Orangewood Acoustic Deep Dive

[@slmcmorris7902]

I bought a mahogany Orangewood with the Fishman preamp right after lockdown for about $230, and the build quality blew me away. Usually cheap guitars sound like garbage when you amplify them, but my guitar sounds like an acoustic. I'm glad you did this review to turn more people onto this company

[@Wheelchairup]

I have two orangewood guitars. I have the Oliver Mahogany and the Brooklyn….both are amazing. They both came perfectly setup. I have more expensive acoustics and I grab these the most. Anyone that has played them at my house are always amazed especially when I tell them the cost. Great guitars!

[@mikepj1025]

I have an Orangewood that I bought years ago and it has been absolutely incredible. The company is awesome and really puts out the best guitar possible for the price. I’m about to order another one soon. They have so many options now.

[@gamersinger5118]

Mike PJ10 Orangewood's are really great for the price but I feel the Yamaha 800 series beats them in playability and tone quality and only cost around $200 or a bit less themselves. Not taking anything away from Orangewood though. Recording King has some nice guitars also that are supposed to be a lot less costly clones of Martin D18 or D28. They won't come anywhere near the actual amazing tone quality of the real thing but they are nice even though much more than the $200-$300 price range these other guitars we mentioned. They are the Recording King RD318 and RD328 respectively if you want to look more into them.

[@Rd0g3]

@@gamersinger5118 i own a recording king and the only thing i will say negative about it is the nut buzzes just a bit. easy enough to fix with a small rubber band lol

[@smartmammal9926]

My first acoustic was an Orangewood. Sold it a year later for the $200 I purchased it for. It was a great starter. They are sold out of many models.

[@davidmorris3175]

SOLD! I have been looking and looking at acoustic electrics for a couple of months with no luck. This was checking box after box so I just up and bought one. 15% off and free shipping. Can't wait. Thanks Phil!

[@johne.1011]

Thanks for the review. I purchased the same guitar a few months ago and have nothing but good things to say about it. Just an outstanding guitar and especially at the $295 price point!!

[@NoMeWithoutYou1]

Indonesia is known for their artisans so it's heartening to know that Orangewood and Sire have recognized this and have been producing top-notch value guitars for several years now. Phil, you are an excellent reviewer - knowledgeable, thorough and personable. All the best to you man.

[@Anjohl]

Some of the best fretwork in the industry is coming out of Indonesia right now IMHO.

[@adamporter3601]

Zager guitars are made in Indonesia as well.

[@stevewarner8686]

My Revel audiophile speaks made in Indonesia... superb fit and finishing 👌

[@glennwilkerson523]

I just bought this same guitar last month and I totally agree with everything you’re saying

[@StuartBridson]

That sounds absolutely phenomenal both unplugged and with the pickup.

[@MrSJPowell]

That guitar sounds great. If they're pulling that kind of quality consistently, then I can see why this is an instant recommend.

[@le_th_]

It is an instant recommend. My came just as Phil states in this video, right down to a couple of loose tuning keys. I've had my Oliver Jr. Mahogany since December 2021. I feel so lucky to have gotten such a great instrument for an affordable price.

[@frankzimprich3130]

Phillip I bought one after your review, I love it. Got it fast, came in perfect, sounds great, plays great, no issue's with this one. Thanks for what you do!

[@jerrygirardi]

Watched video and pulled the trigger. Hope mine is set up as good as Phillips. Sounded great! Thanks for the detailed, informative review. The neck portion is really what sold me.

[@brentstewart4360]

It is the perfect "sure you can play my guitar" guitar, which we all need - I had an Orangewood, and it was great out of the box, as well

[@DavidHBurkart]

Orangewood keeps knocking it out of the park. Thanks Phil, I really appreciate the deep dive on this

[@dukeofearl4117]

Where I live I need a dehumidifier to maintain humidity. I have 3 Orangewoods and love them. 12 string, baritone and concert model with torrified top. I am going to get an Oliver Jr Mahogany

[@keithskelton5596]

Thanks for loading. This video It sounds amazing for the money ✌🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Looking in Thailand for this model 🌈✌🏼

[@tracyd1175]

Thanks for the homemade humidifier tips. Always worrying about that with my acoustic Still put the Music Nomad in my cart seems easier, have the packets that you put in soundhole. Love the tone on the Orange wood

[@Jack-un8ei]

Wow Phil, 95 degrees! It's awesome what you do for us. It's greatly appreciated!!

