Oliver Mahogany

Well built, the fit and finish is really really good on this guitar. I’m very much pleased with the tone and playability, and really didn’t have to make much of an adjustment at all. The nut and saddle are done almost perfectly and I would say that for $200 you cannot come close to this quality. I’d even say for $600 you couldn’t do this. Your mileage may vary, but this is a top shelf instrument…for me. I play electric 99% of the time and only play acoustic when sitting around the house, or maybe at camp, or friend’s homes. The only negative is that the holes for the pins in the bridge are cut a little too large, so getting the strings to “lock in” when changing them is mostly impossible. You have to tighten, push the pin back in, tighten, push the pin back down, etc. But I can live with it since I’ll only change strings maybe 4 times a year. If I played it for an hour every day I’d be raising cane about it, but I'd say it comes with the territory.

I am a teacher who decided to buy a guitar for my classroom to use with some memory songs and to have fun with students. I own a custom Taylor GS, a Babicz Identity, and a Teton Ebony Parlor - all very unique guitars with special sounds and sentimental value. I didn’t want to risk damage to them in the classroom, or possibly being stolen. So, I went shopping and researching. I have 3 different friends who have purchased Orangewoods, and I have viewed many reviews online. My conclusion was that I couldn’t go wrong with an Oliver M for this need of mine. Upon receiving it, I cannot be happier. I give it 5 stars not because it sounds as good or is as pretty as my custom Taylor, or is as boomy as my Babicz, or has the sweet vibe of my parlor. But simply because I cannot imagine finding a better sounding and looking guitar (delivered with gig bag!) for $200. Really hard to believe.

The sound is much more resonant than I expected. Fit and finish are impressive with clean binding, smooth frets, and attractive shape/color. I installed the pick guard included (I am a sucker for the vintage look of a pick guard), and think it looks even cooler. Neck feels great and the action was just right for me right out of the box. I didn’t find any rough spots on the satin finish.

The Ernie Ball strings aren’t my favorite. I have used them before and they always sound terrific at first (like they do on my new guitar) but I have found them to age very quickly and become dull sounding. I will add a coated string in the future.

The gig bag is very nice - better than some gig bags I have purchased for a couple electrics, a bass, and ukulele. It’s a little sloppy fitting on the concert size guitar, but I am guessing Orangewood takes a one-size-fits all for their bags. To have a gig bag included in this price is total bonus anyway - and it’s a good one that I can use with my other guitars if desired.

If you have been thinking about having a lovely guitar for traveling, camping, boating, couch strumming, or just a back-up in case your first lady is in the shop, do not hesitate. No, it’s not in the league of a premium guitar, but it will compete with any value guitar you stack it up against. And it will definitely compete with the lowest end Taylor’s, Martins, Guilds, and Gibsons. I am very happy with my purchase. Someday I
might give it to a student or a grandchild and be even more excited about buying it.

How beautiful it is

Oliver Mahogany

Was reluctant to buy but saw a few reviews on YouTube and bought an almost perfect that was... perfect. Action and set up were great. Fit and finish way better than expected. And i love the warm tone. Very happy with it and will most likely make another purchase in the near future.