Guild Songbird Acoustic Electric Guitar For Sale (2024 Update)

Bought the F-250E to play small gigs. It is beautiful and booms! I also bought Gator's inexpensive jumbo case which is for sale with most major online vendors – it fits like a custom build. It is gig-able right out of the delivery truck. I am 6 foot and of average frame and ergonomically it is quite comfortable despite its size. You will catch yourself staring at the finish, it could have fallen out of a time machine from 1956. I highly recommend the F-250E.Thomas

Extremely happy with the Jumbo! Very pleasing warm tone. very loud if you get into it. Depending on the setting, play Rythm you may not need an amp. The finish is impeccable. The sunburst is a beauty to behold. The setup and action very good right out of the box. always wanted a Jumbo, the Guild F250E was the right choice for me. I get a lot of compliments on the tone and beauty of it. Thanks Guild and MF!Johnie

The flamed maple back and sides are really nice looking. The spruce top isn't the most select grade visually, but the sound quality is still excellent and the sunburst finish still looks good. It feels solid and well made with good tuners. It is a really big guitar, that along with the maple body and arched back provides lots of volume. Just needs a case.Okie Picker

This is a very beautiful guitar, it sounds amazing and so easy to play! This is a LOT of guitar for the money! Highly recomended!Raymond

Despite the neck being described as a slim c it is thicker than my Taylor, Yamaha and fender. It's a little difficult to wrap my hand around but I am a woman. A man probably won't have that problem. I bought it to be a beater, something lightweight I can take around with me that I don't care about getting damaged. I actually wish I got the Taylor GS now because the neck will probably be what I am used to but I already have two Taylor's and wanted a different guitar, I like having different brands. The pick guard looks surprisingly cheap in person. Idk maybe other people like that look. I like a tortoise shell pick guard but this guild one just looks kinda faded out or something and the tortoise colors aren't blended well. It doesn't come with a gig bag anymore I guess, some people got one, maybe that is in other countries outside the US idk. The sound is what you would expect from a small guitar. The action is ok, a tad bit high which I might get lowered in the future. Doesn't bother me actually. The guitar is VERY lightweight.Jayjay L

The extra time at home during the pandemic has found me exploring short scale guitars and working on my finger-picking. I've acquired a Martin 000 Jr, and an all-mahogany Martin Dreadnought Jr. When I came across Guild's Jumbo Jr., I said, well, of course. How could I not? I thought a maple guitar would be a good addition to the Junior arsenal, and I wasn't disappointed. These Jumbo Juniors are beautiful, well made little instruments, fit and finish are superb. Mine has a couple bear claw inclusions on a very nicely book-matched solid Sitka spruce top, figured maple sides, and a bookmatched arched back of gorgeous, flamey, figured maple. The back and sides are laminates, but are very well chosen for their figuring. I thought the factory 13s were a bit too stiff, and the action a smidge high, so I had some nut and saddle work done, put a set of Martin Flexible Core 12s on, and just love this thing now. I think the factory idea behind the heavier strings is two-fold; to tighten up string tension that's inherently light due to the scale length, and to give it more low end. I think they just made it difficult to play. I haven't noticed any difference in tone switching to 12s, and the flexible core Martin strings have lighter string tension, enhancing playability. Given it's size, and that maple as a tone wood is on the bright side, you're not going to get a booming low end from this guitar – you might be better served in that regard by one of the mahogany bodied versions, but that's not what I was looking for. This guitar does have a fairly full and well balanced sound, nicely articulate with sparkling upper end resonance and great sustain. It plays well with the Martin Juniors, and has plenty of projection to keep up with the full-size boys, too. Great guitar!Rex K.

