First, I'm probably somewhere between a beginner and intermediary guitarist and I play only for my own pleasure at home.
I bought this guitar for my parents' house so I could practice and play during my stays there and I didn't want to have to lug my main guitar with me. I wanted something cheap, not too big and with decent enough sound.
I have to say, I absolutely the guitar and now I regret each time I have to leave it behind until the next visit!
It's more than met my expectations in terms of sound and playability. It's a small body guitar but the sound is surprisingly generous and rich. I also find it easier and less cumbersome to play for my strumming/picking arm precisely because it's not so big.
I also think how a guitar looks is important — and this instrument is very pretty. I didn't bother putting on the scratch plate because I didn't want to ruin the look. Also, my plectrum rarely if ever hits the wood. I like that I was given the option not to add the pick guard.
The guitar is very light and perfect for carrying around the house or as a travel guitar. It's an ideal guitar for 'noodling' while sitting on the sofa. I think this is a great, no frills travel or first guitar. The only thing I would consider changing are the strings — I haven't done so yet but I will probably try to replace them on my next visit with Martin light gauge silk-steel strings.
But overall, all the positive you're read here are true — you won't regret buying this guitar and thanks to Thomann for making it available as such an incredibly affordable price!