Epiphone DR-100 vs Epiphone FT-100: Overview of expert opinions

The Epiphone DR-100 is better suited for those who prioritize portability and lightweight design. It is ideal for traveling or as a backup guitar due to its smaller size and lightweight construction. The DR-100 offers a well-balanced sound with clean bass and comfortable playability, making it suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.

On the other hand, the Epiphone FT-100 is better for those who prioritize a louder sound and prefer a slimmer neck profile. It offers a well-balanced tone and a comfortable playing experience with its SlimTaper C-profile neck. While it may not be as portable as the DR-100, it is still manageable for transportation and can be easily carried in a gig bag or case.

In terms of sound quality, the Epiphone DR-100 excels in providing resonance, clarity, and depth of sound. Its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides contribute to a warm and well-balanced tone with crisp highs and deep lows. This makes it versatile for different musical styles and ideal for players who want a dynamic and expressive sound.

On the other hand, the Epiphone FT-100 offers a well-rounded and balanced tone without any dominant frequencies or tones. Its Select Spruce top and layered mahogany construction create a full and expressive sound that blends well with other brands. While it may not have the same level of openness as high-end models, it still delivers a satisfactory sound quality, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals.

In terms of durability, the Epiphone DR-100 is built to withstand regular use and maintain its structural integrity over time. With its solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and solid mahogany neck, it is a reliable option for gigging musicians or those who plan to use the guitar frequently.

The Epiphone FT-100 also exhibits excellent craftsmanship and durability, although it may not have the same level of durability as the DR-100 due to its layered mahogany construction. However, it still offers a solid spruce top and is a good option for beginners or those on a budget who want a reliable instrument.

Overall, the Epiphone DR-100 is better for those who prioritize portability, lightweight design, resonance, clarity, and depth of sound, as well as maximum durability. The Epiphone FT-100, on the other hand, is better for those who prioritize a louder sound, a slimmer neck profile, versatility, and a well-rounded and balanced tone.

Both guitars offer comfortable playability and are suitable for various musical styles and genres.

Table of contents (click on an item)

Features
The Epiphone DR-100 is a portable and lightweight option, while the Epiphone FT-100 offers a louder sound and a slimmer neck profile, making them both suitable for different use cases.
Click to jump to the Features comparison
Sound quality
The Epiphone DR-100 is better for those who prioritize resonance, clarity, and depth of sound, while the Epiphone FT-100 offers a well-rounded and balanced tone that blends well with other brands.
Click to jump to the Sound quality comparison
Durability
The Epiphone DR-100 is better for those who prioritize durability and long-lasting construction, while the Epiphone FT-100 is a good option for beginners or those on a budget.
Click to jump to the Durability comparison
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Features
Sound quality
Durability
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Features

Based on the expert reviews, the Epiphone DR-100 and Epiphone FT-100 are both excellent dreadnought-sized acoustic guitars with similar features. However, there are some differences that make each guitar better suited for specific use cases.

The Epiphone DR-100 is praised for its portability and lightweight design, making it a great option for those who need a guitar for traveling or as a backup instrument. Its smaller size compared to other acoustic guitars adds to its portability, while still providing a well-balanced sound with clean bass.

The DR-100's comfortable playability, thanks to its SlimTaper neck and jumbo frets, makes it suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.

On the other hand, the Epiphone FT-100 is a full-size dreadnought acoustic guitar that offers a louder sound and well-balanced tone. While it may not be as portable as the DR-100, it still remains manageable for transportation and can be easily carried in a gig bag or case. The FT-100's SlimTaper C-profile neck provides a slimmer and more comfortable playing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a thinner neck profile.

The glossy finish on the neck adds to the pleasant feel of the guitar.

In summary, the Epiphone DR-100 is better for those who prioritize portability and lightweight design, making it ideal for traveling or as a backup guitar. On the other hand, the Epiphone FT-100 is better for those who prioritize a louder sound and prefer a slimmer neck profile.

Both guitars offer comfortable playability and versatile tones, making them suitable for various musical styles and genres.

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Sound quality

Based on the expert reviews, the Epiphone DR-100 is better suited for those who prioritize resonance, clarity, and depth of sound. Its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides contribute to a warm and well-balanced tone with crisp highs and deep lows. This makes it versatile for different musical styles and ideal for players who want a dynamic and expressive sound.