[@bobtheblindbedroomguitaris8742]

😅

[@davideatwell6577]

It's remarkable

[@tomf9292]

Phil, get yourself a ductless Ac, you’ll be able to keep it running.

[@norseman61]

Great timing on this video. I’ve been driving myself nuts (which I have a tendency to do) researching acoustics. Your super-educated opinion is valuable to me, so this Orangewood may be the winner.

[@m2matson]

I just ordered my second Orangewood today! I love the Oliver so much, I had to pick up the Oliver Jr. for traveling. Can't beat that quality, especially for the value.

[@fueradeljuego]

I watched this video when I went to bed and before I turned out the light I had purchased this guitar. On sale currently, no tax and free shipping. It's the morning now and no regrets!

[@awesometownmatt9349]

Just received my orangewood acoustic today and it def was not set up like the one Phil received. The neck is nowhere near straight, it was not close to being in tune, the nut is cut waaaay too high, and there is a spot on the fretboard at the first fret that looks like it was scuffed and painted over but not sanded. The fret ends are good and no sharp ends. The look of the guitar looks great other than the unsanded paint. I expect to do a set up on almost any guitar I buy no matter the price so I am not complaining, just wanted to comment so Phil had some feedback. Based on the guitar I received and the review you did I would venture a guess they did cherry pick your guitar and made sure to set it up to perfection.

[@diegobejarano261]

return it man, nOW!

[@schreds8882]

I've had an Orangewood Morgan for a few years. It sounds good and stays in tune well. I had zero complaints until the neck heel block started separating from the body last year. It still stays in tune and plays well but you can fit a business card in about an eighth of an inch on both sides. Since the neck is glued in, it will need a luthier to fix and at the price point, it's just not worth it. I kept it stored in the gig bag with the humidity in the 40 percent range so that wasn't the cause. I suspect the joint didn't get enough glue during build. I don't know if anyone else has had similar issue but it started about 14 months after I bought the guitar. This is the only problem I've had and like I said, it still plays well and stays in tune.

[@jeffpless5036]

Your videos are amazing! After your review I placed my order. I'm happy to report that it arrived today and the guitar is amazing. Now if only I could make it sound like you do! Thank you for the great videos. It's really like hanging out with a good friend and just talking guitars. You keep talking and playing and I'll keep listening.

[@wildesage4172]

I'm not really a lover of acoustic guitars, but I would like to have one again at some point; based on this, Orangewood is gonna be at the top of my list. Of course I've heard of Orangewood before, and heard great things, but your opinion means more to me than others I've heard.

[@markheld7933]

Fellow Desert Dweller and Big fan of the channel. I think I currently have 5 or 6 acoustics. Saw a review Mary Spender did on an Orangewood and I settled on the Morgan Mahogany Live and ordered it because I didn't have a Mahogany. On arrival, I was blown away on the attention to detail from the fretwork, the neck, the beauty of the instrument, the packaging, the definitely deluxe padded gig bag, the rubberized keys, the sound both acoustic and amplified with the Fishman. I love this guitar. If I had to whittle the selection down to one all around guitar, regardless of price point, I'd pick the Orangewood for the sheer fun and and beauty of the instrument. It's definitely an instrument you're going to pick up and play all the time. It wins on fit, form and function. If your looking for a reasonably priced all around acoustic electric... This is the guitar to keep. If you know a student that needs a great guitar to learn on...This is it. They'll want to keep it a lifetime. Spring for the Orangewood accessory pack. It's reasonably priced and a good value.

[@marekcarecarpet]

I’ve had a Orangewood Oliver Mahogany for 2years now, and a Yamaha APX600. For some reason I keep going to the Orangewood to practice??? The guitar is $150 less but plays fantastically. Kudos Orangewood!!!

