[Musikmesse] Epiphone DR-500MCE

The DR-500MCE can be plugged in thanks to the new eSonic2 preamp system. Made in cooperation with Shadow Germany, the new eSonic2 preamp features a built-in tuner. When engaged, the guitar's output is automatically muted - with no popping noise.

Other controls 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.

Under the bone saddle is Shadow's NanoFlex pickup. Not a piezo, this flexible sensing material features integrated active electronics designed not only to pick string vibration but also top and body vibrations as well for a truly acoustic tone without the harshness of piezos.

Complimenting that is the NanoMag pickup mounted at the end of the fingerboard. The NanoMag features 3 Samarian-Cobalt magnets and an integrated active circuit to capture the highs and lows.

The DR-500MCE also has a solid Sitka spruce top, hand-scalloped Sitka spruce braces, mahogany kerfing, a 25.5" scale rosewood fingerboard and bridge, a solid Mahogany back and sides as well as a 20-fret hand-shaped Mahogany neck that joins the body at the 14th fret that is adorned with split-diamond pearl fretboard inlays.

Pricing & Availability
The U.S. MSRP for the new Masterbilt DR-500MCE is $999 with an optional hard gigbag for $115. It will be in retail stores starting in May 2010.