Submitted by leynasdaddy43 (see all reviews from this person) on 9/27/2010

Where Purchased: Direct from Republic Guitars

Year Purchased: 2010
Price Paid: 699 ($US)

Sound

Wow is this thing loud! It has an awesome midrange and low end - a perfect match for the blues/finger-style/slide playing I do. And damn! is the thing heavy!!

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

The action on the high end is little low for my playing, the bridge is shaved down a bit much - but it's nothing a trip to my local luthier can't fix. and to be expected when ordering a guitar online.

Setup Rating: 8

Appearance

It's Beauty-ful!! I ordered the 201 because I like shiny clean guitars. I'll need to carry a rag in the case if I want it to stay that way. I'm concerned about the Republic Guitars 'sticker' on the headstock, worried that it'll be gone after a few gigs - an inlay would look nicer and last longer - but that's just aesthetics - it doesn't affect the playability and doesn't make me love the guitar any less.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

I've only had it less that a week and haven't been able to put it down. I've noticed a slight buzzing coming from the inside near the bridge but haven't been able to track down the source. It sounds like the screen under the bridge is lose somewhere. Hopefully once I change the strings and open 'er up, I'll find it.

Reliability Rating: 9

Customer Service

I've only spoken with Frank once, and that was when I ordered the guitar - but he seemed nice enough. I ordered it on a Tuesday and was playing it Thursday afternoon. And the date stamp is the day I ordered it - did Frank make it just for me?? Probably not - but it's a fun thing to tell people.

Customer Service: 9

Components

The neck is the perfect width and the guitar is solid. I've yet to find something really 'wrong' with the 201.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

This 201 is my new favorite guitar. All my others are feeling neglected. The only complaint, if you want to call it that, is one of the screw that holds the plate is right were my forearm rests when I play. I've been scratched a few times and been left with several red spots - but that's no biggie..

I love this guitar!! It's going right to the top of the list of my touring instruments...Well worth the money!

Overall Rating: 10