[@lengross4126]

Great review as usual. I was lucky enough to pick up a Mahogony model of this guitar as a B Stock for $206 and it too sounds great. I have owned three other Orangewood guitars that while sounding good don't have the punch that the Morgan does. The sound is definately bigger and more resonate than the others.

[@fella32]

Great deep dive. Please continue doing videos like this. I also purchased this guitar and referenced your video when asked how I heard about the Orangewood company. It arrived safely and was just like the one in your video. Keep up the good work keeping these companies honest. The guitar met my expectations based on their website and your deep dive review.

[@msh6865]

I'm actually in the market for a decent acoustic -electric. This one is now definitely at the top of the 'possible list'. Great review!

[@sinndustries]

Nice! I was just looking into Orangewood guitars, so this is helpful.

[@ChasVS391]

I had an Orangewood Ava and LOVED it! I only sold it when I ordered myself a Martin 00-18! Very similar guitars!

[@johnnorth9355]

Great review - answered every possible question that needs to be asked and some neat playing.

[@Deus_Veil]

I needed a reason to buy a new acoustic and I think I am sold! What a great price point; I've been watching other reviews and overall the opinion seems to be the same. Great review, Phillip!

[@roberthiggins986]

I recently spotted an Orangewood in a local pawnshop and out of curiosity I wanted to play it because you and other reviewers have indicated how good these play and sound..you are SPOT ON. These sound and play so well it simply stunned me that it could sound bright and warm at the same time. I’ve noticed how good it sounds in a live setting and has become my “go-to” guitar.

[@cheebsgod]

I've been flirting with the idea of getting an acoustic and this one looks great and sounds great and it did pretty well on the deep dive! I came back to show this video some love after watching Friday's stream, i love the deep dives and please keep them up!

[@Joe-mz6dc]

Sounds crisp and clean. I like bright sounds on acoustic.

[@calvinbass1839]

Excellent review. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed day.

[@samuelhatman8995]

You are welcome to my time. I in turn feel well educated by your expert opinion. Fair, unbiased, experienced. I'm equally grateful to be a subscriber and wish 640K more for your channel. Also, an episode or two ago I learned you had your own music shop, and then Guitar Center happened. I have a wish. My own efforts to be as strong and persevering as yours. Maybe not as much to offer, but the love of the craft, the instrument and it's players and music, that, as you have, I can share as well. Looking forward to your next episode! Sam Hatman

[@danplaysbass6294]

I love my Orangewood Ava Mahogany Guitar, really brilliant. This company knows what they are doing.

[@zaz4667]

Awesome! I am not a fan of scarf joints in the neck but I would consider buying this guitar! Great price but the way it sounds is awesome! Maybe its Phil's playing but that sounds great!

[@MarkGardner66Bonnie]

WOW... I just put this into the Orangewood cart and then had second thoughts... I am going back and ordering it, especially because it is 15% off as well. Thank you so much Sir...

[@justanothergrumpyoldman2767]

Hi Phil. Hope you and your family are well. So I've had my guitar now for about two weeks. I do love it!! It didn't come out of the box in tune, and the action was a bit higher than I was expecting. That being said. The frets were perfect. I backed off on the truss rod a few turns and it did what you would expect and it lowered the action to where I wanted it. So now it plays perfectly, for me. I haven't even plugged it in yet, it sounds so nice. Also, the color of the one I received, is absolutely beautiful. It wasn't sort of a burst, like the one they sent you. It's a solid mahogany color across the whole top. It's so hard to even describe how gorgeous it is. Thank you so much for doing the deep dive. Without your review, I may have never bought it. But I'm so happy I did. Thank you again!! I wish you and your family all the happiness and success you can handle!! Cheers!! Tony. 🥃🥃😁😁.

[@Russell_Optics]

My time is always well spent watching your video's. I've absorbed a wealth of knowledge from you over the years and do all my own set-ups and upgrades using what I learned from your video's. That guitar looks & sounds amazing for the price point, in fact, it looks like it could rival guitars costing twice as much. Great video, thanks again.

[@jtuminello7z]

Sounds damn good for that price point!