Was very pleased with the Guild D240e overall until having to return it because LAYERS of fused on clear plastic over the pick guard would not come off cleanly. Understand, this was no usual one layer pull off. After I sent pictures, my Gear Advisor, Paul Mathews was extremely helpful in arranging the return. With the great customer service, I decided to upgrade to the Guild D260e Deluxe (Waiting on delivery as I write!). GUILD is fast becoming a favorite. I also have a Guild 12 string and a Martin. For the money, Guild offers incredible sound, playability, appearance and overall value. Linked with MF/GC, I can highly recommend others take a good honest look at these beauties.Mike

After owning this guitar for ~3 weeks, here is my honest review: I have found a total of 4 flaws with this guitar; 2 minor QC issues, 1 engineering oversight and 1 nit. Note, no concerns with playability, sound or build quality. Seriously, I'll add pics so you can see how minor the QC issues are. I'm basically hunting for "flaws". QC Issues: There is a small spot of adhesive on the top edge of the neck near the nut. There is uneven stain in two small spots on the back lower bout of the guitar. My guess is there was oil or something that kept the stain from penetrating evenly here. Engineering Issue: The corners of the bridge should be beveled as they are fairly sharp. Nit: The mahogany sides and back have a very "open" porous finish. When wiping the guitar down with a microfiber cloth you can feel and hear it catching. I imagine over time the crevices on these surfaces will become filled with dust and debris. Honestly, at this price point, the QC issues don't bother me. I can probably knock the glue off without damaging the finish, but I haven't been too concerned with it. The uneven stain just adds a little character. I might be a little more upset with it if this was one of the higher end models, but it's barely noticeable anyway. Overall great build quality and quality control at this price point. I'll probably knock the sharp edges off the bridge with a file. Shouldn't take much, just enough to take the "stabbiness" out of 'em! The texture of the sides and back bothers me most, but not enough to take away from my satisfaction with this guitar. Now to the good stuff! The guitar arrived well packaged. The action of the guitar was great out of the box, as was the intonation. I honestly have not had to do a setup on this guitar. This guitar is super light, but it sounds amazing for having such a light body. I attribute both of these to the arched back design which eliminates the bracing found in most dreadnoughts. I would put the sound of this guitar as comparable to guitars at a much higher price point. I can't wait to hear it mellow with age! The tone is well balanced with the light gauge strings supplied with the guitar. Light gauge is my preference so that's great news for me! This guitar has great resonance as well. She really does sing. The action and playability are on point and I haven't had any issues with it going out of tune. What else can I say? There is almost no way anyone could be unhappy with this guitar. Superior quality at an amazing value.Josh

I purchased this guitar as an open box condition 2 for about half price. It came a brand new guitar. This guitar is flawless. Zero blemishs and workmanship is unbelieveable.The only flaw was that the pickup was not picking up the 1st string. The under saddle pickup was not positioned correctly. Had it fixed in about 10 minutes. Incredibly balanced sound. Still had the plastic on the pickguard. Neck is thin and straight and easy to play. Playable right out of the box. When I re-string next time, I might lower the action about a 64th to suit my feel. Love, love, love it. Love the satin finish. I stole this one. Thanks Lane.Gerald

I got this as a backup for my 1980 Guild D-25 warhorse that needs a new under-the-saddle pickup. It handles pretty much the same as my old guitar, but lacks the unamplified projection/ volume of the old girl. But I do like the looks, sound and feel of this new instrument, and am looking forward to it improving with age like the old D-25. So far, so good…. will provide follow up after my Friday night gig.Chris Z

I have had many acoustic over the years, my last was Taylor but wasn't thrilled with it so I sold it 4 months after I bought it. I went into ASH and was all ready to buy an epiphone masterbilt when my sales guy Steven Sagel (yes, his real name)said, can I show you another guitar? The minute I put the GUILD D120ce in my hand and played one chord, I said Ill take this! Solid body, not to bright and super warm full bodied sound like I like, better than the Martin for my taste.Philly B

I really like this guitar. it's has a real good sound and it rings out a long time it plays very good. i would recommend it.It plays easy and it is beautiful. Guild D-120CE Acoustic + Electric Cherry Color I Bought this on E-Bay Usedthedave60

