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Epiphone Blues Master

22 Jan 02 - 03:11 PM (#633217)
Subject: Epiphone Blues Master
From: tandrink

I've noticed that Keb Mo plays one of these guitars. Has anyone played/owned an Epiphone "Blues Master"? Any opinions or information on it?


22 Jan 02 - 03:15 PM (#633220)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: 53

did you see keb mo play on the garth brooks special coast to coast to coast, he was great, but i didn't see the headstock of the guitar he was using, but i don't think it was a epi. BOB


22 Jan 02 - 03:19 PM (#633224)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: catspaw49

He plays about 32,000 different axes BOB. I swear to gawd, he had a video that used at least 8 different gutars in the pictures. When you see him live/TV, it's a crapshoot as to what he's playing.

Spaw


22 Jan 02 - 03:24 PM (#633227)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: Murray MacLeod

Keb Mo' can afford 32,000 different axes because he played and wrote the theme for Martha Stewart's TV program.

How come I never get a break like that ?

Murray


22 Jan 02 - 03:30 PM (#633229)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: catspaw49

Try changing your name to "Mo Lode" Murray......I mean, it's an idea ain't it?............

Spaw


22 Jan 02 - 03:30 PM (#633230)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: 53

wish i could>


22 Jan 02 - 04:48 PM (#633301)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: tandrink

Two instances where I saw him playing the Blues Master. He plays it on his HomeSpun instructional video (It's called "The Blues Guitar of Keb Mo" or something like that). He also plays it in the "American Roots Music" documentary that came out on PBS not too long ago (not during his performance of Henry where he plays the National Reso-lectric, but when he's talking about Robert Johnson and plays the intro to "Love In Vain").

As far as I know, it's a limited edition guitar...not terribly expensive (around $500) if you can find them. I have not been able to.

He also has a limited edition (252) signiature guitar that is made by Martin, which is much more expensive (and presumably much more well crafted). They list for $3999.

Anyone else have any info on the Blues Master?


23 Jan 02 - 04:25 AM (#633596)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: MC Fat

I've had two Blues Masters and they've both been brilliant guitars. The first one got pinched at a gig that had a spruce top. The second was a sunbursty finish and was mega. I fitted it with brass pegs and used Elixer strings and a Fishman pick up. It rang like a bell and was a loud little fecker. Unfortunately just over a year ago I fell on really hard times and had to sell it and I miss it like mad. I've tried to see if they still sell them but they don't (at least in the UK)if anyone knows how to get a hold of one I'd be very interested. A very sad MC Fat


23 Jan 02 - 01:23 PM (#633884)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: Raggytash

PLayed a couple, lovely instruments. MC Fat I saw one not too long ago in Mameloks? Deansgate Manchester, might be worth a call


24 Jan 02 - 05:39 AM (#634450)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,MC Fat

Thanks Raggytash. Will get my sproglet in Manchester to check it out. Any other sightings.


24 Jan 02 - 06:06 AM (#634459)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,MC Fat

Can you confirm the name of the shop Raggytash ?


25 Jan 02 - 04:23 AM (#635189)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,MC Fat

Raggytash have phoned a shop in Deansgate now called Forsyths and they have denied all knowledge of one in stock boo hoo. Still on look out if anyone can help.


28 Jan 02 - 04:45 AM (#637042)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,MC Fat

refresh


28 Jan 02 - 02:10 PM (#637210)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: Raggytash

MC Fat, Will keep an eye out for one, you never know. Raggytash


29 Jan 02 - 03:06 AM (#637658)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: Rolfyboy6

I read in Acoustic Guitar Magazine (issue with Keb Mo feature) that the Bluesmaster model's name was changed to the Songwriter for a while in hopes of greater sales. It was discontinued in the late Nineties.


