Freshman 500 Series Review

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5 stars
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syncopater's Review of Freshman 500 Series acoustic guitar

16th Mar 2008

Overall Rating

5 stars
  • Value for money
    5 stars
  • Appearance
    4 stars
  • Sound Quality
    4.5 stars
  • Reviewer's Musical Standard
    Advanced
Bad Points

The overall fit and finish of the guitar was very good but I subscribe to the minimalist school of decor so found the fretboard and heel decoration with Freshman and F detracted from the aesthetics. That is a minor quibble as this is a really really good guitar for the money. When I first played it I thought that there was an overtone typical of some rosewood guitars but really it was just that every string rang out fully and evenly ,unlike many guitars where there is a brassy jangle. It is the difference between the sounds of an Audi and a Hyundai car door closing, if you know what I mean.


General Comments

When i first saw Freshman guitars I assumed that they were another budget range of average guitars. I was so so wrong. I played the FA500GA grand auditorium model in a music store yesterday. As an experienced acoustic guitarist I have tried loads of guitars, including many high end ones. This is up there with the best but at half the price. The sound was frankly astounding with rich full tones on every string. Resonant basses and rare fat trebles. The playability was wonderful. I could hardly put it down and I plan to check out the range further if that is really possible here in Northern Ireland with 3 local dealers. The projection for a medium bodied guitar was amazing. I liked it more than many Taylors and Martins. The tone quality reminded me of a Collings but without the fuller sound and absolute bell like clarity. Intonation was great too right up the neck. The set up was nigh perfect right out of the case. The tonewoods were of really high quality for the price and it really showed in the sound quality. I was taken aback to be honest. This was a new guitar but the depth and complexity of tone was incredible for that. In a few years it would be nothing short of sensational.
I played the 500 series dreadnought before and quite liked it but not as much as this one. Wanting the big brand names is normal but this is something worth checking out first -use your ears, listen and feel how this guitar almost plays itself -it makes it easy. Wonderful. I was planning to buy a Collings D3 at £3k but now I am not so sure. I could have several of these guitars for that. I am resting my case for now - literally. Well done Freshman - great work.

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