Farida OT-22 vs OT-25...worth the upgrade?

[mikiekimi]

Anybody have any experience with the Farida OT-22/23 and OT-25? I've been chewing on picking one up to scratch the Gibson LG-2 itch (I'm not 'all in' enough to spend the $$ on a new Gibson).

I'm most interested in knowing if the extra $300+ is worth the upgrade from laminated mahogany/pau ferro to solid wood. I envision the guitar spending most of it's time as a couch guitar. I mostly play fingerstyle with some occasional strumming thrown in. My only audience is my wife, kids, and dogs.

I've read nothing but stellar reviews on the Farida brand...

[Goat Mick]

I have an OT-22W that I bought used from Elderly (an AGF member was the one that traded it in). I'm very impressed with the guitar and play it a lot. It gets some gigging time too. I've very impressed with the quality of the Farida line and they really do get you 90% of the way to a Gibson. I haven't played an OT-25 so I can't comment on the difference.

[tiffer]

I have the OT-25W and love it. As Mick said it gets you 90% to a Gibson. Can’t speak to the OT-22 model never played one. But, went through the same process of which to get and for me at least decided on the all solid. Don’t think you can go wrong either way you go.

[rmoretti49]

Somewhere around the time that the Farida OT series was released, someone on this forum posted his opinion after trying both of these guitars while at Elderly Instruments. His opinion was that he couldn't hear much difference between the two models.

[ruger9]

Originally Posted by rmoretti49

Somewhere around the time that the Farida OT series was released, someone on this forum posted his opinion after trying both of these guitars while at Elderly Instruments. His opinion was that he couldn't hear much difference between the two models.

This is what I'm going with. Despite the "cache" of having all solid woods, tone is what matters, I'm 51 and don't care to "experience the tonal change" over the years as the guitar dries out and "opens up." I just want it to sound good now. OT-22 will be what I buy. And I can afford the OT-25, I just simply haven't read anything convincing enough to create the need/want for all-solid... with these guitars.

Besides, I think my Ovation Custom Legend from '91 sounds pretty darn good, and it's half plastic lol

[Goat Mick]

Originally Posted by ruger9

This is what I'm going with. Despite the "cache" of having all solid woods, tone is what matters, I'm 51 and don't care to "experience the tonal change" over the years as the guitar dries out and "opens up." I just want it to sound good now. OT-22 will be what I buy. And I can afford the OT-25, I just simply haven't read anything convincing enough to create the need/want for all-solid... with these guitars.

Besides, I think my Ovation Custom Legend from '91 sounds pretty darn good, and it's half plastic lol

I think you'll really like either one. They are dang nice guitars. I still have some serious GAS for the Gibson, but even if I do get one the Farida is staying.

[Guitartanzon]

Just curious.

No one here speaks much about the Farida OT 12 o size parlor. Only the Ot 22.

Does the parlor version fall flat....of expectations?

[FrankHudson]

Originally Posted by ruger9

This is what I'm going with. Despite the "cache" of having all solid woods, tone is what matters, I'm 51 and don't care to "experience the tonal change" over the years as the guitar dries out and "opens up." I just want it to sound good now. OT-22 will be what I buy. And I can afford the OT-25, I just simply haven't read anything convincing enough to create the need/want for all-solid... with these guitars.

Besides, I think my Ovation Custom Legend from '91 sounds pretty darn good, and it's half plastic lol

Yes, but it's solid plastic.

[ruger9]

Originally Posted by FrankHudson

Yes, but it's solid plastic.

"Military grade" too! LOL

[ruger9]

Originally Posted by Guitartanzon

Just curious.

No one here speaks much about the Farida OT 12 o size parlor. Only the Ot 22.

Does the parlor version fall flat....of expectations?

This is just a guess, but the Faridas 22/25s are a small "island" in the OM-sized ocean... and OM-size is very popular.... but parlors are far less popular (even tho it may not seem like it here on AGF), so while few people own the OT-22/25, even fewer will own the parlors...

[UncleJesse]

I gave a serious thought to getting one but I've found over time the Gibson sound isn't really for me. They seem really well-built and sound great though! I wish I could try one in person.

[SalFromChatham]

I have owned two OT22s, and several LG-2s.

I made this video after the first OT22 purchase. Fantastic guitar set up perfectly.




The 2nd OT22 I bought had a ton of issues... it went back. Make sure if you buy the OT22 that Elderly checks it out well before you buy it. By the way Elderly was awesome with how they took care of me on the one that didnt work out.

Now this being said, get an LG-2 American Eagle used. They are inexpensive on the used market, and I think are worth the extra money over the OT-22. These are great guitars, truly.

[Guitartanzon]

I agree, Had a gibson lg2 American Eagle. Should have kept it. Another one of my many many mistakes, ha.

[rmoretti49]

Originally Posted by Guitartanzon

Just curious.

No one here speaks much about the Farida OT 12 o size parlor. Only the Ot 22.

Does the parlor version fall flat....of expectations?

I believe the parlor version only comes with a 1 11/16 inch neck. That ruled it out for me.

[db25364]

I bought an OT-25W but returned it because of a neck issue. I later bought an OT-22W. I obviously didn’t have them at the same time to make an AB comparison, but my impression is there is not much difference in sound. There are a few cosmetic differences.