Hey Josh, just want to say I'm not a Vet (Army brat here lol), but I did have PTSD. It took years for me to heal from it, and within six months of the trauma, I had become someone I no longer recognized. I've never been someone to abuse drugs, alcohol, or behave recklessly so I never had to contend with any of that (as so many with PTSD sometimes do), but there were a couple years there when I wasn't sure if I was ever going to find myself back to the person I knew I'd been for over 40 years prior to the trauma occurring. That said, I just want to say if you ever find yourself really struggling....maybe wondering if you will ever find yourself back to who you once were...or wondering if there is any point in continuing on in life...please know that you CAN eventually make your way back. Also know that it does take time for the brain to heal itself and to eventually work its way out of that fight or flight loop that it gets stuck in (and it does this to ensure the body's survival, even long after you logically know your life is no longer being threatened). Please know that although many Vets succumb to that overwhelming feeling of hopelessness, almost like you've somehow passed the point of no return and can never be who you once were again, please know that it is possible, but it does require incredible patience and sometimes living through the empty void of meaningless purposelessness that everyday life can become when your brain is trying to heal from the PTSD. I didn't get help. I should have, but I didn't trust anyone (hello PTSD!). Had I gotten help from someone who genuinely knew how to treat the trauma I endured I suspect I would've lessened my immense suffering (and total indifference and absence of empathy for others) much sooner. Six years after the trauma, I am back to who I once was (only a whole hell of a lot smarter, tougher, and even more resilient than I was before). I'm me again and I could not be more grateful to be me and thankful that I'm able to once again enjoy all the things I enjoyed before the event occurred. There were a couple years there when I didn't know if I'd ever find any meaning and joy in life again. I hope you (and others) get to find your way back to yourself, again, too. Once you survive this and come out on the other side, there is a life that you will find that makes you glad you suffered through all that mental hell. Be patient and give your brain the time to *v e r y s l o w l y* and gradually ramp itself back down. I wish you well on your path to healing and (eventually) returning to the world of the living~
This looks like a very nice guitar, and as a service connected disabled Navy veteran, I truly appreciate that you and Orangewood chose to donate this guitar for veterans. I do wish that I had seen this video earlier, as I just bought a Yamaha FG 800 to celebrate my 67th birthday, and probably would have chosen this guitar instead. For me, playing is a struggle. I've had surgery to correct Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2012, and then two years ago, I was informed that I have a rare form of bone marrow cancer called CML. Although I can no longer play anywhere like I could in the past, I still receive much joy from noodling as I'm able. Thanks for the great videos!
Rob, much love to you. I know what it is to be very disabled. I have peace, knowledge of sins forgiven, a profound sense of meaning, and assurance of resurrection because of Jesus Christ. May these blessings be yours, too.
Thank you for your service, Rob. Happy Holidays to you and yours! 🎄 Phil you’re a blessing in the music community, a class act, never stop ding what you do! Happy Holidays Phil!
Okay Phil ya brat. After promising my wife no more guitars this year I went and bought myself the acoustic with the cedar top. I love the sound of cedar. Of course I appreciate what you're doing for PTSD sufferers, I'm one. But thanks for being my reason for buying a new Orangewood, lol. Thanks Phil, love your videos. Doolie.
I survived a 2 year stint living on the streets of SLC battling a horrible 15-year long meth addiction and I suffer from PTSD from events of that time period. Playing bass and guitar is my escape and thank you so much to Orangewood and Phillip McKnight for their contributions to this worthy cause helping veterans with PTSD.
Sounds just great. Re: the tink test ~ I've read that #2 pencil lead contains clay which ultimately will cause binding in the nut. So, I've been using DuPont Teflon Non-Stick Dry-Film Lubricant (around $3.50 for a 4oz squeeze bottle which will last forever and ever). I apply it (on my electrics and acoustics) with a micro-swab to the nut and saddles with every other string change. I LOVE it better than any nut sauce, graphite paste, home-made lube, etc. because it's DRY = absolutely will not attract any dust, dirt, grime or moisture (Vaseline, DW-40, pastes - anything that stays wet - will attract stuff you don't want; pencil lead will not of course). Sometimes when it dries it leaves a thin white film with no ill effect. The loss of the appearance of the film over time does not of itself indicate the need for a re-apply.
Man, just found this channel through my interest in learning to play the guitar. Thank you for supporting Veterans! It really helps a person out when they know they are supported. Thank you again and please keep up the great work. It's really a win win when someone does something they love and helps people out at the same time.
Glad you pointed out P.T.S.D is not just Vets also Miners who have lost friends in the mine I lost 29 and I had to get out of it after 44 years Thanks we keep the lights ON.
@Phillip Mcknight Thank you so much for supporting all the veterans like myself! It means so much to me what you do to help us out, especially to our brothers suffering with PTSD. Cool guitar! How I wish I can have one this model! God bless you, Phil!
