Epiphone Masterbilt SJ 200

[richardp69]

I know there are some (possibly many) on this forum who are not Gibson fans and especially not fans of some of the Gibson appointments like the moustache bridge etc. That's just fine, you are entitled to your opinions.

I've always loved the Gibson sound. To my ear, it's quite distinct compared to Guild or Martin. I've owned many of the Gibson acoustic models including the J 45, Dove, Hummingbird, SJ 200 Std. and many more. I sold them all, not because I fell out of love with Gibson, I just either had something that gave me a similar sound or I needed to raise cash.

The SJ 200 Std. was always one of my favorite Gibson's but to be honest the Guild F 50/F 50R is a better sounding and playing guitar. But, I still like the SJ 200 and found myself Jonesing for another. But, I didn't want to plop down the $3-$4k it would take to buy one. So, I bought the Masterbilt by Epiphone model for about $750. I'm not going to say it's as good as a SJ 200 or a Guild F 50 etc. but I will say it's a fine sounding guitar and fills nicely my need for a Jumbo Maple I can take with me to open mics, private parties or whatever. And, I for one like the look a lot. I've never been afraid of bling.

Here's a few pics of my newly acquired Epi Masterbilt SJ 200.

 

[GGJaguar]

Nice! Those Epi Masterbilts have a good rep. They made a 12-fret dread for a very short time years ago, but I missed out. They got great reviews - so good, that people who have them hang on to them so you don't see them for sale. Enjoy your new SJ!!

 

[Stuball48]

Beautiful guitar Richard - enjoy in good health.

 

[bobouz]

As someone who has long been drawn to Gibsons, imho, that visually is a very nice Epiphone take on the classic Gibson jumbo. The Epi Masterbilt acoustics that were introduced in the mid-2000s were made in China, but now the production is handled by an Indonesian factory which I believe is owned by Samick. That factory is capable of building some very fine instruments!

 

[Brad Little]

I've been tempted by them, too. Like Richard, I've always found the F50 to be a better sounding instrument, but at the right price, this would make a nice addition, it would replace my D55 as my couch guitar.

 

[Boneman]

Congrats and HNGD! Are the Masterbuilt's the same as the new "inspired by Gibson" line? I've heard those inspired by are nice Epi's as well. Ha, and looks like you won't have to worry about getting the TRC upside down on that one

 

[Cougar]

Looks good, Richard! Congrats! I wonder if that back is solid maple?

 

[richardp69]

Looks good, Richard! Congrats! I wonder if that back is solid maple?

Yes, solid woods throughout.

 

[Westerly Wood]

Epiphone makes solid guitars. I have an Epi bass. It’s fantastic value for the money. Their electrics also are solid. They are one of the best overseas guitar mfgs out there.

 

[Brad Little]

Congrats and HNGD! Are the Masterbuilt's the same as the new "inspired by Gibson" line? I've heard those inspired by are nice Epi's as well. Ha, and looks like you won't have to worry about getting the TRC upside down on that one

I had a Masterbilt for a while. well made, really nice sound, could have used a setup I didn't want to do. Gave it to a friend who was going to use it in his studio as needed. I didn't bond with it despite its sound, maybe if I had gone ahead with a setup. Regardless, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Masterbilt, and, by extension, and inspired by Gibson model.

 

[lungimsam]

Gorgeous!