Best Ebony Fretboard Acoustic Guitars in 2024

Here you'll find the best Ebony fretboard acoustic guitars. This is one of the most expensive woods there is, which is why it's mostly used for fretboards. It is dense, heavy, highly resistant and comes in a really dark color that gives any guitar a classy touch. Tone wise, it helps the high side of the spectrum and provides good sustain.

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 Custom J-45 Deluxe Rosewood

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Gibson Custom J-45 Deluxe Rosewood
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Playability 78
Sound 88
Build quality 92
Value for money 71
Overall Score 86

What our users think

  • Pickups noise: Noiseless (3 votes)
  • Pickups power: Clean (3 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
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  • From Gibson Custom's 2021 Modern Collection series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 24.75"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Solid Rosewood back
  • Solid Rosewood sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
  • Traditional belly up bridge
  • Acoustic Slim Taper Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Grover Rotomatic w/ kidney buttons tuners
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  • From Gibson Custom's 2021 Modern Collection series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 24.75"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Solid Rosewood back
  • Solid Rosewood sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
  • Traditional belly up bridge
  • Acoustic Slim Taper Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Grover Rotomatic w/ kidney buttons tuners
  • See all specs and compare >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Gibson Custom J-45 Deluxe Rosewood
  • 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. Guild F-55E in Natural

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    Guild F-55E in Natural
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    Playability 77
    Sound 88
    Build quality 92
    Value for money 71
    Overall Score 86
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    • 2 Prices - New from $4,199 >
    • From Guild's 2021 Guild Usa series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 25.625"'' scale
    • 12" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid Indian Rosewood back
    • Solid Indian Rosewood sides
    • Mahogany with Walnut Center Strip neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs Anthem with Volume, Mix, and Phase Controls (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic C Shape Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Gotoh SE700 Open-Gear in Gold tuners
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    • 2 Prices - New from $4,199 >
    • From Guild's 2021 Guild Usa series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 25.625"'' scale
    • 12" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid Indian Rosewood back
    • Solid Indian Rosewood sides
    • Mahogany with Walnut Center Strip neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs Anthem with Volume, Mix, and Phase Controls (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic C Shape Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Gotoh SE700 Open-Gear in Gold tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Guild F-55E in Natural
    • 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. Gibson Dave Mustaine Songwriter

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    Gibson Dave Mustaine Songwriter
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    Playability 75
    Sound 90
    Build quality 92
    Value for money 71
    Overall Score 86

    What our users think

    • Neck profile shape: C (1 vote)
    • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (1 vote)
    • Pickups noise: Noiseless (3 votes)
    • Pickups power: Clean (3 votes)
    Own it? Share your opinion
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    • 1 Prices - New from $4,499 >
    • From Gibson's 2022 Artist Collection series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 24.75"'' scale
    • 16" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid Walnut back
    • Solid Walnut sides
    • Mahogany neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
    • Traditional Belly Up, Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic Advanced Response Set neck
    • 24 Medium frets
    • Grover Rotomatic tuners
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    • 1 Prices - New from $4,499 >
    • From Gibson's 2022 Artist Collection series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 24.75"'' scale
    • 16" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid Walnut back
    • Solid Walnut sides
    • Mahogany neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
    • Traditional Belly Up, Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic Advanced Response Set neck
    • 24 Medium frets
    • Grover Rotomatic tuners
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    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Gibson Dave Mustaine Songwriter
    • 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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    4. Taylor GT K21e

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    Taylor GT K21e
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    Playability 82
    Sound 86
    Build quality 89
    Value for money 71
    Overall Score 86

    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
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    • 3 Prices - New from $5,999 >
    • From Taylor's 2021 Koa series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 24.125"'' scale
    • 15" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Hawaiian Koa top
    • Solid Hawaiian Koa back
    • Solid Hawaiian Koa 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
    • Gotoh tuners
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    • 3 Prices - New from $5,999 >
    • From Taylor's 2021 Koa series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 24.125"'' scale
    • 15" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Hawaiian Koa top
    • Solid Hawaiian Koa back
    • Solid Hawaiian Koa 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
    • Gotoh tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Taylor GT K21e
    • 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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    5. Martin HD12-28

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    Martin HD12-28
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    Playability 80
    Sound 88
    Build quality 88
    Value for money 70
    Overall Score 85

