Grote Hollowbody Unboxing, Demo & Review

[@makemontanamyhome]

1st. Holding my breath as you unbox the guitar. Abysmal protection, and with that big dent on the box, I thought for sure the side would be caved in. (Glad it was not) 2nd. You are an incredible guitarist and make that guitar sing sweetly. 3rd. Your review is stellar, and your gentle tonality in speaking draws the listener right in. I bought two of these guitars Cherry, and Sunburst, and have done no work to either and am blown away by the VALUE of these guitars. I suppose someday I will fine-tune the set-up/frets etc, but for now having too much fun as is. Thank you for taking the time to make such a quality video review. GREAT JOB SIR!!!!!!

[@MusicNerdStuff]

Thanks! Yeah, the packaging made me super nervous...but I think they've figured out something there. I've had guits show up double boxed, foam packed, etc. and fully wrecked. One with the screws ripped out of the pocket. This thing took a BEATING. The video doesn't even show the extent really. Seems like they found a balance between just enough space and just enough material to get most of their guits where they're headed. Thx for watching!

[@RBEmerson]

Dang! A review that's got more than 60 seconds of noodling, but a chance to hear what the guitar really sounds like. Good on ya!

[@RBEmerson]

Listened again and, darn, missed, first time out, the little bit of Wes Montgomery tossed in. Nice!

[@GuitarBeard]

Just here to leave one of those “I can’t believe you don’t have more subscribers” comments. Your videos are great!

[@timwarneka5681]

One of the best guitar reviews I've ever watched. Bravo, good sir!

[@ernestalcala4369]

Loved that you played over the unboxing

[@johnwelch557]

I agree completely. There's no need to spend big anymore. Well trained and equipped factories around the world. 60 years of play and a room full of guitars, the ones I grab to record are usually the very inexpensive ones. I have many high end, brand name guitars that required more work than this Grote. I also agree, a trapezoid tailpiece is great for that 'spongyness'. 😍 Thanks Sir!

[@zenmeister1959]

This must be some kind of really good guitar..he's like the sixth guy I've seen promoting it..

[@jeanfrancoisboisvert7839]

❤

[@MarkLAsche]

Yours is the best review of this guitar because of your fantastic playing.

[@picker63028]

Thanks for a professional review with real playing to show how a hollow body guitar is played. Excellent quality and the way all reviews should be made.

[@kipmillwee6936]

Love your intros , love seeing what to expect while unboxing, but I prefer to hearing your playing while that is happening, and you are a very great presenter, you know your stuff.

[@jeffames5385]

Sounds like you play jazz just fine! Nice playing and nice clean tone. I have the same model (red) and I'm using D'Addario Half Rounds (EHR350) 12/52. They are a nice blend of the qualities of both flat and round wound strings. I like that they retain the unplugged volume of this guitar which is one of my favorite things about it. I have removed the pick guard, upgraded the tuners (Gotoh SG381-04 Keystone) and added a pickup spacer. I also replaced the softwood bridge base with a rosewood one (~$18) and this greatly improved sustain and volume. Not planning any other mods. I just love the sound of the P90 pickup. Best Jazz guitar value around. Thanks for the great video!

[@MusicNerdStuff]

Swapping the bridge base is a great thought! I'll definitely give that a shot.

[@jono4708]

Never seen a better review. Didn't miss all the cardboard and shipping tape one bit! I have the same guitar BTW; it's a lot of fun. Subscribing.

[@malcolmclark2001]

I just got mine today. Out of the box I just lowered the bridge and tuned it up. Considering cheap strings and one obvious tuning machine with excess slack, this is a great guitar and sounds good. Like you said, some things to fix/upgrade but well worth the price. Works great unplugged also. Great review BTW

[@QuillPen77]

Are you able to take your knobs off ?.... I can't get mine off to save my life.... Feels like it's gonna break something.

[@buzzsears2588]

One of the best reviews on a guitar I have ever seen. Best 2 cents I have ever spent...😉

[@anuragshanker9696]

This is such a beautiful demo of the sound of this guitar! The brand should be paying you! I've ordered it

[@kmichaelp4508]

Excellent job young man. I think this is my third video and as long as you do this type of video, I’ll be watching. None better. From a retired old man in the great state of Florida, Sebastian, that can only afford cheap, love it.🤐

[@RogerBenno]

Got mine today. Absolutely bowled over by this guitar. Could do with new tuners and maybe frets are a little rough. But everything else is perfectly acceptable. Highly recommended.

