Pyle Acoustic Electric Guitar PGA500BR review exploring sound, design, and beginner-friendly features

Description

Aesthetic Appeal and Build Quality

The Pyle Electro Resophonic Acoustic Electric Guitar Set (PGA500BR) caught my eye immediately with its stunning Orange Burst finish. It’s not just a guitar; it’s a piece of art that would look amazing on any stage or even just hanging on a wall. The combination of spruce and mahogany plywood with white ABS binding gives it a classic yet vibrant aesthetic. I noticed the high-gloss polished deep cherry-stained body and back, which not only looks premium but also feels smooth to the touch. The dual circular sound holes are a nice touch and add to the traditional resonator style. While the guitar is visually striking, it’s also well-balanced in weight, coming in at just 8 pounds, making it easy to handle during long sessions.

Performance and Playability

Playing this resonator guitar was an enjoyable experience. The built-in preamplifier with controls for volume, treble, mid, and bass made it incredibly versatile. Whether I plugged it into an amp for a small performance or played acoustically in my living room, it delivered a consistent and warm tone. The bronze wound strings with a steel core produce a sound that is both rich and vibrant. I particularly loved how the 24.8-inch scale length and 21 frets allowed for smooth transitions across the fretboard. While it’s marketed as beginner-friendly, I think even seasoned players would appreciate its sophisticated sound dynamics.

However, I did find the diecast chrome tuning pegs to be a bit stiff initially. After a few uses, they loosened up, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Accessories That Add Value

Unboxing this guitar set felt like opening a treasure chest. Along with the guitar, you get a durable gig bag, six spare strings, three ABS picks, and a detachable nylon shoulder strap. These extras make it a great starter pack, especially for someone just stepping into the world of guitars. The travel/storage gig bag is surprisingly sturdy and protected the guitar well when I took it to a friend’s house for a jam session. The spare strings came in handy after a minor mishap with the high E string during tuning.

Pluses

• Striking aesthetic with the high-gloss Orange Burst finish.
• Versatile built-in preamplifier for both acoustic and electric play.
• Comfortable and lightweight at 8 pounds, ideal for extended use.
• Complete set of accessories, including picks, spare strings, and a gig bag.

Critiques

• Tuning pegs felt stiff at first, requiring some breaking in.
• The nylon shoulder strap could be padded more for additional comfort.

Good Points

The traditional resonator design is what makes this guitar stand out in a sea of standard acoustics. It’s perfect for genres like blues, country, or even some rock. The dual sound holes enhance projection and deliver a full-bodied resonance that’s hard to ignore. I also appreciated the handcrafted wooden construction, which adds a touch of authenticity and quality to the instrument.

• Resonance is warm and vibrant, with a distinct character.
• Easy to tune, thanks to the intuitive diecast chrome tuning pegs.
• 21 frets allow for a wide range of playability across genres.

Areas for Improvement

While the guitar performs well overall, there are a couple of minor flaws.

• The preamplifier controls can feel slightly cramped, making it tricky to adjust on the fly.
• It may not cater to those looking for a more modern or experimental sound.

Competitive Options

Comparing this resonator guitar to other models, I found that it holds its own against Gretsch G9200 Boxcar Resonator and Dean Thinbody Cutaway Resonator. The Gretsch offers a slightly more vintage aesthetic and a deeper resonance but lacks the built-in preamplifier that makes the Pyle so versatile. On the other hand, the Dean model is sleeker and lighter but comes at a higher price point without necessarily outperforming in sound quality. The Pyle strikes a balance between affordability, playability, and features, making it a solid choice for both beginners and intermediate players.

Bang for the Buck

In terms of price performance, this guitar is an absolute steal. While other resonator guitars in its class may offer slightly better finishes or finer details, they often come at a much higher cost. The fact that this guitar comes as a complete set with useful accessories makes it an excellent value proposition. Whether you’re a beginner looking to invest in your first instrument or an intermediate player wanting to add a resonator to your collection, it’s hard to argue against the quality for price this guitar delivers.

I’d recommend it to anyone who needs a versatile, beautifully crafted guitar that doesn’t break the bank.

Additional information