I bought this guitar because I fell in love with the sound and projection when I first played it. It had a pretty smooth action, a great vintage look, and seemed to have nice features. Everything seemed to be great for such a low price! What I didn't know was that the first one I bought had major neck problems that I didn't notice until after I really got into the guitar. When I took it to a certified Epiphone technician they told me that this was typical for Epiphone products and said I should get something different. Neverthless, I sent it back to the Epiphone company and they sent me another one. On this one 2 of the tuning machines are bad so the guitar doesn't stay in tune long, and an expert technician told me that the rod was not installed correctly in the kneck and also that it was stripped so there is no way to adjust it. So that's why I say "buy at your own risk." I love the sound the look and the action, but the overall quality is questionable and that's what really matters. One last observation, the pre-amp system is ok but if you play live often be prepared to spend some serious money on batteries; they burn quickly. So, I won't tell you not to buy one but be careful, check everything before you buy, and don't be surprised when things go wrong. Good Luck!!!!

I own a Taylor 812 and this guitar sounds just as good - sure it is way bigger, but this really is an amazing guitar. This is the first guitar (out of maybe 15 I have owned across the years) that I bought without playing in person. EVERYTHING about it was WAY better than I expected for this price range (and I am quite picky). Action: perfect, maybe a little low, but I like it like that. GET THIS, in the picture it doesn't show this, but the electronics have a built in tuner that mutes the output when you engage it. Plus it has two output options one stereo that sends separate signals for the two pickups. Or you can mix the two pickups with an onboard slider and send the signal mono - which I do and it sounds great. Strong loud sound unplugged or plugged in. No feedback issues yet. Guitar is gorgeous and an absolute bargain at this price - you would have to spend $1400+ for another brand that has something comparable - yes from experience I would know. CONS? I bought the Epiphone hardshell case for this separately as well. The case is crap. The case doesn't seem to be built well and I would not feel comfortable traveling much with it. Plus, the case is supposed to fit this guitar - the electronic knobs rub dangerously against the padding every time you put the guitar in or out - I will have to modify the case. RECOMMENDATION: Buy the guitar you won't be sorry, you won't be sorry, you won't be sorry - but skip the Epiphone hardshell case that is supposed to fit this! Outrageously good guitar, outrageously great price, outrageously satisfied!

I recently bought one these at my local music store. I was in there trying out a few other high end guitars and I've had my eye on getting slope shoulder j45 Gibson. I picked up the display model and was surprised at the bottom-end and loudness of this instrument. It out gibson's a Gibson at a 3rd of the price. I own a Yairi, a Rainsong, a Larrivee parlor and this guitar compares in quality and workmanship. My Rainsong is still the clearest sounding of my collection of instruments but it's designed for fingerpicking. The Yairi has a maple back so it got that clear sounding voice too. The Epiphone on the otherhand has that big voice needed for bluegrass. It has that deep,woody sound that I'm missing from my other instruments. I ended up getting a new one straight out the wrapper and it was setup perfectly and sounded even better then the floor model ( that one needed new strings) The fit and finish were perfect. The guitar features a one piece rosewood back along with solid rosewood sides and solid spruce top. The satin finish makes for a very fast playing neck and no fingerprints. The true test came Sunday at my local bluegrass meetup ( Baltimore Bluegrass Meetup Group) Most of the guys there are Martin fans and there are a number of new and old instruments that are brought out to the jam so we all get try out each other's guitars. I could tell the Epiphone had more bottom end and was just as clear as some of the old Martins. Based on what I've heard and tried this is one of the best values in the acoustic guitar world if you looking for a new instrument give it a try and save your money. No need to spend Thousands of dollars when you can get the same quality and sound for a lot less.

I bought this guitar 3 months ago and fell in love with it. Brought it home plugged it in, sounded great. The next night at the venue I was playing at, the electronics in it immediatley fried out.

Took the guitar back and got another one. There was a grounding issue...a really loud hum.

Took that guitar back for another one. three times a charm, right? wrong!!! I plugged it in at a gig just the other night and it was buzzing in the nanomag jack and making all kinds of popping sounds. Then the volume in it just went out.

I'm am so upset by this! epiphone has usually made a really great guitar but this model masterbilt is awful. For such a beautifuly crafted guitar, it's a real let down that you can't gig w/ it.

I brought home an AJ-500RE as a backup while my Taylor 810 goes in the shop for some retooling, but it's much more than just a backup. This thing is easy on the eye, gorgeous to the ear and light on the wallet. The satin finish makes the most of the rich rosewood grain and antiqued spruce top, and I love the classic open-gear tuners and tasteful headstock decoration. But the tone sold me - stacks up against Taylor, Martin or Gibson, including a Gibson Advanced Jumbo that was its main head-to-head rival in the store. Nothing does big, tight acoustic low end like a Gibson, except these Epiphones. The Baggs electronics are spot on for this guitar, too - good balanced sound with no external clutter. If you need EQ just use an external box. Mine sounds fab through an SWR Calif. Blonde with tone controls set flat. Overall, this is the best acoustic I've seen for under a grand, and hard to beat for much more than a grand.