Despite the neck being described as a slim c it is thicker than my Taylor, Yamaha and fender. It's a little difficult to wrap my hand around but I am a woman. A man probably won't have that problem. I bought it to be a beater, something lightweight I can take around with me that I don't care about getting damaged. I actually wish I got the Taylor GS now because the neck will probably be what I am used to but I already have two Taylor's and wanted a different guitar, I like having different brands. The pick guard looks surprisingly cheap in person. Idk maybe other people like that look. I like a tortoise shell pick guard but this guild one just looks kinda faded out or something and the tortoise colors aren't blended well. It doesn't come with a gig bag anymore I guess, some people got one, maybe that is in other countries outside the US idk. The sound is what you would expect from a small guitar. The action is ok, a tad bit high which I might get lowered in the future. Doesn't bother me actually. The guitar is VERY lightweight.Jayjay L

The extra time at home during the pandemic has found me exploring short scale guitars and working on my finger-picking. I've acquired a Martin 000 Jr, and an all-mahogany Martin Dreadnought Jr. When I came across Guild's Jumbo Jr., I said, well, of course. How could I not? I thought a maple guitar would be a good addition to the Junior arsenal, and I wasn't disappointed. These Jumbo Juniors are beautiful, well made little instruments, fit and finish are superb. Mine has a couple bear claw inclusions on a very nicely book-matched solid Sitka spruce top, figured maple sides, and a bookmatched arched back of gorgeous, flamey, figured maple. The back and sides are laminates, but are very well chosen for their figuring. I thought the factory 13s were a bit too stiff, and the action a smidge high, so I had some nut and saddle work done, put a set of Martin Flexible Core 12s on, and just love this thing now. I think the factory idea behind the heavier strings is two-fold; to tighten up string tension that's inherently light due to the scale length, and to give it more low end. I think they just made it difficult to play. I haven't noticed any difference in tone switching to 12s, and the flexible core Martin strings have lighter string tension, enhancing playability. Given it's size, and that maple as a tone wood is on the bright side, you're not going to get a booming low end from this guitar – you might be better served in that regard by one of the mahogany bodied versions, but that's not what I was looking for. This guitar does have a fairly full and well balanced sound, nicely articulate with sparkling upper end resonance and great sustain. It plays well with the Martin Juniors, and has plenty of projection to keep up with the full-size boys, too. Great guitar!Rex K.

Love this guitar I've been looking for a good acoustic electric for a while for recording. It played great straight out of the box. No additional set up required. Sounds good good plugged in or just straight acoustic. Stays tuned really well. Wish had pulled the trigger and bought it sooner.Jerry K

I needed an acoustic-electric guitar to play around the house, and for an occasional acoustic gig. I operate a guitar repair business and have the opportunity to play hundreds of guitars. Of all the acoustic guitars I've worked on, the Guild guitars had the best sound. I decided to try the OM-240. I didn't want to spend too much money, but I didn't want a beginner's guitar either. The Guild arrived perfectly setup right out of the box. It is very light and has a medium neck profile, which is perfect for the electric player. The sound was loud and bright. When I plugged it in, I was surprised at how good it sounded. The volume or tone controls are inside the sound hole. I would prefer to have a volume and tone controls on the outside of the guitar. I would recommend this guitar for someone looking for a good sounding, easy to play guitar, without breaking the bank. I am very pleased with this guitar. Bill Sigsig1316

It's hard to beat for the price. Has the sound and quality of a much more expensive guitar. Have had it for about a month. This makes 5 guitars I own. I couldn't find any imperfections. Only thing I wasn't crazy about was where the neck attaches to the guitar, there is a white "D" shaped plastic cap/cover. Wish this was natural wood or not so obvious. Otherwise, I was really impressed.Tampa Bay Dave

