Just as the guitar market is teaming with options in the five-figure range, there have never been more interesting options for $500 and under. An excellent example of the latter is Michael Kelly’s 3D Grand Auditorium, which incorporates modern features that have trickled down from boutique instruments. It hardly strikes one as a budget offering—the guitar has a warm, projective voice that stacks up favorably against costly contenders.
MORE INFO: http://acousticguitar.com/video-review-michael-kelly-3d-grand-auditorium/
At a Glance: Michael Kelly 3D Grand Auditorium
BODY Grand Auditorium size with Venetian cutaway; side soundhole; solid spruce top; layered Java ebony and mahogany back and sides; rosewood bridge; gloss finish
NECK Mahogany neck; 20-fret rosewood fretboard; 25.5-inch scale length; 1 1/16-inch nut; Grover Rotomatic tuners; gloss finish
EXTRAS D’Addario EXP16 Coated Phosphor Bronze strings (.012–.053); Fishman Sonitone electronics
PRICE $729 list, $500 street
Made in China
michaelkellyguitars.com