Raven A-00 Guitar - Review

Type of Gear: Classical Guitars

Brand Name: Raven

Model: A-00 or 4-00

Price: Earlier Models with their Travel Cases go for about $150 - $250.

Review - Please try to include as many specific details as you can: Raven are beginner guitars made in the style of Gibson guitars. Made in China exclusively for major city music stores in Canada. This guitar model wasproduced in the late 1960's to mid 1970's. Raven guitars were quality instruments with good tone and sound quality for the budget minded.

The A-00, or 4-00, as it is sometimes known was a junior classical guitar for young people or those with smaller hands. Their 'Steel Reinforced Necks' were actually very responsive. Tuning systems also very sturdy. The neck joint on the models I have played was very tight. Spruce and some maple tops for this model, with mahogany sides and backs. Manufacturers label featured a Thunderbird type design with some detailed scrolling. Their bridges were also glued suprisingly well for a lower price classic guitar. Some of these A-00 Raven guitars had accompanying vinyl travelling cases, also known as 'Lesson Cases', were also sold as accessories, but of the four guitars from this series, only one had an accompanying 'Lesson Case'. Very much a qaulity Gibson-type beginner guitar, the original manufacturer went out of business some time ago. When you can find one, and I usually don't since they were only sold in Canada, I usually pick it up. Most people couldn't afford a Gibson Classical guitar in those days gone by, so these Raven guitars were an affordable alternative.

Rating (On a Scale of 1-10): 9

Additional Comments/Final Verdict: Great tone, affordability, sturdy, responsive, easy on the eyes, think Gibson Classicals from the 60's & early 70's.

Your Name (optional): Wolf Van Hollen