I wanted to share my experience with the Ashthorpe C-85. Is this a perfect guitar, no. However, there is a lot to like about this item.
First and foremost, this guitar is intended for a beginner to intermediate player on a budget looking for a thinline, parlor, or concertina style body. This particular model offers a 3" body with a 20 fret neck, similar in length to a dreadnaught.
The sound is great. It is bright and rich with full treble and midtones. The low end is a bit tempered but as good as any parlor and concertina body I have played. Honestly, the sound is the best feature of this guitar, I was blown away.
The guitar I recieved had 2/64 neck relief out of the box. The plastic nut was perfect. When playing strings on the first and second fret it was in perfect pitch when matched against a Snark Super Tight tuner.
The plastic saddle is slightly high for my taste, but to be expected on a guitar out of the box. Good manufacturers err to the high side and this one is as it should be from a good manufacturer. During my setup I only needed to take 3/64 off the saddle to get 4/64 string height at the low E and 5/64 string height at the high E when measured at the 12th fret. I play with low action so this isn't a necessity, only my taste. The guitar is definitely comfortable and playable out of the box.
The electronics function as expected and actually sound nice. I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised at the analog sound reproduction offered in this unknown kit.
The not so good: the tuners are sealed, unlocking, hollow shaft. That said, the function as they should and hold tune fairly well.
The ink/dye on the fret board bled over to the binding surrounding it (pictured). I was able to remove with some 600 wet/dry paper, which leads me to believe it is rosewood only in color, not in material, but again, this guitar plays and sounds great, so take it for what it is, not for what it isn't.
There was some fret sprout and one of the frets (11th) was noticably shorter than the others. I hit the edges with a drywall sanding sponge and smoothed out all the edges and it's hardly noticable now (pictured). This also served to remove any tooling marks left from manufacturing. Otherwise, the frets topside aren't very gritty and play well. A 30 minute play in and they good to go.
The finish on the body looks like the images in the listing and it's pretty good. The one area of notice was the finish on the back of the neck where there was a bit of orange peel in the clear finish (pictured). No big deal, but it was there until I rubbed it out with some 1200 wet/dry paper and polished back up with some compound.
Summary: I dressed the neck with a cheap inlay kit adding some flair and character to an otherwise unremarkable looking budget piece. Now it unmistakably mine and I'm very happy, even just looking at it. It plays fantastic and sounds amazing for this price point.
Overall, I'm very satisfied with the value this guitar offers and would recommend to anybody, as long as you know that you are getting some unusual material choices (I would identify them, but I have no idea). That said, they work well together, whatever they are.
I'm not a brand snob or a purist, otherwise I wouldn't have taken a chance on this. I just know value and sound, and this guitar checks both those boxes, punching well above its weight class. I would give it a fair sound comparison to intermediate Ibanez, Yamaha, Alvarez, or Breedlove acoustic sound quality (maybe others, but I'm familiar with these Asian mainline manufacturers).
To look at it, one might underestimate the potential this guitar offers, but don't. If your only looking to spend $120 on an acoustic/electric, choose this guitar. Don't even think about it, do it!
Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package - Premium Tonewoods - Natural
4.5 | 4,283 ratings
Price: 99.99
Last update: 01-05-2025
About this item
Incredible sound: Perfect for musicians-in-the-making or advanced players, this guitar features an impressive tone, standout projection and incredible sonics. It's waiting to be heard.
Fine hardwood construction: Guitar is made from X-braced, A-grade Spruce wood, known for its resiliency and versatility and Basswood for warmth. Whether playing soft or loud, strumming or flatpicking, the guitar remains responsive and retains its tonal integrity.
Thinline cutaway design: The body of this full-size (41") guitar is cut away at the neck for better access and more comfortable playing of the top frets. It's also thinline (3" thick) which creates an unparalleled sound & aesthetic, and is lightweight for burdenless travel and playing.
Loaded with upgrades: On-board 4-band pickup/EQ (bass, mid-range, treble, and presence), two sets of upgraded phosphor bronze strings, and an ultra-glossy, tough-as-nails finish with chrome tuning pegs.
Complete kit: Bundle includes the Ashthorpe guitar, a soft nylon "gig bag" guitar case, thin, medium & heavy celluloid picks, on-board 4-band pickup EQ, guitar cable, a shoulder strap, an extra set of strings and an owner's manual.
Fine hardwood construction: Guitar is made from X-braced, A-grade Spruce wood, known for its resiliency and versatility and Basswood for warmth. Whether playing soft or loud, strumming or flatpicking, the guitar remains responsive and retains its tonal integrity.
