Hot of the press, Epiphone has unveiled three new guitar series, the DR-500MCE, the EF-500RCCE and the stunning AJ-45ME. Each guitar is made from solid tonewood and abides by their time-honoured construction methods and materials, used by the first generation of Epiphone.
The Masterbilt Collection is a connection to the early days of Epiphone’s founder Epi Stathopoulo in 1931. Living by the founders promise, the series was built to demonstrate that ‘The possessor of an Epiphone instrument has the assurance that every possible precaution has been taken to build instruments for lifetime performance and pleasure’.
The new AJ-45E is the latest series to be added to the historical collection, being a modification from the original J-45 ‘Jumbo’ which was first introduced in the early 30’s. Souring with its vintage sunburst satin finish and solid mahogany back and sides. the AJ-45E is fitted with spruce braces, a bone saddler and has a rosewood bridge and is true to its predecessor. The AJ-45ME sounds great unplugged, and also delivers when plugged in. Displaying a unique Nanoflex low-impedance pickup, it picks up both vibrations of the strings and the movements of the soundboard simultaneously.
The Masterbilt DR-500MCE dreadnought brings forth the great ability of performance when played through an amp or PA. It comes equipped with a shadow eSonic2 preamp system with a built-in, ease-of-use tuner along with easy access controls for controlling your volume and blending your tone. Carefully fitted with ‘split-diamond’ pearloid fretboard inlays, it also gives the player easier handling with a 25.5’ scale mahogany neck, which boasts superior resonance.
Finally, the EF-500CCE gives the impression of a classical orchestra body shape with a glazed cutaway. Bringing out the smooth natural appearance, is the solid cedar top which has a Abalone inlay fitted around the rosewood back and the soundhole. Giving the player more control and comfort in playing, it has easy to use on-board controls for master volume, Nanoflex tone, Nanomag tone, stereo blend, low battery indicator and phase switch. The Classic look and vintage feel resembles Epiphones heritage and foundation, which resonates through the deacdes.
To find out more about Epiphones ranges visit Gibson AMI.