Whenever a new guitar or guitar product comes out we can listen to the 10000 UA-cam guitarists play or use it and it makes it so much easier to decide whether we might like it or not. :-)
Thanks for the excellent review. I’ve played so many acoustics that I could tell from the first tuning note you plucked that this is a good guitar. A guitar this nice would have cost $1000 twenty years ago ($1640 in todays dollars). Amazing that Chinese labor, CNC technology and direct to consumer sales have brought it down to $175. And Phil, how about giving us a little fingerstyle playing in your next acoustic demo? These smaller bodied guitars are ideal for fingerstyle. 🙂
Phil what a great video. It's easy to tell you dig this guitar and a big thank you to Orange Wood for being checking into the needs of vets. Unbelievable a solid top guitar for 180; goes to show what can be done. Thank you.
Thanks to KYG and Orangewood Guitars for such an awesome gesture towards our vets. We don't do enough for our vets as is! Really nice video and great sounding guitar. You just needed China Mike playing along........ //Tempest
Phil -- BZ to both you and Orangewook Guitars.... Getting guitars in the hands of folks that will not only love them, but will benefit from having them is awesome work!
thank you and orangewood for helping some of the vets with PTSD. i know some handle it fine but every man has his breaking point and war is crazy. just bought 2 orangewood guitars, one for a marine friend. thanks
I recently purchased an Orangewood Oliver Mahogany guitar based on my impression after watching UA-cam videos like this one. First impressions the guitar: my Orangewood is beautiful. Stunning really. The build and finish quality is excellent and the sound - amazing. My purchase experience with Orangewood was top notch. Ordered and delivered via FedEx in just a few days. I just don’t know how Orangewood does it. Great product and great service. If you are considering buying an Orangewood I can tell you first hand my experience was exceptional. Nothing in the process tells me it won’t be that way for you. Order your Orangewood today. I don’t believe you will regret the purchase.
@@My-Channel_forever Yes! I still love my Orangewood guitar and would not hesitate to buy another. I am part of the Orangewood FB group and my fellow members buy multiples and each guitar seems better than the last for those folks.
God bless you sir, I’m a subscriber and Thank You to Orangewood and our veterans. I am looking for my first guitar and I believe it will be an Orangewood !!!
Yea stuff like orangewood donating two guitars for vets helped me to decide on buying one of there guitars . And I looked up a promo code that saved me 33 bucks . A little happiness is hard to find sometimes. I am happy,TY Orangewood
how has this been for you? I'm debating on getting a cheaper guitar to knock around and this is at the top of my list. Not being able to test and it being a semi no name brand is kind of iffy to me.
@@davidbartsch255 I love mine but you'll have to put your hands on it. The good thing is if you don't like it just return it, no brainier. When I got mine it was really bright sounding but warmed up pretty quickly. Good luck and stay safe.
G4V rocks! Thx for supporting Our vets and reviewing this guitar. I've never held or played one but all reviews are mostly positive so I may have to check one out.
Really great in depth review and play through. This is incredibly informative, I've been looking for a decent starter guitar so that I can be a little more motivated in my learning process. This was fantastic.
I used an Oliver Jr mahogany over a Babicz for a studio gig this summer. And the Babicz is MOJO el fuego! But the Oliver Jr has it's own vibe too...it was like the guitar played the songs and didn't even need me there.
Thanks for the video and PTSD support efforts. Because of your review I just purchased a Morgan Mahogany Live by Orangewood. Looking forward to playing it. BTW I lived in Sterling CT and knew a Warren McKnight, any relation?
Looks gorgeous, sounds great! I am dying for a mahogany Oliver Jr. Thanks for another great video on Orangewood. It's so hard when you can't try one out in person. Also, as a vet, thanks for promoting the G4V effort.
That's a great program. My wife is a veteran with PTSD, and I spent 20 years in the Fire/911 service - which has a great deal of PTSD involved with responders and dispatchers.
Great sounding chord progression at 5:48. Orangewood guitars are a great value. If I were strapped for cash that would be my choice. I am so happy that a local guitar store outside of Boston has a vet program. The Minor Chord in Littleton, MA. Kevin O'Rourke
I have a mahogany-laminate top Breedlove - it's a WONDERFUL instrument and sounds great. A friend who was recording an album asked if he could play it just for fun - and then put his own solid spruce-topped Martin aside and recorded the rest of his album with mine. Just sayin'...
Cannot decide between the Oliver or the Oliver jr. the wood grain look on the jr is outstanding so even though I want the regular size I’m in a bind. Help!
Get the junior. If you don't like it, donate it to the Vets with PTSD and then get yourself the Oliver. (I'm not a Vet, but I suspect someone in that program has more than earned and slightly used Oliver Jr.).
When the B and E string "tinked" he just so faintly flinched but mainly with his eyes. I think all of us who play guitar have that fear of an E string whipping us right in the cornea...
