I checked out a guitar a couple weeks ago, and decided not to buy it. Now I'm having second thoughts. I think some unbiased input may help settle my internal debating.

I play left-handed guitar, so my choices are limited. I currently have a Simon & Patrick cedar-top which I play regularly and like quite well. Its main drawback is it's rather thick at the large end, just a tad uncomfortable to hold. I plan to keep it as my knock-around intrument. I also have two Yamahas which are pretty good, but on the heavy side. I intend to sell/trade them.

While on a trip out of town, I played a Washburn D10SCELH. It's the most playable guitar I've ever tried. It's light, has a solid spruce top, felt good to hold, and has a built-in pickup with nice controls. In those ways, it matches my "dream" guitar.

The main drawback is I was unimpressed with the sound. The bass seemed weak, and the treble a bit tinny. I also noticed it was made in China, which worries me. It did say hand-crafted, I just associate China with substandard goods.

If the sound could be brought up to a better level, I think I'd really enjoy having this guitar. I probably know better, but I'm wondering if new strings (I favor John Pearce) and some aging could accomplish that.

This guitar is too far away for me to see it again. I'd have to have it shipped in and hope for the best, not too reassuring a strategy. The main reason I'm still thinking about it is the playability. I've had all my current guitars set up professionally, and have no reason to fault that. But on this Washburn I was able to make some of the tough chords that elude me on the others. That is something I find very appealing.

Your thoughts?