05 Apr 05 - 10:14 AM (#1452581)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: PeteWilson

MC
Newbie, here, and this is my first post.
However, in reading, I noted that you are interested in an Epiphone Blues Master.
There is one listed on Ebay as we speak. In fact, I am bidding on it.
Just thought you would like to know

Pete


05 Apr 05 - 06:37 PM (#1453062)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: Rustic Rebel

You can buy a new one at Musicians Friend for $70.00. They are nice mics, I use one.


06 Apr 05 - 06:49 AM (#1453438)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,MC Fat

Did manage to purchase one (on E-bay) a couple of years ago. This one is going nowhere but with me.


06 Apr 05 - 05:03 PM (#1453804)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: oombanjo

Give me a pm re my last pm Jim


07 Apr 05 - 06:37 AM (#1454240)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,MC Fat

will try and reset my cookie but at the moment i'm just logging as guest you can e-mail me on JimMcFb@aol.com


08 Nov 05 - 10:02 PM (#1600403)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,stan

I have an Epiphone Blues Master VS (songwriter) that I won at a BB King concert. I've been trying to find out how much it is worth, and found this site. Anyone know how much its worth? I won it in the late nineties. Thanks, Stan    Oh yea, my email address is Ttown74@aol.com.


08 Nov 05 - 10:07 PM (#1600408)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: Peace

Get in touch with Gibson and ask them.


09 Nov 05 - 06:17 AM (#1600534)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: MC Fat

There have been three on e-bay about 6 months ago not sure what they went for but I paid £750 for miy third bluesmaster (too long too tell about other two)


10 Nov 05 - 12:07 AM (#1601161)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,stan

you said you paid 750, I guess pounds for your blues master. what would that be in american money?


10 Nov 05 - 12:41 AM (#1601174)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: Peace

750.00 GBP = 1,305.75 USD

Just used a currency converter site.


10 Nov 05 - 03:49 AM (#1601227)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: MC Fat

As far as I'm concerned it's value for money. There were only 500 made and I read somewhere that there were only 10 sunburst models of which I've owned two (Including the current one)


10 Nov 05 - 08:38 AM (#1601358)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: Green Man

I have a Guitar that compares more than favourably with the Epiphone. Made by Alan Marshall from Derbyshire, its called a Northworthy Carsington. Probably a bit more expensive tho.. ;-)

GM


10 Nov 05 - 10:55 PM (#1601963)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: rowdy13

The Epiphone Blues Master VS that I have is a small guitar. Is that the same type you guys have? I just want to make sure we are talking about the same guitar. I called a music store in my town today, and the guy told me my Blues Master is worth about $150.00, so thats why I was wanting to make sure we were talking about the same guitar. $150.00 is a long way from $1500.00. Thanks, Stan


11 Nov 05 - 06:10 AM (#1602165)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: MC Fat

Yeah it's a parlour size guitar. I probably paid over the odds but it was the guitar I wanted so it's all relative. I bought it on e-bay. As I've said before I've owned three. 1 got nicked the second I ended up selling when I was out of work. I regretted selling it and wanted another one so when the current one came up I just wanted to buy it. The UK is notorious for what is termed 'rip off Britain' and guitars are cheaper in the States. When I purchased the first one around 10 years ago new it was around £400. The second which was paid for by insurance was about £450-£475. Like I said only 500 were made so there value to those who want one is bound to increase.


06 Dec 05 - 06:01 PM (#1621507)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,guest

Rowdy13, as with everything, take the valuation with a "grain of salt"..the local store may be quoting like a pawn shop, where they might give you 25% (or less!) of what they will try and sell it for....

Like everything in life, it is worth "what someone will pay for it", or in the case of my old Epi's...much more in 'sentimental dollars' than I'd ever get in real $$!


08 Jul 06 - 01:39 AM (#1778734)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,former owner

Blues Masters were going for $1,000 on eBay for a while last winter. But more recently, one went for $500. That's more in line with the sound it offers, until you've replaced the plastic with bone everywhere -- then it's a $700 guitar at best. It's a fun guitar -- kind of reminds me of a quirky upright piano that a ragtime player would love. It's not a refined guitar, but it pumps out a lot of energetic, woody sound. Highs are pretty pronounced, bass isn't. Overbuilt. Neck's wider than 1.75 inches. Worth keeping an eye on eBay these days if you want to catch a deal.


