I would not change my Custom Jumbo Cort 12-string (less than $1,000) for any other guitar. Beatiful action, amazing sound, superb preamp with twin pickups. And looks to kill for, as an extra. I have had it for 10 months now, and I am deeply grateful to Mike Blair (Bedroom Music, Bedford) for pointing me in its direction.

The Corts have only been around under their own brand name for three years (they used to be rebadged as Tanglewoods and I think Gibsons too), but they're cutting a well-deserved niche in the market.