Art & Lutherie Wild Cherry

Satin lacquer finish, dreadnought body, laminate wild cherry top, back, and sides with silver maple neck. No electronics.

Only 1 strap button on guitar which bugs me a bit because I'm not a fan of looping a cord around the headstock so that a strap can be used.

Sound is decent for a low, low budget guitar. Most others in this price range of ~$75-150 sound like garbage, but this guitar has a decent enough sound with an even mix of lows and highs. I cannot complain for the price though as this isn't a solid wood guitar...not even solid top so the sound is better than I could have hoped for.

Purchased this used, but setup was subpar regardless.

Action was way too high. I lowered the action at the bridge to the minimum allowed, and it was still slightly higher than I prefer. That was a slight disappointment, but it is well within an acceptable range now that most other people would be satisfied with.

The nut was also not filed down enough which makes open chords, and anything played in the first few frets harder than it should be. This isn't unique to this guitar though, but it is worth pointing out. And like the saddle it's another relatively simple fix.

Other than those issues (which can be easily rectified for the most part anyways) the guitar is put together fairly well. The neck feels great...a fine job was done on the frets in keeping them even, and making them feel smooth at the edges.

Overall this seems like a solid guitar that could be depended on. The tuners aren't the best, but a lot of that lies in how the guitar is strung instead of how nice the tuners are. If you string it up right it'll hold tune ok. So I see no reason why this guitar wouldn't be considered durable...the laminate wood material used can take a lot of abuse without much repercussions like solid wood instruments, but of course at the expense of having amazing tone. This does make for an excellent beater/workhorse guitar to take out in situations where an expensive instrument doesn't seem like a great idea (camping, the beach, etc.)

Don't know, but I wouldn't expect much from a $130 instrument either.

So, overall, this instrument is worth buying if the price is right. Just remember that there are other guitars out there, for not much more, that'll have a solid wood top with similar construction specs. (Yamaha FG700s, etc) So think wisely before buying a low budget acoustic guitar, especially an all laminate wood one. Personally, I would not have bought this as a primary instrument. I play a nice electric guitar 75% of the time, and got this as an entry level instrument to get acquainted with acoustic guitar playing. I know I gave it a 6, but it is a solid 6. You get what you pay for. Want a 9-10 guitar? Shell out $700+ for a nice used Martin, otherwise, be very careful of what you buy within the $100-600 price range as you may pay more for practically the same instrument. (I'm looking at you Martin for your 'budget' instruments!)

Satin finish, dreadnought, laminate top. An eight because, for the price, I couldn't ask for anything more than what I got.

I bought this as my first guitar and had absolutely no clue about anything. The salesman told me this was the way to go. He couldn't have been more correct. I've had seasoned guitarists who own multiple $3000+ guitars tell me that this guitar has a great sound, esp. considering the price I paid. I use D'Addario .12s and I can get suitably deep bass and bright highs. It doesn't have the cheap, tinny plastic sound of other guitars in this price range and surpasses most of the $500-$600 range. Low volume, comparitively though. For blues, funk, reggae, classic, alternative, and whatever else I've played it works very well.

Again, relative to the price, I've not played a better guitar. To be fair, I've picked up some high end Martin's and Gibsons (Around $1000) and those play much better and easier (and make me sound better). But again, Any guitar in the $500 will at the most be the equal of this guitar. I'd probably say this is the best deal you can get for quality. I have small hands and apparently these have a wide neck (I never knew), which could account for my ease on other, more expensive guitars. Regardless, everyone who has played my guitar (of those who have cheap guitars) have preferred mine to theirs. Kinda makes me feel all warm inside despite having had no knowledge of this prior to buying it. What's wonderful is that I can skip the intro guitar->midrange guitar-> expensive guitar purchases since my intro and midrange guitars are one and the same.

The most durable thing I've ever put my hands on. I had this in college for three years. Its had water, beer, and god knows what else spilt on it. It's been inadvertently smashed into walls, corners, doorjams, doors, and people. Its been kicked, dropped, knocked over, banged on, etc. and all that it has to show for is are a few scratches in the finish and a ding in the side where I really slammed the crap outta it on a door. I thought I had bashed in one side completely but turns out its a just a little ding.

Dunno. Like I said. Its a tank. never had to deal with them. Probably never will.

Fantastic value for the price. If stolen, I would not replace it only because I'd upgrade to a nice Martin, Gibson, or Taylor. If budget was tight and I couldn't, then by all means I wouldn't hesitate to get another. I was quite impressed (and quite lucky). My only complaint is the lack of electronics, but I believe there are models available with that.

