Hohner DK500CE Exotic Koa Dreadnaught Acoustic/Electric Guitar with Fishman Electronic System Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this Hohner DK500CE a little over a month ago. I had a Harmony acoustic for about 10 years that the shop had already lowered the action, and did some other modifications to it. With all that it was still hard to play. With the Hohner, out of the box it was ready to play. I took it into the shop only to have a strap peg added to the neck. Even the technician was blown away by the looks of it and was shocked that it was easy to play out of the box. The electronics are great. It has a combination of a saddle pickup and a internal pickup. Both can be blended to make a even deeper sound. The built in tuner is dead on accurate. All I can say is, it is perfect.

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La Patrie Guitar, Concert CW QI Review

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(More customer reviews)I'll start off by saying that my introduction to this instrument came through a rather 'odd' circumstance.
A younger classical guitar student owned it; he dropped it hard enough on a 'sharp surface' to crack the top (through no fault whatsoever of the instrument manufacturer) and was selling it for dirt cheap. While it appeared 'real bad', in reality, it was an easy enough fix to anyone familiar with how that process goes. OK, so after watching enough Buster B Jones video's (but not quite ready to jump into a Multiac), I've been looking for a decent cutaway nylon w/ electronics. I'm always a sucker for a fixer-upper project that saves money on something I want anyway. Sold.
In going through the motions of getting the crack under control, I got pretty familiar with how the guitar is put together. I'm not a guy who believes in 'super glue' or simply cleating the leading edge of a crack- I believe in proper repair and on-body refinish.
First things first, explored around the innards with a little flashlight and dental mirror to see what I was up against... Wow. This thing is VERY well built. The interior components were clearly put together with about as much deliberation as any given Martin or Taylor in terms of fit and finish. By contrast, take a look inside a cheapie sometime and compare. There is no comparison. The overall quality of materials- as far as tuners, neck, bridge, nut and saddle, etc- was all first rate, as was the overall fit and finish (joinery, binding, etc). This thing is an *extremely* well made, professional grade instrument.
Solid cedar top is absolutely gorgeous. Thankfully, the crack on mine was a sharp break, so a bit of time with some hide glue and an Xacto knife to turn the crack into a thin 'glueable channel'... Some more time with stainable wood glue to fill the crack flush with the top and installing some underside cleats along the crack line, the box is ready to rock. Will be undergoing a top refinish soon, but now that the crack is stable and the glue's dry, strung it up to see how it plays and sounds....
I noticed right off the bat that it comes with a high action, due to the Tusq (R) saddle being tall. Some people have complained about this but really, this is fairly standard for higher end instruments, where the saddle comes untuned from the factory with the expectation that the player will have it fit to their individual specifications. Nice touch. A bit of time with some abrasive paper, had it right where I wanted. The nut (also Tusq) was dead on.
The onboard Godin Q1 Saddle pickup sounds amazing. The plug is integrated with the bottom strap stud, while the battery compartment is smartly designed- a simple hatch, right next to the plug. Anyone who has had to change the damn battery in old Ovations will appreciate this. Open door, old battery out, new battery in- a 5 second process.
The acoustic tone was superb, amplified, just as good. Can't really 'explain' this, but go play one, you'll understand.
Overall, this is just a tremendous instrument at this price point. While I bought a 'fixer upper', having handled and played it for a bit now, I would not hesitate to recommend this at it's new price point.
This is a $1500 guitar for $600.

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Epiphone AJ-220SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural Review

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(More customer reviews)The Epiphone AJ-220SCE isn't a $3,000 guitar but at a tenth of the cost you'll find a quality instrument that far surpasses its price provided you understand a few simple rules.
First, acoustic guitars often vary wildly in quality and tone even among the same model. The AJ-220SCE is no exception to that rule. I played three different AJ-220SCEs and one was an absolute dud. It physically looked identical and had no obvious defects yet the sound was dull, thin and hardly worthy of $100 let alone $300. That said, I've also played high-end Martin and Gibson acoustics that absolutely blew me away and others that were so bad they should be ashamed to charge for the instrument at all. This particular AJ-220SCE was certainly better than your usual solid-top/laminate back guitars out there for $300. So the lesson here is that you can only know if a guitar is right for you by PLAYING IT. Lean on Amazon's return policy or play one in your local shop before ordering!
Second, remember that at $300 you have lots of options including excellent guitars from Guild, Washburn, Takamine and a variety of other manufacturers. For $300 you may be able to get an all-solid acoustic such as the Epiphone Masterbilt series, the Seagull Maritime series or others. You likely won't get electronics at that price unless you're willing to skip the comfort of a warranty and buying new from a reputable source.
Now for the features...
The AJ-220SCE has some really exceptional features you often won't find at this price including a bound fretboard, higher-quality Gotoh tuners, a solid-spruce top and an outstanding Shadow Nanoflex pickup and Performer pre-amp combination. The handsomely bound fretboard was surprisingly paired with perfectly trimmed frets--no sharp spots here. The tuners are tight and stay in tune. The top is your standard solid spruce with x-bracing which gives the AJ-220SCE its voice. But the genuine scene-stealer is the inclusion of a German-made Shadow Nanoflex pickup and pre-amp. The pickup is an under-saddle model but lacks the quack you'd expect from a piezo. The Performer pre-amp has an on-board tuner, two-band equalizer and a phase switch to reduce feedback. It's powered by two watch batteries rather than the standard 9v.
Next my personal preferences came into play. I happen to love the sound of the Gibson sloped-shoulder jumbo along with Gibson build quality. This time I was in the market for a beater that wouldn't force a gasp should I knock it over however--something a Gibson J-45 is not. I also happen to own other Gibson and Epiphone guitars and dig the soft C-shaped neck most feature. And the AJ-220SCE definitely fits that bill. It's gorgeous but a scratch on this guy won't keep me up at night. And the neck is slim, smooth and fast. Wow...does it ever feel good.
So, if you're in the market for an inexpensive guitar with quality electronics I'd urge you to check out the solid-top AJ-220SCE.


