Manufacturer: Epiphone
Model: DR-100
Whether you are a beginner looking for your first guitar, or a seasoned player looking for a travel or backup, the Epiphone DR-100 acoustic guitar is the thing for you.
This puppy is ideal for those who were trying to walk the middle ground between expensive quality stuff and cheap twangers, which would cost you more in the long run, given the high probability of repairs and customization.
This Epiphone DR-100 review is meant to give you the bare bones of what is, essentially, the best value for money you’ll be able to find out there.
Click Here for the Latest Offers on the Epiphone DR-100Specs
- 6-string, 25.5 scale
- Mahogany body and neck
- Select spruce top
- Premium machine heads
- Rosewood fretboard and bridge
- Truss rod
- Weight: 8lbs.
- Dimensions: 42 x 18.5 x 5.5 inches
Build
There’s not much to be done to improve upon the classic dreadnought shape, so the folks over at Epiphone had only to decide on the woods combo, which in the case of the Epiphone DR-100 is a mahogany/spruce/rosewood mix.
The guitar features a Select spruce top with mahogany back and sides; while spruce gives a wide dynamic response and robust, meaty tone, mahogany is there to mellow it and give it some warmth and roundedness.
The neck is also mahogany, a type of hardwood quite resilient on its own; however, for an added measure of support, Epiphone decided to incorporate a truss rod. The recommended string gauge is light. The bridge and fingerboard are rosewood, which, along with the mahogany neck, contributes to complex highs and thick lows.
The DR-100 Dreadnought has a 25.5-inch scale, which, if you’re able to cover the spread, should make the guitar play comfortably.
Finish
The guitar has a glossy finish and is available in three styles – Ebony, Natural and Vintage Sunburst. Although Black and Natural carry certain elegance in their simplicity, the tender gradient and Jack-Rabbit-Slim’s feel of the Vintage Sunburst kind of stand out.
Available Colours
| Image | Wood | Colour | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Mahogony | Natural | More Info |
 | Mahogony | Ebony | More Info |
 | Mahogony | Vintage Sunburst | More Info |
Action & Feel
Action is somewhat low, but there are no dead spots anywhere on the fretboard, so you won’t get any buzz. This and the 25.5-inch scale make it easy to chord. The feel’s not quite silky, but it does grow on you with practice, and the guitar plays comfortably.
Sound
Despite the low price, the Epiphone DR-100 delivers a warm, mellifluous sound over some gritty undertones. It’s best described as honeyed thunder. The fullness and richness of its sound are only surpassed by the ease and comfort with which it plays.
The Mahogany-Rosewood combo gives some sweet complex highs, and lets lows flow in thick and creamy goodness, although its mid is somewhat lacking. Combined with the added clarity coming from the Spruce, this makes for a tasty mix all over. The issues with dead frets or buzzing are virtually non-existent.
If you can cover the spread, the 25.5-inch scale will not pose you any difficulties. With this length you will get better definition and less mud, and you will definitely acquire the taste for tension it gives.
