Lotus L85

Standard dreadnought with mahogany sides, back, and neck. Soundboard looks to be ash with a natural gloss finish overall. Neck and box (top and bottom) have black edging (not painted on). Tuners are non-sealed type with covers. The neck has dot-type inlays and features an internal trussrod that is adjustable from within the soundbox.

This guitar has a suprisingly rich sound for its cost. While the bass notes are not booming, they certainly are there. Treble strings ring brightly. Overall, this guitar has acceptable balance. I have fitted an old deArmond single-pole soundhole pickup and replaced the existing end strap pin with a plug-type pin. I thoroughly enjoy this guitar unamplified or amplified and use it to play folk, rock, and jazz and it performs nicely.

I personally prefer a guitar with a very slim neck and this instrument is perfect in that regard. Correct action for my finger-picking style (low) was not problem to attain through trussrod adjustment. Guitar appears to be well-made with no sloppy workmanship visible on the external body and neck. All interior bracing (x-bracing) is solid with minimal excess glue being evident. All hardware is properly installed and in perfect working order. If I were to rate this instrument against the myriad of others in its price range, it would easily be a 10. If the manufacturer were to install Grover tuners...well, then the price would change...and I'd still give it a 10. Meanwhile, in difference to Martin and Taylor, I'll concede that they're in no danger. I wonder what they'd sell us for the same amount of bread?

I've been playing this little jewel now for the past 4 years and everything continues to be tight and in working order. The finish is holding up well, in spite of a few tiny dings that I've managed to add. This instrument is well-made.

Ahhh...herein lies the rub...what company? What customer support? Warranty? Yeh sure, it comes with one, but.... Have I had any problems? No, I haven't, but I decided to research out exactly who it was who'd produced this little gem of a guitar, just to scope out what else they were marketing. If found Medico, but that's where the trail ended. So if you had a problem...I think that you'd be dealing with your retailer or a repairman...and for the purchase price of this guitar, you'd have to have a lot of love in your heart.

I've been playing guitar for 37 years and owned everything from Gibsons to....yes, even a Lotus L-85 (That's a bit of humor for the Headstock Snobs). The is my kick-around guitar (not that I kick it around...I don't) and for the price, I'd buy anyother one in a second. In fact, if I could steer a would-be young guitarist toward an L-85, I would. It would make a perfect starter instrument...good enough to last...good enough to leave a good taste in a young player's mind...good enough not to create discouragement in an already difficult endeavor (learning to play a musical instrument). I've since played 2 other Lotus guitars and found them to be of the same quality as this instrument. Will someone tell me why Lotus (Medico) doesn't take themselve more seriously...why they don't come out of hiding? Hey, I like this guitar. I currently have 10 guitars in my stable, and the Lotus L-85 make me smile.

Nice solid guitar. Very comfortable.

I would call the sound full and rich, one of the best I heard while shopping around.

The action is a little higher than I am used to, but by now means bad. I didn't notice any flaws, looks sturdy.

Seem reasonably durable, I'm not going to try to smash it, but it takes a good bit of abuse.

I have not played for a very long time...i'm trying to "re-learn." in the past I have used an electric, but decided I liked the acustic sound better. this seems like a great guitar for me and anyone else trying to pick up the instrument

This is a basic beginner's acoustic, nice finish. The parts are solid and it's comfortable.

I would'nt say it has a rich tone, but it's fine for me.

Everything worked on it, nice looking guitar for the price.

I haven't tested it by smashing it around, so I'd bet it'll last me a long time. I don't gig, but I would use it if I did.

No relations with Lotus

Very cool little acoustic for the price. I like the action, it's perfect for me, though I'd probably look for something else if it were stolen.