On 2001-10-29, Riki-tiki-tavi gave this Martinez Acoustic Guitar a 5...(740)
Purchase: I bought this guitar from a Whyalla (South Australian) store for $269AUS. I had a nylon string 3/4 guitar, my first guitar, for about 8 months and finally decided to get a steel-string.
Pros: It has a basically nice sound. It is easy to play and adjust to. As a beginner, I found this a welcome surprise. The finish is smooth and a deep crimson red, fading into black. Many of Martinez' models have a similar gradient pattern. It is quite strong as well, especially as I don't keep it in a case, and has withstood accidental bumps. Tuning is kept very well.
Cons: Although tuning is kept pretty well, the tuning machine for the 2nd bass string feels 'slacker' than all the others, as if it might not hold - although somehow it manages to keep in tune. This was probably just the odd banana of the bunch so to speak. I heard some unwanted vibrations in a few certain strings, although I am unsure if it is just the way I am playing.
Quality: The construction is strong and robust, but lightweight for a full-size guitar. I'd still recommend a case for it though, just in case. Most of the construction is in Agathis wood, and the strings were set up to sound and play smoothly. I found the strings raised a little high from the fingerboard at first, but it was easy to adjust to after some playing.
Summary: Overall, I really like this guitar, for its robust construction and nice sound. I haven't been playing guitar for very long, but I found this guitar is very easy to adjust to - so beginners might want to give it a try. They are designed in Australia and distributed by Jade Sound Systems, but may be sold overseas as well.
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