Cort GAPF-BV Grand Auditorium

This guitar is easy to play, has good looks and the abalone finishings are just the right amount of flash (not as flashy as the pictures indicate). After adjusting the truss-rod, grinding down the saddle and switching to better strings (in my opinion), this guitar sings! It's very well balanced and with phosfor bronze strings it gives off a nice, warm sound while it gives you the ability to bring out both bass and treble. Flick that low E-string and just listen to how majestically it bellows :)

For this price its a hard 5/5 stars but you might need to make some adjustments to get it there. There are great tutorials on YT for this if you're unsure.

The size of the guitar (Grand Auditorium) feels smaller than my Dreadnaught but takes up approximately the same amount of space in my case.

The arched back isnt as portruding as i feared it would be and doesnt bother me at all physically. And it looks cool.

The bevel cut is a nice and comfortable feature which also gives the entire piece a premium vibe.

The machine heads have a good feel, they're the same model as the ones on my 18yr old Cort and I just know they will last. But then again, I take good care of my guitars.

The Sitka Spruce top on mine looks fantastic, so does the Pau Ferro back/sides and the satin-finished mahogany neck. Aesthetically its gorgeous.

I haven't had the chance to test the preamp on this guitar but I have tried it on another guitar. Im really satisfied with it but the best sound will always come with external mic's. Still, the L.R. Baggs is very satisfying on a good setup. Very natural.

All in all - at this pricepoint this is a great guitar. I've compared it with a couple of 'premium' alternatives and the Cort holds up well. I cant wait til I've played it in properly.