Leo Jaymz 39″ Electric Guitar Starter Kit Review with SSH Pickup and 5W Amp

Description

Aesthetic Appeal and Build Quality

The Leo Jaymz 39″ Full Size ST Style Electric Guitar Starter Kit caught my eye with its striking Violet Flame color. It’s one of those designs that immediately stands out, especially for someone like me who’s a sucker for visually appealing instruments. The poplar body has a solid feel, and the maple neck combined with the laurel fretboard gives it a premium touch. I appreciated the lightweight build, as it didn’t feel like I was lugging a brick around during long practice sessions. The C-shaped neck was exceptionally comfortable, making it easier to move up and down the fretboard without feeling strained.

However, while the guitar looks and feels great, I did notice that the paint finish seemed prone to minor scratches, especially after a few jam sessions. It’s not a deal-breaker but something to keep in mind if you’re planning to take this beauty on the road.

Versatile Sound Capabilities

One of the standout features of this electric guitar is the SSH pickup configuration paired with a 5-way switching system. I was genuinely impressed by the range of tones it could produce. From clean, soulful pops to gritty, distorted rock riffs, this guitar handled it all. The inclusion of the tremolo bridge system added an extra layer of fun, allowing me to experiment with bends and dives. It’s a great feature for anyone looking to dabble in different genres without switching instruments.

That being said, I felt the pickups could have been slightly more refined. The humbucker did a decent job at capturing those heavier tones, but the single coils occasionally lacked the crispness I expected. Still, for a beginner to intermediate player, it’s more than sufficient.

Portability and Amplification

The compact 5W portable amplifier included in the kit was surprisingly handy. Weighing just 0.8lb, it felt like carrying a small notebook. Despite its size, the amp delivered a decent punch, and the 6-hour battery life meant I could practice anywhere without worrying about an outlet. It’s perfect for casual jam sessions in the park or even small gatherings at home.

On the downside, the amp did struggle a bit with higher gain settings. If you’re someone who loves blasting out heavy metal tones, you might find the amp a bit limiting. But for practice and lighter genres, it does the job well.

Favorable Aspects

• Complete Starter Kit: The inclusion of a tuner, gig bag, strap, cable, and extra strings makes it ideal for beginners.
• Comfortable Design: The 25.5″ scale length and 14″ fingerboard radius make it easy to play for extended periods.
• Wide Range of Tones: Thanks to the SSH pickups and 5-way selector, it’s versatile enough for various music styles.
• Portable Amp: Lightweight with a decent battery life, it’s perfect for on-the-go practice.

Areas of Concern

• Pickup Performance: Single coils could be crisper, especially for clean tones.
• Finish Durability: The paint finish feels a bit delicate and prone to scratches.
• Amp Output: Struggles with higher gain settings, limiting its use for heavier genres.

Competing Products

Comparing this guitar to its competitors, such as the Squier Affinity Stratocaster Starter Pack, the Leo Jaymz kit holds its ground in terms of affordability and ease of use. The Squier might have a slight edge in pickup clarity and brand reputation, but it doesn’t come with the same range of accessories or the portability of the included amp. Another rival, the Yamaha Pacifica 012, boasts better tone consistency but lacks the visual appeal and bundled extras of this kit.

Where the Leo Jaymz guitar excels is its beginner-friendly nature and the thoughtful inclusion of accessories, making it a solid choice for new players. However, more advanced musicians might lean towards the competitors for slightly better sound engineering.

Value for Money

Given the features packed into this starter kit, I found it to be a bang-for-the-buck option. It’s an affordable entry point for anyone looking to start their electric guitar journey. While there are minor compromises, such as the amp’s limited power and pickup refinement, the overall package delivers good quality for its price range. Plus, the complete set of accessories eliminates the hassle of buying additional gear separately.

For those on a budget or just starting out, it’s hard to argue against the value this kit offers. It may not compete with higher-end models, but it provides a solid foundation for learning and experimenting with electric guitar playing.

Additional information