Ashthorpe Acoustic Guitar 38 Inch Beginner Kit Full Review and Sound Test

Description

Ease of Use

I’ve spent several weeks with the Ashthorpe 21695068, the 38-inch beginner acoustic guitar package in blue, and its ease of use stands out for newcomers. The guitar’s 38-inch size is well-suited for students and teens just starting their musical journey. Its slim neck and lightweight body—only about 2.8 pounds—make it comfortable to hold during extended practice sessions. Even my niece, who’s only 12, managed to keep her fingers on the frets without much strain. The included instructional sheet is a nice touch, providing simple guidance that helped me and her get started without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, the digital tuner and pitch pipe included in the kit made tuning quick and straightforward, which is a blessing for beginners still developing their ear.

Ice Quality & Type (Reinterpreted as Sound Quality & Tone)

The sound quality of this entry-level acoustic guitar truly impressed me. Crafted from laminated basswood for the top, back, and sides, the guitar delivers a warm and versatile tone that fits a variety of musical styles. Whether strumming softly or playing more aggressively, the guitar maintains a bright, clear sound with good projection. I noticed that the alloy steel strings contribute to a slightly sharper tone compared to nylon strings, which might be preferable for rock or pop beginners. The 18 smooth frets help with precise finger placement, enhancing note clarity. Friends who swung by for a jam session commented on its surprisingly rich sound for such a budget-friendly model.

Noise Levels

For an acoustic guitar, noise level isn’t usually a concern, but the Ashthorpe 21695068 is quiet in the sense that it doesn’t produce any unwanted rattles or buzzes when played properly. The fixed bridge system helps maintain string stability, reducing buzzing that plagues some beginner guitars. I did notice some minor fret buzz when pressing strings too lightly, but this is common in starter models and easy to fix with a little practice or a quick setup adjustment. The included extra set of steel strings also lets you swap out old strings to maintain a crisp sound, which I appreciated after a few weeks of heavy playing.

Features

This package is packed with everything a new player could want. Besides the 38-inch acoustic guitar itself, the kit includes a nylon gig bag, three assorted picks, a shoulder strap, a digital tuner powered by a CR2 lithium battery (included), a pitch pipe, an extra set of steel strings, and an instructional sheet. The basswood construction throughout (top, back, sides, fretboard, and neck) balances durability with a light feel. The high-gloss finish gives it that classic look while protecting the wood. I found the shoulder strap useful for standing practice, and the gig bag is surprisingly sturdy, protecting the guitar during my daily commute to lessons. The digital tuner’s display is bright and easy to read, even in low light.

Durability

Over the course of my daily use, the Ashthorpe 21695068 has held up well. The laminated basswood body resists scratches and dents better than I expected for a beginner guitar. Kids tend to be rougher with their gear, and yet the guitar’s finish still looks fresh. The steel strings lasted through multiple sessions before I needed to replace them, thanks to the included spare set. The neck remained straight with no warping, which is a common issue in cheaper guitars. I would say this model is built to last through early learning phases, but heavy-handed players might eventually want to upgrade. My sister’s friend, a casual player, found the guitar reliable for casual use and easy to maintain.

Warranty

Ashthorpe backs this 21695068 beginner guitar kit with a standard warranty, which covers manufacturing defects for a reasonable period. While the warranty isn’t as extensive as some high-end brands, it provides peace of mind for first-time buyers. I reached out to customer support with a minor issue regarding the tuner, and the response was prompt and helpful. This level of service is encouraging for beginners who might be unfamiliar with guitar maintenance or troubleshooting.

Alternative Products

Comparing this starter kit to other popular options like the Yamaha JR1 or Fender’s FA-115, the Ashthorpe 21695068 holds its own in several ways. Its complete package with extras such as the pitch pipe and extra strings gives newcomers more value out of the box. Yamaha’s reputation for quality is strong, but their kits often come at a slightly higher price with fewer accessories included. Fender’s beginner guitars have a distinctive tone and slightly better build quality, yet the Ashthorpe’s laminated basswood construction makes it lightweight and easier for smaller hands. One downside in comparison is that some competitors offer cutaway bodies for easier upper fret access, which Ashthorpe lacks. Still, for pure starter value and ease of use, this guitar package is a solid contender.

Price Performance

Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of this guitar kit, I find it to be a budget-friendly yet quality-packed choice. It doesn’t break the bank but provides a comprehensive set of tools to get started playing right away. The inclusion of a tuner, extra strings, and instructional materials means fewer extra purchases are necessary. In my experience, investing in a complete starter kit like this can prevent frustration and save money in the long run. Compared to spending on a basic guitar alone and buying accessories separately, this package offers excellent financial value for beginners and casual players alike.

Strengths

• Complete starter kit including tuner, picks, strap, and gig bag
• Lightweight and comfortable 38-inch size ideal for teens and beginners
• Warm, bright tone thanks to laminated basswood body and steel strings
• Durable build with high-gloss finish that withstands daily use

Drawbacks

• Lacks cutaway design for easier upper fret access
• Some minor fret buzz experienced without proper setup
• Basswood tonewood doesn’t match the richness of solid wood guitars
• Warranty coverage is basic compared to premium brands

Features I’ve Tested

Testing all the features personally, I found the digital tuner to be a standout. It’s easy to operate and accurate, making tuning a breeze even for someone with no ear for pitch. The pitch pipe is a neat backup, especially useful if the battery dies or you want to develop your ear. The strap fit securely and was adjustable enough for my height, which meant I could practice standing without discomfort. Changing strings was straightforward with the extra set included, and the instructional sheet covered the basics well without overwhelming me. The 18 frets allowed me to explore a decent range of notes for beginners, and the fixed bridge maintained string tension nicely.

Personal Experience

My own journey with this guitar was accompanied by my niece’s excitement as she took it for her first lessons. Watching her fingers find their way around the fretboard was rewarding, and the guitar’s manageable size helped build her confidence. Friends who dropped by for impromptu jam sessions praised the guitar’s sound and ease of play. I’ll admit, the guitar isn’t perfect for advanced players or those seeking professional tone, but for learning chords, strumming patterns, and basic melodies, it’s a fantastic starting point. The included accessories kept us from scrambling to buy extra gear, which often happens with beginner setups.

This Ashthorpe 21695068 38-inch beginner acoustic guitar package proved to be a reliable companion in my musical exploration, blending thoughtful features with user-friendly design in a budget-conscious bundle.

Additional information