Jasmine Review: ES31C

History:

Purchase: Bought from Monmouth Music in Red Bank, NJ for $179.00. I was looking at the Takamine EG530SC's, and EG330SC that were in the store. I picked this up because I thought it was another black 530. after I played it I could not tell a differrence soundwise or in general appearence. I saved over $200 from the 530's and 330 that were in the store.

What I Like About This Jasmine ES31C: It has a very full natural sound that just rings out of it. The overall tone of the guitar is very good and it just rings, or sustains, forever. There was no buzz on any of the strings on any fret and when I tuned it at home, the intonation was dead on exact. The frets were very well dressed with only minor file marks evident. After stretching the strings the guitar will not go out of tune even after nice bluesey bends.I can't ask for much better with an accoustic guitar. It has a white binded gloss black finish with a cutaway to help with access to the upper frets as well as a piezo pickup (DJ2) that sounds pretty good on my marshall mg15cdr but on an acoustasonic jr it was extremely nice sounding. Very full and natural.

What I Do NOT Like About The Jasmine ES31C: Not much I dont like with it. I wish it had a solid top and an EQed preamp.

Jasmine ES31C Quality Rating: All laminate with a rosewood bridge and fretboard. Gloss Black with white binding. Some glue visible inside the sound chamber but doesn't seem to affect the overall sound of the guitar. No flaws visible in workmanship or materials outside of the visible glue.

Review Summary: A exceptional value for the cost. Sounded just like the real Takamine's that were well over twice the price. Can not ask for a better beginner or novice guitar. Overall it is a 3 or 4 for a rating but a 5 for the quality and sound you get for the money. I will give it a 4 overall.

Rating of this Jasmine product: 4

This Jasmine ES31C Acoustic Guitars Review Submitted By: Brian

Review Date: 2003-01-27