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Epiphone Masterbilt

Anastasio Stathopoulos founded Epiphone in 1873, though it didn't yet have that name, as a company that manufactured musical instruments. The name comes from Anastasio's son, Epaminondas, who took the company over in 1915, and the Greek word for sound, which is phone. Early on the company produced instruments like lutes, fiddles and mandolins, thanks to Anastasio having made his own instruments in Smyrna before immigrating to America in 1903. These electric guitars were still years away.

When Anastasios died and his son took over in 1915 the company was soon dubbed The House of Strathopolous. Banjo production began after the end of World War I and the company became more prosperous than ever. Banjos called Recording Line banjos were released starting in 1924, and within a few years the name became the Epiphone Banjo Company. The first guitars came in 1928 in what was called the Recording Guitar line, a far cry from their later electric guitars.

These guitars were not a commercial success for a variety of reasons. They had a different shape than other guitars, were very small and highly ornate. Gibson dominated the marketplace, and Epiphone had no endorsements from musicians. Epiphone released its Masterbilt series in the early 1950s to rival Gibson's Master Model series, and one of the biggest music industry rivalries was begun.

Epiphone guitars became known as some of the finest in the world. Their first guitars were introduced when they decided not only to take on Gibson, but Rickenbacker, the creator of the first electric guitars. In 1935 the Electar series was introduced. They had beaten Gibson to the punch by introducing an electric. Within two years, Epiphone sales had doubled thanks to the new electric guitars.

The rivalry between Gibson and Epiphone continued, with similar releases, and one releasing a bass when the other released a violin. It was one of the grandest competitions of the time, and continued until World War II. Epi died of leukemia in 1943, leaving the company in the hands of brothers Orphie and Frixo. While competition with Gibson continued and for a few years things seemed to continue as usual, the brothers did not have a good relationship.

While they were still producing electric guitars and other instruments, Frixo sold his shares to Orphie in 1948 to be free of the business. By now, the electric guitars were suffering under the strain of the company's management, with less top-notch production and craftsmanship. And those hired to produce the electric guitars were increasingly pushing for unions, as unionization was a huge theme in post-war America. To escape the union pressures, Orphie moved the company from Manhattan to Philadelphia in 1953. But many of the craftsmen who had been making the Epiphone electric guitars refused to move, and the quality fell.

During this period of lower quality Epiphone guitars, Gibson's reputation had grown stronger with the introduction of the Telecaster and then the Cadillac of guitars, the Stratocaster. Gibson had been producing basses before the war and not restarted. When Orphie offered their bass department to Gibson for $20,000, he accepted and Gibson absorbed the company. Because Epiphone had previously been some of the most-respected instruments on the market, Gibson didn't lose the brand name, instead incorporated it into their own.

Epiphone electric guitars now became quality instruments that were sent to dealerships who hadn't won a contract to sell actual Gibson's. Competition was fierce for Gibson guitars then, and only certain sellers were even allowed to carry them. So those who wanted them but hadn't yet earned the right would get to carry these electric guitars instead. By 1958 Gibson revived some of the classic Epiphone guitars. Eventually stars like Ernest Tubbs and 3 of the Beatles used Epiphone guitars, pushing them on to greater success.

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Used Epiphone Masterbilt Dr-500-Mce $399.99 In Store Used USED EPIPHONE MASTERBILT DR-500-MCE

Used Epiphone Masterbilt Nc $399.99 In Store Used USED EPIPHONE MASTERBILT NC

Used Epiphone Masterbilt Dr500m $439.99 In Store Used USED EPIPHONE MASTERBILT DR500M

Used Epiphone Masterbilt Dr500mns Dread $274.99 In Store Used USED EPIPHONE MASTERBILT DR500MNS DREAD

Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural $599 Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural

Epiphone Masterbilt Dr-500Mce Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural $599.99 Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural

Used Epiphone Aj500rens Masterbilt Ae Ctwy Rw $479.99 In Store Used USED EPIPHONE AJ500RENS MASTERBILT AE CTWY RW

Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE Fingerstyle Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural Satin Gold $695.13 Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE Fingerstyle Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural Satin Gold

Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500M Advanced Jumbo Acoustic Guitar Natural Satin Nickel $434.13 Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500M Advanced Jumbo Acoustic Guitar Natural Satin Nickel

Epiphone Masterbilt Ef-500Ra Acoustic Guitar Gloss Finish Gold Hardware $899.99 Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RA Acoustic Guitar Gloss Finish Gold Hardware

Epiphone Masterbilt Aj-500M Advanced Jumbo Acoustic Guitar Natural Satin Nickel $434.13 Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500M Advanced Jumbo Acoustic Guitar Natural Satin Nickel

