Epiphone DR-100 Tapered Neck Acoustic Guitar

Last updated: June 1, 2023


There's good reason why this acoustic guitar is a top pick among guitar players everywhere. The front is made from an attractive spruce, while the sides and back are constructed from a durable mahogany. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge are also a preferred choice for beginners.

Epiphone DR-100 Tapered Neck Acoustic Guitar

We looked at the top Acoustic Guitars and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Acoustic Guitar you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: If you're looking for a quality acoustic guitar with a stunning design, this model is your best bet.

In our analysis of 73 expert reviews, the Epiphone Tapered Neck Acoustic Guitar placed 18th when we looked at the top 20 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

The DR-100 dreadnaught is Epiphone’s best selling acoustic. All the basic elements you want-traditional shape Mahogany back and sides, Select Spruce top, Rosewood fingerboard and bridge make this a great entry-level instrument. The top of the DR-100 is made from select spruce, while the back and sides are constructed from mahogany, giving the DR-100 balanced expression, warm bass, and excellent projection.

Our Expert Consultant

Lewis McGehee  
Professional guitarist, songwriter and private guitar teacher

Lewis McGehee is a professional guitarist, songwriter and private guitar teacher. He began playing guitar at the age of 7, playing in bands at 11 and was signed to Lifesong Records as a singer-songwriter in his early 20s. On the strength of his live shows, he went on to perform with many national acts such as John Prine, Robert Palmer, Talking Heads, Christopher Cross, Bob Dylan and Christine McVie. He also completed a multi-city tour as an opening act for Bruce Hornsby and has been teaching private acoustic guitar lessons for over 40 years.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

Mahogany back and neck. Authentic acoustic sound. Three color choices.
Despite its low price, the Epiphone DR-100 delivers the warm and mellifluous sound over gritty undertones. You can describe this as sweet thunder, with the rich and full sound impressing many players
Whether you are looking for your first guitar, or just a decent piece of wood to practice on, DR-100 is something we strongly recommend that you check out. For beginners, this is the type of guitar that will keep up with you as you grow your skills.
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.
Features an ambidextrous design, so it can be played by lefties or rightist.
The DR-100 is a great choice for beginning guitarists as it is a quality brand at a very cheap price.

What reviewers didn't like

Strings have been known to buzz, requiring a manual bridge adjustment.
Has a sharp fret that may be painful for beginners without callouses
For a classic dreadnought, it lacks a bit in the low-end response.
Sharp frets may present a challenge for beginners who haven’t built up callouses.
There are some who feel that the buzzing after some time can be a problem, whereas others utilize the hex tool that’s included to make some adjustments.
View our Acoustic Guitar buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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