Jasmine ES31C

I purchased this instrument from The Starving Musician in Berkeley California. I payed $200.

I like the tone and the resonance that this unit gives. I have been told that it sounds very warm and is fun to play. The guitar has great action. I didn't feel like anything had to adjusted. I also like the look of the guitar. I have been complimented on how the guitar looks. In a world of wood grains this guitar really stands out. I wanted a dreadnaught cut away and this is exactly what I wanted. The electronics on this guitar have really simlple settings which I like because I'm new to guitars. The orignal strings are pretty good I think they're D'Addarios.

The finish on the guitar could be a little better. When I recieved the product it has very fine scratches but were almost unnociteable. The tuners work very well however they are not flush against the headstock which I don't think affects the performance. The electronics could be better. The passive pickups are not strong enough for most amps but is okay to use in small settings. It would be nice if this guitar came with some accessories like a case but I guess the cost doesn't warrant it. I don't like the beige trim around the guitar. It makes it look a little cheap but then again it is a pretty low priced guitar.

The construction of the unit is great. There were minor scratches out ofthe box but it's not a big deal. The guitar came with a cable that looks rather cheap but it was free.

I like this guitar. There are a few issues with the finish but now that I have it i wouldn't trade it for the world. I'm a begginner and this is my first guitar but all my friends who have been playing for a while love it. They tend to play mine more then their own. If your looking for your first guitar I highly recommend this one.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

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.

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.

Not much I dont like with it. I wish it had a solid top and an EQed preamp.

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.

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.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com