Epiphone has announced the new Masterbilt Century Collection, the first collection of archtop “acoustic/electric” guitars designed to be played and amplified as true acoustic instruments.

Epiphone’s original Masterbilt archtops from the 1930s were renowned for their wide tonal range, punchy volume and warm, woody tone. Following the invention of the electric guitar pickup, most archtop acoustic guitars were transformed into “electric” guitars. 

The new Masterbilt Century Collection brings these worlds together with the eSonic HD preamp and Shadow NanoFlex HD Under-saddle pickup, allowing guitarists to plug in any Masterbilt Century archtop acoustic/electric into an amp or PA and hear the guitar’s true acoustic tone on any size stage. The Masterbilt Century archtop also creates a totally new experience for flattop guitarists.

With a selection of different sizes and styles, the new Masterbilt Century Collection features all Solid Spruce tops with classic longitudinal bracing that will sound better with continued play. The Collection also features a recreation of the historic Epiphone headstock with “mother of pearl” banner inlay, dual action truss rod, bone nut, historic aged nickel Epiphone 18:1 tuners, Ebony or Rosewood fretboards, and the cutting edge eSonic HD (High Definition) preamp system and Shadow NanoFlex HD Under-saddle pickup for true acoustic tone when plugged in.

The De Luxe and De Luxe Classic: The Masterbilt Century De Luxe (round hole) and De Luxe Classic (f-hole) recreate the Epiphone full-body archtop tone. With a 17” lower bout, the De Luxe and De Luxe Classic are loud, full, and commanding.

Zenith and Zenith Classic: The Masterbilt Zenith (round hole) and Zenith Classic (f-hole) are medium-sized 16” archtops with an arched Solid Spruce top with traditional Longitudinal Bracing and a laminated Flame Maple body.

Olympic: The Masterbilt Olympic Acoustic/Electric Guitar is a smaller-sized archtop perfect for soloists and solo singers with an arched Solid Spruce top with traditional Longitudinal Bracing, a Mahogany body, and classic f-holes.

An optional custom Masterbilt Century Hard Case is available for each instrument.

For more about the Masterbilt Century Collection, visit epiphone.com.