Ordered this little "beater" a few weeks ago: https://www.guitarcenter.com/Mitchell/T ... 7LEALw_wcB
(Mitchell is a house brand for GC/MF/M123 and the inner sticker says "designed in California, made by craftsmen in Indonesia. I've read that it's most likely made at Samick or Cort.)
Sorry, it's probably in bad taste not to provide my own pics, maybe later (it looks pretty much like the stock photos, be sure to scroll down for closeups). Mine was a "blem" and I called them and just asked for a lower price ("is there anything you can do on the price?" - my typical question when at brick and mortar music stores, pawn shops, etc.). Anywho, they immediately came down 15% (not the first time I've done this with MF/M123, all you have to do is ask). Once received, there was a slight discoloration and a few other "b stock" cosmetic issues, so I did an online chat with them and got some more money back. All in all - a solid spruce top cutaway with Fishman well under two bills.
I am really impressed by this guitar! I was ready to be skeptical, but decided to trust the reviews and video demos. I was not expecting Martin/Taylor quality, just needed a guitar to kick around the house/bonfire to replace another solid top "beater" that cracked from drying out (after 15 years).
This guitar is made the way cheap guitars SHOULD be made. Yes, it has cheaper woods and laminated back/sides, but no compromises on engineering, design and QC. I exclude the minor cosmetic issues because it was adequately discounted for that.
1. Sound and Playability - it was pretty much in tune and well set up right out of the box (my first guitar with internal tuner, what a luxury!). Their site says that they are "set up State-side", a very good sign. Strung with d'Addario (and they actually feel new/fresh) and I could immediately feel how resonant it is. It sounds very nice, I feel it's not just the solid spruce top, but also the bracing design ("forward shifted scalloped X-bracing") and the "open pore finish" on back and sides (this means a very light finish, no gloss, lets them vibrate, looks and feels very nice). Also has TUSQ nut and saddle - this is a very nice touch. And a Fishman Presys preamp (basic but has a tuner, 3-band EQ, phase switch and easy battery access). Sounds pretty good plugged in (for a piezo). Not having to do work or buy upgrades on a budget guitar is YUGE! If I had to pay a tech for new nut/saddle and setup, and maybe preamp/pickup install, it would probably double my price
2. Finish and fit - yes, my particular specimen is their "grade B", so it has a minor discoloration (you'd never see it if you weren't looking for it). But it is very well made, obvious attention to detail, tort-shell binding looks nice, a rosewood veneer on front of headstock makes for a nice 2-tone (more contrasting woods would look even better). The grain on the spruce top is not as tight and uniform and there's no "silking" like you'd see on high-end guitars (or even my Yamaha), but at this price it's expected and IMHO acceptable. No sharp frets.
I have a Yamaha 12 string (FG720S-12) and it's a great guitar (I've never seen anything with Yamaha logo that was not solid quality, whether cheap or expensive). And I was considering a Yamaha 6-string (their current counterpart is FG730s) - these have solid sitka spruce tops. And I totally recommend Yamahas for either the first guitar or a "beater" that doesn't sound like a plywood box, but Yamahas have plastic nuts and saddles. That initially sold me on the Mitchell with their stock TUSQ and I am really happy with the decision. These might not be a serious artist's recording studio guitars, but it does make you smile. I owned a Martin D-15 all mahogany, which was fantastic, and I've seen my share of plywood acoustics that sound very bland, so that's the context.
