Treated myself to a new guitar the other day. A Recording King 000 (orchestra-size-ish)

This thing:
http://www.recordingking.com/products/guitars-all-models/guitars-ros616

I'm usually reluctant to buy an acoustic guitar unplayed, but there was no way I was going to be able to try this one out beforehand; it's just not stocked in any London guitar shops.

I already knew I really liked the sound of guitars with necks that join the body at the 12th fret - it sort of darkens the timbre – and I already knew I was a big fan of mahogany wood in guitars.

That, coupled with the wide fretboard (46mm) meant I couldn't really resist when I got paid last month.Plus, it's an all-solid wood guitar for £340 inc. delivery from Thomann, so figured if it was awful I could probably either return it or re-sell it for not much less...

But anyway...

It has an absolutely GORGEOUS tone. Very distinctive and beautifully woody. I was expecting it wouldn't have much sparkle in the top-end, and be a very low-mid-centred woody guitar. It certainly is the latter, but there's plenty of brightness too. The nut width is great for fingerstyle and just how I like it (and anyway it's good practice to keep your fingers nice and stretchy).

Downsides? It has a retro style "V" to the neck. I didn't actually even know what that was before I played it: essentially there's a bit of a V to the curve of the neck, which feels a bit strange at first, as if the neck is trying to push itself into the palm of your left hand. But you soon get used to it. Also, arguably, the guitar could have a bit more sustain to it. Then again, it's an all-mahogany guitar... What you lack in long sustained notes, you gain in a cheeky, warm resonance that you can really feel vibrating from the guitar's body into your bones.

Playing blues on it sounds amazingly authentic. Playing chunky Martin Carthy-style DADGAD sounds great too. A fantastic instrument at any price, let alone under £350. Might have to go play it now...