Martin Custom CEO 7E Grand Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar Autumn Sunset Burst

This is a very high quality instrument in terms of feel and sound. Some appointments disappoint, however. Pros): its small, very comfortable size is complemented by surprising amounts of volume and low end. It sounds (and smells) like a Martin, and even though it's quieter and less responsive to aggressive strumming, the reduction in size and depth compared to the D-18 I traded for it has only cost a surprisingly small amount of tone and resonance. The factory setup was slightly high, but I may leave it as it is because it's easy to play, and even frets too far up the neck to use don't buzz or fret out. Indifferent): Overall, I would have preferred the modern neck on the D-18 to the fat V on the CEO-7. However, the fat V is surprisingly comfortable and easy to play, even with my small hands. I was initially skeptical, but I've grown to be comfortable and happy with it. Cons): The "vintage-style" button tuners are stiff, unattractive, and a reminder that not everything old/"vintage" is good. This guitar deserves better. At this price point, it's also a bit insulting that after 200 years, Martin can't be bothered to cut a pickguard cleanly. The pickup lacks volume and tone controls and also doesn't seem worthy of this guitar. It would cost about the same to buy a regular CEO-7 and install a high-quality after-market pickup of your choosing. I'd recommend that, but, that said, I'm keeping this one. It's sounds and plays wonderfully. I don't plug in much, so I'm going to replace the tuners and call it good.