Thinline cutaway design: The body of this full-size (41") guitar is cut away at the neck for better access and more comfortable playing of the top frets. It's also thinline (3" thick) which creates an unparalleled sound & aesthetic, and is lightweight for burdenless travel and playing.
Loaded with upgrades: On-board 4-band pickup/EQ (bass, mid-range, treble, and presence), two sets of upgraded phosphor bronze strings, and an ultra-glossy, tough-as-nails finish with chrome tuning pegs.
Complete kit: Bundle includes the Ashthorpe guitar, a soft nylon "gig bag" guitar case, thin, medium & heavy celluloid picks, on-board 4-band pickup EQ, guitar cable, a shoulder strap, an extra set of strings and an owner's manual.
Product information
| Item Weight | 8.28 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 3.5 x 16 x 41 inches |
| ASIN | B07FDML3FF |
| Item model number | 21637116 |
| Batteries | 1 9V batteries required. |
| Customer Reviews |
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars
4,114 ratings
4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,323 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #2 in Acoustic-Electric Guitars |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | December 6, 2018 |
| Back Material | Basswood |
| Body Material | Metal |
| Color Name | Natural |
| Fretboard Material | Basswood |
| Guitar Pickup Configuration | Combination |
| String Material | Phosphor Bronze |
| Top Material | spruce |
| Neck Material Type | Okoume Wood |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Guitar Bridge System | Adjustable |
| Battery type | Alkaline |
Top reviews from the United States
Will
Lots to love for an affordable price!
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2021
Will
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2021
First and foremost, this guitar is intended for a beginner to intermediate player on a budget looking for a thinline, parlor, or concertina style body. This particular model offers a 3" body with a 20 fret neck, similar in length to a dreadnaught.
The sound is great. It is bright and rich with full treble and midtones. The low end is a bit tempered but as good as any parlor and concertina body I have played. Honestly, the sound is the best feature of this guitar, I was blown away.
The guitar I recieved had 2/64 neck relief out of the box. The plastic nut was perfect. When playing strings on the first and second fret it was in perfect pitch when matched against a Snark Super Tight tuner.
The plastic saddle is slightly high for my taste, but to be expected on a guitar out of the box. Good manufacturers err to the high side and this one is as it should be from a good manufacturer. During my setup I only needed to take 3/64 off the saddle to get 4/64 string height at the low E and 5/64 string height at the high E when measured at the 12th fret. I play with low action so this isn't a necessity, only my taste. The guitar is definitely comfortable and playable out of the box.
The electronics function as expected and actually sound nice. I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised at the analog sound reproduction offered in this unknown kit.
The not so good: the tuners are sealed, unlocking, hollow shaft. That said, the function as they should and hold tune fairly well.
The ink/dye on the fret board bled over to the binding surrounding it (pictured). I was able to remove with some 600 wet/dry paper, which leads me to believe it is rosewood only in color, not in material, but again, this guitar plays and sounds great, so take it for what it is, not for what it isn't.
There was some fret sprout and one of the frets (11th) was noticably shorter than the others. I hit the edges with a drywall sanding sponge and smoothed out all the edges and it's hardly noticable now (pictured). This also served to remove any tooling marks left from manufacturing. Otherwise, the frets topside aren't very gritty and play well. A 30 minute play in and they good to go.
The finish on the body looks like the images in the listing and it's pretty good. The one area of notice was the finish on the back of the neck where there was a bit of orange peel in the clear finish (pictured). No big deal, but it was there until I rubbed it out with some 1200 wet/dry paper and polished back up with some compound.
Summary: I dressed the neck with a cheap inlay kit adding some flair and character to an otherwise unremarkable looking budget piece. Now it unmistakably mine and I'm very happy, even just looking at it. It plays fantastic and sounds amazing for this price point.
Overall, I'm very satisfied with the value this guitar offers and would recommend to anybody, as long as you know that you are getting some unusual material choices (I would identify them, but I have no idea). That said, they work well together, whatever they are.
I'm not a brand snob or a purist, otherwise I wouldn't have taken a chance on this. I just know value and sound, and this guitar checks both those boxes, punching well above its weight class. I would give it a fair sound comparison to intermediate Ibanez, Yamaha, Alvarez, or Breedlove acoustic sound quality (maybe others, but I'm familiar with these Asian mainline manufacturers).
To look at it, one might underestimate the potential this guitar offers, but don't. If your only looking to spend $120 on an acoustic/electric, choose this guitar. Don't even think about it, do it!
Images in this review
pberguy
A good value
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2023Honest citizen
What the f*#$ is this thing doing on here¿
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2024