Orangewood Hudson

[bustedfloor]

Any comments from those who have actually purchased this particular model (setup/general build quality/tone/playability)? Have a friend who has one & is impressed with it & is urging me to order one. None of my local guitar stores carry anything above the $600 price range for me to physically try out (some do have $1500-2000 Taylors, Gibsons, Martins....which I really don't want), so am considering the online-only retailers (Orangewood is only one example, but their $15 "buyer's remorse charge" is certainly a benefit for obvious reasons).

[Mark Stone]

Originally Posted by bustedfloor

Any comments from those who have actually purchased this particular model (setup/general build quality/tone/playability)? Have a friend who has one & is impressed with it & is urging me to order one. None of my local guitar stores carry anything above the $600 price range for me to physically try out (some do have $1500-2000 Taylors, Gibsons, Martins....which I really don't want), so am considering the online-only retailers (Orangewood is only one example, but their $15 "buyer's remorse charge" is certainly a benefit for obvious reasons).

I’ve never heard of the guitar you’re referring to, but will nose in to say Welcome to the AgF!

[Ralph124C41]

Originally Posted by bustedfloor

Any comments from those who have actually purchased this particular model (setup/general build quality/tone/playability)? Have a friend who has one & is impressed with it & is urging me to order one. None of my local guitar stores carry anything above the $600 price range for me to physically try out (some do have $1500-2000 Taylors, Gibsons, Martins....which I really don't want), so am considering the online-only retailers (Orangewood is only one example, but their $15 "buyer's remorse charge" is certainly a benefit for obvious reasons).

I can't speak to that model. I did buy an Oliver Jr. which I returned for buyer's remorse. Nothing wrong with the guitar specifically but I just didn't care for the sound of a smaller-bodied guitar. I did pay the $15 fee but the return was easy.

One word of caution: Do NOT install the pickguard which comes not attached to the guitar ... at least in my case. The company says if you attach the pickguard you are not allowed to return it for a refund.

But as for that $15 charge, if you buy something from Guitar Center, either online or through a store, you can return it to your local store within 45 days and shouldn't have to pay anything at all, even no shipping charge. Most retailers will have you pay at least for return shipping so you should check their policies. Plus at a local GC you don't even have to rebox the instrument ... just give it to somebody in the store, get your receipt and wait for your refund.

I have no link to GC but I do enjoy buying from the company. In fact I have a used guitar I will return soon and I will have to pay the flat $21 (or so) shipping charge as this will be a buyer's remorse return.

[bustedfloor]

I do visit Guitar Centers in my area (have 3 within a 1-hour drive; only one is really any good , though.....seems their stores REALLY vary in quality, cleanliness, etc.). I have a Sam Ashe locally as well, just haven't found any guitar in stock that I'm enthused with (age old problem.....). Have also had really good luck with Sweetwater in the past & am really considering ordering the Alvarez MD60BG dreadnaught to compliment the Alvarez OM guitar I've owned for about 2 years now......if my Orangewood purchase doesn't work out.

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by bustedfloor

I do visit Guitar Centers in my area (have 3 within a 1-hour drive; only one is really any good , though.....seems their stores REALLY vary in quality, cleanliness, etc.). I have a Sam Ashe locally as well, just haven't found any guitar in stock that I'm enthused with (age old problem.....). Have also had really good luck with Sweetwater in the past & am really considering ordering the Alvarez MD60BG dreadnaught to compliment the Alvarez OM guitar I've owned for about 2 years now......if my Orangewood purchase doesn't work out.

From watching reviews of Orangewood guitars I've seen several comments from owners who feel that their $300 and under guitars are a solid value, but once you look at their higher level offerings, not so much.

Probably a good place to hear an honest opinion is the Orangewood review by Alamo Music on Youtube.

The evaluation review done by Driftwood Guitars is also good, as it demonstrates definitively that the higher priced models are over-built in a way that seriously effects their sound.