Parkwood PW 560

Features: Solid Sitka Spruce Top. Solid Indian Rosewood back. Solid Indian Rosewood sides. Dreadnought with Veneitian cutaway. 1 piece Mahogany neck with Indian Rosewood neck and a dove tail joint. 2 way Truss rod. IR bridge. Bone nut and saddle. Grover tuners. Scalloped bracing. Thin Gloss finish. Fishman Premium SOB.

Beautiful clear well balanced round notes. Just amazing. A bright yet rich sound, without an overload of harmonics. Nice sounds throughout its range. Beautiful highs without any harshness, mids that don't over power, bass that isn't muddy but well articulated.
I play a well aged Taylor 314ce which I love, and was looking for a cheaper guitar to play outside. I played a whole bunch of stuff, laminated Takis, seagulls, breadlove, all solid wood masterbuilt epis, etc. Then I found this all solid wood Parkwood 560 gem for almost the same price as the laminated guitars. It was just so pretty sounding. The masterbuilt sounded a little cardboardish and the intonation was a little off. I just couldn't get it right. The Parkwood 3 series also sounded a tad papery. I think they ought to keep those open pore finish guitars in the humidity controlled room. They both sounded a little dry. The 560 didn't seem to have any ill affect of sitting out. That was important since I intended to play it outdoors. This Parkwood has a beautiful tone that is very distinct when compared to my Taylor and a nice change. IMHO it is a 10 even though if I had to have just one, I'd keep the old Taylor. If your are looking for a beautiful tone with deep and beautiful harmonics go with a Taylor. If you are looking for a pretty clear angelic ringing tone then try this Parkwood. I am sure there are other guitars that can match this but probably for a lot more money.

"hand crafted" I have to say the fit and finish on this guitar was incredible. It is a beautiful piece to look at. Everything is finished to perfection. It's a little too perfect to be completely "hand crafted". I guesing they use computer driven machines to cut the wood and bend the wood. "hand crafted" probably refers to the assembly. The American unions have driven our steel industry into extinction and are doing the same to our auto industry. When are our laborers going to understand that they can't justify making more than engineers, pediatricians, and just about every other occupation that requires a degree? The Chinese product in this case is just as well put together as my Taylor.

Hmmmmm. They woods seem a tiny bit thiner than my Taylor. This is just my impression. I haven't actually measured it. However, the salesman banged it on the carpet by accident making a loud thump, it didn't even leave the smallest of scratches. Its a pretty piece, but I haven't had it long enough to know if the perceived thiness of the wood is going to be a factor.

Haven't needed it yet.

Well, I love it. It gives me a really nice alternative tone from my Taylor. Certain pieces just sound better on it than on my Taylor. Although in most cases the Taylor seems to fit better. If I had to only have one, it still be the Taylor. However, if I couldn't afford the Taylor, I'd be very happy with the Parkwood.