[@citizenphaid1880]

How was the packaging?

[@richarddemayo3376]

This is the best Demo of this cool guitar on KZbin. And you are absolutely right about this guitar. Thanks. -Richie.

[@dlmullins9054]

I have several different guitars that sit on stands around where i sit and play. Seems like every time i sit and start to reach for one or another, this little sweet Grote ends up in my hands. Great video man! Excellent honest review.

[@dancotterman1267]

For a guy who says he doesn't really play jazz, you sound amazing. Best review and demo of a guitars soul. I want one and plan to add a bridge pickup for more versatility. Thank you, subscribed!

[@blackdog8822]

GOOD REVIEW ! I love my Grote . I didn't have all the fret issues as you , they were dirty and needed polished but no uneven frets or sharp ends . The nut on mine needed a little work . It sounds just like yours and for $160 bucks I love it . I'm going to replace the tuners a place a bone nut on it . Thanks for the review. I'm as happy as you . take care .

[@crowhaven200]

Wow.. great review and very nice Jazz sounds. I really can't do Jazz but I love your playing here. The Guitar and your playing is wonderful from here on my computer. I love the music while you unbox. I generally hate watching someone open a box and never watch that part. But playing while you show it, a fantastic idea. Makes me want to buy one of these. Great job!

[@ponynose4987]

I just now received mine directly from China. It was packed in a 1” thick styrofoam coffin with adequate support for the neck. It is flawless! It took a month, but it had to go through customs in China, waited for space on a plane, then customs in NY. I got the radio shack cable, an allen wrench, two picks and a polishing cloth. Nice. The frets are smooth, with no fret bloom. Now I have to ser it up.

[@WRCX212]

Got a Grote coming today and I must say that I feel better about the purchase after seeing this review. Great Job!

[@mariejarreau7251]

Mine arrives next Thursday! I can hardly wait!!!! i’ve probably watched a dozen KZbin reviews on the Grote and it seems to be an absolutely amazing guitar. I’ve already cleared out my schedule for Thursday because I know I likely won’t be doing anything else once the delivery gets here! Looking forward to joining the “Great Grote Club!”

[@brianpetersen3429]

Excellent review and some tasty playing. A year ago I bought a Grote 335 purple and gold guitar and did exactly the same fret work you described to get it to the level I wanted. I also added a Duesenberg Les Trem (flat arm) in place of the stop tail. This guitar now plays and looks way above the purchase price. I also love the thin body style.

[@jeanfrancoisboisvert7839]

You're getting beautiful sounds out of that jazz Grote guitar ! I want one ! ❤

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: Great demo, your chops really bring out the best of that guitar. I bought one a year ago, after pricing a Guild T50. It took a little set up and fret work to get it playing well, about the same as you. The Kluson Contemporary tuners were a great drop in replacement. Loved the tone except for the hum from the lighting where I play. I made an adapter out of an old dog ear cover to mount a Filtertron neck pick up. Sweet, articulate tones, without the hum problem. Like you said, very low money, and can be really good with some additional attention to detail.

[@MrTom_Songwriter]

Great review! Time mark 14:39 100% Wes Montgomery tone I'm hearing... It's that great p90 in the neck position love that sound. I have not done a review on it yet, but I got a Grote "thinline tele-style" guitar for $99.00 new, that I feel the same way. Seems like this Grote company really has better quality control than others out there. Have a great upcoming holiday season.. all the best!

[@fuzzfrancis435]

I just discovered your channel, and I am so thankful that I did. I just ordered one today and I am eagerly awaiting the arrival.

[@MusicNerdStuff]

Thx James!

[@latrace1986]

I'm sold, man. I want one of these super bad now. They've gone up in price since you recorded and published this video, but even still, at $200, it seems like a fantastic deal.

[@DaringDan]

i've watched 2 of your videos so far and the presentation is fantastic. looking forward to more videos!

[@georgefenning4844]

Congratulations . That’s the way to do it. Hear the sound right at the beginning . So many videos take ages to play the guitar. 30 mins in some cases . You are unique . Well done … great production and playing . I learned more in this video than months of watching tedious in joke and talking with no playing . Thank you . I’m going to get one . I’m convinced. Cheers

[@joshgibson3618]

Great video, thanks for playing Wes Montgomery octaves, they sounded very good!

[@philiptalk]

Great review. Love that you didn't concentrate on distortion but displayed the fundamental tones in such a comprehensive way. It might be a great guitar for western swing, too.

