Esteban American Legacy Limited Edition Turquoise Guitar By Geoff Wadhams on Mar 31, 2010 - Updated Oct 15, 2011

My curiosity made me pull this one off the stand. I picked up this guitar up because it sounded good an played well. It is solidly built and has a preamp. If nothing else, it's a great campfire guitar-it would burn quickly. But I won't do that. It's not bad for $80 although not as detailed in sound as my Mom's Martin! It's actually a great playing guitar after I set it up. I had to lower the action and make a slight adjustment to the truss rod. This would make a great starter guitar or a knockaround the house instrument. I suspect the top is laminate (plywood) and not solid since the literature is not definitive on this issue. Solid tops sound better as a rule, but this guitar does not sound bad. Like many instruments made in China (or anywhere) quality control issues have been reported. Always have an experienced player check out prospective purchases if you are not sure. I have been recording with mine, and it sounds full and balanced in a mix of instruments. The Estaban would not be my first choice for a featured guitar part but it's fine for backing tracks. If you find one for the right price,this can be an inexpensive addition to the fleet.