Smartxchoices 30 Inch Electric Guitar Review Ideal for Kids and Beginners

Description

Introduction to the Smartxchoices Electric Guitar Starter Kit

Testing the Smartxchoices 30-Inch Electric Guitar Starter Kit was an intriguing experience, especially since it’s designed specifically for kids and beginners. As someone who’s dabbled in music for years, I’ve seen all sorts of starter kits, but this one immediately caught my attention. With a compact 30-inch scale and a solid wood body, it’s clearly designed with smaller hands in mind. I tested this product thoroughly, and while it had a lot to offer, there were also some quirks worth highlighting.

Design and Build Quality

The design of this guitar is undeniably eye-catching. The polished blue finish is vibrant and stands out brilliantly, especially against the light wood neck. Its hardwood body gives it a sturdy feel, and the rosewood fretboard adds a touch of elegance. Despite being lightweight, the construction doesn’t feel cheap, which is impressive for a beginner’s kit. The chrome diecast machine heads are a nice touch, ensuring durability while also maintaining tuning stability.

One aspect I appreciated was the smaller size. The 30-inch scale makes it incredibly easy for kids to handle, and the guitar’s dimensions—30 x 10.4 x 3.6 inches—are perfect for younger players. That said, the lightweight design didn’t compromise on its overall sturdiness, making it a solid choice for children just starting their musical journey.

Performance and Sound Quality

Considering its price point, the sound quality exceeded my expectations. The guitar uses passive electronics, which deliver a rich and full sound. While it’s not going to rival professional-grade instruments, it does hold its own as a beginner guitar. The included 5-watt mini amp is compact and portable, offering basic controls for volume, bass, and treble adjustment. While testing, I found the amp sufficient for practice sessions, but don’t expect booming sound quality—it’s more about convenience here.

One notable feature is the headphone output on the amp. This is a blessing for parents who don’t want to hear endless practice sessions. The amp can also clip onto clothing for easy portability, which is a thoughtful design choice. However, remember to grab a 9V battery, as it’s not included with the kit.

Ease of Use for Beginners

For kids or complete beginners, this guitar kit is fantastic. The strings are easy to press down, which is essential for young players who might struggle with harder setups. The included picks, strap, and cable mean you can start playing right away. I particularly liked the inclusion of an additional string set—broken strings won’t halt progress.

The nylon guitar case is another useful feature, making storage and transport easy. However, tuning stability can be a minor issue, especially in areas with fluctuating temperatures or humidity. I noticed that the guitar needed frequent adjustments, so having a tuner handy (or downloading a tuning app) is highly recommended.

Key Benefits

• Compact and kid-friendly design, perfect for small hands.
• The polished blue finish is visually stunning and unique.
• Includes a full starter kit with picks, strap, spare strings, and a mini amp.
• Lightweight for portability but still feels durable.
• Headphone output on the amp is a thoughtful addition for quiet practice.

Areas of Concern

• The tuning can be a bit inconsistent, especially in areas with humidity or temperature changes.
• The mini amp’s sound quality is adequate for beginners but may fall short for more serious players.
• The kit doesn’t include a 9V battery, which is required for the amp.
• While the strings are beginner-friendly, they might feel too light for those transitioning to larger guitars later.

Competing Products

Comparing this guitar to other starter kits like the Squier Mini Strat or the Yamaha JR1, a few clear distinctions emerged. This guitar is smaller and more lightweight than the Squier Mini Strat, making it better suited for younger children. However, the Mini Strat offers a slightly more refined sound quality, which might appeal to older beginners.

The Yamaha JR1, on the other hand, is an acoustic option, so it doesn’t include an amp or any electric features. If you’re looking for an all-in-one electric setup, the Smartxchoices kit is the better option. That said, Yamaha’s JR1 does have a sturdier build and a more consistent tone.

Value for Money

The kit offers excellent value for beginners. It’s packed with everything needed to start playing, from the guitar to the amp to the spare strings. While it’s not a high-end product, it’s more than sufficient for someone just exploring their interest in music. The affordable price point makes it a great gift or first instrument, without the worry of investing heavily in something that might not get long-term use. For its features, it’s certainly worth every penny.

Testing this guitar was a fun experience. It’s clear that Smartxchoices designed this instrument with beginners in mind, and while there are some areas for improvement, the kit delivers on its promise of being a complete starter package. Whether it’s for your child, a relative, or even yourself as a beginner, this is a solid entry point into the world of electric guitars.

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