Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500R

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Page last updated Jun 13, 2026

Pricing and availability

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Price

Average Price: $425

Standard/Professional

$200

$601+

Price Tier

In the Steel-string Acoustic Guitars category, Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500R is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Step into a realm of timeless sound with the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500R, a guitar that effortlessly bridges the past and present. Part of Epiphone's revered Masterbilt series, this acoustic gem resurrects the classic elegance of the 1930s while delivering a rich, immersive tone that can fill any room. Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides, the DR-500R offers an impressive blend of warmth and clarity, making it a versatile choice for both rhythmic strumming and intricate fingerpicking.

The classic dreadnought body shape ensures robust volume and deep, resonant bass, perfect for a variety of musical styles from folk to rock. The neck, made from mahogany, is complemented by a rosewood fingerboard adorned with snowflake inlays, providing both a comfortable grip and a touch of vintage aesthetics. Open-gear Grover tuners keep your tuning stable, while the reverse belly bridge offers enhanced sustain and tonal balance.

With its full-body abalone binding and exquisite craftsmanship, the DR-500R is not just an instrument but a piece of art. Whether on stage or in the studio, this guitar stands out for its sonic brilliance and timeless design, making it a cherished companion for any guitarist seeking to capture the essence of classic acoustic sound.

Key Features:

Body Type: Dreadnought
Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Side Wood: Solid Rosewood
Neck Wood: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood with snowflake inlays
Scale Length: 25-1/2"
Number of Frets: 20
Tuning Machines: Open-gear Grover tuners
Bridge: Reverse belly

Product specs

Brand	Epiphone
Model	Masterbilt DR-500R
Year	2004 - 2019
Categories	Acoustic-Electric Guitars, Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp	No
Back Material	Rosewood
Body Shape	Dreadnought
Color Family	Natural, Tan
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup	None
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Sides Material	Rosewood
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500R?: The Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500R features a premium solid Sitka spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides, providing rich, resonant tones characteristic of high-quality acoustic guitars.
Is the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500R suitable for fingerstyle playing?: Yes, the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500R's dreadnought body and solid wood construction offer excellent projection and tonal clarity, making it suitable for fingerstyle playing as well as strumming.
Does the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500R come with a built-in pickup?: No, the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500R does not come with a built-in pickup, making it a purely acoustic guitar ideal for traditional acoustic performances.
How does the neck profile of the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500R affect playability?: The Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500R features a comfortable neck profile with a bound rosewood fretboard, offering smooth playability suitable for both beginners and experienced players.
What is the sound characteristic of the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500R?: The Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500R delivers a warm, full-bodied sound with excellent sustain, thanks to its solid Sitka spruce top and rosewood back and sides, making it versatile for various music genres.

Videos

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Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Acoustic Guitar Review - Epiphone DR-500R

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Epiphone DR-500R masterbilt at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional sound quality with beautiful bottom end and crystal-clear highs
Satin finish offers a fast, comfortable neck
Equipped with two pickups and a built-in tuner
Rare and desirable, especially first-run models
High-quality construction with rosewood, mahogany, and rare maple options
Vintage sound reminiscent of 60s and 70s records
Unbelievable action and rich voice
More enjoyable to play compared to higher-priced guitars
Offers a pleasing aesthetic with a vintage vibe

CONS

Could be louder for some players' preferences

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500R.

Features and functionality

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The AJ-500MEVS model features an end-pin preamp and a hidden volume trim pot inside the sound hole.
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There is a preference expressed for the Epiphone's traditional wood components over the Martin's alternative materials, such as its fretboard and bridge, which start as compressed fibers.
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The built-in tuner and electronics in newer models are appreciated, though some owners still prefer the non-cutaway, electronics-free version for a more traditional feel.
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User experience

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One owner describes the AJ-500MEVS as having a dark, bassy tone and requiring no adjustments for action.
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Users find it challenging to choose between the two models, indicating a close competition in terms of personal preference and playability.
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Owners describe the DR-500R as playing "like butter," highlighting its exceptional playability for the price.
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Comparisons

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The DR-500 model is critiqued for its boomy sound, especially when compared to other brands like Alvarez.
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The Martin DRS1 is described as lacking the boom of a spruce-topped dreadnought, suggesting it may be more suited for recording due to its balanced frequency response.
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An owner compared the DR-500MCE favorably to similarly priced Martins and Taylors, preferring its sound and playability.
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Use cases and applications

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The AJ-500MEVS is noted for its suitability for players seeking a darker tonal quality without constant action adjustments.
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Build quality

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The Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE is noted for its superior materials compared to the Martin DRS1, particularly highlighting the preference for a spruce top over solid Sapele construction.
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The DR-500R was noted for coming with a high-quality case, which is not commonly included with current models.
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