Best 25.5" Scale Dreadnought Guitars in 2024

Here you'll find the best 25.5" scale Dreadnought style guitars. This is the same scale length used in Stratocaster guitars, and it's one of the main reasons they have such a bright sound. It's considered a long scale when compared to most non-baritone guitars.

Since the distance between bridge and nut is relatively long, you'll need to give the strings more tension to get them in tune. This higher tension will allow for a couple of things. First, you can get a lower action (get the strings closer to the fretboard) because the strings won't 'wiggle' too much when pluck and won't cause fret buzz. This can allow you to use lower tunings without increasing your string gauge, and it will make it easier to press down the strings fast.

However, the frets will also have a wider separation between each other, which can make it harder to play, especially if you got small hands. The higher tension will also make the strings feel stiffer, so bending will require more strength.

After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.

There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.

1. Gibson Dove Original

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Gibson Dove Original
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Playability 73
Sound 88
Build quality 92
Value for money 69
Overall Score 84

What our users think

  • Neck profile shape: C (2 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Slightly chunky (1 vote)
  • Pickups noise: Noiseless (3 votes)
  • Pickups power: Clean (3 votes)
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  • 3 Prices - New from $3,999 >
  • From Gibson's 2016 Original Acoustic series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Solid Flame Maple back
  • Solid Flame Maple sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
  • Dove bridge
  • Acoustic Rounded Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Grover Keystone tuners
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  • 3 Prices - New from $3,999 >
  • From Gibson's 2016 Original Acoustic series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Solid Flame Maple back
  • Solid Flame Maple sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
  • Dove bridge
  • Acoustic Rounded Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Grover Keystone tuners
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Strengths & Weaknesses
Gibson Dove Original
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Bone Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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2. Epiphone Frontier USA Collection

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Epiphone Frontier USA Collection
FIND IT ON:
Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
Playability 73
Sound 88
Build quality 92
Value for money 69
Overall Score 84

What our users think

  • Pickups noise: Noiseless (3 votes)
  • Pickups power: Clean (3 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
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  • 3 Prices - New from $4,499 >
  • From Epiphone's 2021 Made in USA series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Solid Figured Maple back
  • Solid Figured Maple sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Indian Rosewood fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
  • Indian Rosewood; Belly Up bridge
  • Acoustic Rounded C Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Gotoh Keystone tuners
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  • 3 Prices - New from $4,499 >
  • From Epiphone's 2021 Made in USA series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Solid Figured Maple back
  • Solid Figured Maple sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Indian Rosewood fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
  • Indian Rosewood; Belly Up bridge
  • Acoustic Rounded C Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Gotoh Keystone tuners
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Strengths & Weaknesses
Epiphone Frontier USA Collection
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Bone Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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3. Fender Highway Series Dreadnought

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Fender Highway Series Dreadnought
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Sweetwater logoFender logo
Playability 80
Sound 88
Build quality 82
Value for money 88
Overall Score 83

What our users think

  • Neck profile shape: D (2 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (2 votes)
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  • 3 Prices - New from $999.99 >
  • From Fender's 2023 Highway series
  • Made in Mexico
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Chambered Mahogany back
  • Chambered Mahogany sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Fluence Acoustic Pickup (Preamp/Active)
  • Modern Viking bridge
  • Acoustic C Shape Neck-Through neck
  • 20 Narrow Tall frets
  • Fender ClassicGear tuners
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  • 3 Prices - New from $999.99 >
  • From Fender's 2023 Highway series
  • Made in Mexico
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Chambered Mahogany back
  • Chambered Mahogany sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Fluence Acoustic Pickup (Preamp/Active)
  • Modern Viking bridge
  • Acoustic C Shape Neck-Through neck
  • 20 Narrow Tall frets
  • Fender ClassicGear tuners
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Strengths & Weaknesses
Fender Highway Series Dreadnought
  • Expensive Wood
  • Ivory Tusq Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Ivory Tusq Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in Mexico
  • Laminated Side Wood
  • Laminated Back Wood
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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4. Ibanez AAD400CE