🎵🎶 Sweet.... I think I have to have this after a year of research....my first guitar was a 1956 Martin 00-18..and she spoiled me for life... sadly it was stolen and all these many decades later I can't even dream of what it costs to replace it... somewhere in the neighborhood of $30,000...now I'm an old lady and just need something that sounds really good and is affordable, .I still have my 1973 Fender, also built here in OC back when Fender had a factory here in Fullerton, CA but as I've gotten on in yrs and arthritis has challenged my movements.... I need something smaller that I can just jam away on again for hours and hours ... and I actually live in Orange County, CA... where this guitar is made.. so thanks for the great review...I'm looking forward to playing my heart out during this isolated Covid-19 nightmare... just me and my Orangewood and 60+ years of music in my blood...rocking on....🎻🎸🎼
I have the Morgan Spruce cutaway model. It sounds great and it's easier to play than my Martin was. The Martin did have better bottom end than the laminate Morgan but not enough to justify keeping it. I sold off the Martin and intend on keeping my Orangewood. Also, the Morgan seems to stay in tune better than my Martin did. I don't know if that's the laminate or something else. All I can say is that I really like my Orangewood Morgan.
OK- 5 month follow up. How is this treating you ? I am looking at getting one of the cheaper guitars they have to knock around outside and in the garage to learn. I'm in my 30s and have no performance aspirations. Just having fun and learning. Before I spend $125-200 on one of these guitars that I can't test before hand, im looking for as many opinions as possible. thanks in advance
@@davidbartsch255 I was just playing a Laura Clapp song on it last night. It still plays great. Still stays in tune really well. There's not sinking or bowing of the top. The top on my Martin sank in a lot. So, overall, the Morgan is a solid win. I've done a bit of recording with it and that bit of bottom end that you lose with the laminate body, you can get back by adding just a smidge of bass on the amp. I just moved the bass from noon to 1:00 and it was all there. I have the Morgan which as a solid spruce top with laminate back and sides. The cutaway version I have is $275 but if that's not important then the Oliver mahogany will give you a solid wood top for under $200. If you want a D shape then the Austin has a solid wood top for under $200.
Thanks for this video, Phil. I've been saying that, when Orangewood started making a 12-string, I'd buy it. This video drove me to their website, and, lo and behold, a 12-string. Plus a 10% off coupon. I just started a new job, so the timing isn't perfect, but it might just be an early Christmas anyway!
Phillip, thanks for the video and for clueing me in on the Guitars for Vets program. As it happens, I have $130 coming to me from a Christmas return. I'm more than happy to add a few more bucks to contribute the $200 that will provide a vet with a guitar and lessons. I only wish that I had enough skill/knowledge to offer my services as an instructor. Jim
You should try out Richwood RD-16. Or RD-17, same build but glossy. Cost 169 euros. Our store sells them for years now. Everyone is always amazed by the sound.
I have PTSD (that group isn't close enough for lessons) from the military and I found that playing the guitar, I've a lil' Yamaha acoustic, relaxes me. I was pleasantly surprised. I am awful (I think the strings are too high, or I'm worse than I thought and use that as my excuse) but dang it, I love to strum it.
yep inexpensive lil Yamahas are truly a gift to humanity. Great quality makes it a real pleasure even just to pick up and let a few chords ring out. These Orangewoods are really nice. I just got an Oliver Jr mahogany because I wanted to try a small mahogany body. The Yamaha FS800, in my opinion is a great inexpensive guitar too.....if you ever look for another Yamaha. Oh...I had a Yamaha FG700S which I had to reduce the saddle height on (strings too high). My Orangewood came set up really well. I'd like strings a little lower, but that's just me being a novice, still great playability especially for an experienced player
any downsides though? it's on the cheaper side, there has to be a downside to it to make the price lower no? i'm assuming the tuning machines are pretty bad since decent set would cost like 100 dollars
Strato Side I got the Cedar model of this. The downside are yes the tuners, they are not awful will hold you over until you upgrade. The finish is not perfect either but it is still very bang for the buck.
One thing about laminate vs solid tops: often a laminate top can be built with less bracing than a solid top, which can result it a guitar that projects and rings just as well as a solid top guitar. It's just a matter of being well designed and manufactured. Most laminate guitars are madento be cheap, so little to no attention goes into the top bracing.
Interesting that model is currently on sale with a bigger discount than Phillips"s friends, definitely not jacking up the price because of the Video. Great content as always, how would the neck compare to a Modern C Fender Electric. I feel I may need one of these with the Cedar Top.
From Leo: Nice guitar. Another thing about solid tops is that they have a distinctive tone according to the wood. A solid Spruce top has it's sound, a solid Cedar top has it's sound, a solid Maple has it's own sound. (I don't own a mahogany guitar, maybe I should buy one) Laminated tops loose some of that distinct difference, even if they sound nice, it is a different voice. Thanks for supporting Guitars for vets!
