Ashthorpe Acoustic-Electric Guitar Review Full-Size Dreadnought Cutaway Bundle with Premium Features

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A Closer Look at the Ashthorpe Full-Size Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Trying out the Ashthorpe Full-Size Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle was an experience I wasn’t entirely prepared for. As someone who’s dabbled with various guitars over the years, I was eager to test its versatility, sound quality, and overall usability. This guitar’s standout features and a few quirks made it a piece worth dissecting in detail.

Design and Build Quality

The guitar’s dreadnought cutaway design immediately caught my eye. It’s not just about aesthetics; the cutaway offers better access to the frets, making it easier to play higher notes. The 41-inch full-size body, combined with its 4.5-inch depth, makes for a robust structure while delivering a rich, full-bodied sound.

Crafted with A-grade spruce wood on the top and basswood for the back and sides, this guitar strikes a balance between resilience and warmth. I noticed how the spruce top gave it a bright, crisp tone, while the basswood added depth and richness, especially during fingerpicking sessions. The ultra-glossy finish, though aesthetically pleasing, did tend to pick up fingerprints rather easily.

Sound Quality and Performance

The sound projection on this guitar is remarkable. Whether I was strumming or flatpicking, the tonal integrity remained intact. The X-braced design ensures that the body remains responsive, regardless of the volume or playing style. The deep low-end tones of the dreadnought shape add a powerful presence, while the overall tone balance ensures it doesn’t sound muddy.

I also experimented with the onboard 4-band EQ, which features controls for bass, mid-range, treble, and presence. This allowed me to tweak the sound to my liking, especially when plugging into an amp. The EQ settings worked seamlessly, making it perfect for live performances or recording sessions. However, I did notice that the onboard preamp wasn’t the most advanced compared to pricier models, but for its range, it’s quite capable.

Key Benefits

• Rich tonal depth thanks to the combination of spruce and basswood.
• Cutaway design makes it easier to access higher frets without strain.
• Onboard 4-band EQ offers versatility for adjusting sound profiles.
• Comes with a complete bundle, including picks, a strap, an extra set of strings, and a gig bag.
• Chrome tuning pegs hold tuning well, even after extended play sessions.

Bad Points

• The glossy finish, while stunning, is prone to smudges and fingerprints.
• The onboard EQ, while functional, might not satisfy professional musicians seeking studio-grade quality.
• Basswood fretboard may not appeal to those accustomed to premium materials like rosewood.

Ease of Use and Accessories

Unboxing the guitar, I was pleasantly surprised by the complete bundle it comes with. The package includes a soft nylon gig bag, thin, medium, and heavy celluloid picks, a shoulder strap, an extra set of phosphor bronze strings, a guitar cable, and an owner’s manual. For someone starting out or even a more experienced guitarist, this is a solid kit to have.

The adjustable bridge system made setting up the guitar a breeze. I often struggle with string height on new guitars, but this one was easy to fine-tune. The phosphor bronze strings were a nice touch as well, offering bright and articulate sound right out of the box.

Drawbacks

• Gig bag lacks padding, so it’s not the most protective for travel.
• Lack of premium wood options like rosewood or mahogany for the fretboard.
• The included strap feels a bit flimsy, especially for prolonged use.

Competing Products

Comparing this guitar to competitors like the Yamaha FGX800C or Fender CD-60SCE, I noticed a few key differences. The Yamaha offers better projection and a more refined preamp system, making it a favorite for live gigs, but it’s also pricier. On the other hand, the Fender boasts a solid spruce top, which adds to its resonance, but it doesn’t provide as comprehensive a bundle as the Ashthorpe.

For beginners or intermediate players, the Ashthorpe stands out for its affordability, complete accessory kit, and versatile sound options. However, professionals looking for a richer tonal palette or advanced electronics might lean towards the Yamaha or Fender instead.

Worth Every Penny?

Without diving into exact pricing, I’d say this guitar offers great value for its price. The combination of premium tonewoods, a complete accessory kit, and functional onboard electronics makes it an appealing choice for aspiring musicians. While it might not compete directly with high-end acoustic-electric guitars, it’s a fantastic budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise heavily on quality.

For anyone looking to dip their toes into acoustic-electric guitars or even as a reliable backup instrument, the Ashthorpe Full-Size Dreadnought Cutaway strikes a solid balance between quality and affordability. Whether you’re jamming at home, performing live, or recording, it’s a dependable companion for most scenarios.

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