Masterbilt® De Luxe Classic™ 4-String Acoustic/Electric Bass Guitar

[Marc61]

Pulled the trigger on one of these today in Sunburst. Arriving Tuesday from Sweetwater. Pics are of actual bass I'm getting. Weight 6lb 6oz

Anyone get a chance to check one out? I can always return it but, my curiosity got the best of me. Especially to know how it sound acoustically. Pretty cool that it comes with tapewounds.

Epiphone Masterbilt® De Luxe Classic™ 4-String Acoustic/Electric Bass Guitar

 

[mikeoso]

Very pretty. Let us know how it sounds.

 

[Marc61]

Fedex ground - boy oh boy. On their truck yesterday but, has to sit until Tuesday. Hate thinking about this bass being in the cold that long. Will definitely let it set for some time before opening the box

 

[jd56hawk]

I tried one Wednesday at Sam Ash.

 

[Marc61]

I tried one Wednesday at Sam Ash.

What were your thoughts?

 

[jd56hawk]

It was better than most acoustic basses I've tried and I must've played a dozen...only one better I know of amped.
Of course, the strings definitively have something to do with it since acoustics almost always have those ridiculous bronze-wounds.

I believe in the MTV Unplugged school of thought…plug in!

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised if you're talking amped, whether for open mic nights or whatever.

 

[MrBassman17]

I have been eyeing the same one for awhile now; can't wait to hear you're impressions after you 'bond' with it for awhile. There aren't any shops near me that have one in stock to play, and I don't want to buy it at that price to be disappointed!

 

[Marc61]

I have been eyeing the same one for awhile now; can't wait to hear you're impressions after you 'bond' with it for awhile. There aren't any shops near me that have one in stock to play, and I don't want to buy it at that price to be disappointed!

Yes. I hate these situations but, worse comes to worse I can return it at a greatly reduced shipping cost. Sweetwater will send a return label and take it off the tab. This time it seems worth the risk. Tomorrow is pick up, then it'll need a day to "thaw". After that, the report.

 

[mikeoso]

Fedex ground - boy oh boy. On their truck yesterday but, has to sit until Tuesday. Hate thinking about this bass being in the cold that long. Will definitely let it set for some time before opening the box

Check the binding especially. I had a Martin J40 that was taken to the wrong address in -30 weather and left on the porch all day. When I opened it, the binding was all separated from the wood. Horror.

 

[Marc61]

I

I believe in the MTV Unplugged school of thought…plug in!

Almost exactly the reason for the purchase. I want to be involved in more acoustic type acts. As I already explained to one guitarist, it may have a great acoustic sound but, most certainly will need to be plugged in if it's accompanying any other instruments including voice.

 

[Marc61]

Check the binding especially. I had a Martin J40 that was taken to the wrong address in -30 weather and left on the porch all day. When I opened it, the binding was all separated from the wood. Horror.

Wow!!! I will be taking every measure to avoid the same. Surprised the stores don't instruct more regarding these situations. Has to be a challenge in this type of weather.

 

[jd56hawk]

Wow!!! I will be taking every measure to avoid the same. Surprised the stores don't instruct more regarding these situations. Has to be a challenge in this type of weather.

Some are tempted to open that box the moment it arrives but you simply have to wait the prescribed time.

 

[cavemanbass]

Sweet looking bass! Hope you like it, and look forward to your review. I could definitely see picking up one of these at some point....

I'd be interested to know if the bass balances well, or if there is some neck dive when using a strap (do you need to support the neck a bit with your left hand to keep it level).

 

[jd56hawk]

Sweet looking bass! Hope you like it, and look forward to your review. I could definitely see picking up one of these at some point....

I'd be interested to know if the bass balances well, or if there is some neck dive when using a strap (do you need to support the neck a bit with your left hand to keep it level).

Top heavy but…
Since these are hard to find.

You can always make your own.

I.did, using this.
Neck dive is now a nonissue.

 

[EpicSoundtracks]

i played one recently and was impressed, posted my impressions in another thread on this topic, maybe a thread on the new Epiphones?

 

[Marc61]

In house as of 2:30 PM ET

 

[Marc61]

I haven't truly run it through all the paces and only played it acoustically. Sounds great unplugged. Very well constructed. Only issue I would have is ergonomically for some, it should have a thumb rest. I may add one as I bond. Other than that, very comfortable to play and the strings are a winner.

 

[MEKer]

Top heavy but…
Since these are hard to find.
View attachment 2860929
You can always make your own.
View attachment 2860931
I.did, using this.
Neck dive is now a nonissue.
View attachment 2860932

wow---where did you find a strap with a weight pocket? Or is that some ad? And there must be some flat lead thingies somewhere instead of spending the $ for a golf club to get the weights.

EDIT: Found the Heads UP strap site but the domain is for sale. Seems like out of business? Probably better to just sew a pocket on a nice wide strap and there you go. Weights can be found in a hobby shop place I guess.

 

[jd56hawk]

wow---where did you find a strap with a weight pocket? Or is that some ad? And there must be some flat lead thingies somewhere instead of spending the $ for a golf club to get the weights.

EDIT: Found the Heads UP strap site but the domain is for sale. Seems like out of business? Probably better to just sew a pocket on a nice wide strap and there you go. Weights can be found in a hobby shop place I guess.

Searching the web not too long ago, I saw one on reverb.
Of course, when I clicked the link I found out it was gone.
Too bad the company went under. That strap should've been a big seller.

I used a small role of that lead tape on the bottom of one of my straps.
Easy as pie and you can cover it with whatever you have available...a child's sock with the foot cut off, a seat belt shoulder pad, etc.

 

[MEKer]

Searching the web not too long ago, I saw one on reverb.
Of course, when I clicked the link I found out it was gone.
Too bad the company went under. That strap should've been a big seller.

I used a small role of that lead tape on the bottom of one of my straps.
Easy as pie and you can cover it with whatever you have available...a child's sock with the foot cut off, a seat belt shoulder pad, etc.

Good info---thank you!