Product: Terada JW-835
Price Paid: US $175
Submitted
07/21/2005
at
07:36pm
by
Rick H.
Features
:
8
Terada of Japan made a lot of knockoffs for U.S. importers like Epiphone in the sixties; this model is from a line of dreadnoughts based on Martin designs that Terada was proud to its own name to.
The top is spruce, I have no idea what the sides are, the back is three-piece dark-light-dark wood with inlays, and the neck is mahogany with a rosewood fingerboard. The guitar is light and nicely balanced; the neck has a wonderful feel. The Brand-X machines are similar to Grovers and of excellent quality.
Sound
:
8
I bought the guitar after playing a dozen or more similarly priced makes
because it had a full sound with brighter highs and transparent lows. Over the past twenty-eight years, the sound has mellowed beautfully. It is excellent for recording, for which I string it light. For acoustic performances, I string it medium and use a Dean Markley mag pickup.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
The action and intonation were perfect when I bought it and have remained so. There is some fret wear but there is no buzzing. This guitar, for its price, has amazing inlay work; it's on the back, around the rosetta, around top and bottonm bindings, and the headstock. The fretboard inlays weere slightly flawed but still pretty.
Over the years the top binding has developed a crack around the top curves, not noticable unless you're holding it and really looking.
Reliability/Durability
:
8
I have used this guitar live for acoustic solo and small combo work. I have never used it in an electric band because I doubt I could get enough volume out of it. The body does not feel like it could take a lot of physical punishment, althought the neck is a brick. The machines have remained secure and smooth. The finish is as beautiful as ever, although I have scarred the top below the pick guard a bit from overly enthusiastic strumming.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
For the price, I never even would have called with a problem once I walked out of the guitar shop with it.
Overall Rating
:
10
When playing rock, country and blues I normally play keyboards and some electric rhythm guitar (Gibson L6-S). As I said above, I have used the JW for solo/duo/trio acoustic folk and country over the years, as well as recording for rock, folk and country. It's in recording that she really paind for herself, but I also enjoy performing with it because it's comfortable to play and is a truly beautiful piece of workmanship. All this for $175 bucks? The Terada has outlasted some much more higly regarded brands owned by friends.