[@progessiveminded2asupporte269]

I really like how you played through the unboxing rather than talked through like others do. Much more informative and nice playing!

[@bremki]

I thoroughly enjoyed your review! Very detailed, delivered with a calming voice. I wish all guitar reviews were this good! That being said, I think I’m gonna need you to do the same review on my Harmony Rocket so you can convince me that I don’t absolutely NEED this Grote! Hahaha!! Thank you for taking the time to make this video, sir! :)

[@gangnamstylegrandpa6352]

Interesting video . The Chinese have learned the art of building guitars . Nice tone on your Grote , and it helps to show off the guitar when you play it so nicely !

[@Ezemdi]

Excellent review my friend. Currently waiting on my Grote to come

[@SeasonedSalmon]

Great job, shame to see this channel isn't larger than it is. Awesome playing and review.

[@71Fenderv22]

Hearing this guitar really gives me some SRV rivera paradise vibes... Very nice playing man, great review.

[@waynestore67]

All those Ellie Mae by the cement pond chords. Outstanding!!!

[@DougGarrett]

Y'all come back now

[@thomasjohnson7735]

Invite Earl Scruggs to come on by with the rest of the Boys.

[@jamiequejado7743]

I just wanted to say, I really enjoyed this video, and I did eventually purchase one of these guitars. In which I really do love it, at the time it was going for 199 on Amazon. I still feel on amazing value, but it was this video that really inspired me. You’re a great player and you really do a good review. Very helpful thank you

[@Sunbumpaul]

Awesome review, one of the best I have seen in a very long time. 🙏

[@billsmith5054]

Of all the reviews I have heard on this guitar. You make it sound the best I have heard yet. I do not have a guitar with a neck only pickup. I like the sound.

[@tyee4u]

Holy smokes dude. That playing in the intro had me glued ! Hats off to you sir. Following for sure 👍

[@rebeccaabraham8652]

Just ordered that particular model last night, from their online shop; it's already shipped and I'm expecting it in the next 5 weeks. Considerably more expensive over here - but everything's very expensive over here! Can't wait to get it set up and start using it for jazz and blues.

[@williamwalsh4013]

It makes a huge difference when the reviewer is a great player. This is the case here. While the specs matter, the sonic truth is evident in the performance. Strikingly good instrument that just speaks. It's hard to evaluate a guitar when the reviewer just fumbles some weak noodling. You get the sense of dynamics and how it would make MUSIC. So, this video wins for all. Nice.

[@rapidotlussoguitar]

A wonderful insightful review, I couldn't find one on Amazon, needless to say I have one on order from China. Thanks for a great review. 🙏

[@fernandoreynaaguilar1438]

Beautiful rich, full sound. Kudos to your playing

[@timothymcgraw8404]

What amp are you playing through?

[@ZitherBeast]

Man, that is just sweet.... speaking about your playing and that picking from the bridge to the PU. Nice.

[@freddiebowers1125]

No distortion I came just for what I’m seeing and hearing 🤙🤙great video! Im going to save video to grab some of those jazz cords 🙏 I have a new Casino and an old Harmony H1215 and added a pickup for that woody sound you’re talking about! Thanks again

[@1cleandude]

I order them same one today! Great demo and playing brother! I pray I can get those sweet tones like you!! Thanks again!

[@wowiehowie3133]

Where did you order from? Website?

[@1cleandude]

Amazon! Did you raise the P90? Thanks

[@gollygeewillickersbatman1824]

I'm apparently late to the party, but awesome job on this video my friend, and you're not too bad on the old eardrums either! I'm not quite the player you are, but I've been at it a long time (several decades) and I can totally relate with several things you said about having "a thing" for thinline archtops for reasons all their own. For me, I never thought about even touching one until 2008 or so, when picking up somebody's junky old Harmony Broadway after being asked to play a little at a small back patio gathering/party. Anyway, to my astonishment, I basically fell in love with the stupid piece of junk, and I eventually ended up buying an Epi 335-PRO because of that little experience. Anyway, the Groat model in this video reminds me a lot of a 50's or 60's Epiphone Granada that I played once, which I liked even more. That said, since the price sure can't be beat, I might just have to buy one of these. Anyway, thanks again for posting this video. God bless & take care

[@dlmullins9054]

I did just put a spacer in mine and i did put the pick-guard back on too. Looks good either way, but i like the Art-Deco style scratch plate. If not for that i would also left it off. I have bought so many guitars over the years, and for the price (even 3-4 times the price) i think this is my favorite. I am an old guy and a few years ago owned over 170 high end guitars. Funny how little things can make you feel good sometimes. Thanks for the great review video!

