Having this guitar back is truly a blessing. I prefer Martin FX 12.5/55.5 gauge strings, and they sound fantastic on this guitar. I never use a pick and this particular combination of wood, and body size really fit my playing style perfectly. I dropped in a spare Taylor bone wave saddle I had, and the intonation is spot on. Pretty much was spot on before, but I had the saddle in a draw so why not. I removed the pick guard obviously, and like the look better without one. I let it go once for some crazy reason, but I won't make that mistake twice.