Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Review Best for Beginners and All Skill Levels

Description

Built for Style and Comfort: Design Overview

The Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar (Red-Black) caught my attention with its bold, iconic design. Its high-gloss red-black finish not only looks sharp but also makes it stand out compared to standard solid-colored guitars. The body is crafted from solid poplar wood, providing durability while maintaining a lightweight feel, which is a blessing during extended jam sessions. The contoured body shape felt surprisingly ergonomic, making it comfortable to hold whether I was practicing seated or standing with the included strap.

The slim maple neck with a C-shaped profile was another standout feature for me. I found it easy to navigate the fretboard, especially during faster solos or chord transitions. The mahogany fretboard, paired with 22 nickel frets, offered a smooth playing experience. These details make a difference, particularly for intermediate players like myself, though I imagine even beginners would appreciate the build quality.

Sound Performance and Versatility

What really surprised me was how versatile this guitar is. With its S-S-S pickup configuration (three single coils), the tonal range caters to multiple genres, from blues and rock to country. The 5-way selector switch gave me plenty of options to experiment with different sounds. Pair that with the two tone controls and one volume knob, and I was able to fine-tune my sound effortlessly.

Using the tremolo bar, I could add some flair to my playing, especially when I was experimenting with rock melodies. While the tremolo system worked well for most parts, I noticed that excessive use occasionally caused the strings to detune slightly. That said, the easy-tuning pegs made it simple to get back on track without much hassle.

Key Benefits

• Lightweight and durable poplar body for extended playing comfort.
• S-S-S pickup configuration offers a wide tonal range, suitable for various music genres.
• Tremolo bar adds dynamic flair to performances.
• C-shaped maple neck and mahogany fretboard provide a smooth playing experience.

Considering the Weaknesses

While I genuinely enjoyed using the guitar, there were a few pitfalls that came to light during testing:

• The strings provided in the kit felt slightly stiff, which might not sit well with beginners.
• The tremolo system could lead to minor detuning after extended use.
• The gig bag padding is decent but could be thicker for better protection during transport.

These are relatively minor issues, but they’re worth noting if you’re expecting premium features across the board.

Complete Beginner-Friendly Kit

One of the standout features of this guitar is the complete kit it comes with. The package includes a padded gig bag, shoulder strap, extra strings, cable, polishing cloth, and three picks. I found this especially useful because I didn’t have to hunt for additional accessories. The 15mm padding on the gig bag is sufficient for everyday use, though it’s not the most protective option out there if you’re traveling extensively or flying with your guitar.

The inclusion of extra strings is a thoughtful touch, as breaking strings during practice or performances is always a possibility. However, I’d recommend upgrading to higher-quality strings for better tone and playability over time.

Product Comparisons

In terms of competitors, one obvious rival that comes to mind is the Fender Squier Bullet Strat, which also caters to beginners and intermediate players. While the Squier is known for its classic tone and reliable build, the Ashthorpe guitar holds its own by offering a complete kit at a more budget-friendly price. The tremolo system on the Squier feels slightly more robust, but the Ashthorpe model’s poplar body and C-shaped neck are equally comfortable.

Another alternative is the Yamaha Pacifica 012, which is praised for its versatility and clean tones. It does, however, lack the included accessories that the Ashthorpe kit provides. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, the Ashthorpe guitar definitely has the edge.

Bang for the Buck

When it comes to price-to-quality ratio, this guitar really shines. It’s rare to find such a well-rounded product at this price point, especially one that includes a complete set of accessories. While it’s not perfect, the compromises are minimal considering the affordability. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your musical journey or an intermediate player wanting a reliable practice guitar, this is a budget-friendly option that delivers solid performance.

Overall, the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar is a fantastic starting point for anyone exploring electric guitars. It offers a combination of style, performance, and value that’s hard to beat in its category.

Additional information