Baton Rouge X11C/P-SCC

There are lots of inexpensive guitars out there. I doubt there are many that are made with such obvious professionalism and care as these. This puts the large manufacturers to shame and underscores just how much we are all over-paying for a big-name headstock. I have small-bodied Martins, Gibsons and Guilds so have a good reference point for this parlor, bought for fingerpicking. This certainly holds its own with guitars costing way, way more. The cedar tone is smooth but clear and it has more than sufficient thump in the bass. And it certainly doesn't sound like it has laminated back and sides when picked. There is generous string spacing at the nut and the bridge which was what drew me in, and this is a real plus. (I really don't know why the big American brands insist on standardised tight string spacing for guitars bought for picking rather than strumming). Right out of the box the action is low on this Baton Rouge, and frets are smooth. The guitar comes with a hand-completed checklist of the kind associated with high-end guitars, showing it has been inspected and set up well in the factory. It's also light and comfortable so you don't want to put it down. Great addition for those with looking for a 12-fretter who don't want to break the bank.