Wonderful and easy to use

Its a perfect entry level guitar

Perfect guitar

perfect guitar

N/A

I have been playing with it for nearly 6 years now. Its a great performing guitar, songwringing and all around good sound

Really unusual (but beautiful) trans red finish. Dreadnought body. Laminated neck with rosewood fingerboard. No pickguard, plastic binding.

No pickup but I' am in the process of looking for one as i don't want to perform live with any other guitar!!!

It's wierd i didn't used to be that keen on the sound after a few months of buying this guitar, but the years i've had it i've really warmed to it.

Theres not too much treble and not too much bass its a perfect balance. Sounds just as good as some of the ??1000 Takamine guitars I've tried.

Action on the guitar is fine. I've never really been to bothered with the action on guitars as long as the strings aren't an inch away from the fretboard it'll do me fine.

The only problem i have ever had with this guitar is I've lost a bridge peg.

N\A

As i said before it sounds just as good as some of the ??1000 Takamine guitars I've tried. Which in a way is a bad thing as i sometimes think of upgrading but guitars that i find sound nicer than this always cost ??1,200+

I've been playing for about 6 years now. Overall i'm glad i chose this guitar for my first acoustic because i've never needed to replace it, because it sounds great and is built very solid.

Canadian made, I believe laminate cherry top, sides and back, rosewood fingerboard, satin lacquer finish, dreadnought style with an 'almond' color. Twenty-one frets, no cutaway or electronics. Excellent playing neck, with true intonation and no wolf or dead tones. This remarkable guitar resonates and sustains beautifully. Very fluid and comfortable neck and fretboard. No gig bag. Nice tuners. Seems to hold tuning excellently.

Playing for more than forty years, classically trained, jazz and country-rock oriented. The sound of this particular guitar is just amazing for the price - balanced, with nice bass and treble, solid and rich mids, with ringing sustain and harmonics. Nice volume. Sounds better than many more expensive models. I've tried them all over the years.

The guitar was setup excellently, with a low action, no buzzing, and true fretting and intonation. The satin lacquer finish is attractive. The interior is clean as a whistle. The neck is beautifully and tightly set. Attractive binding.

Curiously, the 'rosette' on my guitar is different and prettier than those on the website for Art and Lutherie. The guitar feels solidly built.

I have not had it long enough to comment on longevity. Only one strap button. As it lacks electronics, it would be tough to amplify in a high volume situation, but I use it for inspiration, songwriting, and recording via a large diaphragm condenser to a Korg D1200 mkII.

I believe it's a year-long warranty. I have had no direct contact with Godin.

After forty years of playing at a pretty sophisticated level I find that certain guitars just have the right ingredients that come together. You know it when you play one that just jumps out as special. It doesn't always matter how expensive the instrument. (I've played some that cost over $30,000.) Not to say that this Wild Cherry should be compared with guitars in that category, but for a fun, extremely playable, soulful instrument, this one hits the mark. BTW, I got this for my young son as a first instrument. I want to impart everything I've learned over forty years. This guitar will be an excellent beginning.

Made in Quebec in 1999. Dreadnaught acoustic guitar. Laminated maple top, Maple neck, Rosewood fingerboard, 21 frets, no electronics, painted rosette, plastic binding, no pickguard, reddish-brown translucent satin finish. 25-1/2" scale, fairly thick neck.

The guitar I have is exactly like the example pictured on the "anatomy" page of the website. I haven't seen this exact version in any stores lately, so they may have discontinued it, so you might find one used.

This guitar is really responsive the the strings put on it. Crappy string sound extra crappy, but good strings sound great. Your typical bronze-wound are nice and bright. I use silk and steel, which have have a great mellow sound with a full range of tone. I'd say volume is about average. I've never played any of the expensive guitars (Taylor, etc) outside of a music store, so I can't compare. However, compared to the dozen or so cheap guitars I've played, this one sounds the best.

The guitar as perfect when I brought it home. I've tweaked the truss rod 1/8 turn maybe once a year, otherwise no other changes to the instrument. Action has alway been low with no buzzing.

Finish is lovely. I really don't like glossy finishes anyway. I wonder if that has to do with the sound?

I have smaller hands and prefer short-scale and thin necks. This guitar is neither. Despite that, I enjoy playing this guitar, no wrist pain or anything. I've had other guitars with similar large size necks that I stopped playing and got rid of. There's something about this guitar...

The guitar has never left home, but I have dropped it a few time and dingged it bunches. If you look carefully, you can see small dents here and there, but don't let the smooth stain finish fool you, the guitar can take a little roughness.

This guitar has been subjected to hot, humid Midwest summers; cold, damp Northwest winters; even a few drought condition summers. Still solid, no warping, neck is as good as ever.

Never called the company directly, but Godin dealers are usually quite good with their service.