    What our users think

    • Neck access to high frets: Easy (1 vote)
    • Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
    • Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
    • Weight: Lightweight (1 vote)
    • Neck profile shape: C (3 votes)
    • Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (3 votes)
    • Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
    • Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
    Own it? Share your opinion
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    • 2 Prices - New from $3,499 >
    • From Martin's 1931 Standard series
    • Made in United States
    • 12 strings
    • 24.9"'' scale
    • 16" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Spruce top
    • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
    • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
    • Select Hardwood neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Fishman (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic Performing Artist Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
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    • 2 Prices - New from $3,499 >
    • From Martin's 1931 Standard series
    • Made in United States
    • 12 strings
    • 24.9"'' scale
    • 16" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Spruce top
    • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
    • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
    • Select Hardwood neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Fishman (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic Performing Artist Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Martin HD12-28
    • Made in United States
    • Expensive Wood
    • Bone Nut
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Electronics
    • Compensated 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

    All Prices

    6. Alvarez GYM70CESHB

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    Alvarez GYM70CESHB
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    Playability 73
    Sound 88
    Build quality 92
    Value for money 69
    Overall Score 84
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    • From Alvarez's 2022 Yairi series
    • Made in Japan
    • 6 strings
    • 25.512"'' scale
    • 15.75" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid AAA Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
    • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
    • One piece mahogany, 50/50 Semi gloss finish, Extended neck joint neck
    • Ebony with 12th AA Fret Inlay fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC Element System (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony Direct Coupled bridge
    • Acoustic Alvarez Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Gotoh 510's Gold with Ebony Buttons tuners
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    • From Alvarez's 2022 Yairi series
    • Made in Japan
    • 6 strings
    • 25.512"'' scale
    • 15.75" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid AAA Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
    • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
    • One piece mahogany, 50/50 Semi gloss finish, Extended neck joint neck
    • Ebony with 12th AA Fret Inlay fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC Element System (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony Direct Coupled bridge
    • Acoustic Alvarez Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Gotoh 510's Gold with Ebony Buttons tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Alvarez GYM70CESHB
    • Made in Japan
    • 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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      7. Cort Seven Stars Limited

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      Cort Seven Stars Limited
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      Playability 73
      Sound 88
      Build quality 90
      Value for money 74
      Overall Score 84
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      • From Cort's 2019 Limited series
      • Made in Japan
      • 6 strings
      • 25.3"'' scale
      • 15.748" Fretboard Radius
      • Solid Adirondack Spruce(Master Grade) top
      • Solid Flamed Maple back
      • Solid Flamed Maple sides
      • Walnut Reinforced Mahogany neck
      • Ebony fretboard
      • Bridge pickup: L.R.Baggs Anthem (Preamp/Active)
      • Ebony bridge
      • Acoustic Cort Neck Set neck
      • 20 Medium frets
      • Gotoh SGL510Z Gold tuners
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      • From Cort's 2019 Limited series
      • Made in Japan
      • 6 strings
      • 25.3"'' scale
      • 15.748" Fretboard Radius
      • Solid Adirondack Spruce(Master Grade) top
      • Solid Flamed Maple back
      • Solid Flamed Maple sides
      • Walnut Reinforced Mahogany neck
      • Ebony fretboard
      • Bridge pickup: L.R.Baggs Anthem (Preamp/Active)
      • Ebony bridge
      • Acoustic Cort Neck Set neck
      • 20 Medium frets
      • Gotoh SGL510Z Gold tuners
      • See all specs and compare >
      Strengths & Weaknesses
      Cort Seven Stars Limited
      • Made in Japan
      • 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

