

Chris Scruggs Demonstrates The Epiphone Masterbilt Century De Luxe Classic

OfficialEpiphone

OfficialEpiphone

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautiful vintage-inspired design with a 1930s archtop aesthetic

  • Robust acoustic tone with midrange punch and sparkle

  • Comfortable, chunky neck favored by many players

  • Solid construction with attention to detail, despite being made in Indonesia

  • Low action and good intonation make it easy to play

  • Versatile sound for slide, fingerstyle, and blues playing

  • Good value for the price, especially for an archtop model

CONS

  • Built-in piezo pickup can sound harsh and brittle

  • Original tuners may feel gritty and inaccurate

  • Some fret buzz may occur higher up the neck

  • A bit heavy and less portable for some players

  • Non-cutaway design limits access to upper frets

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic.

Mods and upgrades

  • Floating pickups and custom pickguards are recommended for a jazzier sound and personalization.

    Source
  • Owners frequently change out the pick guard and tail piece to enhance both aesthetics and performance.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Masterbilt Century Deluxe is optimal for fingerstyle, bluegrass, and Chet Atkins styles due to its unique acoustic properties.

    Source
  • The Masterbilt Deluxe is particularly praised for its performance when plugged in, highlighting its strength in amplified settings.

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  • Archtop acoustics like the Masterbilt are particularly suited for jazz, despite some users preferring flattops for their tonal qualities.

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Features and functionality

  • The hollowbody design allows for a different tonal experience compared to standard acoustics, especially when amplified.

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Comparisons

  • The Masterbilt is described as having a distinct, bright, and full sound compared to vintage models like the Devon.

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  • A direct comparison between a vintage 1940s Deluxe and the current model reveals similar tonal characteristics, despite the age difference.

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  • Some potential buyers compare it to the J-45, preferring the latter for its sound in demos.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Customization is suggested for tailpieces to enhance playability, particularly on older models like the Devon.

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  • Owners find the guitar shines after a proper setup, particularly recommending flat wound strings and careful adjustment of the floating bridge.

    Source

Build quality

  • It's noted that the natural finish on the Deluxe has a massive C neck profile, contributing to the guitar's substantial feel and playability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • At $450, the guitar is considered a steal if in good condition, especially for its amplified performance.

    Source

User experience

  • The guitar's aesthetic is appreciated, though it's emphasized that a test play, both plugged and unplugged, is crucial before purchasing.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Epiphone Masterbilt Century De Luxe Classic, an Affordable Archtop | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

The Epiphone Masterbilt Century De Luxe Classic impresses with its vintage-inspired design and modern playability, offering a robust sound and smooth intonation that rivals vintage archtops. While some finish details and its weight might deter purists, its affordable price and cleverly integrated electronics make it a great choice for jazz enthusiasts and acoustic players seeking to expand their tonal palette. Despite minor aesthetic flaws, its overall build quality and performance make it a standout in its price range.

positive

Epiphone Masterbilt Century De Luxe Classic - Guitars - Harmony Central

harmonycentral.com

The Epiphone Masterbilt Century De Luxe Classic is a big-bodied archtop that blends vintage aesthetics with modern functionality. Its solid spruce top and maple body deliver a commanding, bright sound with excellent projection, making it perfect for acoustic settings. The hidden onboard controls and feedback resistance add to its appeal. However, its substantial neck might not suit everyone, especially those with smaller hands. While not designed as an electric, its amplified acoustic tone stands out. Overall, this guitar offers a unique retro vibe and sound, ideal for players seeking an alternative to traditional flat-tops.

positive

Epiphone Masterbilt Century Olympic, Zenith & De Luxe Classic

guitar.com

Epiphone's Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic series marks a triumphant return to quality acoustic-archtop guitars, blending vintage aesthetic with modern convenience. The meticulous attention to detail, from aged tailpieces to period-correct tuners, is commendable. The Olympic model, with its punchy midrange and dynamic performance, stands out as a fun, rootsy instrument. The Zenith offers a more familiar sound with open treble and deeper bass, while the De Luxe combines size with sonic sophistication. Though the plugged-in tone can be bright, the onboard controls provide flexibility. Epiphone has succeeded in creating distinct models with authentic vintage vibes, making them delightful to play and hard to resist.

positive

4.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

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See how samuraiguitarist uses Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic

samuraiguitarist

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:45, you could see him holding this guitar.

See how Elliott Skinner uses Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic

Elliott Skinner

Singer, Guitarist

Thirdstory

...
Verified via Getty Images

In the attached photo, Elliott is playing his Epiphone DeLuxe Masterbilt guitar in a live setting. He's used it in studio settings, as well.

See how J. P. Cormier uses Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic

J. P. Cormier

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video titled "JP Cormier – 'The Messenger' – New Bedford Folk Festival, July 9, 2017" by thirdshf on YouTube, J. P. Cormier is seen using an Epiphone Masterbilt Century Deluxe Classic.

Genre Usage

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