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Ibanez AAD400CE
FIND IT ON:
Sweetwater logo
Playability 73
Sound 88
Build quality 85
Value for money 72
Overall Score 82
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  • 1 Prices - New from $2,300 >
  • From Ibanez's 2019 Advanced Acoustic series
  • Made in Japan
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 15.748" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Solid African Mahogany back
  • Solid African Mahogany sides
  • Thermo Aged African Mahogany / Pau Ferro neck
  • Macassar Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Ibanez AP11 Magnetic & Contact (Preamp/Active)
  • Macassar Ebony scalloped bridge
  • Low Oval Grip with Rounded Fretboard Edge Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Ibanez tuners
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  • 1 Prices - New from $2,300 >
  • From Ibanez's 2019 Advanced Acoustic series
  • Made in Japan
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 15.748" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Solid African Mahogany back
  • Solid African Mahogany sides
  • Thermo Aged African Mahogany / Pau Ferro neck
  • Macassar Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Ibanez AP11 Magnetic & Contact (Preamp/Active)
  • Macassar Ebony scalloped bridge
  • Low Oval Grip with Rounded Fretboard Edge Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Ibanez tuners
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Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez AAD400CE
  • Made in Japan
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Electronics
  • Bone Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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5. Gibson Custom Doves in Flight

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Gibson Custom Doves in Flight
FIND IT ON:
Sweetwater logo
Playability 77
Sound 85
Build quality 85
Value for money 67
Overall Score 82
FIND IT ON:
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  • 1 Prices - New from $8,999 >
  • From Gibson Custom's 2017 Modern Collection series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Solid Flame Maple back
  • Solid Flame Maple sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: (/)
  • Dove bridge
  • Acoustic Rounded Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Grover with engraved Keystone tuners
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  • 1 Prices - New from $8,999 >
  • From Gibson Custom's 2017 Modern Collection series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Solid Flame Maple back
  • Solid Flame Maple sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: (/)
  • Dove bridge
  • Acoustic Rounded Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Grover with engraved Keystone tuners
  • See all specs and compare >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Gibson Custom Doves in Flight
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Bone Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Electronics
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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6. Washburn D100SWCE

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Washburn D100SWCE
FIND IT ON:
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Playability 73
Sound 90
Build quality 80
Value for money 81
Overall Score 81
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  • From Washburn's 2020 Heritage series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Torrefied Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Solid Mahogany back
  • Solid Mahogany sides
  • Satin Mahogany with Walnut Rails & 2-way Truss Rod neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Presys+ Blend EQ with built in mic & tuner. (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic Washburn Heritage Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Graphtech Ratio Tuned w/Black buttons tuners
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Show all Specs
  • From Washburn's 2020 Heritage series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Torrefied Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Solid Mahogany back
  • Solid Mahogany sides
  • Satin Mahogany with Walnut Rails & 2-way Truss Rod neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Presys+ Blend EQ with built in mic & tuner. (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic Washburn Heritage Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Graphtech Ratio Tuned w/Black buttons tuners
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Strengths & Weaknesses
Washburn D100SWCE
  • Locking Tuners
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Bone Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • Made in China
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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    7. Taylor Builder's Edition 717e

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    Taylor Builder's Edition 717e
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
    Playability 73
    Sound 88
    Build quality 85
    Value for money 67
    Overall Score 82

    What our users think

    • Neck profile shape: D (8 votes)
    • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (8 votes)
    • Pickups noise: Noiseless (7 votes)
    • Pickups power: Clean (6 votes)
    Own it? Share your opinion
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
    • 3 Prices - New from $3,499 >
    • From Taylor's 2019 700 series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 15" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid Indian Rosewood back
    • Solid Indian Rosewood sides
    • Tropical Mahogany neck
    • West African Crelicam Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Expression System 2 Electronics (Preamp/Active)
    • West African Crelicam Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic Taylor Standard Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Taylor Nickel tuners
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    • 3 Prices - New from $3,499 >
    • From Taylor's 2019 700 series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 15" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid Indian Rosewood back
    • Solid Indian Rosewood sides
    • Tropical Mahogany neck
    • West African Crelicam Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Expression System 2 Electronics (Preamp/Active)
    • West African Crelicam Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic Taylor Standard Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Taylor Nickel tuners
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    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Taylor Builder's Edition 717e
    • Made in United States
    • Expensive Wood
    • Black Tusq XL Nut
    • Electronics
    • Synthetic Bone Saddle
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Solid Side Wood
    • Solid Back Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • No Top Brand Pickups
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

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    8. Cort Gold-DC6

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    Cort Gold-DC6
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logo
    Playability 73
    Sound 88
    Build quality 79
    Value for money 85
    Overall Score 80
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logo
    • From Cort's 2023 Gold series
    • Made in Indonesia
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 15.75" Fretboard Radius
    • Torrefied Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid Mahogany back
    • Solid Mahogany sides
    • Mahogany(Walnut Reinforced) neck
    • Macassar Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Fishman Flex Blend System (Preamp/Active)
    • Macassar Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic Cort Neck Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Deluxe Vintage Gold tuners
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    Show all Specs
    • From Cort's 2023 Gold series
    • Made in Indonesia
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 15.75" Fretboard Radius
    • Torrefied Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid Mahogany back
    • Solid Mahogany sides
    • Mahogany(Walnut Reinforced) neck
    • Macassar Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Fishman Flex Blend System (Preamp/Active)
    • Macassar Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic Cort Neck Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Deluxe Vintage Gold tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Cort Gold-DC6
    • Expensive Wood
    • Bone Nut
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Electronics
    • Bone Saddle
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Solid Side Wood
    • Solid Back Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • Made in Indonesia
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

