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Average Price: $849

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$200

$1001+

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Description

Rediscover the charm of a timeless classic with the Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE Acoustic Guitar. A nod to the company's roots, this model breathes new life into an early design by the founder himself. Crafted in the auditorium body style reminiscent of the early 20th century, the EF-500RCCE offers a unique blend of the old and the new. With a solid cedar top and rosewood sides and back, it delivers clear articulation, making it a perfect companion for finger-picking. Its V-shape one-piece mahogany neck adds to its vintage appeal, while the eSonic2 preamp and Shadow NanoMag acoustic pickups ensure it's stage-ready, just as much as it's suited for a relaxing evening of porch strumming.

Key Features:

  • Auditorium body style
  • Solid cedar top
  • Rosewood sides and back
  • V-shape one-piece mahogany neck
  • eSonic2 preamp
  • Shadow NanoMag acoustic pickups

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Masterbilt EF-500RCCE
Finish Natural Satin
Year 2010s
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
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 Surface Mounted Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Rosewood
String Type Steel
Top Material Cedar

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE?

The Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE features a cedar top with rosewood back and sides, providing a warm, rich tone ideal for fingerstyle playing.

Does the Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE come with a built-in pickup system?

Yes, the Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE includes an active preamp and a surface-mounted pickup, making it suitable for both acoustic and amplified performances.

How many frets does the Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE have?

The Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE is equipped with 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and playing styles.

Is the Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE is designed for live performances with its built-in pickup system and active preamp, offering a reliable and enhanced sound when plugged in.

What is the neck material of the Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE?

The neck of the Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE is made from mahogany, providing durability and a comfortable playing experience.

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Acoustic Guitar Review - Epiphone EF-500RCCE

Video thumbnail for Acoustic Guitar Review - Epiphone EF-500RCCE by Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Acoustic Guitar Review - Epiphone EF-500RCCE

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE by gibsonshopru

Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE

gibsonshopru

gibsonshopru

Video thumbnail for Aint No Sunshine - Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE by Romero Rai

Aint No Sunshine - Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE

Romero Rai

Romero Rai

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Masterbilt EF 500 RCCE NS Review Test Sound Demo by mrmudaa

Epiphone Masterbilt EF 500 RCCE NS Review Test Sound Demo

mrmudaa

mrmudaa

Reviews

PROS

  • Outstanding depth and resonance with beautiful tonal quality

  • Excellent for fingerstyle with wider string spacing

  • Soft V neck offers comfort and reduces hand fatigue

  • Cedar top vibrates easily, perfect for quiet playing with full sound

  • Impressive sound projection both unplugged and plugged in

  • Elegant design with tasteful inlays and body binding

  • Versatile playability, suitable for both strumming and fingerpicking

  • Good price-value ratio for the sound and quality provided

CONS

  • Issues with top breaking away from bracing over time

  • Unreliable tuners that can get stuck occasionally

  • Bridge pickup may sound too shrill, neck pickup too boomy

  • Pickup system picks up excessive strum/picking noise

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE Acoustic Guitar.

Comparisons

  • The Masterbilt EF-500RCCE offers more middle tones and louder dynamics compared to the Epiphone J200 "Inspired by Gibson," which has a brighter tone and fuller bass.

    Source
  • The Masterbilt series, including the EF-500RCCE, is often compared favorably to Korean-made models in terms of sound and build quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Masterbilt EF-500RCCE is preferred for fingerpicking, while the Epiphone J200 is better suited for strumming.

    Source
  • The EF-500RCCE is particularly favored for its suitability in genres requiring dynamic acoustic range, such as folk and acoustic rock.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that the Masterbilt has a huge sound and remains a favorite for its dynamic and loud projection.

    Source
  • After 10 months of ownership, some report no significant issues, highlighting its reliability compared to other Epiphone models.

    Source

Build quality

  • The EF-500RCCE features solid wood construction, which is rare at its price point, offering a rich tone often compared to higher-end models like Taylor and Martin.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest upgrading the nut, as one reported it came unglued after a few months of use, indicating a potential weak point.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Epiphone's Masterbilt EF-500RCCE shines with its vintage charm and warm tones, making it a solid choice for fingerstyle enthusiasts seeking an affordable yet classy acoustic guitar. The blend of cedar and rosewood delivers a rich, full-bodied sound, especially appealing when played unplugged. Its design nods to the 1930s Masterbilts, with a retro aesthetic and thoughtful features like the discreet LR Baggs Element piezo. However, its lack of tonal versatility might not suit players who crave diverse soundscapes. Overall, it's a well-crafted instrument that feels as good as it looks, offering great value for its price point.

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Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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philiptahlin

My favorite guitar!

I tried this guitar in a shop in Italy and knew that I had to have it. The spacing between the strings is a little wider than the usual guitar, making it fantastic for fingerstyle. The sound is outstanding, especially when plugged in using both the NanoMag and NanoFlex pickup. This guitar fits my style perfectly, and I strongly recommend it to other players as well. The price is very good compared to the sound and quality you get.

officialjacobsartorius

Used during my first world tour

AMAZING! Had great results! I absolutely recommend this guitar.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Zakk Wylde uses Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE Acoustic Guitar

Zakk Wylde

Singer, Guitarist

Pantera

...
Verified via Epiphone

Our friends at EMG just published a great live video of Zakk Wylde performing the Black Label Society tune "Lovin' Woman" for EMGtv. Zakk uses his custom Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE and showcases his awesome talent with just acoustic guitar and vocals. It's Zakk Wylde like you've probably never seen him before!

See how Gary Clark Jr uses Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE Acoustic Guitar

Gary Clark Jr

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Epiphone

When asked if he was still playing the Masterbilt EF-500RCCE on stage as a main acoustic guitar Gary Clark Jr said, "I am actually."

See how Jose Madero uses Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE Acoustic Guitar

Jose Madero

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

esta guitarra se le puede ver en el dvd de pxndx cuando grabaron Sangre Fria en minuto 27:46, EL MODELO ORIGNAL ES EL epiphone masterbilt ef 500 rns acoustic guitar PERO LA PAGINA NO ME DEJA PONER EL NOMBRE

See how Dave Rude uses Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE Acoustic Guitar

Dave Rude

Guitarist

Tesla

...
Verified via Epiphone

Quoting the Epiphone official site: "Epiphone has been privileged to work with Dave Rude for several years. Epi instruments in his collection include an original Alleykat, a TV Silver Explorer Pro (both shown in the live Bridgestone Arena photos below), a Sheraton-II, a Masterbilt EF-500RCCE, and more."

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 EF-500RCCE Acoustic Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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