[@casualobserver3702]

Hi, I have an Orangewood Echo, basically the same approach as your Morgan. It is 4 years old, and was received setup exactly as you described on your Morgan. This guitar plays so easily, it has shifted me from an electric hollow body to acoustic. player. This guitar is perfectly stable, and the setup has remained as received. All I do is keep it in its gig bag when not playing. So impressive. Though I do have a Taylor as well, and love it, my Orangewood Echo is very stable and playable.

[@franknoriega1884]

Great Review. I agree with your comments about the nice equilibrium in Quality ando price it has

[@Bobyoudontneeemyname]

Great tip in the diy humidifier phil! You should occasionally gather these little nuggets into a best of video or something

[@marywarner2280]

My Revel audiophile speakers is made in Indonesia... drop dead gorgeous! I like this guitar!

[@peterjones4621]

Thanks phillip, I need all the education I can get to maintain my acoustic guitars, I bought the MusicNomad The Humitar One Guitar Humidifier and Hygrometer from Sweetwater, they are a great company, excellent customer service. Thanks for the tips, take care Phillip.

[@le_th_]

I bought an Orangewood (Oliver Jr. Mahogany) on Black Friday 2021 and it showed up just like your Morgan did... ...in tune right out of the padded deluxe gigbag/box ...action was hecka low and *not* buzzy ...frets were so smooth I had to check them twice to make sure lol (kinda like you did!) ...rubber tops of tunning keys def have good feel to them but a couple of them are "loose" ...fret board edges were def rolled ...PLUS everything they send is *so useful* in the intro pack (a few picks, pick dispenser, the little tuner is a gem & so tiny!!) I feel so spoiled. This was the first guitar I ever purchased new and online and it has been great. I don't need another acoustic guitar, but the next one I buy will very likely be from Orangewood again. Great people who clearly take pride in their product.

[@russmarx4396]

Philip I just bought this guitar. I am a beginner but I went on your word that it was a nice sounding guitar and I just purchase it, it just came two days ago can't wait to start learning how to play. Thank You

[@JHinsonMusic]

Bought an Orangewood Cleo about a month ago - Fantastic guitar!

[@EricBuchholz-gu6fk]

I’ve been considering an Orangewood. I believe your review convinced me to go ahead and get one.

[@Charles53412]

Nice guitar ! Vangoa builds some really nice and inexpensive guitars as well !

[@RobinsonRDavid]

Wow. This is quite an encouraging rave. I went to their site, and it’s very helpful and well organized and informative.

[@rodgerbell810]

Hi Phil, fantastic deep dive review, what a lovely unique instrument for anyone. Why wouldn’t you want to buy a guitar that comes to you without issues & is a joy to play. Cheers ✌️🎸

[@johnfrymyer8346]

Great review. I just gave my friend the FSX800e. I wish I would ahve seen this prior to buying that one. Thank you

[@petepalmeri]

Just wanted to say thank you for the Orangewood recommendation. I patiently waited until the Morgan Mahogany Live Burst was restocked. It finally arrived, and I love it!

[@chrisalford1821]

Orangewood has been sold-out of this model for a while now. I found one locally with factory gig bag for about 30% of retail. Thank you for introducing me to this brand, my Morgan Live is a joy to hear and play.

[@Jaden48108]

Clear tone, no rattles, squeals, full bodied . . . reminds me of a Martin. I'm glad you used a pick on one song and did fingerstyle on the other. There's a big difference in tone with the bass sound more dominant using fingerstyle. I have two $300 guitars and I'd be more than willing to ditch the Yamaha to get this one. (I'll keep the $300 Ibanez . . . along with the Martin,Taylor, Alvarez . . .) Nice review.

[@justanothergrumpyoldman2767]

Hi Phil. Hope you are well! Love your channel. I just ordered this guitar on Friday. I'm really hoping they didn't cherry-pick the guitar they sent to you. It should arrive by Friday. I will let you know what I think. I was so happy when I saw you were doing a deep dive on this guitar. Keep up the awesome work you do!!

[@markmccrory3004]

Thanks for this. I've been wanting an acoustic electric guitar for a long time. Perhaps at this price point the banker in my house will agree to it. Hopefully it's available in Canada.