Looks nice and love Phil's videos. However, hard to really judge when the maker is special shipping the guitar and knows what it's being used for. Surely that one got a special setup. That said, for that price it's still worth it to buy and take to your favorite luthier for a special setup of your own.
Great video....i really dig orangewood... I have the Oliver Jr mahogany and the Dana mahogany. I have to say also I was really enjoying listening to the stuff you were playing really cool music my kind of stuff that I'm running myself. Thanks for this video. Thoroughly enjoyed it
Orangewood doesn't seem to skimp on materials or workmanship. If I had a need for another acoustic, I would buy it from them. How are they able to produce such fine guitars at the prices they list?
I own two Olivers. A mahogany and a spruce. The spruce model is amazing. The mahogany is a toy. Not good. At the end of the day, I am really happy with my purchases.
It should be noted that every guitar is a unique instrument, and should be judged as such. I have laminate top guitars [ Yamaha ] that sound better than some of my solid body guitars. Also, the mic and room acoustics will always play a part in sound reproduction. All considered, I really did like the tone of that guitar, as well as the understated appearance. Thanks for the demo of it. P.S. I am a Vietnam vet, and thanks for your efforts on PTSD.
Hi Phil, I know this company has quite a bit of buzz but they really do make some fantastic instruments and I wish they were around when I started learning. Would you ever review some of their higher quality models, like the 'Sage' or 'Hudson'?
Do you do open box on mandolins? If you don't, can you suggest someone that depicts the range of open box skill with mandolins that you have with guitars?
There ARE exceptions. As a Martin player I was shocked and surprised to have a 150.00, pawn shop purchase, Yamaha (Laminated top) that boomed like a piano. Rare I know, but NOT impossible. I don't know how many times I had to check the sound hole edges to confirm that it was indeed laminated. Who woulda thunk it?
Yup, agree. I had a laminate top Washburn that was just stunning sounding. We put it against a bunch of guitars in a rehearsal one time...Breedloves, a high end Taylor, etc. and it sounded as bright and alive as all of them. I wouldn't look past one based on that, alone, till I heard it.
Ik this video is old but a I have a question as a beginner guitarist who is tired of using beat up school provided guitars. Is a $200 guitar a risky ask for a decent guitar for a beginner
It works but can add residue/buildup I think, just sharpen a pencil, loosen the strings, lift them out of the grooves and draw in the channel a bit, then put the string back down and tune up. petroleum jelly sounds messy.
As a vet with PTSD, I thank you for helping my fellow brothers in arms
@Phillip McKnight as a Vet in this program now, I’m very thankful for people like you and those who donate to the program!
Hey Josh, just want to say I'm not a Vet (Army brat here lol), but I did have PTSD. It took years for me to heal from it, and within six months of the trauma, I had become someone I no longer recognized. I've never been someone to abuse drugs, alcohol, or behave recklessly so I never had to contend with any of that (as so many with PTSD sometimes do), but there were a couple years there when I wasn't sure if I was ever going to find myself back to the person I knew I'd been for over 40 years prior to the trauma occurring. That said, I just want to say if you ever find yourself really struggling....maybe wondering if you will ever find yourself back to who you once were...or wondering if there is any point in continuing on in life...please know that you CAN eventually make your way back. Also know that it does take time for the brain to heal itself and to eventually work its way out of that fight or flight loop that it gets stuck in (and it does this to ensure the body's survival, even long after you logically know your life is no longer being threatened).
Please know that although many Vets succumb to that overwhelming feeling of hopelessness, almost like you've somehow passed the point of no return and can never be who you once were again, please know that it is possible, but it does require incredible patience and sometimes living through the empty void of meaningless purposelessness that everyday life can become when your brain is trying to heal from the PTSD.
I didn't get help. I should have, but I didn't trust anyone (hello PTSD!). Had I gotten help from someone who genuinely knew how to treat the trauma I endured I suspect I would've lessened my immense suffering (and total indifference and absence of empathy for others) much sooner.
Six years after the trauma, I am back to who I once was (only a whole hell of a lot smarter, tougher, and even more resilient than I was before). I'm me again and I could not be more grateful to be me and thankful that I'm able to once again enjoy all the things I enjoyed before the event occurred. There were a couple years there when I didn't know if I'd ever find any meaning and joy in life again. I hope you (and others) get to find your way back to yourself, again, too.
Once you survive this and come out on the other side, there is a life that you will find that makes you glad you suffered through all that mental hell. Be patient and give your brain the time to *v e r y s l o w l y* and gradually ramp itself back down.
I wish you well on your path to healing and (eventually) returning to the world of the living~
Also, thank you for your work towards donations for veterans. We appreciate it
Second that
This looks like a very nice guitar, and as a service connected disabled Navy veteran, I truly appreciate that you and Orangewood chose to donate this guitar for veterans. I do wish that I had seen this video earlier, as I just bought a Yamaha FG 800 to celebrate my 67th birthday, and probably would have chosen this guitar instead. For me, playing is a struggle. I've had surgery to correct Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2012, and then two years ago, I was informed that I have a rare form of bone marrow cancer called CML. Although I can no longer play anywhere like I could in the past, I still receive much joy from noodling as I'm able. Thanks for the great videos!
