I’m very happy with my purchase of the Custom Gloss Byron Folk Dreadnought Guitar (aka BY-28HD). The overall quality of the Byron 28HD for the price is exceptional. I upgraded the fingerboard and bridge to ebony, for a nominal charge. And I asked not to have the (included) pickup installed; I wanted fewer "holes" in the body, as well as the ability to install the pickup of my choice. Consider this: similar guitars from major US-based manufacturers sell for between $3400.00 to $5900.00. Are those guitars better instruments? Maybe. Is the $3400 guitar five times (5.4 to be exact) better than the Byron? No. Is the $5900.00 guitar nine times (9.3 to be exact) better than the Byron. No. (FYI: I’m comparing $629 to $3400 and $5900, respectively.) The BY-28HD is a stock item, but it was made to order, and to my specifications (I requested a 44 mm nut width and C-style neck). You’re not going to find a handmade instrument with this level of quality, both in materials, solid spruce top with rosewood back and sides, and building techniques (one piece mahogany neck), for the same price. At the end of the day, I don’t care where the guitar is made as long as it sounds and plays well. My ears (and eyes) tell me that the Byron 28HD is a great instrument. Thanks to Tillie and the luthiers at Byron Custom Guitars.