I recently decided I wanted a second guitar for company, alternate tunings and travel. I spent an entire afternoon at a guitar center trying all the models. Then, I tryed out a bunch of used and quite old guitars. Later, I stopped into a smaller local music shop that carried A&L and the search stopped. Which, I believe, is exactly what happened five years ago. There are many more options with their line now (Maple, cherry or spruce tops, 12-stings, cut aways, etc), so I haven't decided yet, but it will be another Art & Lutherie. And, of course,if I lost my current one, I would replace it with the same.

I suggest you don't by a guitar under $1000 unless you've tried them first.

Bought this new in 2003. Made in Canada by Godin (the "Seagull" folks). Standard dreadnaught shape, all-laminated wild cherry body/back/sides, Maple neck, rosewood fretboard and bridge, no-name tuners, standard 14-20 frets, no cutaway, no electronics.
Satin finish with a truly cool and retro orange color. I love the way this thing looks!
Didn't come with any extras, but for an extra 40 bucks (making my total $200.00), the dealer threw in one of those nifty Fort EPP cases (at least a $60.00 value), an extra set of strings and some picks. Good guys!

I mostly play rhythm/chording with some flatpicking. This is a surprisingly nice sounding guitar for this! Doesn't have the fullest sound in the world, but for an all-laminated (plywood) guitar, it's very impressive. Nothing really stands out, but then nothing really sucks either.
Finally, before you do anything else, dump the cheap strings that come with these and slap on a good set (I prefer John Pearse, but D'Addario's and Markley's are nice too... just don't waste your money on Elixers, especially on this particular model. The last thing you want to do on a plywood guitar is put on a set of "dead-sounding- right out of the package" strings, especially when you've undoubtedly spent WAY too much on them... for the way they sound, Elixers, either "Nanoweb" or "Polyweb", should retail for about $3.00 a set, any more is truly a ripoff!!- sorry to vent, but MAN DO I HATE ELIXER STRINGS!!!).

The action was a little high when I first bought it, but nothing horrible. I had it adjusted/set-up, and it made a huge difference.
As far as looks go, that old-timey "orange" finish is pretty striking! I like the satin finish on the guitar, and I love the satin finish on the neck... I've decided that I dislike "gloss" finished necks, since they tend to get sticky when your hands sweat.
Finally, while there is no binding around the fretboard and headstock, there is a very pretty cream-colored binding around the body. Nice looking guitar!
Finally, One needs to consider the following... Godin acoustics (A&L, Seagull, Simon & Patrick), while they have thin necks, appear to have the WIDEST acoustic necks out there. They seem closer to a classical than a steel string neck. This isn't a problem for me (I'm 6'4" with big hands and long fingers), but it may make it a little tough for those that God endowed with "short-stubby's". Something to consider... I'd say to try out any Godin acoustic before you buy to make sure that it is a comfortable fit.

This thing is built like a rock. Nothing in the price range even came close. Excellent, solid, tight construction. I think it would have no problem with live playing, but the sound probably isn't good enough for serious gigging. The finish has held up better than the finish on my "Seagull" has (I tend to do a "Willy Nelson" by my soundhole), and I have no complaints. It is VERY dependable for what I purchased it for.

It's like pulling teeth getting the Canucks at Godin to respond to an email. They also won't respond to a letter, even when you send them an international postal reply coupon (as I did). Bad cess to 'em!
On the other hand, the guys at TG Music in Goshen, IN are really good. It's a small shop, which I prefer to deal with, rather than a lame-o "McMusic" giant like "Guitar Center" (I hate that place!).
A score of "9" for TG Music, and a score of "3" for Godin guitars, so I'll average the score out to a "6".

I bought this as a camping guitar. I wanted something that would withstand weather changes, sitting in a closed car, bugs and wild animals, campfires (although not directly!) etc. This one fits the bill in spades. I don't think you can find a better economy guitar out there. Actually, I find myself playing this guitar as much as I do my Taylor! I couldn't be happier with this purchase. I also own a Taylor 415 (which doesn't leave the house!), a Seagull S6+ spruce, a Morgan Monroe "The Natural" 6-string and an Alvarez solid-top 12 string.
This is a "bare bones" axe, but it doesn't claim to be anything different. Were it to be lost or stolen, I'd probably buy a new one (perhaps in green or blue!), since I need a "beater" for camping.
If you want a decent sounding 2nd guitar, or are just starting out, this is definitely one to look at.

Dreadnought, cherry wood laminated sides and back, Sitka spruce top, all stained satin transparent red (including spruce top!). No electronics, but I have fitted a Fishman Rare Earth Single coil to the sound hole and it works well.

Nice bright sound, as you would expect from the spruce top. I compared it to the cedar version in the shop, but the spruce came out on top. It sounds a lot better than the moderate price would suggest. I also compared it to several Seagull guitars at the same time. Seagull is the next brand up the line in the Godin stable. For what I wanted the A&L was better value.