Epiphone Masterbilt Ef-500Rcce Fingerstyle Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural Satin Gold $695.13 Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE Fingerstyle Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural Satin Gold

Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500ME Advanced Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural Satin Nickel $477.63 Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500ME Advanced Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural Satin Nickel

Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE Fingerstyle Acoustic-Electric Guitar Gloss Finish, Gold 886830314407 $639.2 Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE Fingerstyle Acoustic-Electric Guitar Gloss Finish, Gold 886830314407

Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500ME Advanced Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural Satin 886830332944 $230.58 Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500ME Advanced Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural Satin 886830332944

Epiphone Masterbilt Aj-500Me Advanced Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural Satin Nickel $477.63 Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500ME Advanced Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural Satin Nickel

Epiphone Masterbilt Aj-500Re Advanced Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural Satin Gold $599 Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500RE Advanced Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural Satin Gold

Epiphone Masterbilt Aj-500M Advanced Jumbo Acoustic Guitar $499 Expert luthiery to rival Epiphone's classic 1930s guitars is evident in the Masterbilt AJ-500M's precision top, back, and fretboard binding. A light jumbo acoustic guitar with great volume, projection, and natural warmth enhanced by solid mahogany back and sides. Nickel hardware, stickpin inlay, and offset notch headstock add visual elegance.Check the drop-down menu to the right to select colors and/or other options.Solid Sitka spruce topSolid mahogany back and sidesRosewood fretboardMahogany neckNickel tuners

Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500M Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar $449 The DR500M Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar has a traditional dreadnought shape crafted with solid mahogany back and sides with a solid Sitka spruce top for great warm tone.With the Masterbilt DR-500M Epiphone revives the prestige of its 1930s guitars. This flat-top guitar features solid wood construction and a distinctive 1930s-style "offset notch" peghead shape with historic Epiphone script logo and mother-of-pearl "stickpin" inlay.The DR-500M is the quintessential flat-top guitar and has other features that include quality vintage-style Grover Sta-Tite 16:1 ratio machine heads; bone nut and saddle; imitation tortoise pickguard; nickel hardware; and a bound body, neck, and headstock.

Epiphone Masterbilt Dr-500M Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar $429 The DR500M Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar has a traditional dreadnought shape crafted with solid mahogany back and sides with a solid Sitka spruce top for great warm tone.With the Masterbilt DR-500M Epiphone revives the prestige of its 1930s guitars. This flat-top guitar features solid wood construction and a distinctive 1930s-style "offset notch" peghead shape with historic Epiphone script logo and mother-of-pearl "stickpin" inlay.The DR-500M is the quintessential flat-top guitar and has other features that include quality vintage-style Grover Sta-Tite 16:1 ratio machine heads; bone nut and saddle; imitation tortoise pickguard; nickel hardware; and a bound body, neck, and headstock.Solid mahogany back and sidedSolid Sitka spruce topSet mahogany neckRosewood fingerboard25-1/2" scale1.68" nut width

Epiphone Masterbilt Dr-500Mce Acoustic-Electric Guitar $599 The Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE guitar combines traditional construction methods and features with premium all-solid tone woods to bring you a new-vintage electric guitar with deep, rich lows, shimmering highs, and just the right amount of mids. While many other guitars in this price class use pressed backs, spliced neck joints, and even artificial wood backs and sides, you can be assured that this Epiphone guitar holds true to its all-solid wood promise. It features a solid Sitka spruce top, hand-scalloped Sitka spruce braces, mahogany kerfing, a 25-1/2"-scale rosewood fingerboard, and a rosewood bridge. Players looking for vintage tone and vibe will appreciate the handcrafted dovetail neck joint and hide-glue construction. The Epiphone DR-500MCE guitar has a solid mahogany back and sides, as well as a 20-fret, hand-shaped mahogany neck that joins the body at the 14th fret, which is adorned with carefully cut, split-diamond pearl fretboard inlays. As with all Masterbilts, the Epiphone electric guitar features a vintage-style offset headstock with a stickpin inlay.While the Epiphone DR-500MCE sounds great unplugged, it really comes alive when plugged inthanks to the eSonic2 preamp system. Made in cooperation with Shadow Germany, the eSonic2 preamp features a built-in, easy-to-use tuner. When engaged, the Epiphone guitar's output is automatically mutedwith no popping noisemaking it a perfect choice for stage use. You can even push in the tuner button and unplug the guitar without a loud pop. Other controls on this state-of-the-art preamp include Master Volume, NanoFlex Tone, NanoMag Tone, Stereo Blend, Low Battery indicator, and a Phase switch to help eliminate unwanted feedback. The preamp uses two 2032 lithium watch batteries that are not only lightweight, but provide significantly longer life than old-fashioned, heavy 9V batteries. Under the bone saddle is Shadow's proprietary NanoFlex, a low-impedance pickup. Not a piezo, this unique flexible sensing material features integrated active electronics into the Epiphone electric guitar that not only pick up string vibration, but also top and body vibrations for a truly acoustic tone without the harshness of piezos. Complimenting the NanoFlex is the revolutionary NanoMag pickup mounted at the harmonic-rich, end of the fingerboard. Exclusively from Shadow, the NanoMag features 3 Samarian-Cobalt magnets and an integrated active circuit to capture all the highs and lows, including a wide range of harmonics. With your choice of either a 1/4" mono output blending both pickups, or a 1/4" stereo output splitting the two pickups, the Epiphone Masterbilt guitar pickup gives you incredible flexibility and the opportunity to create the perfect acoustic tone live. Other features on the Epiphone Masterbilt acoustic electric guitar include quality vintage-style Grover Sta-Tite 16:1 ratio machine heads; bone nut and saddle; imitation tortoise pickguard; nickel hardware; and a bound body, neck, and headstock.Chec

Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RA Acoustic Guitar Gloss Finish Gold Hardware $899 The Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RA Acoustic Guitar has an airy resonance that results from all solid woods, including gorgeous premium solid rosewood back and sides. The mahogany neck of the Epiphone EF-500RA Guitar has a '50s V-shape and is graced with a precision-crafted, wide 1-3/4" rosewood fretboard for easy fingerstyle playing. Epiphone graces your EF-500RA with gold hardware.Check the drop-down menu to the right to select colors and/or other options.

Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500R Advanced Jumbo Acoustic Guitar Natural Satin Gold $599 It's all about rich, full tone at an affordable price with the Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500R Acoustic Guitar. Expert luthiery to rival Epiphone's classic 1930s guitars is evident in precision back, fretboard, and multi-ply top and headstock binding. A light acoustic guitar with great volume, projection, and natural warmth made crisp and punchy by solid rosewood back and sides. Gold hardware, stickpin inlay, and offset notch headstock add visual elegance to the Epiphone AJ-500R.Check the drop-down menu to the right to select colors and/or other options.

Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500R Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar Natural Satin Gold $521.13 The Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500R Acoustic Guitar has an airy resonance which results from all solid woods, including gorgeous premium solid rosewood back and sides. The mahogany neck has a '50s V-shape and is graced with a precision-crafted wider 1-3/4" rosewood fretboard for easy fingerstyle playing. Multi-bound body and headstock and gold hardware add visual splendor to your acoustic guitar. Check the drop-down menu to the right to select colors and/or other options.

Epiphone Masterbilt Ef-500Rcce Fingerstyle Acoustic-Electric Guitar $799 An airy resonance results from all solid woods, including gorgeous premium solid rosewood back and sides. The mahogany neck of the Masterbilt Fingerstyle guitar has a '50s V-shape and is graced with a precision-crafted wider 1-3/4" rosewood fretboard for easy fingerstyle playing. E-Sonic 2 preamp system amplifies the beauty of wood. Multi-bound body and headstock and gold hardware add visual splendor.Check the drop-down menu to the right to select colors and/or other options.Solid cedar topSolid premium rosewood back and sidesMahogany neckRosewood fretboardMulti-bound body and headstockNickel tunersGold hardwareE-Sonic 2 preamp

Used Epiphone Masterbilt Ef-500Rcce Fingerstyle A/E Guitar $695.13 An airy resonance results from all solid woods, including gorgeous premium solid rosewood back and sides. The mahogany neck of the Masterbilt Fingerstyle guitar has a '50s V-shape and is graced with a precision-crafted wider 1-3/4" rosewood fretboard for easy fingerstyle playing. E-Sonic 2 preamp system amplifies the beauty of wood. Multi-bound body and headstock and gold hardware add visual splendor.Check the drop-down menu to the right to select colors and/or other options.Solid cedar topSolid premium rosewood back and sidesMahogany neckRosewood fretboardMulti-bound body and headstockNickel tunersGold hardwareE-Sonic 2 preamp

Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst 889406600416 $479.2 The Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE guitar combines traditional construction methods and features with premium all-solid tone woods to bring you a new-vintage electric guitar with deep, rich lows, shimmering highs, and just the right amount of mids. While many other guitars in this price class use pressed backs, spliced neck joints, and even artificial wood backs and sides, you can be assured that this Epiphone guitar holds true to its all-solid wood promise. It features a solid Sitka spruce top, hand-scalloped Sitka spruce braces, mahogany kerfing, a 25-1/2"-scale rosewood fingerboard, and a rosewood bridge. Players looking for vintage tone and vibe will appreciate the handcrafted dovetail neck joint and hide-glue construction. The Epiphone DR-500MCE guitar has a solid mahogany back and sides, as well as a 20-fret, hand-shaped mahogany neck that joins the body at the 14th fret, which is adorned with carefully cut, split-diamond pearl fretboard inlays. As with all Masterbilts, the Epiphone electric guitar features a vintage-style offset headstock with a stickpin inlay.While the Epiphone DR-500MCE sounds great unplugged, it really comes alive when plugged inthanks to the eSonic2 preamp system. Made in cooperation with Shadow Germany, the eSonic2 preamp features a built-in, easy-to-use tuner. When engaged, the Epiphone guitar's output is automatically mutedwith no popping noisemaking it a perfect choice for stage use. You can even push in the tuner button and unplug the guitar without a loud pop. Other controls on this state-of-the-art preamp include Master Volume, NanoFlex Tone, NanoMag Tone, Stereo Blend, Low Battery indicator, and a Phase switch to help eliminate unwanted feedback. The preamp uses two 2032 lithium watch batteries that are not only lightweight, but provide significantly longer life than old-fashioned, heavy 9V batteries. Under the bone saddle is Shadow's proprietary NanoFlex, a low-impedance pickup. Not a piezo, this unique flexible sensing material features integrated active electronics into the Epiphone electric guitar that not only pick up string vibration, but also top and body vibrations for a truly acoustic tone without the harshness of piezos. Complimenting the NanoFlex is the revolutionary NanoMag pickup mounted at the harmonic-rich, end of the fingerboard. Exclusively from Shadow, the NanoMag features 3 Samarian-Cobalt magnets and an integrated active circuit to capture all the highs and lows, including a wide range of harmonics. With your choice of either a 1/4" mono output blending both pickups, or a 1/4" stereo output splitting the two pickups, the Epiphone Masterbilt guitar pickup gives you incredible flexibility and the opportunity to create the perfect acoustic tone live. Other features on the Epiphone Masterbilt acoustic electric guitar include quality vintage-style Grover Sta-Tite 16:1 ratio machine heads; bone nut and saddle; imitation tortoise pickguard; nickel h

Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst 886830153945 $479.2 The Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE guitar combines traditional construction methods and features with premium all-solid tone woods to bring you a new-vintage electric guitar with deep, rich lows, shimmering highs, and just the right amount of mids. While many other guitars in this price class use pressed backs, spliced neck joints, and even artificial wood backs and sides, you can be assured that this Epiphone guitar holds true to its all-solid wood promise. It features a solid Sitka spruce top, hand-scalloped Sitka spruce braces, mahogany kerfing, a 25-1/2"-scale rosewood fingerboard, and a rosewood bridge. Players looking for vintage tone and vibe will appreciate the handcrafted dovetail neck joint and hide-glue construction. The Epiphone DR-500MCE guitar has a solid mahogany back and sides, as well as a 20-fret, hand-shaped mahogany neck that joins the body at the 14th fret, which is adorned with carefully cut, split-diamond pearl fretboard inlays. As with all Masterbilts, the Epiphone electric guitar features a vintage-style offset headstock with a stickpin inlay.While the Epiphone DR-500MCE sounds great unplugged, it really comes alive when plugged inthanks to the eSonic2 preamp system. Made in cooperation with Shadow Germany, the eSonic2 preamp features a built-in, easy-to-use tuner. When engaged, the Epiphone guitar's output is automatically mutedwith no popping noisemaking it a perfect choice for stage use. You can even push in the tuner button and unplug the guitar without a loud pop. Other controls on this state-of-the-art preamp include Master Volume, NanoFlex Tone, NanoMag Tone, Stereo Blend, Low Battery indicator, and a Phase switch to help eliminate unwanted feedback. The preamp uses two 2032 lithium watch batteries that are not only lightweight, but provide significantly longer life than old-fashioned, heavy 9V batteries. Under the bone saddle is Shadow's proprietary NanoFlex, a low-impedance pickup. Not a piezo, this unique flexible sensing material features integrated active electronics into the Epiphone electric guitar that not only pick up string vibration, but also top and body vibrations for a truly acoustic tone without the harshness of piezos. Complimenting the NanoFlex is the revolutionary NanoMag pickup mounted at the harmonic-rich, end of the fingerboard. Exclusively from Shadow, the NanoMag features 3 Samarian-Cobalt magnets and an integrated active circuit to capture all the highs and lows, including a wide range of harmonics. With your choice of either a 1/4" mono output blending both pickups, or a 1/4" stereo output splitting the two pickups, the Epiphone Masterbilt guitar pickup gives you incredible flexibility and the opportunity to create the perfect acoustic tone live. Other features on the Epiphone Masterbilt acoustic electric guitar include quality vintage-style Grover Sta-Tite 16:1 ratio machine heads; bone nut and saddle; imitation tortoise pickguard; nickel h