Most of my guitars are American made, Taylor, Gibson, or Martin. This is the first, Chinese built Guild I have owned. I am blown away by the beauty and playability. I did change the strings to mellow out the tone and made adjustments to the truss rod, and wow, what a nice playing guitar. A great value for the money that cost me about one-fifth the price of my other guitars.timcantwell

I have been primarily an electric guitar player for many years. I have had a couple acoustics, but never one that I had chosen for myself. A few years ago I sold my Guild D25. It was a nice guitar but I never really bonded with it. Also not a big fan of the dread shape 🤷🏻‍♀️. Not sure what compelled me to check out the acoustic room at GC a few weeks ago, but suddenly found myself in front of a couple of glossy sunburst Guild OM 260ce Deluxe guitars. One of them had some markings that I thought were scratches at first but when I looked closer I could tell they were part of the wood grain. I had assumed I would prefer the one without the markings, and didn't expect a lot of variance between them but I let my ears decide- and the uniquely patterned one kept winning. They were both great players though, and I'm convinced I would've been happy with either one. But the one I brought home just has a little extra something. Really pleasing depth of tones and nice sustain. I was playing it every day since I got it, but finally took it in for a setup last week- itchin to get it back, as I'm sure it will play even better. Again, I'm not an acoustic expert but even off the rack, both guitars I tested felt comfortable and played easy. When I got home, I did some quick research and learned that the markings I noticed on my guitar are called "bear claw"- some makers believe this appears in older, more rigid spruce and comes out when a piece of top wood is perfectly sawn. Mine also has lots of "silking" and tight grain which seems to be further indication of a nice top wood. I don't love the look of runout, but that was about all I knew when I first picked it up (neither guitars I tested had much, if any, runout). If you can try a couple of these, you may find a similar experience where your ears can choose the right one for you. But again, I think anyone looking in this range will be happy with what they hear. The wood pattern and finish have really grown on me. I like that I would be able to pick my guitar out of a lineup- nice to see some uniqueness in mass produced instruments. I don't know much about tonewoods but the back and sides are really pretty and fun to look at as well. Top is solid, sides and back are laminate, take that as you will but I really like the sound and volume from this guitar. The neck is pau ferro with satin finish and feels great in my hand. My spouse also likes the look of it hanging in the living room, which is a big plus!K

I am learning how to play the guitar. This guitar is easy to play right out of the box. It has a low action, which is good for my novice fingers, the finish is so nice and smooth. I like the thin neck and the sound of it.Simón

Nice quality at a reasonable price for a USA built guitar. Action was spot on upon delivery and guitar is very easy to play. Neck shape and width is very comfortable for me. Sound wise, nice balance tone for a jumbo. Lots of volume and you can't overdrive it with heavy strumming.TB

Loving this guitar, nice compact size, big, punchy voice and easy to play. The flat finish is clean look and not fussy (not a fingerprint magnet), the tuners work well, and love the open back vintage look of them. And Guild includes all the allen wrenches and even a screwdriver to make adjustments…how cool. I'm thinking there may be another Guild guitar in my future.Tim

This guitar has an amazing sound and the archback give it a full sound. I also own the Guild OM-240e and absolutely love it. So I saw that this is essentially the same, but is smaller. I wanted a travel guitar and one to use on the couch. This is perfect, it is a smaller body and has a sound that is surprising for its size. The solid spruce top give it a bright sound and the mahogany back and sides, coupled with the archback is a perfect combination. The action is spot on and was set up perfectly from the get go. I have played many Martin's and Taylor's and a few Gibson's and I will say that this little guitar is on par, actually better, because the price is a fraction of the cost! Very happy with this guitar and will be for years to come! This guitar is a keeper!bobmahogan

Good guitar for recording. The sound hole pickup works well. This the first sound hole pick up in a guitar that I have owned and is a completely different animal. The last 3 times I went to Guitar center I picked this up and the 3rd time it followed me home. As you get older, and your belly gets bigger a smaller guitar fits better.OldFartDave

