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Average Price: $600

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$1001+

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Description

For those who yearn for the charm of a bygone era paired with the reliability of modern craftsmanship, the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith delivers in spades. This exquisite parlor-style acoustic guitar is a nostalgic nod to Epiphone's golden age, yet it houses contemporary features that cater to today's discerning musicians. With its solid spruce top and mahogany body, the Zenith produces a rich, warm resonance that echoes the soulful tones of vintage instruments. Its aged nickel trapeze tailpiece not only adds to its old-world allure but also enhances tonal stability.

Beyond its stunning acoustic presence, the Zenith is perfectly equipped for electric performance. Thanks to the eSonic HD preamp and Shadow NanoFlex HD undersaddle pickup, transitioning from unplugged practice to an amplified gig is seamless and sonically satisfying. Whether you're strumming in a cozy living room or captivating an audience on stage, the Zenith offers a versatile sound palette that's both dynamic and expressive.

Crafted with a meticulous attention to detail, the Zenith features a classic "f-holes" design, reminiscent of the days when jazz and blues were king. Ideal for players who appreciate a blend of tradition and innovation, this guitar is more than just a musical instrument—it's a bridge between the past and present, inviting you to create your own timeless melodies.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top with mahogany body
  • Aged nickel trapeze tailpiece for vintage appeal
  • eSonic HD preamp and Shadow NanoFlex HD undersaddle pickup
  • Parlor-style body with classic "f-holes" design

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Masterbilt Century Collection Zenith 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 sound can I expect from the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith?

The Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith delivers a warm and resonant tone due to its solid spruce top and maple back and sides, making it well-suited for jazz and blues styles. Its archtop design enhances projection and clarity, ideal for both acoustic and amplified settings.

How does the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith perform when plugged in?

Equipped with an undersaddle piezo pickup and an active preamp, the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith offers a clear and natural amplified sound, maintaining its acoustic character. This makes it a versatile option for live performances and recording.

Is the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith's responsive spruce top and ebony fretboard provide excellent dynamics and articulation, making it a great choice for fingerstyle players. Its comfortable neck profile also supports intricate fingerpicking techniques.

What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith like?

The Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith features a comfortable "C" shaped neck profile, which offers a smooth playing experience suitable for various playing styles, whether you're strumming chords or playing single-note lines.

Does the Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith come with a case?

The Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith typically does not include a case, so it's advisable to purchase one separately for protection and easy transport. Check with the retailer for specific bundle options.

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith [Product Demonstration]

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith [Product Demonstration] by Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith [Product Demonstration]

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Video thumbnail for My One And Only Love, Olli Back, Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith by Olli Back

My One And Only Love, Olli Back, Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith

Olli Back

Olli Back

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional build quality with flawless construction and smooth ebony fretboard

  • Bright, midtone-heavy sound ideal for blues and old-style jazz

  • Attractive vintage design, praised for its aesthetic appeal

  • Versatile sound that can be adjusted via equalizer for different tones

  • Affordable price for the quality offered, especially under $1000

  • Solid top with durable construction, reminiscent of classic archtops

  • Perfect for fingerstyle and blues, with an addictive attack when played hard

  • Intonation is accurate even up past the 15th fret

  • Electronics perform well with minimal feedback when amplified

  • Includes a plush, tight case for protection

CONS

  • Limited low-end sound may not suit all preferences

  • Tone and volume knobs are hidden in f-holes and may lack durability

  • Neck width may be too wide for players with smaller hands

  • Finish on the laminated body is darker than some might prefer

  • Feedback issues typical of hollow archtops require careful amp placement

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • Players note the Century Deluxe sounds similar to a vintage 1940s Deluxe, offering comparable tones despite being a newer model.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners highlight that these guitars excel when plugged in, suggesting their strength lies in amplified performances.

    Source
  • Despite its acoustic nature, the guitar excels in amplified settings, aligning with user experiences that highlight its strong suit in plugged-in performances.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users have customized their Zenith with new pickguards and tailpieces, enhancing both aesthetics and performance.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners describe the guitar as a rare find, with one user noting they would buy multiple units if available at similar pricing.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some guitars in this series have pickups hidden inside the F-Hole, which may not be immediately visible.

    Source

Build quality

  • The guitar's aesthetic is praised, with one user mentioning its beauty and another noting regret over selling theirs.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner expressed intent to keep the guitar indefinitely, indicating a strong personal attachment and satisfaction with the instrument.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith is an intriguing choice for those seeking an archtop guitar with a vintage flair. It boasts solid build quality and attractive aesthetics for its price of £679. However, its sound may be polarizing; while it excels when amplified, some players may find the unamplified tones a bit harsh and hollow. The floating neck design offers unique playability, but the guitar requires a robust playing style to shine. If you’re after something distinct in a market full of conventional guitars, the Zenith could be worth a try, though it may not suit everyone’s taste.

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Artist usage

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See how Dylan Minnette uses Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith

Dylan Minnette

Singer, Guitarist

Wallows

...
Verified via YouTube

Both Dylan and Braeden can be seen here using Epiphone Masterbilts in this live video at Paste Studios. Dylan uses the sunburst.

See how Oak Felder uses Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith

Oak Felder

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Sound On Sound magazine video titled "Oak Felder - Recording Demi Lovato's 'Sorry Not Sorry'," at the 0:10 mark, the headstock of an Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith guitar is visible in Warren "Oak" Felder's studio.

See how Daniel Kim uses Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith

Daniel Kim

Guitarist, Composer

wave to earth

...
Verified via Photo

In the picture above, Daniel is seen performing with an Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith, in a Vintage Natural finish. This specific guitar model was built as a callback to the original Epiphone guitars, alongside the Zenith models produced by Framus in the 40s-50s. This specific model that Daniel used had several special specifications, with a sound hole, tortoise pickguard, and a extensive decal on the headstock. The guitar's production year is still currently unknown.

See how Fantastic Negrito uses Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith

Fantastic Negrito

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Epiphone

It felt like a common man's guitar and that's what I wanted and that's why I love Epiphone. It sounds like those guitars Robert Johnson was playing. Time went on and different people were offering me guitars. Gibson offered me guitars. And I thought, well Gibson is nice but the Epiphone sounded more accessible. It sounded uglier (laughs). That's my sound. My hand is like the claw. The sound reminded me of me! The guitar, like me is shouting (waves his fists in the air): "I will not die!" It's old and beautiful and ugly and dirty. It's just so sweet baby!

See how Lady Lamb uses Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith

Lady Lamb

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Aly can be seen playing this guitar in a Paste live session as well as during a show in NYC (link 1, link 2)

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Epiphone Masterbilt Century Zenith, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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J

jameslee

Gear IQ 90

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