I always wanted a rosewood acoustic guitar but the prices scared me away. Well, the Masterbuilt has been part of the collection from almost day one from when they were released. Flipped a coin and the tobacco burst won. No regrets as it sounds better than it looks or feels (great is an understatement). Deep V neck is unusual and once you get used to it you'll begin to wonder why more guitars don't have V necks. Open gear tuner remind me of an old classical guitar and is a nice touch to detail. I fully expect this guitar to age and mellow over time very well. It won't surprise me if it doesn't rival my fifty year old classical guitar except I'll do my best to treat it better (the classical isn't quite as bad as Willie Nelson's but it's close). Hard to compare to other acoustics because of the unique headstock and neck shape but dollar for dollar I don't think you can get a better guitar especially for a rosewood guitar. The only mod has been replacement of the nut and saddle which is a simple upgrade. Perhaps this model would be even better with an option of no pickguard (I'd remove it but I don't want to leave a big scar or have it refinished. And finally, the satin finish is smooth and thin allowing for breathability. Play one and enjoy an acoustic set for a change of pace.

I own 2 Gibson Acoustics, a Taylor and a Martin HD28. All of the above are set up well, good action, and great intonation. I have played for 45 years. I own the vintage burst satin version Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RA. The only thing it needs is a new nut to allow the high E string to align a little further off the edge so I can grab it cleaner up the neck. I have adjusted to allow very easy fretting and it barely makes a buzz on the low E at one point on strum patterns that is easy to avoid. A good compromise taking it to the extreme on the neck adjustment. I am sure if I spent a little more time on the set up it would be flawless. I like it better than any of the Martin 000-28 Eric Clapton models I have played. Why? tone, projection resonance and volume. Better looker as well. I have absolutely refused to marry a particular guitar in the past but am almost married to this one. If I wasn't such a guitar brain I'd get rid of al the rest and just keep this one. I go back to the MArtin and Taylor but quickly return to this small body Epi Masterbuilt. It is equipped with a non inside mounted controls B Band A2.2 system. When I play it on my Fender Acoustic Jr. Amp I just know it dosn't get any better. It doesn't matter if you are unplugged playing fingerstyle or with a pick, folk bluegrass or blues. This is the best overall guitar I have played. I can't wait to get a chance to perform with it now that it has the pre amp. I played a Collings one time at FQM in Louisville Kentucky that was easier to play but that was the only one I can remember. Of course with the 1-3/4" nut you have to have good size hands to clasp the low E on the F chord. If you can get along with that feature, you will never be sorry for getting one.

This is an amazing guitar I own a Mart D-28 and I like this more than I do a $3000 dollar Martin this is simply a great guitar for all styles plus its pretty and the abalone binding is amazing it has great action for an acoustic guitar and the v neck is awesome buy it you won't regret it

I have been looking for a new acoustic for a while. I have read good reviews about the EF-500RA and they were right. This guitar kicks. It sounded great right out of the box (with a little tuning). I assumed that I might need to take it in for a set up, but luckily, no adjustments were needed. The sound is very rich and smooth and it's easy to play.

I was never a great epi or gibson fan until I purchased this guitar. Although I am only an advanced beginner I have learned more in the last 3 months than I have in my previous lifetime. The guitar is so easy to play that you sit down for 5 minutes and before you know it you've been playing for 2 hours! Cosmetically, this guitar is gorgeous. Now I'm dying to have a J-45 Gibson but have been told it would be a waste of money because this ef-500rav is so great for the price. The sustain is incredible and the size is great for finger picking and parlor playing with friends. Only reason I did not give 5 stars across is because it did not come with a case! I absolutely would not trade this for a D-16 Martin I have.