Post by oldbones on Feb 6, 2011 14:09:34 GMT
Manufacturer & Model *: LAG Autumn 4S300N14CE
Where Purchased: Baroque and Roll
Year Purchased: 2008
Sound *: Before I post the review, let me say at the outset that after initial enthusiasm, I've become rather ambivalent towards this guitar.
The 300N is an unusual instrument. It looks like a traditional small-bodied cutaway acoustic which, in size, is very similar to a classical instrument. And, like a classical guitar, it is nylon strung.
Sound-wise, it is quieter than a true classical and doesn't have the range from bass to bright of a normal acoustic, nor does it have the same level of sustain or resonance as either of those alternatives - BUT it plays like a classical and is very comfortable to hold. It has a very mellow, warm tone that lends itself to gentle playing styles. It can sound rather 'boomy' when amplified.
The upper strings can cut through with brightness, but on the whole, the overall impression is of a guitar best suited to moments of calm.
Sound Rating *: 7
Setup *: No problems here at all. The action is low without any hint of buzz or rattle. It's a very comfortable guitar to play. Both g7th and Shubb capos work well and can be used without problems for the length of the neck.
Setup Rating *: 10
Appearance *: Definitely a big plus here. I'll upload some photos later on. I especially like the way the cutway flows seamlessly into the heel without any hint of a step. Gorgeous - you want to caress it.
Build quality is excellent. So no niggles here at all.
Appearance Rating *: 10
Reliability *: Tuning has been exceptionally stable. My only moan is that a couple of the frets near the neck needed a slight smoothing as the D string showed signs of wear very quickly.
Reliability Rating *: 9
Components *: Thankfully, this instrument is NOT fitted with the Lag Studio pickup system (as described in my review of the Lag 200PE parlour guitar). This instrument is fitted with a more traditional and useful Shadow BBQ pre-amp with a Nanoflex pickup. It replicates the guitar's natural sound very well but can tend towards boominess.
Components Rating *: 9
Pre-sale Customer Service: Superb. The dealer's own Youtube demo was backed up by lots of advice both when I exchanged emails and then went to visit his shop.
Pre-sale Customer Service Rating: 10
Post-sale Customer Service: Again - superb but unfortunately the credit crunch wrecked his business and he had to close.
Post-sale Customer Service Rating: 10
Any Other Information: This is a very unusual instrument. I still like it but if forced to choose between this Lag and my Admira Capricho classical, the Admira would win the day without a second thought.
This guitar was one of the '4 seasons' series which have now been discontinued in favour of the new 'Tramontane' series.
As with my review of the Lag 200PE, I'll now reply to myself and post some pics and Youtube links.
Where Purchased: Baroque and Roll
Year Purchased: 2008
Sound *: Before I post the review, let me say at the outset that after initial enthusiasm, I've become rather ambivalent towards this guitar.
The 300N is an unusual instrument. It looks like a traditional small-bodied cutaway acoustic which, in size, is very similar to a classical instrument. And, like a classical guitar, it is nylon strung.
Sound-wise, it is quieter than a true classical and doesn't have the range from bass to bright of a normal acoustic, nor does it have the same level of sustain or resonance as either of those alternatives - BUT it plays like a classical and is very comfortable to hold. It has a very mellow, warm tone that lends itself to gentle playing styles. It can sound rather 'boomy' when amplified.
The upper strings can cut through with brightness, but on the whole, the overall impression is of a guitar best suited to moments of calm.
Sound Rating *: 7
Setup *: No problems here at all. The action is low without any hint of buzz or rattle. It's a very comfortable guitar to play. Both g7th and Shubb capos work well and can be used without problems for the length of the neck.
Setup Rating *: 10
Appearance *: Definitely a big plus here. I'll upload some photos later on. I especially like the way the cutway flows seamlessly into the heel without any hint of a step. Gorgeous - you want to caress it.
Build quality is excellent. So no niggles here at all.
Appearance Rating *: 10
Reliability *: Tuning has been exceptionally stable. My only moan is that a couple of the frets near the neck needed a slight smoothing as the D string showed signs of wear very quickly.
Reliability Rating *: 9
Components *: Thankfully, this instrument is NOT fitted with the Lag Studio pickup system (as described in my review of the Lag 200PE parlour guitar). This instrument is fitted with a more traditional and useful Shadow BBQ pre-amp with a Nanoflex pickup. It replicates the guitar's natural sound very well but can tend towards boominess.
Components Rating *: 9
Pre-sale Customer Service: Superb. The dealer's own Youtube demo was backed up by lots of advice both when I exchanged emails and then went to visit his shop.
Pre-sale Customer Service Rating: 10
Post-sale Customer Service: Again - superb but unfortunately the credit crunch wrecked his business and he had to close.
Post-sale Customer Service Rating: 10
Any Other Information: This is a very unusual instrument. I still like it but if forced to choose between this Lag and my Admira Capricho classical, the Admira would win the day without a second thought.
This guitar was one of the '4 seasons' series which have now been discontinued in favour of the new 'Tramontane' series.
As with my review of the Lag 200PE, I'll now reply to myself and post some pics and Youtube links.