[@TallymeBanana27]

We’re not tired of you buddy

[@bc454irocz89]

I haven't put this guitar down since I got it, it really is awesome and plays like an electric, I can literally shred solos on an acoustic 😂

[@jtl1380]

I have an Orangewood Oliver Jr Bass & an Oliver Jr Acoustic. I can tell you that they both came from Orangewood with setup just as good as the instrument in this video. They are really great instruments for the price!

[@AimingWanderously]

This video has convinced me that the Orangewood Overland Morgan Mahogany will be my next acoustic upgrade purchase, but alas, this model is out of stock currently. Surely from this video. Thanks Phil for a great video introducing us/me to other great brands.

[@uriahedwards]

I have owned 4 Orangewood guitars and have loved each one of them!

[@Endless_Skyway_Adventures]

For a humidifier I use a $7 Aqua-Dry cloth from Walmart. It comes in an oval shaped plastic container and I drill holes in the container. I add water until it weighs 350 grams. Lasts a long time. Fits in my case near the headstock, and before anyone starts chirping that it belongs inside the guitar, look up driving force behind diffusion.

[@nathandubois5912]

I was a bit skeptical of Orangewood for a while until I had a student come into my class with his. Instantly blown away at the quality for the price point! I still want a Martin but one of these will satisfy the acoustic itch until I can get one!!!

[@leemusic77]

I have 3 Orangewood guitars and love them all!

[@DavidBoatright-g5n]

I have an Orangewood Oliver in mahogany and I love it ! It plays and sounds great and was under $200 during they're Christmas sale . Everything Mr McKnight says is true from my experince . I'm buying 2 more ! The gigbag is very nice two .

[@greaper012]

Just bought one from the House of guitars in Rochester NY. Fantastic guitar!

[@BrianHarbut-v5k]

Most excellent review! You are very honest & easy to listen to. That is a lovely guitar! Not sure where I’d find one in UK but I’m sure gonna look! Thankyou! 👍

[@staylofordo7111]

If I knew it sounded like that one, I would buy one ! Thanks for the video !

[@petethompson3510]

When you are measuring the action, the mark for 1.75 is definitely below where the string is. The action looks bang on 2 millimeteres

[@karlberardi4351]

Thank you for shining a light

[@jimmextorf7785]

Great video, Phil. Orangewood has been a consistently strong value for multiple years now. I've had an all-solid Ava Mahogany for several years that punches above it's weight class. When I bought it, I tried to find something I didn't like and just couldn't. Any level of player can find a use for an Orangewood in their arsenal, IMO.

[@ssbdifferent1]

Just got my Morgan live and it is as good as reviewed here. Smaller than I imagined so had to check if I had a jr. model by mistake lol. Was comparing adding a pickup to my dreadnaught but that would’ve been minimum $100 so got this Orangewood instead. Glad I did. Thanks Phil for all the great reviews!

[@noxiousnews]

I bought the Oliver Jr. Live all hog when I first started learning guitar. It was a cheap investment to see if I would stick with guitar and I liked the size, making it a great couch guitar. I since upgraded my "little guitar" to a GS mini. But, for the money Orangewood is doing great things and I loved that guitar. If I had paid more for it, I still would have felt I got my money's worth.

[@MikeS4628]

I was in the market for a new electric/acoustic. I watched this last night and ordered one today. I got what looks to be the same model, but it doesn't have the sunburst. This vid convinced me it would be good. It'll be replacing my old played out Epiphone.

[@ronnelsmith9581]

Wow, what timing I have been searching for a low-cost travel guitar. And had no reference for Orangwood this would be perfect and with that review being so helpful. If I decide to get one I will report to you my findings. Your KZbin videos are very informative. Thanks for your work and sacrifice sweating it out for us!🙂

[@59Darek]

Great guitar. Your review, which I value, encourages this instrument. pity it's not available in Poland 😐

[@josephbrewer7026]

Haha… Before you pointed out the scarf joints of the neck I thought “What a crappy job with those scarf joints!”, and then you rubbed off the erasable marker. Really nice tone un-amplified. Pretty smooth with the Fishman also. Impressive.

[@chrisbalsamo968]

I love my Orangewood I bought during the pandemic. One of the best acoustic guitars I have owned.

