Garrison Guitars AG-300CE

The electronics are good. Not great... but then great electronics alone usually cost more than this guitar. The Artec pickup is really, really good, though.
The laminated top is very sturdy, and the quilted ashe finish was what really drew me in the first place... then I played it...

I think the music store was getting frustrated with me. I kept coming in and playing different guitars and him-hawing and never making a decision. I knew I wanted a new guitar, and I really wasn't looking at spending more than $400 or $500. I played with guitars from $250 to $2500, but just couldn't find a sound that I wanted in the price range I wanted.
Then a well-known muisician and friend of mine told me she'd gotten a new guitar for road gigs at the same store, and I played on it. Wow!
So I went back to the store and asked about these "Garrison" guitars. Of course, their eyes lit up with the "Oh, man... you gotta see this" look.
They showed me the AG-300CE and I was blown away. For less than $500, I was getting a sound that was better than some of the $2000 guitars I'd played!
Well balanced tone. Not boxy at all, with a rich low end and clear highs.
The only reason I give the sound a 9 instead of a 10 is that there's a little buzz that comes from the battery compartment of the Artec EQ/preamp. You have to shove a little foam tape or something in there to keep the battery from rattling.

Once it's properly set up, it's great. Out of the box, it needs a little work... but not much. Only for the action.
I don't like the strings they stock on it. Personal preference, really, but I'm spoiled on Elixirs and the D'Addario EXPs just sound dull to me... almost like strings that haven't been changed in a year. They feel scratchy, too. Once i had my Elixirs on there, I was fine... and they sound great on the Garrisons!
Everything else was nice and tight... save for the aforementioned battery compartment.

I've already used this guitar everywhere from on stage to in the studio to leading music at youth conferences. And it's been a blessing in all situations.
The hardware seems like it'll stand up to time, as does the finish.

I've been playing since about 1990. I wish I'd had a Garrison years ago. Definitely a guitar to keep around... and if I ever lose, I will get another one. Heck... I may get another one anyway. Gotta have one for the open tuning, right?
This guitar was compared to Fender, Takamine, Martin, Yamaha, and Alvarez. I chose this one because it really just had a sound that was better than most of the others that were more expensive.
I showed it to a musician friend of mine who plays a Taylor, and she was quite impressed with both the sound and the price... especially the sound for the price.
Definitely don't regret my purchase!

Cutaway style Guitar with Fishman pickups. Tuners are solid. Quilted Ash top and sides from Newfoundland. Made in China. Quality is A grade.

Great Balance of frequencies for the acoustic guitar. The bass is present but not over-powering. The Mid are not anoying. The highs are clear and distinct with twang. I can't wait to record with this guitar.

poor set up from China, of course(no offense). You get what youy pay for. The Chinese factories make make precise product. You better know how to adjust the truss rod for no buzz.

Durable and one of a kind. Beautiful representation of the great Canadian North-east. The wood itself is worth more than the design. IMORTTANT: the AG series has only the top-side with the new bracing. This gives it solid highs. The lows are more organtic with the wood bracing,. I'm afriad the people with the fully braced G series are missing out on the whole experience. Just my thoughts.

can't say