My partner recently bought a "Recording King" RD 27 model ( solid Spruce top, solid Rosewood back & sides ) and is VERY pleased with it ! Personally , I don't like the fiddly little repro vintage butterbean tuners , but otherwise it sounds very good indeed ,and is comfortable and easy to play.For £450-00 or thereabouts ( I don't know what your laminated model costs ), I'd say they ( RKs) were very good value !!