I purchased two Manhattan's for an outreach ministry that I participate in. First of all, it came earlier than expected, well packed and shipped. Second, as they were unboxed, I tuned them up and they held tune well without having to retune them initially. I then strummed the first chord, it rang clear, true and full of body and tone. I was surprised that this was a fully laminate guitar. Usually a laminate guitar will sound a bit choked, or nasal in the midrange, this did not. It reminded me of a D-18 Martin I played years ago. Third, I began to play up and down the neck, there was no fret buzz or adjusting needing to be made. Fourth, I placed a pickup, an IK Multimedia Acoustic iRig, and was further impressed by how well it spoke even through that. Fifth, I had a fellow guitarist come to try it out. He strummed his first chord and his jaw dropped. Sixth, I did notice a slight variation with the sound as I compared the two. Not a biggie, but both are still playable and dare I say well worth what I paid and then some. For the price you will not be disappointed. A friend of mine is also looking into purchasing an Orangewood, namely the Oliver Jr. because of its smaller scale and pickup. He is a fellow worship leader that sometimes travels. I can't wait for the Hudson Live to come back with it's L.R. Baggs system.
Best Regards,
Steve G
P.S. I will be purchasing one in the near future for my sister who is looking forward to playing guitar again.
-S
