I have only been playing for 6 months, so understand, I am no expert. But for the price I am very pleased. When I first bought it I took it to get it set-up (which apparently you are supposed to do) the guy in the shop told me it was perfect as it was. Personally I love the black look, as it stand out a bit from other guitars, but the glossy finish does tend to show up dirt from fingers etc more than a wooden finished guitar. This doesn't really bother me, however