[@barbmelle3136]

I bought an Orangewood Oliver guitar in Mahogany two tears ago. Very impressive guitar, plays great. If it was twice the money, I would still be happy.

[@Gene_Cali]

Sounds great and not bad in the looks department. This would a good addition to any player's collection. This is a excellent channel with an excellent spokesperson. 😉 \m/

[@jacobpittman1996]

Thanks Phil. I just tried a used one at Guitar Center & I was impressed!

[@scoobers90]

I don't think I knew Orangewood existed until now. I don't follow the acoustic side of things very closely anymore but that sounded pretty dang good, especially when you bring price into the equation.

[@silverman169]

I first saw Orangewood through other KZbin channels like GuitarZero2Hero and Rudy Ayoub and they actually sound pretty good imo especially for their pricepoint

[@richardmartinez3342]

hey you're not the only one, personally moved away from acoustic b/c i was introduced to electrics but i'm comin' back around to em b/c a lot of my favorite songs incorporate them. I'll say for about 300 i like this guitar and its amenities.

[@JasonWadeGuitar]

@Phillip McKnight - Thanks for the video and your time and effort. I actually picked up one of these in the standard finish (Morgan Mahogany Live) last night, The one you're reviewing in video is currently sold out). As of this comment being posted Orangewood is running a Memorial day sale for 15% off entire purchase using code: MAY15

[@ModestStrummer]

I ordered one after watching this review. Mine did not arrive already tuned--nor would I expect it to. It makes me wonder if they did some set-up on yours, knowing who you are. Overall, what I received is almost as good as yours, but frets 2 and 3 are high along with 14, 17, & 18 causing a buzzing noise especially on the all-important 1st fret. The finish on the back of the neck is smooth until the 7th fret where it becomes rough. I don't think the fret ends would score as high on your sock test, but they're OK. They will fix the frets under warranty but only if I ship it to them. They say they'll pay shipping both ways but there's some risk in doing that given that it's only protected by the gig bag and a single-ply cardboard box which they require you to use when returning it. Mine arrived with a large hole in it. The hole was beside the neck, so just lucky it wasn't in the middle. They don't do exchanges--you have to return it and buy another which means you lose any discount you may have gotten during a sale or promotion. Having discussed these issues with the company, I think customer service is responsive. I haven't sent it back for warranty work so I can't comment on that. It does sound and look good--a good value once the buzzing is fixed. It sounds good plugged in but the tone control for the pickup does nothing.

[@fishingfreak9734]

I love the color, also, my 2015 Taylor 110e has Sapele back and sides, it resonates really well. I live in a very humid area of SE Texas and the Sapele is supposed to be better for this environment which why I bought it to start with. I'm ordering this Orangewood as I've been wanting a nice backup that I can take or trips. Thanks for the review!!

[@jasonrayburn5551]

Another great video. I have the same gold top shirt from yrs ago. Wear it all the time. Thanks for what you do!!🤘

[@tommybrown4191]

I never really thought that solid wood mattered much on acoustics until I spent the money and bought a Taylor 327e. I have played more affordable laminated wood guitars that were great guitars for the money but as soon as I strummed my Taylor I could hear the difference.

[@jakkul26]

I had one of these at one point. It was one of the best playing guitars I've ever played. I gave it to my ex and got an orangewood dreadnought which was still impressive but a little lackluster by comparison. For the price, you can't go wrong. And if you're lucky and get an impeccable one, it'll box well above it's class. I may end up getting a few more if the company lasts which I believe they can and hope to God they do.

[@Kkorkykatt]

As per usual PMcK comes through with flying colours! Excellent showcase of this lower priced acoustic guitar & as Phil said, it ticks all of the boxes & more BUT (isn't there always a but?), it;s not available in Europe, Orangewood don't ship internationally either & to get this shipped using a forwarding service, would put it in the 600 price range after shipping/duty ,customs brokerages taxes fees etc. *SIGH*

[@Sammywhat]

Great review, Phil! You are my first source in honest guitar reviews. Cheers man!!

[@michaelfern945]

Another great review. Thank you.

[@anthonyb2334]

I had an Oliver model. My experience was the same. A lot of sound and guitar for the money.

[@frodeleirvik]

Gotta admire your honesty, Phil!