08 Jul 06 - 04:32 PM (#1779041)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: Ruth Archer

I have a little 1964 Epiphone caballero that I love - low action, such easy playing. Would be a great blues guitar. That was worth about £500 last time I checked, and it's hardly one of the most in-demand models, so I bet that $150 valuation was way off the mark.


08 Jul 06 - 07:59 PM (#1779169)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: Fliss

Ive got a Gibson Epiphone. Dont know much about its age or what variety of the species it is. Its just nice.

fliss


04 May 07 - 05:26 PM (#2043487)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST

I bought one that sat in the store for 5 years because everyone thought it was a kids guitar lol. anywho it was only available for a couple of years then they changed the name to "songwriter" but again people thought it was a kids guitar so it was discontinued.... I've owned/collected guitars for almost 20yr and this little gem beats every other acoustic I've had across the board.


04 May 07 - 05:35 PM (#2043494)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: Wesley S

Doesn't Keb Mo play a Bluesmaster?


14 May 07 - 07:51 PM (#2051827)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,T Jones

I have an Epiphone BluesmasterVS that I would like to sell .

It is Sunburst. I bought it in 1997 I think.....

Sweet little thing - it is all original ....

Anyone game ?

jones44@netscape.com


31 Jul 07 - 11:58 AM (#2115611)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,noah

I'm selling a 1994 (first year) Blues Master on eBay right now.


01 Aug 07 - 12:00 PM (#2116556)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,Jim

What price, Noah? Where do you live?


19 Aug 07 - 11:43 AM (#2129145)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,noah

Jim, I sold it on eBay -- I was hesitant to put the link up in case it was against newsgroup rules here. Did you see the eBay sale? it was the only Blues Master on eBay -- and the only one on there in many months. I sold it for my opening price, $699. I tend to start auctions too high, so I only got one bidder. But it was definitely worth that price, given what Blues Masters have been going for. That was right about where a very-nice-sounding Blues Master with a couple cosmetic issues and no case should go. I've seen more pristine ones with cases go for over a grand.


19 Aug 07 - 06:03 PM (#2129338)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: Richard Bridge

If you like the small-bodies, keep an eye out for any Hagstrom H-22 Sammy ones. Guy Davis plays one.


15 Apr 09 - 04:55 PM (#2611936)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,guest

I've been very interested in the bluesmaster because of it's size. most everyone seems to think it's a very cool little guitar. do you all think it would be as cool if Keb had not used it?


25 Apr 09 - 02:18 AM (#2618348)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,guest

good question Guest. I think the same thing. Very much hype around this guitar but i really like it. when i went looking for a parlor guitar i googled using nut (wide) dimension and the bluesmaster came up. i had never heard of it so i assumed i could run down to my music store and buy it. obviously that didn't happen. its been an ordeal finding anything out about the guitar and even more difficult finding one for sale :-( ... all i was hoping for was finding a wide neck parlor for a reasonable price.


03 Jul 09 - 04:21 PM (#2670915)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,the bulletman

The Bluesmaster is a conspiracy. Most people place it in the same class as the Lochness Monster. If you go to a music shop for a replacement part you have to whisper "I have a Bluesmaster". If you are lucky, the young clerk will nod in agreement and walk to the back office in search of older wisdom. Replacement parts apparenty do not exist. If you buy one and want to keep it, save yourself some time and have a good shop replace the saddle and nut with permanent bone material. I sold 5 guitars to buy one that was the best all around guitar for everyday use. This is it.


30 Aug 09 - 10:52 PM (#2712611)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,Guest

A conspiracy? That's silly or have I misunderstood you? I own a Bluesmaster guitar and it's my favorite. I own/play several acoustics.
I don't know why some people knock this guitar but I do know one thing--it's a shockingly great guitar.
I've read over and over that very few Bluesmasters were made. It's strange. This is such a cool and great playing guitar.


