I bought the FA200E as a cheap guitar so I didn’t have to worry about “dinging” my Seagull S6+ whilst my eyesight completed its long recovery from nerve damage. The fact that it was an electro too was a bonus as I could look forward to recording it through my sons Line6 UX1. I committed a cardinal sin – I bought the guitar without playing and entirely from customer and professional reviews. I expected something half-decent and playable though to turn up. One strum, one single solitary strum and the Seagull was destined for eBay. It has now been sold and I do not miss it. So musical is this guitar that random “noodlings” on the guitar sound like a beautifully crafted work of musical genius. Deliberate attempts at discord are still statements of musical intent. If this was Hi-Fi it would be a valve amplifier of the highest pedigree and cost thousands and as a mere guitar it should still cost the thick end of a grand (IMHO). The one problem – if you call it a problem – is that I now want the top of the range FA400D. Not because my playing justifies it (it barely justifies the FA200E) but because I want to see how much better they (Freshman Guitars) can get. Mark Reilly

After many years of playing a relatively inexpensive acoustic I thought I’d treat myself to something of a bit higher quality. I road-tested a few of the usual suspects including Martins and Taylors up to and around £1800. However, before making a decision I asked the editor of a well know acoustic guitar magazine if there were any lesser known brands I should check out and he suggested the Freshman 400 series. On first viewing I was struck by the understated good looks, the quality of the materials and finish, and of course the price tag! Eventually I narrowed it down to a choice between the Freshman FA400DCE(S) and a Taylor with a price Tag of £1699. Both were beautifully constructed from top quality materials, had beautifully warm tone and amazing projection and responsiveness. However, the Taylor had no pickup fitted whilst the Freshman not only featured the great sounding Schertler Bluestick active pick-up system but also came in at almost £1000 cheaper… No Contest! I honestly believe there is nothing out there that can compete with this guitar until you get into the £2000 plus price bracket. Russ – London

To Freshman Guitars, thank you for your prompt reply to my query. I've playing the instrument just about non stop.I can honestly say it has one of the best actions I've come across and is definitely great value for money.I would not hesitate to recommend this FA1ACD guitar to anyone. Regards D. Semple

Hi, just a note to say I have now bought my second Freshman guitar, the 12 string acoustic FA1. I already have the 6 string electro /acoustic version and I am really pleased with them both and would not swap them for anything. I will recommend them to as many people as I come into contact with.
I am actually a roadie so make contact with lots of local bands. Glad to hear you are a Glasgow firm, keep up the good work and show the yanks. Thanks again, George Hardaker.
I bought a Freshman guitar 2 years ago and I must say that i've been mightily impressed since I played it in the shop. I played various high end guitars that day including a lovely Martin and the Freshman is the only one that blew me away. You can tell the craft and attention that has gone into making it and the sound is just awesome. Alan Ashcroft I bought a Freshman guitar 2 years ago and I must say that i've been mightily impressed since I played it in the shop. I played various high end guitars that day including a lovely Martin and the Freshman is the only one that blew me away. You can tell the craft and attention that has gone into making it and the sound is just awesome. Alan Ashcroft