Beginner - Acoustic Guitar Recommendations

I am a beginner looking for a new acoustic guitar. I am planning to buy an Epiphone Masterbilt, but cannot decide between the DR-500P (Maple body) and the DR-500R (Rosewood body). Or should I be looking at the EF-500?

I already have a Epi SG-G400 that I have been learning on. Thanks,

You are looking at a $500 price difference between these guitars from what I have gathered. Honestly, you can find a Taylor or Martin for that price which I would highly recommend. I have not had much experience with Epiphone, but I have with Taylor and Martin and you can get a perfectly good acoustic/electric for those prices, not to mention what you could find used.

If you feel that the Epiphone is right for you; my best advice is to make sure you play them all and than decide. Those are all solid wood instruments which really you can't go wrong with. I would say though, you are paying that $500 more dollars for a thinner body and some inlay. I would go with the cheaper as that larger more dreadnought body would better suite you and is has all the necessary elements you need.

Good luck!

I started with a cheap Ibanez beginner and after I determined that this was something that I was going to stick with I decided to upgrade to an acoustic electric. Not that I really need the electric but I figured there may come a day when I might play with others and need it.

Initially I was drawn to the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500R but after visiting Guitar Center 3 days in a row I decided to go with the Taylor 114ce . It's at the low end of Taylor's offerings but all in all I think it had better sound quality, especially at the low end. I was fortunate and got it on sale for $780 but even at the regular price of $850, I think I'd still buy it over the Epi. This thing has a great sound and holds the tuning very well.

I did look at the Martin's but I couldn't find one that sounded as good in the same price range. There was one for about $1600 that sounded as good, maybe even better but I didn't want to spend that much.

I use a Taylor 614CE in my Guitar Tricks videos and have been in love with that guitar since the day I got it. I was lucky to stumble across it used at the music store I was working at at the time in Indiana. Where as I have some issues with the expression system in the guitar (the pickup, which is an older model), I am completely in love with that guitar and it has defined my voice on the instrument.

In comparison to the Epiphone, I honestly have not played those instruments, but have had such success with Taylor's that I feel obliged to suggest them all to often. Especially the 114 that you purchased, as that instrument sounds great for the price and I can tell you are happy with it.

Back to the Epiphone, go with what feels the best but also try and get the most for your money. Best of luck!
:o