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Epiphone Limited Edition Hummingbird Artist Acoustic Guitar, Ebony Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a decent guitar for the price point. It is well made, has a nice, balanced sound, good tone, and, for the money, really is a decent guitar. It sounds, honestly, just as good as any of the Seagull Guitar models, or any of the "lower-end" ($ 600-$ 800 and up) Martins or Taylors. Isn't that a shame when you spend $ 600-$ 800 on a guitar, and it is considered to be their "lower end", or more consumer friendly labeled "Entry Level" instruments?
The craftsmanship is pretty good based against what you will see, generally, from instruments in this price range.
It's only drawback is that it doesn't have a ton of volume. It isn't very loud, and doesn't project very well. Really, that's my only quibble with this guitar.
Some of the factory set ups can be hit and miss, so, plan to need to take this to your local music store for a professional setup. Once professionally set up, it plays really, really well.
As a note, also, I wanted an Epiphone Hummingbird guitar, but did not want the bright "Cherry Burst", as it comes in. I've always been a fan of "Tobacco Burst", which this guitar is very near to, so, I decided to go with this model. I found that Epiphone (Gibson) doesn't sell much in the line of aftermarket parts, so, the only hope of putting a Hummingbird pick guard on this instrument, which I had intended to do, is to buy an aftermarket replica. I like to have original manufacturer parts on my instruments, so I'm stuck with it, as is.
It's still a Hummingbird, just without the Hummingbird pickguard that makes the Hummingbird a Hummingbird.

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D45 Acoustic Guitar Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a sham. They dont even have them available. They need to correct their postings.
So don't bother order one, because in bout a day you will get an email saying sorry but we dont have it.
Not worth the time or effort.

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Yamaha CPX500 Acoustic Electric Guitar, Dark Red Burst Review

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(More customer reviews)I won't be silly and say this is better than the best Taylor or Takamine but it IS a great value for a $349 guitar. I've had mine for nearly a year now and the onboard tuner works great (I play around with lots of alternate tunings and this makes it FAST - not always looking around for my separate Korg tuner), it stays in tune well meaning the tuners are good hardware, the action is low but not too low where it gets buzy (and therefore easy to fret), it looks great (much better than the awful Amazon picture), and plays right out of the box. I have three other acoustics including a Martin but this Yamaha is the only one I play for all of the above reasons. The finish on the guitar is well done and the binding is solid/good materials are used ESPECIALLY considering this relatively low price point. Unless you buy this CPX500 thinking you are getting $1500 Taylor, you will NOT be disappointed. Oh, and sounds great either through amp or just acoustic. Good tones for a slightly more shallow body. The fact that it is less bulky makes it easier to plunk into your lap and start playing some cool tunes too!

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Fender CJ-290 SCE Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Natural Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently purchased the Fender® CD290SCE - Natural 6-string Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic/Electric Guitar. I received it on 19th March 2010.
I am a Jazz Guitarist and prefer to do my performances on an acoustic/electric guitar. The reason is that I prefer the natural wood sound of a guitar as opposed to an electric sound.
I have owned many expensive brand names in the Jumbo Electric/Acoustic arena. While most of them were excellent in terms of craftsmanship, I was never completely satisfied with such attributes as playability and low action. I always seem to have issues with sharp fret wires, or high fingerboard action particularly from the 5th fret upwards. More often than not I either was forced to grind down the bone saddle, do trust rod adjustments or experiment with different string gauges and sometimes have to tolerate fret buzzes. The prices of these guitars made in China ranged from US$1,000.00 to US$ 2,500.00.
I have always had great respect for Fender Company particularly with their electric guitars. However I was not very familiar with the quality of their acoustics. I decided to take a chance and buy the Fender® CD290SCE - Natural 6-string Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic/Electric Guitar purely on the good reputation Fender Company as a long standing guitar manufacturer.
It is my personal humble opinion that many high priced brand names in jumbo acoustics pale in comparison to this Fender Jumbo.
The fingerboard action and playability out of the box are second to none. The clarity and projection unplugged is superb. I have not yet played it through an amplifier. But given how it sounds unamplified is an indication how well it will sound plugged in. Although this is jumbo, the guitar is very light weight and very comfortable to hold especially for long periods. I have found no factory defects in the craftsmanship. I never thought that a solid spruce top sitting on top of a maple body could generate such robust basses , mid's and hi's
I think that this great guitar ought to be sold with a hard shell case. Mine came in a cardboard box. I have to now source a hard shell case which this fine instrument deserves.
I presently own several expensive acoustics, but I have placed this Fender® CD290SCE at the head of the class. The voices that come out of this fender jumbo acoustic are simply angelic so I have named the guitar "The Angel". My fellow guitarists' minds are totally blown away with the projection and tonal quality of this affordably priced guitar.
I highly recommend it to any professional guitarist.
Folks at Fender, I congratulate you for such a fine craftsmanship in this CD290SCE jumbo acoustic/electric.
Regards,
Stanley Ruiz, Jazz Guitarist & Educator
Trinidad & Tobago