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      9. Guild D-140CE Antique Burst

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      Guild D-140CE Antique Burst
      FIND IT ON:
      Sweetwater logoReverb logo
      Playability 73
      Sound 88
      Build quality 75
      Value for money 84
      Overall Score 79
      FIND IT ON:
      Sweetwater logoReverb logo
      • 3 Prices - New from $899 >
      • From Guild's 2017 Westerly Collection series
      • Made in China
      • 6 strings
      • 25.5"'' scale
      • 16" Fretboard Radius
      • Solid Sitka Spruce top
      • Solid African Mahogany back
      • Solid African Mahogany sides
      • African Mahogany neck
      • Rosewood fretboard
      • Bridge pickup: Guild/Fishman GT-1 with Volume and Tone controls (Preamp/Active)
      • Rosewood bridge
      • Acoustic C Shape Set neck
      • 20 Medium frets
      • Guild Vintage 18 Open Gear Nickel tuners
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      Show all Specs
      • 3 Prices - New from $899 >
      • From Guild's 2017 Westerly Collection series
      • Made in China
      • 6 strings
      • 25.5"'' scale
      • 16" Fretboard Radius
      • Solid Sitka Spruce top
      • Solid African Mahogany back
      • Solid African Mahogany sides
      • African Mahogany neck
      • Rosewood fretboard
      • Bridge pickup: Guild/Fishman GT-1 with Volume and Tone controls (Preamp/Active)
      • Rosewood bridge
      • Acoustic C Shape Set neck
      • 20 Medium frets
      • Guild Vintage 18 Open Gear Nickel tuners
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      Strengths & Weaknesses
      Guild D-140CE Antique Burst
      • Expensive Wood
      • Bone Nut
      • Top Brand Pickups
      • Electronics
      • Bone Saddle
      • Solid Top Wood
      • Solid Side Wood
      • Solid Back Wood
      • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
      • No Locking Tuners
      • Made in China
      • No Compound Radius Fretboard
      • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
      • No Strap Lock

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      10. Gibson G-Writer

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      Gibson G-Writer
      FIND IT ON:
      Musician's Friend logoSweetwater logo
      Playability 73
      Sound 88
      Build quality 89
      Value for money 78
      Overall Score 83

      What our users think

      • Neck access to high frets: Very Easy (1 vote)
      • Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
      • Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
      • Weight: Very lightweight (1 vote)
      • Neck profile shape: C (1 vote)
      • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (1 vote)
      • Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
      • Pickups power: Clean (1 vote)
      Own it? Share your opinion
      FIND IT ON:
      Musician's Friend logoSweetwater logo
      • 2 Prices - New from $1,599 >
      • From Gibson's 2021 Modern Acoustic series
      • Made in United States
      • 6 strings
      • 25.5"'' scale
      • 16" Fretboard Radius
      • Solid Sitka Spruce top
      • Solid Walnut back
      • Solid Walnut sides
      • Mahogany neck
      • Ebony fretboard
      • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs Element Bronze (Preamp/Active)
      • Belly Down, Closed Slot, Striped Ebony bridge
      • Acoustic Advanced Response Set neck
      • 20 Medium frets
      • Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners
      • See all specs and compare >
      Show all Specs
      • 2 Prices - New from $1,599 >
      • From Gibson's 2021 Modern Acoustic series
      • Made in United States
      • 6 strings
      • 25.5"'' scale
      • 16" Fretboard Radius
      • Solid Sitka Spruce top
      • Solid Walnut back
      • Solid Walnut sides
      • Mahogany neck
      • Ebony fretboard
      • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs Element Bronze (Preamp/Active)
      • Belly Down, Closed Slot, Striped Ebony bridge
      • Acoustic Advanced Response Set neck
      • 20 Medium frets
      • Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners
      • See all specs and compare >
      Strengths & Weaknesses
      Gibson G-Writer
      • Made in United States
      • Expensive Wood
      • Ivory Tusq Nut
      • Top Brand Pickups
      • Electronics
      • Ivory Tusq Saddle
      • Solid Top Wood
      • Solid Side Wood
      • Solid Back Wood
      • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
      • No Locking Tuners
      • No Compound Radius Fretboard
      • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
      • No Strap Lock

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