Epiphone MD-100 Steel Guitar: Why It’s a Great Buy
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Disclaimer:
I’m not a professional musician, but I’ve been playing the guitar for a few years now. This review is based on my personal experience with the Epiphone MD-100 steel guitar.
So, you’re thinking about getting a steel guitar? Well, let me tell you, it’s a lot of fun. And if you’re looking for a good, affordable option, the Epiphone MD-100 is a great choice.
Unfortunately, you can find it only on the secondary market. It was discontinued.
Why I Chose the Epiphone MD-100
I have several Dobro guitars: Regal RD40, Gretsch Dobro Alligator G9240 and even Angelus Model 19 (1938!).
So I was looking for a steel guitar that wouldn’t break the bank for my Dobro collection, and the Epiphone MD-100 fit the bill perfectly. I’d heard good things about Epiphone’s quality, and the MD-100 seemed like a solid instrument for the price.
Unlike your typical wooden acoustic, this one boasts a single-cone resonator design. Hold on, a what? Basically, the body’s made of nickel-plated steel with a metal cone thingy (technical term, I swear) inside. This magical cone amplifies the sound like crazy, creating that signature, bright, and oh-so-sweet sustain that’s perfect for blues, country, and even some rockabilly licks.
Specs Breakdown (because details matter):
- Body: Single-cone resonator (nickel-plated steel)
- Neck: Maple with a rosewood fingerboard (22 frets)
- Scale Length: 24.75 inches
- Pickups: 1piezo pickup (not the original, installed by luthier)
- Hardware: Chrome (tuners, bridge, tailpiece)
- Finish: Polished chrome
Alright, Alright, How Does it Play?
First things first, this guitar looks stunning. The chrome finish gleams like a mirror, and it’s definitely an attention grabber. Weight-wise, it’s not the lightest guitar around, but hey, all that metal gotta be there for a reason, right? Now, the action (string height) was a tad high out of the box, but a quick trip to my local guitar guru fixed that right up.
Now, the sound. Oh man, the sound! This thing sings! Unplugged, it has a surprisingly loud and clear voice, perfect for those late-night practice sessions without waking the neighbors (too much). But where it truly shines is with a slide. Slide some metal (or glass, some folks prefer that) across those strings, and pure magic happens. The sustain is incredible, and that twangy tone is just addictive. (Side note: Learning to play slide is a whole different adventure, but that’s a story for another day).
Epiphone MD-100: The Good, the Not-So-Good
The Good:
- Killer Value: This guitar delivers a whole lot of bang for your buck. It’s a genuine steel resonator at a price that won’t break the bank.
- That Tone: Seriously, the sound is fantastic. Perfect for blues, country, and anything that needs a little extra twang.
- Built to Last: The construction feels solid. The chrome finish looks like it can handle some wear and tear.
- Versatility: While some steel guitars can be a one-trick pony, the optional pickups on the MD-100 open up a world of tonal possibilities. Plug it in and crank the volume for some seriously dirty blues tones!
The Not-So-Good:
- Action Out of the Box: Mine needed a little adjustment, but that’s a common thing with new guitars and easily fixable.
- Weight: It’s not a featherweight, but hey, that metal body gives it some serious tonal mojo.
- Sustain: While good, it doesn’t quite reach the level of some high-end steel guitars. But again, considering the price, it’s fantastic.
So, Should You Buy an Epiphone MD-100?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a fantastic steel guitar on a budget, the Epiphone MD-100 is a steal. It sounds great, feels solid, and is a ton of fun to play. Just be prepared to get hooked on that slide guitar sound – it’s a slippery slope (pun intended)!