      All Prices

        8. Ibanez JGM10

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        Ibanez JGM10
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        Playability 73
        Sound 88
        Build quality 90
        Value for money 69
        Overall Score 84
        FIND IT ON:
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        • 1 Prices - New from $3,399.99 >
        • From Ibanez's 2021 JGM series
        • Made in Japan
        • 6 strings
        • 25.75"'' scale
        • 15.748" Fretboard Radius
        • Thermo Aged Solid Sitka Spruce top
        • Solid Pau Ferro back
        • Solid Pau Ferro sides
        • African Mahogany/Pau Ferro neck
        • Macassar Ebony fretboard
        • Bridge pickup: Fishman Rare Earth Mic Blend Active Soundhole, Tap (Preamp/Active)
        • Macassar Ebony top loading bridge
        • Acoustic JGM Set neck
        • 20 Medium frets
        • Ibanez tuners
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        • 1 Prices - New from $3,399.99 >
        • From Ibanez's 2021 JGM series
        • Made in Japan
        • 6 strings
        • 25.75"'' scale
        • 15.748" Fretboard Radius
        • Thermo Aged Solid Sitka Spruce top
        • Solid Pau Ferro back
        • Solid Pau Ferro sides
        • African Mahogany/Pau Ferro neck
        • Macassar Ebony fretboard
        • Bridge pickup: Fishman Rare Earth Mic Blend Active Soundhole, Tap (Preamp/Active)
        • Macassar Ebony top loading bridge
        • Acoustic JGM Set neck
        • 20 Medium frets
        • Ibanez tuners
        • See all specs and compare >
        Strengths & Weaknesses
        Ibanez JGM10
        • Made in Japan
        • 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

        All Prices

        9. Takamine EF450C TT

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        Takamine EF450C TT
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        Musician's Friend logoSweetwater logo
        Playability 77
        Sound 85
        Build quality 87
        Value for money 68
        Overall Score 83

        What our users think

        • Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (3 votes)
        • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (2 votes)
        Own it? Share your opinion
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        • 2 Prices - New from $3,599 >
        • From Takamine's 2018 TT series
        • Made in Japan
        • 6 strings
        • 25.4"'' scale
        • 12" Fretboard Radius
        • Solid Thermal Spruce top
        • Solid Flame Maple back
        • Flame Maple sides
        • Maple neck
        • Ebony fretboard
        • Bridge pickup: TLD-2 Line Driver (Preamp/Active)
        • Fixed bridge
        • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
        • 20 Medium frets
        • Takamine tuners
        • See all specs and compare >
        Show all Specs
        • 2 Prices - New from $3,599 >
        • From Takamine's 2018 TT series
        • Made in Japan
        • 6 strings
        • 25.4"'' scale
        • 12" Fretboard Radius
        • Solid Thermal Spruce top
        • Solid Flame Maple back
        • Flame Maple sides
        • Maple neck
        • Ebony fretboard
        • Bridge pickup: TLD-2 Line Driver (Preamp/Active)
        • Fixed bridge
        • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
        • 20 Medium frets
        • Takamine tuners
        • See all specs and compare >
        Strengths & Weaknesses
        Takamine EF450C TT
        • Made in Japan
        • Expensive Wood
        • Bone Nut
        • Top Brand Pickups
        • Electronics
        • Bone Saddle
        • Solid Top Wood
        • Solid Back Wood
        • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
        • No Locking Tuners
        • Laminated Side Wood
        • No Compound Radius Fretboard
        • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
        • No Strap Lock

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        10. Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe

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        Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe
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        Playability 78
        Sound 88
        Build quality 92
        Value for money 71
        Overall Score 86

        What our users think

        • Tuning stability: Won't get out of tune (1 vote)
        • Pickups noise: Noiseless (3 votes)
        • Pickups power: Clean (3 votes)
        Own it? Share your opinion
        FIND IT ON:
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        • From Gibson Custom's 2020 Modern Collection series
        • Made in United States
        • 6 strings
        • 24.75"'' scale
        • 12" Fretboard Radius
        • Solid Sitka Spruce top
        • Solid Rosewood back
        • Solid Rosewood sides
        • Mahogany neck
        • Ebony fretboard
        • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
        • Traditional belly up bridge
        • Acoustic Rounded Set neck
        • 20 Medium frets
        • Grover Rotomatic w/ kidney buttons tuners
        • See all specs and compare >
        Show all Specs
        • From Gibson Custom's 2020 Modern Collection series
        • Made in United States
        • 6 strings
        • 24.75"'' scale
        • 12" Fretboard Radius
        • Solid Sitka Spruce top
        • Solid Rosewood back
        • Solid Rosewood sides
        • Mahogany neck
        • Ebony fretboard
        • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
        • Traditional belly up bridge
        • Acoustic Rounded Set neck
        • 20 Medium frets
        • Grover Rotomatic w/ kidney buttons tuners
        • See all specs and compare >
        Strengths & Weaknesses
        Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe
        • 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

        All Prices

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