On the other hand, the Epiphone FT-100 is better for those who prefer a well-rounded and balanced tone without any dominant frequencies or tones. Its Select Spruce top and layered mahogany construction create a full and expressive sound that blends well with other brands. While it may not have the same level of openness as high-end models, it still delivers a satisfactory sound quality, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals.

In summary, the Epiphone DR-100 excels in providing a resonant and dynamic sound, making it a great choice for players who want versatility and expressiveness. The Epiphone FT-100, on the other hand, offers a well-rounded and balanced tone that blends well with other brands, making it a versatile option for players of all levels.

Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and budget.

Show product research

Durability

The Epiphone DR-100 is better for those who prioritize durability and long-lasting construction. With its solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and solid mahogany neck, it is built to withstand regular use and maintain its structural integrity over time. This makes it a great option for gigging musicians or those who plan to use the guitar frequently and want a reliable instrument that will last.

On the other hand, the Epiphone FT-100 is also praised for its build quality and durability. While it may not have the same level of durability as the DR-100 due to its layered mahogany back and sides and layered mahogany neck, it still offers a solid spruce top and exhibits excellent craftsmanship.

This makes it a good option for beginners or those on a budget who want a reliable instrument that will hold up well with regular use.

Overall, both the Epiphone DR-100 and Epiphone FT-100 are well-built and durable guitars. The DR-100 is better suited for those who prioritize maximum durability and long-lasting construction, while the FT-100 is a solid option for beginners or those on a budget who still want a reliable instrument.

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Neither Epiphone DR-100 nor Epiphone FT-100 were recommended by experts this month

On 20 Nov 2024 (5 days ago) we went through 85 Acoustic Guitar expert endorsements , however neither Epiphone DR-100 nor Epiphone FT-100 were included in any of those recommendations. Since neither Acoustic Guitar received a single endorsement, as far as expert recommendations go, it's technically a tie. We do, however, recommend taking a look at Taylor GS Mini or other critically acclaimed Acoustic Guitars of this month.

For reference, Taylor GS Mini received 6 endorsements this month, from Music Critic (16 Feb 2024), Guitar Chalk Guitar World (11 Oct 2024) and 3 others.

Rank Change Price Acoustic Guitar
American Songwriter
reviewed.usatoday.com
Music Critic
Guitar Chalk
Guitar World
Six String Acoustic
GuitarPlayer
Music Radar
The Strategist
10stunninghomes.com
1
+1 $599
Taylor GS Mini
The Taylor GS Mini is a highly versatile and durable guitar that offers excellent sound quality in a compact and portable design, making it a popular choice for travelers and musicians of all skill levels.
-
-
5
2
6
1
3
5
-
-
N/A N/A $169
Epiphone DR-100
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
N/A N/A $169
Epiphone FT-100
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Curious to see this month's entire Acoustic Guitars ranking? It's here

About our ranking methodology

MetaRanking Common points from expert reviews summarized.
As can be seen below, in Nov 2024 neither Epiphone DR-100 nor Epiphone FT-100 were recommended by key experts who publish Acoustic Guitars recommendations.
Rank Change Price Acoustic Guitar
American Songwriter
reviewed.usatoday.com
Music Critic
Guitar Chalk
Guitar World
Six String Acoustic
GuitarPlayer
Music Radar
The Strategist
10stunninghomes.com
1
+1 $599
Taylor GS Mini
The Taylor GS Mini is a highly versatile and durable guitar that offers excellent sound quality in a compact and portable design, making it a popular choice for travelers and musicians of all skill levels.
-
-
5
2
6
1
3
5
-
-
2
-1 $210
Yamaha FG800
The Yamaha FG800 is a highly regarded full-sized dreadnought acoustic guitar known for its powerful sound projection, comfortable playability, exceptional sound quality, and solid construction.
-
-
6
3
3
6
2
6
-
-
3
+1 Check price
Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500
The Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is a compact and comfortable parlor-sized guitar with impressive sound quality and durability, making it a great option for musicians of all skill levels.
-
-
2
-
2
-
-
2
2
15
4
-1 $200
Fender CD 60S
The Fender CD 60S acoustic guitar is highly praised for its comfortable playability, impressive sound quality, and durable construction, making it a reliable and budget-friendly option for musicians of all levels.
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-
-
-
1
-
-
1
-
4
Show all rows
Expert Reviews There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

Expert reviews [24]

