Sound - When I reviewed Lakewood's M-32, I was struck by its unique, punchy ring. And even though this guitar is smaller, with different tonewoods, it still maintains a hint of that same presence. But the sound on this, being a cedar and mahogany guitar, is a bit more relaxed. To put it in perspective, if I were to compare it to some other guitars I've reviewed here, I'd say the A-14 is rich, but not as incredibly rich as a Fylde Ariel, and although it's more relaxed than its big-brother M-32, it's not as relaxed as the Morgan OM--and it has more of a sweet ring than either the Fylde or Morgan.

Given the body size and cedar topwood on this guitar, it was meant to be rich and playable, but it wasn't meant to be a loud strummer--as I've said before about other guitars, you don't buy this guitar to play "Pinball Wizard". But given how sweet and rich it sounds when played lightly, who'd want to, anyway? Although it plays nicely with a pick, it really does respond best to fingerstyle.

Finish - Martin's guitars always seem to come finished like guitars twice their cost. This guitar has a AAA cedar top with a nice, straight-grained, quartered mahogany for the back and sides, and it's all bound in flamed maple (no fingerboard binding, though). Lakewoods typically get a 3-ring rosette that goes abalone/(wood that matches the back and sides)/abalone. I don't run across many mahogany rosettes, but as you can see in the picture on the right, it's certainly a nice touch.

Summary - We regularly get requests for smaller-bodied, 12 fret guitars, and this one fits the bill perfectly. It's responsive, very playable, and it combines the best elements of a good cedar/mahogany guitar with the presence and ring that characterizes Lakewood guitars. Like so many of the guitars I've reviewed here, this Lakewood A-14 is one I just can't put down after playing it for a long time--its sweet tone just continues to grow on me. If you're looking for a great smaller-bodied guitar, I strongly recommend the A-14.