CLD-40SM-CE SolidWood : A brilliant guitar, sadly not designed perfectly

This could've been a perfect guitar, and I absolutely love it.. Mostly. It has tons of potential with some small improvements.

I'm not sure if the high gloss finish impacts the sound a lot, but I like how clean and maintainable the finish is. I'll try one of their matte finish acoustics soon, just because of the impression this one left on me.

Pros:

* Setup out of factory was incredible. First fret action of 0.014", Neck relief of 0.005, and 12th fret action at 2mm on the low E string, 1.25 on the high E string. NO buzz anywhere whatsoever, plays like a dream.

* Bone nut, bone saddle, which work very well.

* The factory strings (Daddario 12-53) are perfect and have been going strong for 6 months now, they can survive a lot of abuse!

* After replacing the tuners, the tuning stability is incredible. It's generally a good idea to put new tuners on HB guitars anyway.

* Frets were MOSTLY leveled (except one), polished and cut perfectly, doesn't hurt at all. The freboard had to be oiled quite a bit though, but that's also expected so I dont deduct points there!

* The solidwood top is loud, and sounds INCREDIBLE. Every string rings out brilliantly. The low end sound is nice too. Sustain is also really nice. It's very soft to play as the action is so good!

* The finish is incredible, no blemishes anywhere. And I wouldn't expect anything less! Well done :)

Cons:

* On my version the 3rd fret was significantly higher. So in E standard tuning there was quite a bit of buzz on the 2nd fret. But in D standard tuning, the note is completely dead (12-53 strings). Not happy with the fret leveling.

* The output jack is "in" the strap button near your hips, and I think that's a horrible design. Like the CLA-15 custom line, they should have a dedicated, separate output jack.

* The 9V battery goes INSIDE the sound hole. I hate that. It should be easily swappable, and on the outside of the body, like most other HB guitars have it!

* The tortoise shell pickguard comes on it by default, I am not a fan of it. Personally, I liked the Harley Benton acoustic pickguard with birds and that looks great on mine.

Worth the money? Heck yeah it is.

Would I recommend this? Not sure - I'd recommend the CLD15-Koa custom line, atleast from my general comparisons it looks like a more practical design! :)

Suggestions if Harley Benton is listening? Please move the battery and output jack, and detach the tortoise pickguard, on this otherwise PERFECT acoustic!