78
Total expert reviews: 24
  • with a score: 4
  • without a score: 20
Highest score by The Guitar Junky
88
Average score based on 24 reviews
78
Lowest score by fretterverse.com
60

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
86
The Epiphone DR-100 acoustic guitar is a budget-friendly option that offers great value for the money. It is suitable for players of all levels, with a slim taper neck that is comfortable for beginners and professionals alike.
+ pros
  • Great tone woods: The Epiphone DR-100 features upgraded tone woods that contribute to its quality sound.
  • Solid, reliable construction: The guitar is well-built and sturdy, ensuring durability.
  • Stable tuning: The chrome tuners on the DR-100 help maintain stable tuning.
  • Affordable cost: The DR-100 is priced under $200, making it a budget-friendly option.
  • No fret buzz: The guitar does not produce any unwanted buzzing sounds.
- cons
  • Sharp fret edges at some points: Some players may find the fret edges to be sharp and uncomfortable.
  • Bass-heavy response from tone wood: The Mahogany tone wood used in the DR-100 can result in a bass-heavy sound.
  • Harder access to higher frets: The design of the guitar may make it slightly more difficult to reach the higher frets.
88
The Epiphone DR-100 is a high-quality acoustic guitar that surpasses its affordable price. It is versatile enough to be used by both beginners and professional players, making it a great investment for anyone.
+ pros
  • No dead spots or buzz when strummed.
  • Affordable price but worth more than what’s paid for.
  • Excellent starting guitar for beginners, only requiring a bit of tuning straight out of the box.
  • A warm and sweet sound with its mahogany body.
- cons
  • Has a sharp fret that may be painful for beginners without callouses.
Show all 24 reviews

Expert reviews [3]

No critic scores
Total expert reviews: 3
  • with a score: 0
  • without a score: 3
The Epiphone FT-100 acoustic guitar is a versatile and affordable instrument that is perfect for beginners or as a backup for experienced guitarists. With its good wood choices, easy playability, and classic tone, it offers great value for the price.
+ pros
  • The FT-100 is built on the popular dreadnought shape, offering ease of play, versatile tone, and decent volume.
  • The guitar uses select spruce for the top and layered mahogany for the back, sides, and neck, providing a solid and warm tone.
  • The neck has a SlimTaper C-profile, making it comfortable and manageable for beginners and allowing for easier performance and fluidity for more advanced players.
  • The guitar comes in multiple finishes, including a natural finish, an opaque black coating with cream binding, and a wine-red color, offering options for different preferences.
  • The guitar is well set up out of the box, with easy playability and a well-rounded tone without dominant frequencies.
  • The affordable price makes it a great choice for beginners as their first instrument or for experienced players as a backup or travel guitar.
- cons
  • The fretboard material is engineered hardwood, which may not be preferred by purists, although the author did not notice any negatives about it.
  • The guitar may not sound as open as high-end models, but considering the price difference, it still offers good value.
  • The guitar does not come with built-in electronics, which may be a drawback for experienced guitarists who prefer specific systems.
The Epiphone FT-100 Acoustic Guitar is a classic dreadnought style guitar with a full, expressive tone. It features a Select Spruce top, solid Mahogany neck, and a smooth, long-lasting Torrefied Composite fingerboard.
+ pros
  • Selected spruce top and mahogany body for a full and expressive tone.
  • Glued-in mahogany neck with a traditional dovetail joint for added stability and resonance.
  • Limited lifetime guarantee, providing peace of mind for the buyer.
  • Available in a variety of finishes to suit different preferences.
  • Epiphone instruments have a long history and are trusted by professional musicians.
- cons
  • No cons are mentioned in the review.
Show all 3 reviews
From Seller:
  • Additional Details: SlimTaper C-profile neck, Epiphone Sloped Dovewing headstock, and Premium Die Cast tuners
  • Mahogany body
  • Dreadnought body shape
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • Read more
From Seller:
  • Classic Epiphone Dreadnought with select spruce top
  • Mahogany Neck
  • 1960's SlimTaper Neck Profile
  • Torrefied Hardwood fretboard has dot inlays and a standard 25.5” scale
  • For Every Stage: Epiphone offers innovation, history, and a lifetime guarantee. Whether you are learning your first song in your bedroom, or rocking an arena, Epiphone has always been there, for everyone, for every generation, for every stage
  • Read more
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