13 Sep 09 - 08:03 PM (#2723037)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,John Lxmyth

I have this Blues Master, very cool guitar. Some people have told me that they started in '94, but a serial number search says May 91. I just listed it on ebay a few days back, if anybody is interested.


23 Nov 09 - 09:55 AM (#2771755)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,norg

the only conspiracy about this guitar is an unintended one -- the claim that there were only five made in the sunburst color. if that's so, then the same five have been for sale on ebay twice each in the past five years. nevertheless, it's a nice guitar -- i've owned three (one to keep, two to flip) and although the price has fluctuated greatly (as low as $400 and as high as $1,000) in the past few years, it's definitely a distinctive and neat guitar. agreed -- replace all the plastic stuff with bone immediately.


23 Nov 09 - 10:02 AM (#2771758)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,olddude

Wish the heck I could find one of those, that is an outstanding guitar IMO ... love the sound out of that puppy ... it is on my wish list along with a hummingbird gibson vintage that I will never afford


12 Dec 09 - 04:04 AM (#2786712)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,Rowdy13

I have an Epiphone Bluesmaster that I have decided to sell. I won it at a concert in the late nineties, took it home, played it a few hours, and placed it in the case, and it hasnt been touched since. I am a banjo player, so no need for the Bluesmaster. It's the sunburst style. It's in perfect condition and its beautiful. Please call me at 405-590-2379 if you are interested. In the mean time, I will research and see what a fair price would be. I'm a very honest person to deal with, so please dont worry about dealing with me. I look forward to talking with anyone that is interested. Again, my number is 405-590-2379.


12 Dec 09 - 04:54 AM (#2786734)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,MC Fat

One went on ebay in the UK this month (December) for £370


20 Dec 09 - 12:11 PM (#2792835)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,REM

I bought my 1994 Blues Master in New Hampshire in 2004. It was on sale for $259,and I got it for $239, with a chipboard case on which someone had written "Little Amigo" in white paint. It's a sweet, but odd-sounding thing (great mids), that favors alternate tunings. I use it to play Irish trad in DADGAD to get a wonderful(IMHO) harp sound. Also, very enjoyable playing fingerstyle blues with it in either open D or open G. If you're a standard or drop D strummer, this one, anyway, isn't for you. It's probably worth a Grand to a player who's looking for a particular sound.


20 Dec 09 - 04:44 PM (#2793067)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: Ruth Archer

Epiphone Caballero. Stunning little blues guitar, circa mid-60s. Rosewood bridge, rich red-brown colour (pics available).


£400 and it's yours. Serious enquiries by PM please.


31 Dec 09 - 04:20 AM (#2799865)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,guest

It's one of my favorite guitars.


03 Jun 10 - 08:34 AM (#2919693)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,Guest

Some have mentioned the start year for the Bluesmaster. I called Gibson or rather, I wrote to them. They were very helpful. They said the first Bluesmasters were the 1994 models and then of course the name change (songwriter) came a little later.

Someone had said they had a 1991 in the this thread. You're probably holding a 1994 like me because my 1994 serial number looks like it starts off, "91........" but the one ("1") is actually a "4." That's what prompted me to write Gibson.


13 Sep 11 - 11:54 PM (#3222901)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,Guest

I have a BLUES MASTER / SONG WRITER ..........I like it but I would like to sell it...........trouble finding out what it's really worth...

Any suggestions...........PWC10@cox.net


14 Jan 16 - 09:24 AM (#3765465)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST

what is the best way to learn to play bluegrass guitar


27 Jul 19 - 03:02 PM (#4002313)
Subject: RE: Epiphone Blues Master
From: GUEST,Ali

I have a rare Epiphone Blues Master, Sunburst, 1996, made in S. Korea at Samick. Sole owner from new. Perfect condition. Want it? See here on Ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/123852655313

Email me to query.                                                             artalis@hotmail.com