2019 Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE Natural - All Solid Wood Cutaway Dreadnought with eSonic2
The Masterbilt DR-500MCE is the flagship of Epiphone's Masterbilt
acoustic line, and this 2019 example is one of the last production runs
to feature the original Shadow eSonic2 HD preamp with twin NanoFlex
and NanoMag pickups - the setup most owners consider the definitive
DR-500MCE experience.
At a price point where most competitors use laminated backs and sides,
the DR-500MCE delivers genuine all-solid wood construction: a solid
Sitka spruce top with hand-scalloped bracing, solid mahogany back and
sides, and a one-piece mahogany neck joined with a traditional hide-glue
dovetail. The result is a dreadnought that opens up with playing time,
and this one has clearly been cared for - the top still shows fine,
even grain, and the finish is glossy with only minor handling marks.
Production of the DR-500MCE wound down shortly after this serial number
range, and later refurbished units shipped with a simpler single-source
Fishman Presys preamp. The eSonic2 system fitted here offers stereo
output, blendable magnetic and undersaddle pickups, an onboard tuner,
phase switch, and feedback control - functionality that's harder to
find on the current market.
== SPECIFICATIONS ==
- Model: Masterbilt DR-500MCE/NA
- Year: 2019 (serial 19042301832)
- Country of Origin: Asia (made for Epiphone)
- Color: Natural, gloss finish
- Body Shape: Cutaway Dreadnought
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce, hand-scalloped bracing
- Back & Sides: Solid Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany, one-piece, SlimTaper "D" profile, dovetail joint with hide glue
- Fingerboard: Rosewood with split-diamond mother-of-pearl inlays, 20 frets
- Scale: 25.5"
- Nut: Bone, 1.725"
- Saddle: Bone
- Bridge: Rosewood
- Electronics: eSonic2 HD stereo preamp
- Pickups: Shadow NanoFlex (under-saddle) + Shadow NanoMag (soundhole)
- Controls: Master Volume, NanoMag EQ, NanoFlex EQ, Blend, Phase, built-in Tuner with output mute
- Output: 1/4" mono / stereo
- Tuners: Vintage-style open-gear, 18:1 ratio
- Hardware: Nickel
- Pickguard: Tortoise-pattern
== CONDITION ==
Overall: Very Good
- Body: Light handling marks consistent with careful use
- Neck: Straight
- Frets: Approximately 70-80% remaining
- Hardware: Light tarnish on tuner buttons
Plays well and is fully functional acoustically and electronically.
Please review all photos carefully for the exact cosmetic condition.
== INCLUDED ==
- Semi-hard gig bag (TRIC Canada brand)
- Original manufacturer warranty/inspection card visible on neck heel and inside soundhole
== WHY THIS GUITAR ==
For players who want real solid-wood dreadnought tone with reliable
stage electronics, the DR-500MCE has always punched well above its
price tag. With the eSonic2 system intact, this example covers both
unplugged practice and live amplification without compromise. Discon-
tinued at the factory level and increasingly difficult to find with
the original preamp, it represents strong value in the used acoustic
market.
Please feel free to message with any questions before purchasing.