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Takamine G Series G360S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Natural Review

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(More customer reviews)I am not an expert, this review is based on my observations and comparisons with other guitars that I tried out in the store. This is a dreadnought guitar, might be too big for those of smaller stature. It has a solid spruce top with rosewood back and sides, which probably accounts for the great sound and resonance. It has a glossy finish with abalone inlays and rosette, really looks nice ! I tried the Ibanez AC30NT and the Yamaha FG720S. The Yamaha didn't sound as resonant as the Ibanez or the G360S. The only downside is it's pricey compared to the AC30NT (hence, the 4 stars).
It is my opinion that guitars are very personal. You need to sit down and play a few chords on it and play the same chords on the other guitars to arrive at a fair comparison. Note both left and right hand positioning and see which is most comfortable to you. If you decide on 1 model, see if you can try out other guitars of the same model. You might be surprised they may sound different, too !

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Daisy Rock Pixie Acoustic Pink Sparkle Left Handed Starter Guitar Pack Review

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(More customer reviews)Great product. One stop shop for my girl who is learning to play the guitar, but has a fashion flair!

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Fender CD-160 SE-12 Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)This guitar has a decent sound. I've played 12-string acoustics that were naturally louder (without being plugged in), but those were in the $1000 range. This doesn't have that same resonance, but it's OK if you're just playing by yourself or with others in a small room and not plugged in. It does have a pickup, so you can plug into an amp or PA if you play a larger room.
The first one I received had bad buzzing on the 1st and 6th strings at the 2nd fret. Amazon allowed me to return it and overnighted a replacement. The replacement buzzed at the 13th fret of the 1st string. I decided not to complain because, hey, who ever plays that string on that fret on an acoustic? But it may make a statement about the manufacturing quality.
One feature that I love is the built-in tuner that sits on top of the guitar by the volume and tone controls. I really like, but don't necessarily love, this guitar. But, for the price, it was well worth it!

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Fender CD-100CE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Natural Review

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(More customer reviews)Before you read this understand I am new a playing guitar. That being said the features on this guitar are nice fir beginners, the Fishman tuning system is easy and work great. The sound is great (to me) Im sure others will differ but if your looking for a 200 dollar guitar you shouldn't nit-pick. But it has been about 6-7 months of hard play and I don't hear any new rattles or signs that things are coming apart. The finish is natural wood not polyurethane like nice ones. But this is a great beginners guitar.

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Fender Sonoran SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Candy Apple Red Review

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(More customer reviews)This product was for my daughter. It came very fast, very well protected and packaged good. My daughter was thrilled- it is a beautiful guitar and a great price.

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Fender CD-60CE Acoustic Electric Guitar with Case, Natural Review

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(More customer reviews)The case is awesome and the guitar is good! the price is excelent! For a 1st guitar is an excelent choice!

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Hohner Essential Dreadnought Guitar Review

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(More customer reviews)I picked up this guitar from a local music store after looking to pick up a seagull s6. The owner brought out this guitar and I said "Isn't Hohner the harmonica company???" Anyways, he asked me to play it and I fell in love with the sound. It is amazing for this price range. I've played some mid-range priced martins that this would beat. The craftmanship is incredible and it doesnt ever seeem to get out of tune. Pick this up if your looking for a sweet guitar at a good price. you wont be sorry.

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Recording King Century Jubilee Series Acoustic Dreadnaught Guitar (Spruce/Mahogany) Review

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(More customer reviews)I love this guitar, its my first actaully one i really bought, someone gave me a small tiny student guitar and this one is so sweet compared to it. I have friends that tell me about how great this guitar sounds compared to the other "high class" stuff. Its making me want to play everyday.

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Daisy Rock Pixie Acoustic-Electric Pink Sparkle Guitar Review

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(More customer reviews)Hot pink glittery guitar with decent sound, built in tuner and plugs into an amp. A little girls dream.

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Cordoba C7 Nylon String Acoustic Classical Guitar Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased a Cordoba C7 Nylon String Classical Guitar last Month(June 2011) at Sam Ash on 48th street in New york. The guy who helped me was very helpfull and knowledgeable of the product. When I got home, I played the guitar - I was very impressed of the great sound of the guitar I would compare it to a Ramirez pitch, my teacher was also impressed by the sound of the Cordoba C7. I am happy to own a C7 Cordoba.
-Alex


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