If you’re wondering if Epiphone DR-100 is a good acoustic guitar or not, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place! In today’s article, we’re going to take a very close look on that model. Surely, it’s a really cheap and popular guitar, but is it actually good?
The truth is that Epiphone DR-100 is a perfect acoustic guitar for both beginners and even more advanced players. Although it’s not ideal, it’s cheap and it sounds great – who needs anything else?
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes this guitar so good. Firstly, we’ll start with the specs. Of course, there will also be a sound demo included, so you’ll be able to hear how it sounds! I hope that today’s review will help you to understand if this guitar will be a good fit for you or not.
Specs & Pricing
Epiphone DR-100 is an affordable acoustic guitar suitable for all-level players. It’s a great instrument to start your musical journey with, because it has a very comfortable neck (it’s not too thin and not too thick).
The guitar features a spruce top with mahogany back and sides. As a result, it sounds bright and resonant at the same time. The classic dreadnought body shape makes it a perfect choice for a lot of playing styles.
What’s interesting, the DR-100 model is available in a few different colors, so anyone should be able to find their favorite version. You can choose between three colors: Natural, Ebony and Vintage Sunburst.
When it comes to pricing, it’s one of the cheapest Epiphone acoustic guitars available on the market right now. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean that it’s a bad instrument. In fact, the quality of this guitar is surprisingly high! Surely, the Epiphone DR-100 stands out from the competitive guitars at this price level.
Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out.
Who Is It For?
As I mentioned earlier, Epiphone DR-100 will be an ideal choice for amateur guitarists. It was actually my first acoustic guitar that I bought back in 2008! But to be honest, playing on that model can be enjoyable even for more advanced players.
It is also worth mentioning that it’s a really versatile instrument. It will definitely be a good choice for a really wide range of genres and playing styles. Whether you’re into country, folk, blues or rock, the DR-100 won’t disappoint you. It can be efficiently used for both strumming and fingerstyle playing.
What’s important, it’s also an inexpensive guitar, so it’s a great option for guitarists on a tight budget. If you don’t want to spend too much on a new acoustic guitar, this Epiphone model will be an excellent choice.
My Experience With Epiphone DR-100
Epiphone DR-100 was actually my first acoustic guitar. I have so many good memories with this guitar! I’m really happy that I decided to start my journey as a guitarist with this particular model and I can totally recommend it to everyone who thinks about starting playing.
My Epiphone is almost 14 years old but it’s still working very well. I actually think that it got better with time! Based on my own experience, it’s a really durable guitar, so it should last you for years to come.
Although I haven’t played on that guitar for a while now, I still consider it as one of my favorite guitars. And I hope that you’ll develop the same connection with your own DR-100 model!
Here’s an another sound demo.
Disadvantages Of Epiphone DR-100
Let’s be honest – this is not the best acoustic guitar in the world. In the end, it’s a pretty cheap guitar. But all that matters is the fact that it gets the job done very well.
Out of my experience, your DR-100 model will sound better once you change the original strings. I’m assuming that Epiphone uses some of the cheapest strings in their factory to save up on manufacturing costs, so the quality of these strings isn’t the best.
Another issue that’s pretty common for guitars at this price level is the string action. Sometimes brand new guitars need a bit of adjustment to make them more playable. If your acoustic guitar is difficult to play, perhaps you just need to lower the string action. If that’s the case, try to find a good luthier in your area or check out some tutorials on YouTube!
In addition, there’s no cutaway, so accessing the highest frets is not that easy. Also, this is not an acoustic-electric guitar, so you can’t plug it in into an amp in order to play live.
What’s interesting, if you compare the Epiphone DR-100 with a much more expensive Martin, you’ll definitely notice the difference. But the difference is not as big as you would’ve thought. I’m pretty sure that many people won’t even recognize that difference.
Here’s a really cool comparison video – make sure to check it out below.
Are There Any Alternatives?
If you don’t like the Epiphone DR-100 and you want to find something different, don’t worry – the market is full of other great guitars! Here’s a few guitars that you should consider checking out as well.
1. Gretsch G9500
Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is a really cool alternative guitar that costs a very similar amount of money. It’s a parlor guitar, so it’s a bit smaller than the DR-100 model. Overall, the aesthetics and quality of this instrument is really high.
I recently wrote a separate article about that Gretsch, so if you’re interested, feel free to check it out. Especially if you’re a fan of folk and fingerstyle playing!
2. Jasmine S35
Jasmine S35 is one of the most popular acoustic guitars among the beginner guitar players. It’s less expensive than Epiphone DR-100 and it features a really good quality. Personally, I don’t think that it’s a better instrument, but if you’re on a tight budget, you should definitely check it out!
The S35 can be used for a lot of different genres, because it’s very versatile. In addition, it’s available in a few cool color versions (even pink!), so anyone should be able to find their favorite model.
3. Fender FA-125
Fender FA-125 is a bit more expensive than the DR-100, but it’s also a great choice for a lot of guitarists. In my opinion, it can be efficiently used by both beginners and more intermediate players as well.
It’s definitely one of the best cheap acoustic guitars available on the market right now. I highly recommend checking it out!
FAQ
Where is Epiphone DR-100 made?
Epiphone DR-100 is currently manufactured in China.
Are Epiphone guitars good for beginners?
Epiphone guitars can be used by both amateur and more advanced musicians. This company makes a lot of great guitars and some of them are actually very expensive!
Is this guitar good for folk music?
Epiphone DR-100 is a great choice for playing folk music. Whether you’re strumming or playing with your fingers, it sounds awesome!
Summary
As you can see, it’s not surprising that Epiphone DR-100 is such a popular acoustic guitar. It’s inexpensive, it’s built very well and it sounds really good – and that’s all that matters in the end. I have no hesitation in recommending this model to anyone who’s looking for a great and reliable acoustic guitar.
What do you think about this acoustic guitar? Would you add it to your own guitar collection? Let me know your thoughts and leave a comment in the comments section below, I’m really interested to hear what you think!
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