Most of my guitars are American made, Taylor, Gibson, or Martin. This is the first, Chinese built Guild I have owned. I am blown away by the beauty and playability. I did change the strings to mellow out the tone and made adjustments to the truss rod, and wow, what a nice playing guitar. A great value for the money that cost me about one-fifth the price of my other guitars.timcantwell

I have been primarily an electric guitar player for many years. I have had a couple acoustics, but never one that I had chosen for myself. A few years ago I sold my Guild D25. It was a nice guitar but I never really bonded with it. Also not a big fan of the dread shape 🤷🏻‍♀️. Not sure what compelled me to check out the acoustic room at GC a few weeks ago, but suddenly found myself in front of a couple of glossy sunburst Guild OM 260ce Deluxe guitars. One of them had some markings that I thought were scratches at first but when I looked closer I could tell they were part of the wood grain. I had assumed I would prefer the one without the markings, and didn't expect a lot of variance between them but I let my ears decide- and the uniquely patterned one kept winning. They were both great players though, and I'm convinced I would've been happy with either one. But the one I brought home just has a little extra something. Really pleasing depth of tones and nice sustain. I was playing it every day since I got it, but finally took it in for a setup last week- itchin to get it back, as I'm sure it will play even better. Again, I'm not an acoustic expert but even off the rack, both guitars I tested felt comfortable and played easy. When I got home, I did some quick research and learned that the markings I noticed on my guitar are called "bear claw"- some makers believe this appears in older, more rigid spruce and comes out when a piece of top wood is perfectly sawn. Mine also has lots of "silking" and tight grain which seems to be further indication of a nice top wood. I don't love the look of runout, but that was about all I knew when I first picked it up (neither guitars I tested had much, if any, runout). If you can try a couple of these, you may find a similar experience where your ears can choose the right one for you. But again, I think anyone looking in this range will be happy with what they hear. The wood pattern and finish have really grown on me. I like that I would be able to pick my guitar out of a lineup- nice to see some uniqueness in mass produced instruments. I don't know much about tonewoods but the back and sides are really pretty and fun to look at as well. Top is solid, sides and back are laminate, take that as you will but I really like the sound and volume from this guitar. The neck is pau ferro with satin finish and feels great in my hand. My spouse also likes the look of it hanging in the living room, which is a big plus!K

I am learning how to play the guitar. This guitar is easy to play right out of the box. It has a low action, which is good for my novice fingers, the finish is so nice and smooth. I like the thin neck and the sound of it.Simón

Ok so it's Chinese made, but this is why it does not cost 1500. The build quality is good, the setup out of the box was great. Low action and easy to play, even accounting for wider than standard 6 string neck. ( And I don't have long fingers) The electrics work great and the hidden nature of controls is cool, if you don't want a big hole cut in the side of your guitar. Solid woods throughout, with great finish. Weakest point is the tuners, but it holds tune well for a 12 string, which in itself is unheard of!jacol-431

I've wanted a Guild 12-string since college, over over 40 years ago. Back then I had a Lyle Hummingbird clone 12-string, which sounded okay (laminated body, spruce top, Japanese manufacture.) Before I left college I also bought a Guild G-37, blonde, arch back 6-string. I still have both guitars. I loved the sweet, well balanced tone of the G-37, but could never afford one of their 12-strings to mate up with it. Fast forward to now – haven't played any of my guitars in several years, and wanted to get back into it. With the Westerly Collection, a 12 string was now affordable, and all the reviews and videos convinced me that this was the time! My new F2512E Deluxe arrived the other day, and it's stunning! Flawless finish, precision inlays, and oh that tone! Just like the tone of some of my favorite artists from the folk era, like John Denver. Can't wait to try Rocky Mountain High on this baby, but I'll also be learning or relearning some more contemporary tunes as well. Thanks Guild for making an affordable but terrific sounding 12!Mike

