Parkwood Guitars - thoughts?
 

I'm in the market for a moderately priced acoustic guitar. I came upon the Parkwood PW310M at GC and it seems to be an exceptionally built guitar that sounds great for the price. I was looking at guitars like the Takamine GS330S and the Fender DG100. The Parkwood is a bit more expensive, but you get a solid wood construction and nice gig bag thrown in. I guess I'm skeptical because I haven't seen much written about these guitars. Anybody have any thoughts?

Parkwood is a Guitar Center (Guitar Cluster) exclusive. That may be why there isn't much written about them

Having absolutly nothing else to do for an hour or so, I found myself in the acoustic room of my local GC last week. I played the Parkwood they had there and was underwhelmed. However, I then play a Gibson Songerwriter for about the same money and was impressed. Hope this helps.

I spent some time playing the Parkies at GC and they didn't float my boat either. They have a Slope shouldered Masterbilt on the other hand that is crazy good for quite a bit less than the Parkies I played.

My impressions:

Judging by what I was told, they are at least top and bottom solid wood. Not sure about the sides on all of the models. For the most part the construction looks on par with Blueridge and Johnson guitars. The sound wasn't particularly good in my mind nor was the playability at the store. Something about the fact that it's a Guitar Center brand sort of taints my impression of the guitars as well.

To be fair, these guitars pretty much compete with anything else in their price range although the Breedlove Atlas series, Guild GADs, and Epiphone Masterbuilts are all better buys in my mind.

Thanks, everyone. That does help. I'll check out some of the other guitars you suggested. Any more thoughts on the Parkwood would be appreciated.

All I know about them is that Cort makes them, and the brand is exclusive to Guitar Center. You can probably find a lot more comments about Corts. I know some people thought a lot of them.

The Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500M looks like a great guitar for the money as well. Anyone have any thoughts on this guitar?

Personally, I think the Epi Masterbuilts sound better than the Parkwood models, at least the ones I've played. Had more bass, more depth, and character to me.

Jeff

Agree fully with the comment that the Masterbuilts sound better. I wish that the EF's didn't have the V neck though or I'd have more than one of these guitars. My hand, although large, just does not feel comfortable when I move up the neck and try to quickly move across the strings. Something about that hump throws a wrench into the equation. Nearer to the nut though, the taper is less and it feels more comfortable though. The DR's though don't have that issue. I wish that they would use the same neck on the EF's (although at 1 3/4").

By the way, getting back onto the Parkwood theme..... sorry...

The Parkwoods are made by Cort and are of course part of the countless thousands that they make for a variety of the big names. If you wanted an all solid wood guitar, you could do much worse. I'd also look heavily at the Alvarez clan for their consistent quality levels and warranty / customer support. If you want a model that has this top / that back, chances are they'd have it and it wood compete well with Parkwood.

Also check the Seagull S6. I had a Cort. Well built guitar. But the sound of the Seagull is way better.

Ditto on that. I've played a few and, well, I own a Masterbilt, not a Parkwood. But, if one calls to you, then get it. You have to be happy. GC has a 30 day return policy if you want to try it out at home.

Breedlove or Masterbilt
 

Alright, I gave up on the Parkwood. I tried a few of the other guitars in this price range and liked them a lot better for tone and playability. But now I'm torn - I can't decide between the Breedlove Atlas AD20-SM or the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500M. I like them both for different reasons. The Epi is all solid wood, while the Breedlove has laminated sides with a solid front and back. I don't know how important that is.

Anybody want to weigh in? I could use your expert advice.

Epiphone.............

Better warranty (life) and for me at least, better neck feel. String spacing at the saddle feels a little wider to me.

Breedlove sounds cooler though. More wow factor.

But get the one that feels and sounds better (that's my criteria).

THE TAKAMINE GS330S IS SIMPLY THE BEST ACOUSTIC GUITAR UNDER $600 THAT I HAVE EVER PLAYED. Ive had one for about a year....and honestly, it is the best acoustic guitar for that price, and even the best acoustic guitar, in my opinion, for under $600. Seriously, it is amazing....It has a very full clean sound, and it is comparible to my friends martin. my guitar teacher also could not belive it was 300.....