Dean RSE Exotica Reviews 4

Online-Oklahoma vintage Guitar; Paid $600 with case.

Stunning looks. The abalone inlays are fantastic. Fishman electronics raise the bar of this instrument. Tone is even, with every string blending well. Grover tuners make this instrument feel like one that costs thousands more.

As strings deaden, so does the tone. This condition is far worse here than on many other guitars I've played. intonation cannot be changed, and some notes just will not sound in tune higher up on the neck. The guitar seems heavier than others. cosmetically, I don't like the tortise-shell binding. i'd like the white better.

If a Taylor or a Martin is like a BMW or Mercedes, then this instrument would be your Hondas and Toyotas. It's very well built with superior quality hardware and above average quality woods. Solid spruce top seems a bit thick which may affect resonance. Neck is solid. The back and sides are rosewood veneer, but at times I wonder if mine has mahogany in it because the bass response is not typical of a rosewood body. The abalone inlays are incredible.

For the price, you can't go wrong with this guitar. Even with being nitpicky, I still think this guitar is perfect for the gigging musician, and especially for electric players who want an acoustic in their rig. It was meant to be played plugged in, and in fact it's plugged sound is unbelievable. If you're like me, you'll go through strings like crazy. Phosphor bronze strings sound the best on this guitar.

Mike Hamm rated this unit 4 on 2003-11-24.

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