Epiphone EN-546CE Masterbuilt - your opinions

[mmcquain]

I just got an email from Epiphone about their new "Masterbuilt" (supposed to be a step above the normal production runs) acoustic/electric nylong string EN-546CE guitar. I like the fact that the nut is narrower than the traditional classic guitar neck, which always felt too wide to me since I mainly play electrics. So what are your opinions on this one?

My only experience with the higher end Epi's was their "elite" (or elitist) Brydland - I thought it was a very nice guitar. However, I think the elite series were built at a special factory in Japan and the masterbuilt stuff is made somewhere else. I'm not sure how they would compare. Of course, the Paul McCartney Epi "Texan" masterbuilt guitar recently got good reviews by some of the guitar magazines. I'm wondering how the 546 model will compare quality wise.

http://www.epiphone.com/default.asp?ProductID=226&CollectionID=15

[hank]

The Masterbuilt Epi's are good value "for the money", as they say. I think they are a bit thin sounding as compared to actual Montana Gibsons.

That is not to say they are not worth having.

[Plankspanker]

When I hear Epiphone "Masterbuilt" it brings back images of the great archtops from the '40s like the Emperor, lots of multi-binding and inlays, high quality workmanship.
The EN-546CE may very well be a great guitar, I don't know about it's price and construction. It does look pretty strange though with the combination of classic features and cutaway.