Sound - I know I just featured another Mcilroy guitar on the previous spotlight, but, hey, this is an A25. Why show the A25 again? Well, for one thing, as of December, it's officially our best-selling guitar. But, more important, after playing lots of these guitars, I can say without reservation that it is one of the best fingerstyle guitars available anywhere at any price right now, and its $2000 price tag surely sets it in a class by itself. [prices have increased since the writing of this review]

The tone of this guitar is literally unlike any guitar I've ever played. I mean, sure, there are echoes of that cedar/walnut tone you get in other great UK guitars. But outside of Dermot's other guitars, I don't know of any guitars that bring together rich, ringy mids and trebles with warm, meaty walnut lows in a such a balanced and character-rich package.

I love to drop this guitar into DADGAD and play songs that let me whack out the low A and low D. Yes, cedar/walnut guitars do love DADGAD, but there's a meaty fullness in the lows on this guitar that I just haven't heard on any other guitar. The sustain is marvelous, and every single note—not just those meaty lows—has character. One recent A25 customer described each of the guitar's notes as "singing", and I can certainly second that characterization.

Playability - One of my favorite measures of the playability of a guitar is how easy it is to put down. And this is one of those guitars you just can't put down. The action is perfect right out of Dermot's shop, and the neck is about as comfortable as anything you'll pick up. This is a very playable guitar.

Finish - Dermot has a knack for finding great pieces of tonewood, and he has been building all his walnut guitars lately from one of the best English Walnut trees I've ever run across. As you can see in some of these pictures, it is a rainbow of interesting hues and great grain. Several of these guitars have been highlighted with stunning streaks of sapwood (although none pictured here). And, of course, the finish work and build quality of these instruments are impeccable. Like every other builder here, Dermot produces guitars that are elegant without being gaudy, with slender purflings and bindings and just a dash of abalone to make the rosette interesting.

Summary - I occasionally like to let Shoreline's customers do the talking in my reviews. So, rather than bore you with my own litany of praise for these guitars, I'll just encourage you to read what this previous A25 buyer had to say:

"This is a great instrument -you've done it again -set me up with one of the best guitars I've ever played! The guitar is definitely a keeper. It is wonderfully responsive, with great sustain, a beautiful bass tone, and a nice string balance. It's one of those instruments that is a joy to play, and like the MJ-80, just has a lot of music in it that flows out effortlessly. Not only that, it's really visually stunning. It happens to have just the right tone for the new album we're about to begin. You've proved once again that you really have the ear for judging an excellent guitar—and I'll certainly trust it in the future. Based on this one, I might be interested in looking into the kind of spruce/walnut Mcilroy which you previously featured on the spotlight."

And here's another:

"The McIlroy is just as you described it — like a Lowden but better — the notes are clear and meaty and balanced — every string is strong — there's no weak note! The action is very good. The quarter touches the treble E string but there's not even a hint of a buzz. There's a little space on the bass side. The craftmanship couldn't be better — I can't imagine anyone regardless of price building a finer guitar than this."

And one more:

"The McIlroy arrived late yesterday and I had already headed home (Halloween duties). Thanks for taking the time to talk and for shipping the guitar so fast. Drove up this morning as I could not wait until Monday and wow. It is a great instrument. I am in awe of the quality and sound for the price. Thanks for a great experience. Now, it's time to talk about a Brook 12 fret as Santa Cruz and Collings just do not cut it anymore after 10 minutes on the McIlroy."

And another:

"I am just really inspired by the McIlroy I recently received. It has all of the qualities I like in a guitar, including responsiveness, character, depth of tone, playability, the perfect set-up for me...and more... Once again, I appreciate your ear and your judgment in selecting a special instrument for me. Dermot has really created a successful formula with this guitar. The design, the combination of woods, the resonance and tone fundamentals, the craftsmanship, string balance, and playability - all these qualities synchronize magically for an instrument that fits my fingerstyle approach very well. I'm sure it will be a fine addition to our CD in progress. I'll be relying on you for all of my guitar needs in the future. Thanks again for your advice and service."

And another:

"Frankly, I haven't been able to think about any other guitars since acquiring the Mcilroy A25c...it's magic! Maybe I should just stop now....no more guitars.....no,no...what am I saying? I tried to play my Collings and Gibson Dove today and just felt absolutely nada. A bit later I picked up the Mcilroy and just fell under its spell immediately. What is it with those guitars?"

And another:

"I have been playing my new Mcilroy for most of the day and just wanted to tell you that now I finally get what you've been telling me. It is truly remarkable and in a class above anything else I have ever played. I wasn't even speaking the same language as you before. As far as trying to describe how much I like the guitar.....there are no words. All I can say is that you are not getting this one back."

And another:

"I recently purchased a McIlroy A25C small jumbo guitar from you and wanted to let you know I am totally blown away by this guitar in every way. Beautiful tone, playability and the craftsmanship is outstanding. I cannot put this guitar down and it has brought much joy to me. I am so happy that I researched thoroughly and found your website and recommendations. I have lived with multiple sclerosis for that last 14 years. Playing guitar at times has not been possible due to this illness. I suffer from much neuropathy in my hands and feet. The playability of my McIlroy helps me to enjoy longer practice times and much less fatigue. I cannot thank you enough for your recommendation of the McIlroy - I simply LOVE THIS GUITAR. The sustain is forever and each day that I play (usually can't wait to get home from work to play it) the sound grows and grows - I just smile and throw my head back in delight."

And one of my favorites:

"I'm speechless."

And one more:

"The A25 is the finest guitar I've ever played — and I've played a few buddy. Picked it up this morning on my planning hour, brought it home, tuned it up, and started playing "Waiting for the Times To Get Better" from the Kirtley video. I hit those first four quarters and the open A and stopped because I was laughing and shaking my head. OH MY GOD I thought, maybe an Olson or Ryan would sound better but I can't see how. Fabulous guitar, amazing bass, gorgeous wood (my dad would have loved it) and so perfect to play. In a word, I think I'll keep it...until I die, in fact I might be buried with it. I believe a big fat thank you is in order...to you and to Dermot and whomever put this baby together. Hope this doesn't sound catty but I think this is the way a Lowden/Goodall should sound...hehe..."

And finally:

"I took delivery today on a new McIlroy A25C....Holy cow! This is the nicest guitar I've ever played, and I have played and owned Collings, Bourgeois, Lowden, Mauel, Martin, Taylor... Everything other than Ryan and Olson have passed through my hands. The model I have is a Walnut/Cedar cutaway in an auditorium body. Beautiful finish, more so than the Lowdens have, with a slick looking Brazilian Rosewood bridge. The neck is great, and the action is buttery smooth, without that slimy feel of an electric guitar, but all the nice movement of one. The sound is beautiful... A real meaty low-end, more so than Rosewood (which is more lush to my ears, and great except with Cedar, where it gets too lush, IMHO). Highs ring out, with incredible expression. No matter where I place the melody, it rings out, even in the bass register. With cutaway, plus a B-Band AST, I paid $2205 [prices have since increased]. New. Are you kidding me? This is a no-brainer, folks. Order one today."