Don't hesitate because of the entry-level price. This is not a toy. It is the real thing. Nato sounds fine in a 12 where you want crisp brightness. The finish is perfect in my opinion.

Sound
Very bright and jangly. Records well. Not a lot of bass, but it should loosen up and get a little warmer and mellower as time goes on, since it is solid sitka. So it should be a 10 in a few years.

Features
Beautiful guitar. The cream trim and reddish Nato make the whole guitar seem to glow. The rounded shape of the bridge is a nice touch.

Quality
OK. This isn't a Taylor or a Guild, so you can't expect perfection, but the quality if far and away above what you (or at least I) would expect anywhere near this price range. The Chinese (in this case specifically Taiwanese) have got it down pat, in my opinion.

Value
I can't imagine how they put out this guitar at this price. I have played guitars, especially 12-strings at four times the price that didn't FEEL this nice, and that is important to me in a 12. I expected it to feel good, I just didn't expect it to feel like it was custom built to my specifications--and it does. Maybe that's just my taste, since my previous 12 was also a Yamaha.

Manufacturer Support
It has a lifetime warranty, but I hope I never have to use it. The bracing and neck look like the thing should last a good 30 years easy.… read more And at this price, why repair. Just replace.

The Wow Factor
This guitar is a must have for anyone who loves the sound of a folk acoustic 12 but does not want to pay what it usually costs for a decent one. Maybe they aren't all as nice as the one that got shipped to me, but if they are--well, no wonder everyone has trouble keeping them in stock.

Musical Background:
hobbyist

Musical Style:
folk pop read less