The neck is comfortable, if a little fat (people with small hands take note) and the frets are nicely dressed. There is no buzzing anywhere on the neck, but I would not have expected any, as the action is moderately high. I noted a little bleeding of stain on the fret board, but that makes not difference to the sound and allowed me to haggle the price down. Still, if neatness in an instrument means a lot to you, such things can spoil the image.

It seems well built and the finish sort of implies that it will handle a few knocks and bumps. Time will tell, however.

I purchased it from a local dealer from whom I have always received good service, so I expect good support.

I like it for what it is. It is not competition for my other guitars, but has an endearing quality about it which means it probably gets played more often than some others I own. I do wish it had two strap buttons. I noticed that other reviewers found a similar lacking. Is this something Canadian? Do they have some secret way of slinging a guitar with only one button. I think I will go back and check out some old photos of Gordon Lightfoot.

Laminate cherry top, dreadnought style, no cutaway, 14 clear frets, flat black finish, painted rosette and yet somehow beautiful. Simplicity is better sometimes, and there's nothing you don't need. Mine doesn't have any electronics, but I prefer to mic guitars, and I've seen some other reviews here that are of two minds on the pickups anyway.

It is very bright for a laminate top, and while it lacks the depth of say, a $1000 guitar, it absolutely spanks the competition in the price range. In a mix with other instruments (and a decent mic) I would bet hard money that you couldn't tell the difference between this and lots of guitars three times the price. It's a beatiful sound that is detailed, crisp and focused. No nasty plastic finish tone. The shortcoming is in the low mid department, where it lacks the richness of a high priced instrument (that's what you pay the big money for, right? otherwise everyboy would just play these).

genius. absolutely flawless. plays like a dream.

totally solid. they use quality stuff putting these together.

dunno. never called them, but one of my students ordered one just like mine (a production model- nothing fancy)and it took almost 2 months to get it. don't expect anything to happen quickly.

I've been playing for, uh, longer than I care to admit, let's say that. This is not my first canadian guitar. Every time I get broke I sell them, BUT, I do a lot of research and keep buying seagull/A&L guitars every time I need a new one. If you need a guitar under $300- buy this one.

Made in Canada (Quebec) in 2004. 21 frets with a laminated top. Dreadnought body with a cutout. Godin labeled bridge pickup system, which sounds awesome for an acoustic pickup. 3 tone/volume controls on the pickup... very sensitive. Beautiful blue satin finish... not for everyone, but very unique and i have gotten many many compliments on how beautiful my guitar is. Tuners are fairly good, the low E slips a little when tuning, but once in tune they hold very well for a long time.

This guitar sounds absolutely awesome for its price. It sounds better than many guitar i have played that cost $1000 or more. I absolutely love it. The only complaint is i found a buzzing coming from under the bridge after playing it for a few months... and its not even noticable, as most people i know can't hear it when i play.

Guitar was set up perfectly when i recieved it from the store. Pickup worked perfectly, finish looked beautiful. Intonation is awesome, not off at all. Action seems just right.

I have owned this guitar for about a year now, and it has held up wuite well. Only two things wrong... one is the buzzing i stated earlier, and when i started i was horrible at strumming agressively, and habitually scraped my pick across the top of the guitar, which has left scrape marks in the finish, although that is mostly not the fault of the guitar. Other than that it has stood up very well, and even knocking it around a bit I haven't made any other marks in the finish.

I brought my guitar back to long & mcquade for my free setup and to have the buzzing under the bridge checked out. They told me that there was a cracked brace (made of spruce) underneath the e string that was causeing the buzzing, and that it would have to be sent back to the factory to be repaired, but it would be under warranty. The repair took 11 WEEKS, which was absolutaly rediculous... and when it was returned, the buzzing was NOT fixed, and i could see no sign of repair on the guitar anywhere. I really don't thing they did a damn thing during the entire 11 weeks it was gone. I was told that is was backlogged at the factory.. .and the repair might take 4-6 weeks, but 11??? Absolutely dreadful service... which was very dissapointing considering how much i love this guitar otherwise. I'm looking into buying an electric now, and this is the only thing stopping me from buying godin. Very Angry. The only upside is that it was done for free, but considering nothing was done... that doesn't really matter.

I am only taking one point off the overall rating of this guitar due to the horrible service i recieved from Lasido. Other than that i would recommend buying this guitar to anyone, as it is absolutely and awesome guitar. Best sounding guitar with a laminated top by far, and sounds better than many guitars i tried worth more than $1000. Just buy it and hope nothing goes wrong and you never have to send it in for repairs, or find a good trustworthy luthier who can fix it or for you.