[@scottevans1953]

Great review and great playing. Sounds great.

[@Rowlandph]

Great review!... By far the BEST YET on this guitar! And thanks for the REAL jazz tone you got on it....!

[@njsteere]

Superb review, subbed. Was eyeing this guitar and popped open a new tab to watch a review and found yours. Obviously I bought it ;)

[@shasha-muse6054]

This thing looks and sounds beautiful....very mellow. I could listen to you play all day. Very pleasant on the ears. I'm a bass player looking to purchase a moderately priced guitar to fiddle around with and I think this is the one. Thank you for doing this review. Peace and love.

[@Prousto]

Excellent review: I picked the same one up a year ago, and your evaluation is dead on. Highly recommend, but you’ll need to factor in another hundred bucks or so to the purchase price for a necessary professional set-up.

[@geneschulp8598]

What size are the frets? Small, medium? Jumbo? Thanks

[@leelossi1257]

Great review....I wish you filmed setting up the guitar......Guitar sounded awesome

[@davidtolliver2048]

Enjoyed the review and listening to you play. I would run right out and get one but picked up a used Sheraton ll Pro a couple weeks ago.

[@MusicNerdStuff]

Nice! Those Epis are great guitars!

[@NWLee]

I got one like this around the time of this video, before they sold out, it has a vibe and tone as you described so well. I raised the pickup a little more than yours because the output was just too low, now oh my! Action a little high but not bad really, so I left it. I love this thing acoustically and amplified, It sounds like an acoustic until the volume is cranked, then it goes from creamy to a roar, it is so dynamic. Amazing! nice review.

[@genewinstead7076]

I just ordered one. I really appreciate your video.

[@typhoolin]

Great Playing and Excellent Guitar Review! Can't believe what you get for the money! Sounds fantastic! Subscribed!

[@j.powellnetwork]

Great review! Grote really knocked it out the park with this one

[@lukedadrift1980]

I bought this Model in red 2 weeks ago from EBay for 170. i was honestly surprised by the tone after i changed the strings out right now it's my favorite guitar and the funny thing is i haven't even plugged it in i enjoy it as is lol

[@spacealienjesus709]

Love your playing style.. It has a jazz feel..really cool guitar..

[@billforwell]

Hi mate, just bought one of these after watching this and I gotta say, one of the nicest sounding guitars I have bought in a long time. Like you said, frets a wee bit dodgy but that P90 sounds sweet. It is a shame there is not a wee bit better quality control. Took strings off and nut fell out, one fret has a divot in it but it is near the pick up so hardly ever play it but I suppose for the money it is pretty damn good. Thanks for the great review and sweet playing. Will be watching some more of your videos, respect...

[@PeteAxeShields]

Right up my street this lovely wee guitar, regardless of its price point. Doing a little bit of work to get it just right can often be part of the fun. I could imagine this guitar being the first one I pick up ... and I have a few ( much more expensive instruments ) in my collection. Fabulous tone and wonderful playing brother. Thank you.

[@grantgre]

That sounds fantastic. Man wow I’m gonna get one of those if they’re still around I just saw this video is two years old.

[@ZacCjw]

i just put some grover milk bottle tuners on, the pearl button ones. Major upgrade my friend. This guitar is awesome with some work done to it!

[@geneschulp8598]

What size are the frets ? Thanks

[@ZacCjw]

I'd need to definitely measure but I'd say at least medium jumbo

[@Falstaff-mr8fk]

About the pronunciation of The Loar. I assume it is named for famed 1920s builder/designer Lloyd Loar. Every interview I have heard where he is mentioned pronounced his last name as Low-are. Maybe we can assume this is the same?

[@akilluminati47]

Awesome playing, what a sweet sounding instrument

[@honzo1078]

It's good that you say it's not the best guitar for beginners. Somebody who can really play can play anything, but beginners need all the help they can get, certainly on the mechanical level. A good neck, good action, decent fretwork, decent tuners- those are the most important for beginners, IMO.

[@EM-df6mo]

Sounds Beautiful. They have gone up now in 2022, but still not badly priced. Just cant find them in any of the local music stores. So Amazon it is I guess. I have all the tools, files and such so why not. Thanks for the review, hearing one played so well always helps when the only option is online.