God bless you Rob. I'm inspired by your strength. Keep fighting. Everything will be restored one day.
Rob, much love to you. I know what it is to be very disabled. I have peace, knowledge of sins forgiven, a profound sense of meaning, and assurance of resurrection because of Jesus Christ. May these blessings be yours, too.
Thank you for your service, Rob. Happy Holidays to you and yours! 🎄
Phil you’re a blessing in the music community, a class act, never stop ding what you do! Happy Holidays Phil!
Okay Phil ya brat. After promising my wife no more guitars this year I went and bought myself the acoustic with the cedar top. I love the sound of cedar. Of course I appreciate what you're doing for PTSD sufferers, I'm one. But thanks for being my reason for buying a new Orangewood, lol. Thanks Phil, love your videos.
Doolie.
this comment made me smile
I survived a 2 year stint living on the streets of SLC battling a horrible 15-year long meth addiction and I suffer from PTSD from events of that time period. Playing bass and guitar is my escape and thank you so much to Orangewood and Phillip McKnight for their contributions to this worthy cause helping veterans with PTSD.
For that price, the performance and design is on top! For someone on a budget, it feels like a perfect touch
Ad?
Sounds just great. Re: the tink test ~ I've read that #2 pencil lead contains clay which ultimately will cause binding in the nut. So, I've been using DuPont Teflon Non-Stick Dry-Film Lubricant (around $3.50 for a 4oz squeeze bottle which will last forever and ever). I apply it (on my electrics and acoustics) with a micro-swab to the nut and saddles with every other string change. I LOVE it better than any nut sauce, graphite paste, home-made lube, etc. because it's DRY = absolutely will not attract any dust, dirt, grime or moisture (Vaseline, DW-40, pastes - anything that stays wet - will attract stuff you don't want; pencil lead will not of course). Sometimes when it dries it leaves a thin white film with no ill effect. The loss of the appearance of the film over time does not of itself indicate the need for a re-apply.
Those Teflon infused tusk nuts work very well.
@@dougstewart4072 Yep ! TUSQ-XL by GraphTech (like their graphite saddles too.)
You can buy powdered graphite for that price doesn't contain clay and it will last so long you could die three times over it will still work.
And the included gig bags are reeeally nice!
Great review Phil!! As a veteran I really appreciate your thoughts and your donations concerning Vets with PTSD.. Job well done!!👍
I just donated my Orangewood to my local Guitars 4 Vets. Feels great.
Man, just found this channel through my interest in learning to play the guitar. Thank you for supporting Veterans! It really helps a person out when they know they are supported. Thank you again and please keep up the great work. It's really a win win when someone does something they love and helps people out at the same time.
Great video! Thank you for your service Phill and I applaud you for continuing to help others who came back from their service with more to deal with.
Glad you pointed out P.T.S.D is not just Vets also Miners who have lost friends in the mine I lost 29 and I had to get out of it after 44 years Thanks we keep the lights ON.
@Phillip Mcknight
Thank you so much for supporting all the veterans like myself! It means so much to me what you do to help us out, especially to our brothers suffering with PTSD.
Cool guitar! How I wish I can have one this model!
God bless you, Phil!
Phil is one of best reviewers on UA-cam. I tink.
Whenever a new guitar or guitar product comes out we can listen to the 10000 UA-cam guitarists play or use it and it makes it so much easier to decide whether we might like it or not. :-)
Thanks for the excellent review. I’ve played so many acoustics that I could tell from the first tuning note you plucked that this is a good guitar. A guitar this nice would have cost $1000 twenty years ago ($1640 in todays dollars). Amazing that Chinese labor, CNC technology and direct to consumer sales have brought it down to $175. And Phil, how about giving us a little fingerstyle playing in your next acoustic demo? These smaller bodied guitars are ideal for fingerstyle. 🙂
Phil what a great video. It's easy to tell you dig this guitar and a big thank you to Orange Wood for being checking into the needs of vets. Unbelievable a solid top guitar for 180; goes to show what can be done. Thank you.
Thanks to KYG and Orangewood Guitars for such an awesome gesture towards our vets. We don't do enough for our vets as is! Really nice video and great sounding guitar. You just needed China Mike playing along........ //Tempest
My roommate's mom is a vet and works as a peer counselor for disabled vets. From all of us, thank you for helping the vets, man.
