CST-24HB Tortoise Flame : Beautiful, but with cosmetic issues.

This was one of the most beautiful guitars I've ever purchased, until I looked a little closer.

Pro: The Tortoise flame veneer looks absolutely incredible. The neck feels very comfortable and I had no issues with fret sprout or high frets. The neck pickup is divine. It sounds distinctly better than the same pickup in a solid body.

Con: Cosmetics and attention to detail. The F-Hole binding was poorly done. Some spots have been sanded down so bare wood was showing underneath. I took a white magic marker to color in the thin spots. The block of wood inside looks awful. There are black paint splotches on parts of it and bare wood on parts. There are gouges and splintered wood hanging off of the center block. I have tried to clean it up as well as I could, but I can still see it through the f-hole if I look down at my picking hand while playing. The finish at the neck joint was applied over glue that had been pressed out and dried. The frets desperately needed polished.

Conclusion: At this price point, some cosmetic finish issues should be expected. There were too many to give it 5 stars. That said, the playability and beauty (from a little ways away) make it worth the price. The tone that comes out of the pickups - particularly the neck - makes it a keeper. Now if I could just remember to never look down at my picking hand while playing and accidentally catch a glimpse inside the f-hole, it would be perfect.