Bought this guitar to add to my acoustic collection. For this price my exoectations were low as I own a Martin, Gibson, Ovation Elite and Yamaha Transacoustic all which cost considerbly more so I was abslutely blown away by this guitar. It came perfectly setup out of the box with nice low action-no adjustment needed. The glossy sunburst finish over the flamed maple back and sides is absolutely beautiful-the top and is matched spruce and the back is matched flamed maple. Beautiful shimmery sound and the pickup sounds great plugged into my deluxe reverb amp. The satin neck finish is smooth and the frets are smooth and polished. The quality of this guitar is outstanding-I could not find a flaw in its material or construction anywhere. Nice bright maple jumbo guitar that I am glad I purchased. Don't let the price point and the made in China sticker scare you away-this guitar holds its own against my Martin HD-35, Gibson hummingbird and my other acoustic guitars. I bought a gator jumbo case to keep it safe and the ase fits nicely.DWB

This guitar sits on its stand in my Music room always ready for a quick play. I love the rich deep tone that this guitar puts out. Stays in tune and sounds great! Baritone guitars are few and far between and most cheap baritones just dont cut it. This one is the exception. You wont find a better Baritone at this price point!John

I've owned the Alvarez, the Ibanez and a Taylor GT-8. What you usually get with the cheaper baritones is muddiness and in the case of the Alvarez, mine had a funky neck and fret job. I wasn't expecting this to be so nice at this price. But having bought a Guild D-55 and F512 recently, I've become somewhat of a Guild convert. This guitar makes me even more so. Nicely made, straight neck, tunes well and the intonation is almost right on. Just a shade off at the 14th fret, but I think I can work that out. Balanced tone with a nice cohesive sound that you usually get with more expensive guitars. In the low ranges this had a really nice distinct sound, instead of the mud I had with both the Ibanez and Alvarez. The Taylor was great but it was too much of an investment for a specialty guitar like this. If you are thinking of toying with a baritone, this is a great option. The electronics sound good as well on this. It would work well on stage and the unpluggedl tone would work well for recording. All in all a really nice guitar at a very reasonable price, as guitars go these days.Lenny

I just took delivery of my Guild Baritone, and I already love it! It came well set-up right out of the box – though a couple of the string pegs did need to be pushed in all the way prior to tuning. It has a beautiful, deep sound that carries well when unplugged. I can't wait to try it out plugged in!Jason

Love this guitar I've been looking for a good acoustic electric for a while for recording. It played great straight out of the box. No additional set up required. Sounds good good plugged in or just straight acoustic. Stays tuned really well. Wish had pulled the trigger and bought it sooner.Jerry K

I needed an acoustic-electric guitar to play around the house, and for an occasional acoustic gig. I operate a guitar repair business and have the opportunity to play hundreds of guitars. Of all the acoustic guitars I've worked on, the Guild guitars had the best sound. I decided to try the OM-240. I didn't want to spend too much money, but I didn't want a beginner's guitar either. The Guild arrived perfectly setup right out of the box. It is very light and has a medium neck profile, which is perfect for the electric player. The sound was loud and bright. When I plugged it in, I was surprised at how good it sounded. The volume or tone controls are inside the sound hole. I would prefer to have a volume and tone controls on the outside of the guitar. I would recommend this guitar for someone looking for a good sounding, easy to play guitar, without breaking the bank. I am very pleased with this guitar. Bill Sigsig1316

It's hard to beat for the price. Has the sound and quality of a much more expensive guitar. Have had it for about a month. This makes 5 guitars I own. I couldn't find any imperfections. Only thing I wasn't crazy about was where the neck attaches to the guitar, there is a white "D" shaped plastic cap/cover. Wish this was natural wood or not so obvious. Otherwise, I was really impressed.Tampa Bay Dave

A friend asked me to find him a good guitar that's not too expensive. I ended up buying the Guild Bob Marley A20 on his behalf and it's mind-blowing ! This guitar is fantastic. It is loud and the set up is superb straight from the box. It is bright, resonant and comfortable. I tried a few others in the shop but this one was much much better and a third of the price to some others that I tried. If you're looking for a great guitar in the £300-£400 range get this one. You will not be disappointed.Mike P.