Phil -- BZ to both you and Orangewook Guitars.... Getting guitars in the hands of folks that will not only love them, but will benefit from having them is awesome work!
thank you and orangewood for helping some of the vets with PTSD. i know some handle it fine but every man has his breaking point and war is crazy. just bought 2 orangewood guitars, one for a marine friend. thanks
Played once a travel model of them. Preety solid instruments and awesome value
I recently purchased an Orangewood Oliver Mahogany guitar based on my impression after watching UA-cam videos like this one.
First impressions the guitar: my Orangewood is beautiful. Stunning really. The build and finish quality is excellent and the sound - amazing. My purchase experience with Orangewood was top notch. Ordered and delivered via FedEx in just a few days.
I just don’t know how Orangewood does it. Great product and great service. If you are considering buying an Orangewood I can tell you first hand my experience was exceptional. Nothing in the process tells me it won’t be that way for you. Order your Orangewood today. I don’t believe you will regret the purchase.
Are you still liking your Orangewood? Would you buy another guitar from them?
@@My-Channel_forever Yes! I still love my Orangewood guitar and would not hesitate to buy another. I am part of the Orangewood FB group and my fellow members buy multiples and each guitar seems better than the last for those folks.
.......I like it when the demo is being done by somebody really experienced, like this one....I learn more...
God bless you sir, I’m a subscriber and Thank You to Orangewood and our veterans.
I am looking for my first guitar and I believe it will be an Orangewood !!!
Thank you for an amazing review. I am purchasing one today. Also, that you for all that you do for veterans. It is truly appreciated.
I always afraid when that tink sound happens ☹️
Yea stuff like orangewood donating two guitars for vets helped me to decide on buying one of there guitars . And I looked up a promo code that saved me 33 bucks . A little happiness is hard to find sometimes. I am happy,TY Orangewood
Phillip, Thank you for what you are doing to help Vets!!!!
I just ordered a Mahogany Live and used the promo code for the discount. Can't wait to get it. Thanks Phil 👍
how has this been for you? I'm debating on getting a cheaper guitar to knock around and this is at the top of my list. Not being able to test and it being a semi no name brand is kind of iffy to me.
@@davidbartsch255 I love mine but you'll have to put your hands on it. The good thing is if you don't like it just return it, no brainier. When I got mine it was really bright sounding but warmed up pretty quickly. Good luck and stay safe.
G4V rocks! Thx for supporting Our vets and reviewing this guitar. I've never held or played one but all reviews are mostly positive so I may have to check one out.
Sounds pretty damn nice Phil. Thanks for posting this!
Sweet Thanks for helping our heroes with PTSD.
I had a very positive experience with my orangewood echo. nut lube worked for me on the tink thing
You're a good egg Phil McKnight. Keep up the good work. Thanks Orange Guitars fro making this happen for a couple vets.
Im more of a classical and flamenco guitar woman myself,but i do want this one. Love the tone.
this is my favorite of all of the reviews i’ve watched on this guitar, thanks dude!
I have an Orangewood Oliver Jr and I love it. It's just a great guitar.
Really great in depth review and play through. This is incredibly informative, I've been looking for a decent starter guitar so that I can be a little more motivated in my learning process. This was fantastic.
Nice of you and Orangewood!
Thanks for the review and the donations.
I used an Oliver Jr mahogany over a Babicz for a studio gig this summer. And the Babicz is MOJO el fuego! But the Oliver Jr has it's own vibe too...it was like the guitar played the songs and didn't even need me there.
1st time viewer. Subscribed solely because you seem like a genuinely kind person (and no, I'm not a Vet) and it's just a bonus that you play guitar.
That is awesome of a small company to donate like that. Thanks for the vid!
Thumbs up if only for that forearm damp demo - never seen it done before
Thanks for the video and PTSD support efforts. Because of your review I just purchased a Morgan Mahogany Live by Orangewood. Looking forward to playing it. BTW I lived in Sterling CT and knew a Warren McKnight, any relation?
Looks gorgeous, sounds great! I am dying for a mahogany Oliver Jr. Thanks for another great video on Orangewood. It's so hard when you can't try one out in person. Also, as a vet, thanks for promoting the G4V effort.
That's a great program. My wife is a veteran with PTSD, and I spent 20 years in the Fire/911 service - which has a great deal of PTSD involved with responders and dispatchers.
Great sounding chord progression at 5:48. Orangewood guitars are a great value. If I were strapped for cash that would be my choice. I am so happy that a local guitar store outside of Boston has a vet program. The Minor Chord in Littleton, MA.
Kevin O'Rourke
I have a mahogany-laminate top Breedlove - it's a WONDERFUL instrument and sounds great. A friend who was recording an album asked if he could play it just for fun - and then put his own solid spruce-topped Martin aside and recorded the rest of his album with mine. Just sayin'...
Cannot decide between the Oliver or the Oliver jr. the wood grain look on the jr is outstanding so even though I want the regular size I’m in a bind. Help!
Get the junior. If you don't like it, donate it to the Vets with PTSD and then get yourself the Oliver. (I'm not a Vet, but I suspect someone in that program has more than earned and slightly used Oliver Jr.).
