I have to say that I am impressed. While I must admit that I'm a beginner at guitar (I'm a former drummer that can no longer play due to health issues), I learned a lot about guitars from an old band mate. This beginner guitar sounds nice, and is of a better size for me to learn on. I have an old acoustic, but the body is far too large for me.
This guitar arrived a little over an hour ago. No nicks, dings, or cracks on it. Checked the screws on the tuning machines, everything was good. Since the headstock is more of a classical style than a regular acoustic, I took off the steel strings that came on the guitar and replaced them with classical strings (nylon - medium tension). While it's going to take at least a few days for the nylon strings to stretch out enough before they stay in tune, I did get it tuned up for a bit and played a few chords. The guitar sounds wonderful, with a good bit of volume. I think I'll enjoy learning on this guitar.
If you decide to get this guitar and go with nylon strings (which you should), unless you go with 'ball end' strings, you might have to look up how to 'tie' the nylon strings onto the guitar, as some nylon strings that you can get will not come with a ball end. I had helped do this on a guitar decades ago, but needed a refresher course, and found the information online easily enough.
The reason I say you should use nylon strings is because they require less tension than the normal steel strings. Since this guitar does *not* have a truss rod, you want to go with strings that do not need as much tension. Using steel strings can cause problems with the bridge piece (breaking or coming off), the neck (warping), and the tuning pegs. You might be able to get away with using light or super light tension steel strings, but that's your choice. I'm sticking with the nylon strings. They bring out the sound that I want from this guitar. They're also easier to learn with as a beginner, as they don't hurt your fingertips as much. Yes, it will take longer to build up the callouses on the fingertips, but hey...less pain when learning can be a good thing.
But again, for an inexpensive guitar, this one is a good deal. As with any instrument, if you're not sure if you, or the person you get it for, are going to maintain interest in learning the instrument...going with an inexpensive instrument like this is always the best idea.
As for the other bits that come in this package...the picks are good, the case is good enough to keep dust off the guitar, the strap is not all that great, and the tuner is pretty much garbage because the battery cover does not want to stay on (I have another one just like it, and it has the same problem), and the pitch pipe is 'meh'. The main thing you want in this package is the guitar. Just get some better strings, a good tuner (I have a 'Snark' that wasn't expensive), and a decent guitar strap...and you're set.
Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue), Basic Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Strings, Strap, Tuner, Picks
4.3 | 6,701 ratings
Price: 49.99
Last update: 01-02-2025
About this item
Perfect beginner guitar: Specially designed for students and teens who are just getting started. This 30-inch, right-handed, acoustic guitar features all the bells and whistles. Designed with 18 smooth frets, 6 steel strings, and easy to hold neck.
Complete starter kit: Entry-level guitar bundle includes 30-inch acoustic guitar, nylon bag, 3 picks (of assorted colors), shoulder strap, digital tuner, an extra set of 6 strings, and an instructional sheet.
High-quality tonewoods: Top, back, and sides are crafted from laminated basswood for versatility and warmth, with a high-gloss finish. Whether playing soft or loud, strumming or flatpicking, this guitar remains responsive and retains its tonal integrity. This guitar is built to last.
Incredible sound: Perfect for musicians-in-the-making, this beginner acoustic guitar features an impressive tone, bright sound, and standout projection. It's waiting to be heard.
Full-size, lightweight guitar: Ideal for learners, this guitar is both small and lightweight, measuring 30" Long x 11" Wide x 2.5" Deep.
Complete starter kit: Entry-level guitar bundle includes 30-inch acoustic guitar, nylon bag, 3 picks (of assorted colors), shoulder strap, digital tuner, an extra set of 6 strings, and an instructional sheet.
High-quality tonewoods: Top, back, and sides are crafted from laminated basswood for versatility and warmth, with a high-gloss finish. Whether playing soft or loud, strumming or flatpicking, this guitar remains responsive and retains its tonal integrity. This guitar is built to last.
Incredible sound: Perfect for musicians-in-the-making, this beginner acoustic guitar features an impressive tone, bright sound, and standout projection. It's waiting to be heard.
Full-size, lightweight guitar: Ideal for learners, this guitar is both small and lightweight, measuring 30" Long x 11" Wide x 2.5" Deep.
Product information
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Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue), Basic Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Strings, Strap, Tuner, Picks
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Top reviews from the United States
MacCanine
Not bad at all.
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2022tracy
Guitar is great
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2024Claubb
Broke way sooner than I thought
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2024
Claubb
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2024
Images in this review
Bozena Kowalczyk
Great Product for the price
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2024lhatslc
For the Price this is a Great Beginner's Guitar
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2024Johnny rudder
Great started
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2024
Christina Ramos
Overall good value
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2024Magee
Great if you replace strings
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2024
Magee
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2024
STRINGS - For about $10, change the strings over to Nylon strings: 1) A child will not enjoy trying to hold down steel strings (ouch!). They require finger strength and it takes quite a while to develop callouses on the fingertips. 2) Decent strings significantly improved the sound quality! Now it sounds like music. 3) Nylon strings put less pressure on the saddle, which a few reviews mentioned pulling loose. 4) The tuning mechanism is the type found on a classical guitar, which has nylon strings so it's also appropriate for the design. - The local guitar shop recommended the ones pictured - ball ends and soft for young hands. You do not need special strings for a 1/4 size (30") guitar. With the new strings, it tuned easily and sounded very nice, especially for such an inexpensive guitar. As shipped, it would only frustrate a child but for an extra $10 for new strings, I am happy to give my 6 yr old granddaughter her own guitar.
PLAYING - There are no fret marks. I used a paint pen to add dots at the correct frets along the edge of the fingerboard.
FINISH- Fret marks are missing so I added appropriate dots on the side of the neck with a paint pen. Under bright light, the black finish has flaws, but a child won't notice or care. I barely noticed.
TUNER - Very nice. It's accurate and easy to use without an adult or app. and new strings need to be tuned a LOT for the first couple of weeks.
PICKS - Why? The guitar doesn't even have a pickguard and it's a skill that will come after a child will outgrow this guitar. But, kids will enjoy them.
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