Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $550
Standard/Professional
$200
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Natural Color". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Experience the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation with the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE. Designed for musicians who crave the warmth of an acoustic with the versatility of an electric, this guitar is a testament to Epiphone's rich legacy in crafting exceptional instruments. Its solid Sitka spruce top paired with solid mahogany back and sides produces a resonant, full-bodied sound that's both warm and articulate, making it perfect for various playing styles, from fingerpicking to strumming.
The onboard eSonic-2 stereo preamp ensures your sound remains pristine and true, whether you're playing unplugged or plugged in. With a genuine rosewood fretboard and a SlimTaper "D" profile neck, this guitar promises a comfortable playing experience, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the strings. The dovetail neck joint and other heritage luthier techniques featured in the Masterbilt series provide robust build quality and enhance the guitar's tonal richness.
Beyond its impeccable sound, the DR-500MCE's elegant design is a visual treat, embodying both classic and contemporary aesthetics. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring artist, this guitar is your ticket to a sonic journey filled with expressive possibilities.
Key Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- Solid mahogany back and sides
- eSonic-2 stereo preamp system
- Genuine rosewood fretboard
- SlimTaper "D" profile neck
- Dovetail neck joint
Product specs
| Brand | Epiphone |
| Model | Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic/Electric Guitar |
| Finish | Natural |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | Indonesia |
| Categories | Acoustic-Electric Guitars |
| Active Preamp | Yes |
| Back Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Color Family | Natural, Tan |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | Undersaddle Piezo Pickup |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Sides Material | Mahogany |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used in the construction of the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE?
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The Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE features a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, providing a rich and warm tone ideal for various musical styles.
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How does the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE perform when plugged in?
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Equipped with a Fishman Presys preamp and Sonicore pickup, the DR-500MCE offers excellent amplified sound with a 3-band EQ and built-in tuner for versatile tone shaping during performances.
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Is the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE suitable for beginners?
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While the DR-500MCE offers professional features, its comfortable neck and playability make it accessible for beginners who are serious about learning and want a quality instrument to grow with.
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What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE like?
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The DR-500MCE has a comfortable, rounded neck profile with a glued-in, dove-tail, hide-glue neck joint, providing smooth playability and stability.
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Can the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE handle different music genres?
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Yes, the combination of its solid spruce top and mahogany body, along with the Fishman electronics, makes the DR-500MCE versatile enough to handle genres from folk to rock and beyond.
Videos
Mathieu Houeix
Epiphone Masterbilt DR500 MCE - acoustic test
Epiphone Masterbilt DR500 MCE - acoustic test
Mathieu Houeix
Epiphone DR-500MCE - China vs Indonesia - Part 2
Ryan's Custom Shop and Gear Outlet
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound quality, both acoustically and electrically
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Highly praised craftsmanship and materials for its price point
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Dual pickups and double output provide versatile connectivity
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Consistent tuning stability and accurate pitch at the 12th fret
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Comfortable playability with minimal fatigue during long sessions
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Aesthetic appeal that garners admiration
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Solid wood construction enhances tone and resonance
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Reliable and recommended by seasoned guitarists
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Well-suited as a backup for higher-end guitars
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Enhances and changes playing experience positively
CONS
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Some units may arrive defective, requiring replacement
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Natural Color.
Build quality
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Owners mention the electronics feel cheap, specifically the control panel and pickups, which don't match the guitar's otherwise high quality.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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The guitar often requires the bridge to be lowered significantly, as noted by several users.
Source
Features and functionality
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The guitar includes stereo output, a rare feature praised by owners for its versatility.
Source
Comparisons
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One owner compared the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE favorably to $2,000 guitars, noting a surprising tonal brightness.
Source
User experience
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An owner reported a mismatched G tuning machine but found the guitar's tone superior to Taylor models.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
229
Just buy it!!! The DR-500MCE is an awesome acoustic guitar!!!
Epiphone created the Epiphone Masterbilt series acoustic guitars. The DR-500MCE is built great, the materials used to make this guitar are very solid. The playability and tone of this guitar will rival guitars up to $2000 or more. It's that friggin' good!
Doesn't matter if you're a guitar snob or just a person who loves playing a very good sounding guitar. This guitar is top notch. Its one of Epiphone's all-time best acoustic guitars.
I got friends and acquaintances who can afford the high dollar guitars any day. I've let them play this guitar without knowing what it is. Every person said things like "What is this?" This sounds so warm, loud and full"
I don't say this about many guitars that I own or have owned. But I don't see myself every selling this guitar. From the factory this was set up great and sounded amazing out of the box.
Do yourself a favor.. if you can find one of these, grab it! They are discontinued and will only go up in value. I pinch myself sometimes to know I'm alive and to realize I have an amazing acoustic for about 1/4 the price of other comparable sounding guitars.
Taylor, Martin and Gibson "Look sharp!" You got another guitar on the block and it's not a new kid. It's a highly worthy one and this guitar is here to hold its respectable place in acoustic guitar history.
I'll spare you with listing the specs. You can look that up for yourself. I will say the quality of wood, the great finish, fretboard inlays, the bone saddle and nut, the eSonic preamp and NanoMag & NanoFlex pickups reveal just a little bit of what you can expect with this awesome acoustic guitar!
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 DR-500MCE Natural Color, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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