Great rhythm playing Phil @ 5:43 really nice touch
When the B and E string "tinked" he just so faintly flinched but mainly with his eyes. I think all of us who play guitar have that fear of an E string whipping us right in the cornea...
kudos's to you and Orangewood!! fantastic!
Would a laminate be better if you were going to use an amplifier?
🎵🎶 Sweet.... I think I have to have this after a year of research....my first guitar was a 1956 Martin 00-18..and she spoiled me for life... sadly it was stolen and all these many decades later I can't even dream of what it costs to replace it... somewhere in the neighborhood of $30,000...now I'm an old lady and just need something that sounds really good and is affordable, .I still have my 1973 Fender, also built here in OC back when Fender had a factory here in Fullerton, CA but as I've gotten on in yrs and arthritis has challenged my movements.... I need something smaller that I can just jam away on again for hours and hours ... and I actually live in Orange County, CA... where this guitar is made.. so thanks for the great review...I'm looking forward to playing my heart out during this isolated Covid-19 nightmare... just me and my Orangewood and 60+ years of music in my blood...rocking on....🎻🎸🎼
p.s. GREAT DEAL WITH THE DONATION TO VETS....
I have the Morgan Spruce cutaway model. It sounds great and it's easier to play than my Martin was. The Martin did have better bottom end than the laminate Morgan but not enough to justify keeping it. I sold off the Martin and intend on keeping my Orangewood. Also, the Morgan seems to stay in tune better than my Martin did. I don't know if that's the laminate or something else. All I can say is that I really like my Orangewood Morgan.
Do I recognize this Kristen Schroeder?
Noooo.
Yeah... Martin isn't as perfect as people say. It's really just about preference. I honestly prefer orangewood over martin as well
OK- 5 month follow up. How is this treating you ? I am looking at getting one of the cheaper guitars they have to knock around outside and in the garage to learn. I'm in my 30s and have no performance aspirations. Just having fun and learning. Before I spend $125-200 on one of these guitars that I can't test before hand, im looking for as many opinions as possible. thanks in advance
@@davidbartsch255 I was just playing a Laura Clapp song on it last night. It still plays great. Still stays in tune really well. There's not sinking or bowing of the top. The top on my Martin sank in a lot. So, overall, the Morgan is a solid win. I've done a bit of recording with it and that bit of bottom end that you lose with the laminate body, you can get back by adding just a smidge of bass on the amp. I just moved the bass from noon to 1:00 and it was all there. I have the Morgan which as a solid spruce top with laminate back and sides. The cutaway version I have is $275 but if that's not important then the Oliver mahogany will give you a solid wood top for under $200. If you want a D shape then the Austin has a solid wood top for under $200.
I recently got a Rey Mahogany and I love it, great player at a great price.
I've been wondering what's the difference between your [Rey] and an Oliver Jr.
@@Sig721Tau Oliver Jr. is a smaller body size and has 1mm wider nut.
Thanks for this video, Phil. I've been saying that, when Orangewood started making a 12-string, I'd buy it. This video drove me to their website, and, lo and behold, a 12-string. Plus a 10% off coupon. I just started a new job, so the timing isn't perfect, but it might just be an early Christmas anyway!
Phillip, thanks for the video and for clueing me in on the Guitars for Vets program. As it happens, I have $130 coming to me from a Christmas return. I'm more than happy to add a few more bucks to contribute the $200 that will provide a vet with a guitar and lessons. I only wish that I had enough skill/knowledge to offer my services as an instructor.
Jim
You should try out Richwood RD-16. Or RD-17, same build but glossy. Cost 169 euros. Our store sells them for years now. Everyone is always amazed by the sound.
I have PTSD (that group isn't close enough for lessons) from the military and I found that playing the guitar, I've a lil' Yamaha acoustic, relaxes me. I was pleasantly surprised. I am awful (I think the strings are too high, or I'm worse than I thought and use that as my excuse) but dang it, I love to strum it.
yep inexpensive lil Yamahas are truly a gift to humanity. Great quality makes it a real pleasure even just to pick up and let a few chords ring out. These Orangewoods are really nice. I just got an Oliver Jr mahogany because I wanted to try a small mahogany body. The Yamaha FS800, in my opinion is a great inexpensive guitar too.....if you ever look for another Yamaha. Oh...I had a Yamaha FG700S which I had to reduce the saddle height on (strings too high). My Orangewood came set up really well. I'd like strings a little lower, but that's just me being a novice, still great playability especially for an experienced player
That was a good review, indeed. And a very interesting guitar.
any downsides though? it's on the cheaper side, there has to be a downside to it to make the price lower no?
i'm assuming the tuning machines are pretty bad since decent set would cost like 100 dollars
Strato Side I got the Cedar model of this. The downside are yes the tuners, they are not awful will hold you over until you upgrade. The finish is not perfect either but it is still very bang for the buck.
