taylornutt wrote:What is the build quality like on these instruments?
I do not have this guitar, but I have an SX strat and I play it all the time. Rondo has a very good return policy so if there is a problem with the product you can send it back; hassle-free. The first guitar they sent me had a twist on the neck and they sent me a new one that I was happy with. The paint is great on this thing. The fret ends were nice. The tuners were ok. They held tune just fine and really didn't need replacement, but they were kind of stiff to turn. The bridge and saddles worked as well, but not great. I put a big heavy tremolo block (GFS) in it and that was a super investment. The pickups, in my opinion are nice sounding with a vintage tone. The wood is adler and is good.
I got some replacement parts from GFS (bridge, saddles, tremolo block and tuners). The original parts were ok but for a little more, these were better. I rewired the 5 way switch and set up the vol and tone pots the way I wanted them. I really didn't do anything that most people don't do to any guitar they have to get it how they want it. So, all in all, I am in way under $200 U.S. and I luvs it.
I think because they have such a good return policy and there is a lot of info about Rondo's guitars on the intertubes, that most people are happy with the product they get.