A325c Redwood - advice please??

[badger]

Hi everyone.

First of all - great forum. nice to see people treating each other with respect on a forum for a change!

I have been playing for about 12 years now and have always owned very basic mass-produced acoustics, which to be honest have suited my needs up until about three years ago when my playing finally started to come together (yawn - sorry!)

Anyway, a close relative of mine passed away recently and left me a little money. I would really like to use this to buy myself a decent acoustic - something I will likely keep for a long time and that I can be truly proud of. I have done soooo much research my head hurts with it. I have spoken to a couple of friends who said they have played avalons and one who specifically mentioned the Redwood. I am almost certain this is what I will go for.

I am sadly unable to travel to N.I to test drive it myself, but wondered if anyone would be prepared to review this guitar for me, or if there's anyone at Avalon out there, if they could just give me that little bit more advice to convince me before I take the plunge (although judging by the comments on here it is not too much of a risky plunge). My main thing is I have never played a guitar with a redwood soundboard before - how are they?

My playing style is mainly folk/celtic combinations of finger picking and strumming.

Any comments/advice would be most welcome.

Thanks and regards

Badger.

[badger]

Sorry also meant to ask:

Is it worthwhile trying to get over to the shop in NI? Do you have better deals etc onsite or is it pretty much the same as online?

Thanks again!

Badger.

[chris c]

I cannot comment on the A325c, but I think it's always better to test drive the guitar yourself. Maybe you will realize that you prefer another of their models after all. So I think it's worth the expense to either travel to NI or pay a little more in a store where they have several Avalons.

[badger]

Thanks Chris,

You're right of course, but life is so short! Am today awaiting the arrival of the A325C Redwood and feeling like my daughters must feel on the 24th December!

Once it arrives I'll write a few lines about it.

Already I am supremely impressed with the customer service at Avalon. Within minutes (literally!) of placing my order, Jim phoned me to discuss delivery and answer the questions I had.

Happy Days!

Badger

[badger]

Arrived first thing this morning...it is flawless in every way. Not great at using the right language to describe it, but it is perfect. It is aesthetically stunning, comfortable, and has a simply divine sound.

So glad I took a punt on it!

Thanks Jim and everyone at Avalon for a fine instrument.

Badger

[JB]

No problem Badger, glad you like it

[chris c]

Congrats, Badger ! This must be a great guitar for sure ! Avalon's customer service is indeed exceptional.