Introduction
When purchasing a new guitar, playability and sound quality are key considerations. My experience with this instrument was a mix of positives and areas that required adjustment. While it boasts a sweet tone and good fretwork, some setup issues and design choices affected its initial usability.
Rationale
Upon receiving the guitar, I found the action to be unplayably high, primarily due to the nut, though the saddle also contributed. Adjusting both revealed that the material, despite resembling bone in texture and smell when filed, was actually synthetic—an interesting detail. The fretwork was impressive; after significantly lowering the action, I encountered no fret buzzing or uneven frets, which speaks to the guitar’s solid craftsmanship in this area.
The balance of the instrument is well-thought-out, and the plastic tuning buttons help prevent neck dive. However, the side dot markers were lacking, with only the 5th and 7th frets marked. I had to add my own markers at the 9th and 12th frets to improve playability. Another downside is the finish and the soft cedar wood, which is highly prone to marking. Given its fragility, a clear pickguard should have been included to provide additional protection.
Conclusion
Overall, this guitar has a beautiful sound and excellent fretwork but required significant setup adjustments to become fully playable. The omission of adequate side dots and a pickguard are minor but notable drawbacks. However, once properly set up, it is a well-balanced instrument with a lovely tone, making it a worthwhile purchase for those willing to put in the extra work.