It's pretty obvious how much you enjoy acoustics in this video. Good review. 👍🏻
Sounds just like the other one I saw tested, muddy and subdued. It's not horrible especially considering the price. It looks nice.
Awesome for them to donate to vets!
One thing about laminate vs solid tops: often a laminate top can be built with less bracing than a solid top, which can result it a guitar that projects and rings just as well as a solid top guitar. It's just a matter of being well designed and manufactured. Most laminate guitars are madento be cheap, so little to no attention goes into the top bracing.
I was gonna get an Oliver or Austen model, but I just had to get an electric first.. One day I'll get around to it
That is a nice looking and sounding six string. And I appreciate the acoustic content, dude!
Wow. Sound is rich and not too bright. @Phil did you have any “post cleanup” in the sound? Great that you are using this platform to help others.
Awesome job brother - love your content but even more so the donation efforts for vets
Interesting that model is currently on sale with a bigger discount than Phillips"s friends, definitely not jacking up the price because of the Video. Great content as always, how would the neck compare to a Modern C Fender Electric. I feel I may need one of these with the Cedar Top.
Fantastic review Phillip, thank you. Have you heard of or ever tried Faith guitars? Fantastic guitars for the money.
I clicked like for the unboxing music alone!
Phil! You should check out the Eastman Double Tops... I have written Santa about getting one of those OM's in my stocking!
Excellent demo for a great cause!
First time seeing your videos and: subscribed
From Leo: Nice guitar. Another thing about solid tops is that they have a distinctive tone according to the wood. A solid Spruce top has it's sound, a solid Cedar top has it's sound, a solid Maple has it's own sound. (I don't own a mahogany guitar, maybe I should buy one) Laminated tops loose some of that distinct difference, even if they sound nice, it is a different voice. Thanks for supporting Guitars for vets!
Looks nice and love Phil's videos. However, hard to really judge when the maker is special shipping the guitar and knows what it's being used for. Surely that one got a special setup. That said, for that price it's still worth it to buy and take to your favorite luthier for a special setup of your own.
Great video....i really dig orangewood... I have the Oliver Jr mahogany and the Dana mahogany. I have to say also I was really enjoying listening to the stuff you were playing really cool music my kind of stuff that I'm running myself. Thanks for this video. Thoroughly enjoyed it
Orangewood doesn't seem to skimp on materials or workmanship. If I had a need for another acoustic, I would buy it from them. How are they able to produce such fine guitars at the prices they list?
I own two Olivers. A mahogany and a spruce. The spruce model is amazing. The mahogany is a toy. Not good. At the end of the day, I am really happy with my purchases.
Wow what a nice guitar! Sounds amazing for $180 cheers for the video
It should be noted that every guitar is a unique instrument, and should be judged as such.
I have laminate top guitars [ Yamaha ] that sound better than some of my solid body guitars.
Also, the mic and room acoustics will always play a part in sound reproduction.
All considered, I really did like the tone of that guitar, as well as the understated appearance.
Thanks for the demo of it. P.S. I am a Vietnam vet, and thanks for your efforts on PTSD.
What about the intonation?
i am still waiting for classical from them
Hi Phil, I know this company has quite a bit of buzz but they really do make some fantastic instruments and I wish they were around when I started learning. Would you ever review some of their higher quality models, like the 'Sage' or 'Hudson'?
Do you do open box on mandolins? If you don't, can you suggest someone that depicts the range of open box skill with mandolins that you have with guitars?
There ARE exceptions. As a Martin player I was shocked and surprised to have a 150.00, pawn shop purchase, Yamaha (Laminated top) that boomed like a piano. Rare I know, but NOT impossible. I don't know how many times I had to check the sound hole edges to confirm that it was indeed laminated. Who woulda thunk it?
Yup, agree. I had a laminate top Washburn that was just stunning sounding. We put it against a bunch of guitars in a rehearsal one time...Breedloves, a high end Taylor, etc. and it sounded as bright and alive as all of them. I wouldn't look past one based on that, alone, till I heard it.
Great vid, just wish the bass wasn't blowing out the mic
oh boy - she has a nice voice ...
Ik this video is old but a I have a question as a beginner guitarist who is tired of using beat up school provided guitars. Is a $200 guitar a risky ask for a decent guitar for a beginner
????
Hi Phil! What do you think about using plain old petroleum jelly to stop the strings from binding in the nut?
Cool guitar! Thanks!
It will work, but dust and other particles will get stuck in the jelly and gum up.
It works but can add residue/buildup I think, just sharpen a pencil, loosen the strings, lift them out of the grooves and draw in the channel a bit, then put the string back down and tune up. petroleum jelly sounds messy.
thanks guys!
What about the tax and shipping to indonesia?
You sir, are what's good in this world....Thank you!
Sounds great.
Can anyone tell me how this guitar compares to the Harley Benton mahogany solid top acoustic?