[@ezout2741]

One thing I will say is the price has gone up which is to be expected. But at$280.00 this is a bargain, and I do have some high end guitars but I can see myself gigging. Thx for a great and accurate review 👍 👌 . You have a nice smooth sound!! Peace ✌

[@Falstaff-mr8fk]

I ended up getting one of these but in the red finish. I did have 2 frets that were high that I had to fix. I also replaced the tuners with a set of Wilkinson Imperials (love the look on this guitar) and the tailpiece to a Birdland style tailpiece. Really classed it up. Love this guitar for Jazzy stuff.

[@tomeisenmenger7048]

Great review! Thanks! Would love Grote to come out with a 2-pickup version of this!

[@insightsouthwestenterprise3925]

You play VERY well; I think you should do an album; I would buy it, and I'm sure many others would!

[@brookeblackburn9966]

Beautiful playing, Your style is made for that sound. Enjoy listening thanks for the info on this Axe

[@edbstrung]

Wow.. a V neck for the Loar eh. I had in my possession for many years a strat with a very pronounced V neck. I wish all guitars had V necks. I can play comfortably for hours with a V neck. They just sit in the cusp from my thumb to my forefinger perfectly.

[@BopKitBill]

Thanks for the honest review. I want one of these but I don't want to work on the frets or nut...I've done that with some good results...and some not good outcomes. Still, hearing it here..I want one. Don't need it. Want it...I've got problems. Love the spongy.

[@ezout2741]

Just delivered out if the box no issues!!! Sounds great feels good in my hands. 2 week wait. Only thing I will change is the strings. I play 12 flats and maybe a simple action and perhaps a different nut, totally satisfied!!!!

[@JorgeBarnet]

Nice review! Thank for all that valuable information! By the way nice guitar chops. Blessings!

[@billycallen3683]

I just got one last week. A lot of guitar for the buck.

[@geneschulp8598]

Hello. What size Frets are on it? Thanks

[@redfernguitar]

yeah this is a great jazz guitar for a beginner. Back in the 90s when I was studying jazz I had a solid body guitar because there were absolutely no affordable jazz guitars in say 1992.

[@greatvanzini]

Excellent. It appears to be far better than it should be.

[@EB-Y]

Excellent playing and tone. If you could please let us know what strings and gauges did you use?

[@MusicNerdStuff]

Thx Brian! NYXL 10-46 on almost everything.

[@mrhalfstep]

I bought one of these on the strength of your review. I had one high fret to lower and used some OOOO steel wool to polish all the frets a little.When I changed the strings the bridge seems to have some sticky tape under it to hold it in place. Do you think that interferes with the vibrations being transfered to the body? Thanks for the review, I think you steered me right.

[@MusicNerdStuff]

The tape is a fairly usual find. I don’t think the interference would outweigh the benefits of having the bridge stay put.

[@darylhuggins673]

The guitar has soul. Had no issues. It's a keeper.

[@overdriveguitarchannel3403]

I play all of my guitars usually with the volume and tone rolled back a little. I set the amp for it.

[@bjunk5344]

Love the Wes Montgomery teaser...

[@apollohill6733]

You play so brilliantly. You sold on the Grote. I'm looking for one in my town. Single pickup for me is fine. I like soft jazz. Question? Are there any made with a single cut away? Thank you

[@SalimSivaad]

No lie, I've watched this video at least 5 times: fantasizing about donating enough plasma to cop it at $300 (this video probably helped nearly double the price). I've gotta have it!

[@billleff5849]

Ordered from Amazon last week based on this video and it arrived days later much to my surprise. Shipped from California to my address in California. Price was $209. Immediately put on a new set of strings Fret ends on both sides of the neck were sharp. Like the video, frets had high spots and notes fretted out. Finish was very platicy. Tuners actually seemed ok. Lowered bridge which was set quite high. Played it for awhile and boxed it up and sending back. I don't want to spend the money to make it playable because it just has a cheap feel. Which it is. Luckily I have Prime and will be out $0 for the purchase and return.

[@mainsblanches8793]

Tone is also in the hands!!...

[@bmusic10]

that sounds like a high end jazz box

[@andrewhenneforth1443]

Love what you bring in your review. Where do you play music? Do you think this guitar has a place in worship music?

[@ozoneswiftak]

I like doing guitar set ups. Cant wait for mine to get here. I got the red one. I do love tobacco color. Urgh

[@zankywatanabe9400]

Im gonna buy one to play Lumineers music, that will be sweet.