A-150 Savoy Blonde : A beauty on high frets

I'm an amateur guitarist in my late 60's who has embraced a few styles over the years, from classical to hard-rock to folk and jazz - and lately back to classical guitar. Having acquired an Ibanez AF-95 FM-AYS a year ago (a gorgeous thing) I still felt a more acoustic was called for. Also, I couldn´t forgive myself for having sold a black Guild jazz box I got from a London pawnshop long ago. So, the blonde A-150 Savoy was summoned last May. What can I say? Love at first sight. This is a first class beauty with a quiet and simple charm. Romance still lingers very strong. But, like Chopin said, what can be better than one guitar? Two of course! I was lucky enough to grab a perfect used Peerless Monarch a couple of months later. They make a perfect pair. Both Korean made, one blonde, the other brunette, just like Zappa would have liked. Very similar shape, format and even case - they are twins. However, construction and philosophy wise they display a very different temper.

The Savoy is considerably heavier, has thicker finish and, for now, a more closed acoustic sound. Maybe more in Gibson fashion. Bu it is tough, will last many decades, and I would expect it to approach it's peak in 20 or 30 years. Also, it features a lush ebony fretboard, whereas the Peerless has a beautifully figured and abalone ornamented one. The Monarch is much lighter, acoustically more responsive and of course louder. Then the frets. The Savoy features heftier, higher frets. Again, very nice feeling of power and strong strum, but may not please everyone. The pickup, a Rhythm Chief, looks and sounds pretty good to my eyes and ears. In line with the perfect finish and workmanship the guitar came with a very good nut setup and I only lowered the bridge around one mm, trading a bit of acoustic volume for more comfortable action. It now stands at 1,5-2 mm but It could go a hair or two lower if needed. The neck and fingerboard are flawless. The whole instrument exudes quality and sober style. The case goes along the same lines. So I am very happy. What about the Peerless then? Well, she is a different kind of beauty. I love her lightness, sensitivity and wooden acoustic response, just as I love Miss Guild's qualities, but wait a minute.... that's for another review!