I ordered this guitar on the approval that if I liked it I it i would buy it. After de boxing I tuned the guitar and started playing it. I was absolutely amazed at the action, playability, sound and just how good the guitar was straight out of the box. It’s a beautiful Bob Marley signature guitar with lots of extras, and the only guitar I’ve every bought where a new tree is planted for every guitar sold. For the price it’s one of the best guitars on the market, I’ve got Taylor’s, Martins, and Gibson acoustics but this is a joy to play with a great sound, affordable and eco friendly, what more could I ask.Andy

I've owned multiple guitars from cheap Ibanez and Yamaha to the expensive gretsch and martin. I was always interested in guild guitars and decided to pick one up, when I saw there was one to commemorate Bob Marley being a fan myself I picked it up. The first song I played was three little birds both chords and picking and I love. Everything from resonation, tone, set up, you name it I love itBrian

The guitar is pretty good out of the box, the action height is a bit tall but with some rod adjustment, you can make it fit your needs. The sound is premium and there is no buzz whatsoever.Martin

This guitar exceeded all my expectations! It is an excellent buy. It feels amazing, sounds amazing, and looks fantastic. I would definitely buy again.Javier

Most of my guitars are American made, Taylor, Gibson, or Martin. This is the first, Chinese built Guild I have owned. I am blown away by the beauty and playability. I did change the strings to mellow out the tone and made adjustments to the truss rod, and wow, what a nice playing guitar. A great value for the money that cost me about one-fifth the price of my other guitars.timcantwell

I have been primarily an electric guitar player for many years. I have had a couple acoustics, but never one that I had chosen for myself. A few years ago I sold my Guild D25. It was a nice guitar but I never really bonded with it. Also not a big fan of the dread shape 🤷🏻‍♀️. Not sure what compelled me to check out the acoustic room at GC a few weeks ago, but suddenly found myself in front of a couple of glossy sunburst Guild OM 260ce Deluxe guitars. One of them had some markings that I thought were scratches at first but when I looked closer I could tell they were part of the wood grain. I had assumed I would prefer the one without the markings, and didn't expect a lot of variance between them but I let my ears decide- and the uniquely patterned one kept winning. They were both great players though, and I'm convinced I would've been happy with either one. But the one I brought home just has a little extra something. Really pleasing depth of tones and nice sustain. I was playing it every day since I got it, but finally took it in for a setup last week- itchin to get it back, as I'm sure it will play even better. Again, I'm not an acoustic expert but even off the rack, both guitars I tested felt comfortable and played easy. When I got home, I did some quick research and learned that the markings I noticed on my guitar are called "bear claw"- some makers believe this appears in older, more rigid spruce and comes out when a piece of top wood is perfectly sawn. Mine also has lots of "silking" and tight grain which seems to be further indication of a nice top wood. I don't love the look of runout, but that was about all I knew when I first picked it up (neither guitars I tested had much, if any, runout). If you can try a couple of these, you may find a similar experience where your ears can choose the right one for you. But again, I think anyone looking in this range will be happy with what they hear. The wood pattern and finish have really grown on me. I like that I would be able to pick my guitar out of a lineup- nice to see some uniqueness in mass produced instruments. I don't know much about tonewoods but the back and sides are really pretty and fun to look at as well. Top is solid, sides and back are laminate, take that as you will but I really like the sound and volume from this guitar. The neck is pau ferro with satin finish and feels great in my hand. My spouse also likes the look of it hanging in the living room, which is a big plus!K

I am learning how to play the guitar. This guitar is easy to play right out of the box. It has a low action, which is good for my novice fingers, the finish is so nice and smooth. I like the thin neck and the sound of it.Simón