Rey Mahogany

I bought my mahogany Rey in about September of 2020; It’s January 2022 as I write this review. The Rey was the first of two “Playa”-collection guitars that I have purchased to date. (My other “Playa” guitar is a mahogany Dana.)
I like guitars from Orangewood’s “Playa” collection for the following reasons:
o Their appearance is great.
o Their laminated top, sides, and back are less sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature
o Their thin laminated-body materials, scalloped bracing, lack of pore filler, and thin, lightly-applied satin finish make for better volume and tone despite the cost-conscious materials and assembly.
o They are, obviously, inexpensive.
o When properly set up they play well and sound good.

The light construction of these guitars suggests that very light strings may extend the life of the guitar — and also make it more finger friendly to play. I like my guitars to play like my electric, so I use 10-46 string sets on all my guitars including my Rey and Dana.

The fact that these guitars are so inexpensive does call for realistic expectations, however. To quote from my review of the Dana guitar:
“To be able to sell a guitar at these prices, some corners will be cut when compared to the manufacture of guitars that cost five or ten or more times the price. This also applies to guitar set up, which may be the most time-consuming, and therefore expensive, single aspect of guitar creation. So, of course, the set ups on these economy guitars will be less than perfect."

Initial issues at delivery included less-than-ideal set up (needed truss-rod adjustment and reduction of nut and saddle), slight bridge separation (which was addressed with thin CA glue), and string holes in the bridge/soundboard that were too small (needing to be reamed out slightly for easy removal and installation of strings).

More quotes from my Dana review: “So my general recommendation regarding set up on these “Playa”-collection instruments is, upon delivery, to pay a good luthier/technician to check them over to assess keeping or returning, and, if a keeper, have him or her set them up for your level of play or personal preferences (that is, if you aren’t qualified to do it yourself).

"And that brings up my final, important set-up point, which is that the truss rod's purpose is to compensate against string tension. Action is properly adjusted at the nut and saddle.”

In summary, I really like my Rey from Orangewood. I would say that of my small stable of guitars prior to the Dana acquisition (Taylor 412ce, a home assembled and set up thinline semi-hollow electric, and the Rey), in the past year or so the Rey has gotten the most playing time.

I recommend the Rey for any player. However, you would be well advised to have a good luthier/technician examine it upon arrival and give it a proper going over to ensure playability and longevity.

Best inexpensive guitar I have ever had

Rey Mahogany

I'm 61 and have played since I was 12. After retiring from the Navy in 2000 life got busy and about 15 years ago I quit playing and got rid of my guitar. My wife and I adopted 3 children and our 11 year old son wanted to learn to play Ukulele, so I decided to get a low cost guitar just to help him with rhythm and hand positioning. I am pleasantly surprised with the sound, action and quality of my Rey Mahogany. It feels and sound wonderful. Hopefully I will have hands and fingers back in playing condition, soon so that I can do this fine instrument justice.

Awesome tone this guitar sounds amazing for the price..