Let's move on to the guitar... OK, details please.

Jim Deacon guitars have been around since the late 80s, an although they've always been well regarded, the latest models are apparently the best yet. The body looks like it's eaten all the pies - it's a lot fatter than the usual dreadnought acoustics, like a big number eight. The size alone should make it a noisy beast, but the Deacon's choice of wood also plays a major part. The top of the JDX35 is solid spruce; not unusual at this price range these days, but always good to see. The solid top will help this guitar to mature as time goes by, which should result in a great tone. The top has the usual round soundhole, complemented by a simple but effective rosette of black and white circles. There's also a Taylor style scratchplate to protect the guitars top. The Deacon's back and sides are laminated mahogany - we were pleased to see a one-piece back - unusual for an acoustic guitar at this price. There's also a strap button on the base of the model, for you giggers and buskers. The acoustics finish is very interesting. We get a gloss finish on the top and a satin finish on the rest of the guitar, a really cool touch that gives the JDX35 a quality beyond its modest price tag.

Is the neck mahogany?

It is. Mahogany provides the acoustic with good stability and looks attractive. The neck is finished in a satin lacquer, which protects the wood and stops your sweaty left hand from sticking. The fingerboard is made from rosewood, inlayed with simple dot fret markers and 20 well finished frets. Up at the pointy end we have a cool headstock with the imaginary Mr Deacon's signature. Round the back there are chrome plated machinheads in a three-a-side formation. They're unbranded, but they work well and should continue to do so. And if you do use a strap there is a button on the heel of the neck, which is nice to see on a guitar at this price.

How does it play?

We were tickled pink . The medium set action takes a little while to get used to, but you soon will. It could be lower, but that would be at the expense of tone. The 20 frets are well seated and finished, and there were no nasty buzzes to spoil our fun. Don't even think of trying to reach beyond the 14th fret - there's no cutaway on this model, so unless you have digits like ET you'll never get to the higher frets. This is not a criticism; it's very typical of this style of guitar. Jim Deacon guitars traditionally sport thin necks, but this one is on the chunky side. It suits the axe well and is never less than comfortable when it's being squeezed. Tuning is very stable too. Full marks.

Will it rock my world?

Considering the price tag, the JDX35 has plenty to say for itself. It's loud for sure as a good hard strum will illustrate, but it has a softer side. Taming the beast with some fingerpicking brings out a very pleasing tone that's perfect for all you sensitive folky types. We were rewarded with some excellent bottom end too, and we reckon this guitar could hold its own in the recording studio with no problems. What we have here is a good all-rounder. No matter what kind of player you are, this guitar will fit the bill.

Is it for me then?

If you're looking for a decent quality guitar with a great sound for less than 200 sheets, you have to consider the JDX35. This is a hotly contested area of the market, but this model gives a good account of itself. We loved the tone when fingerpicking and it looks great too. If you don't like the big bodied style there are other styles in the range. Do yourself a favour and check one out.

FOR: Sounds great; looks good; nice attention to detail; excellent price

AGAINST: The large body won't please some.

Here is a review taken from Total guitar on the Jim Deacon SX35 available from us for even less than the price below.

A big bodied guitar for under 200 quid? Surely some mistake?

That's exactly what we thought. When we first dragged the big guy from its cardboard coffin, we all guessed a price of around £300-£350. So we were pleasantly surprised to find a little note inside with £199.00 scrawled on it. First impressions can be misleading, however, so let's see if Mr Deacon can stay in our good books.

So who is this Jim Deacon?

OK, let's get this out the way. Jim Deacon is about as real as Uncle Ben or Father Christmas. It's just a brand name for another range of imported guitars from China. If you go to the Far East with a large sack of cash, there are manufacturers who will make you any guitar you want, in any quantity, with whatever name you desire. It just so happens this company chose Jim Deacon. So now you know.