Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Review Best Solid Body Guitar Kit for Beginners
Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Review Best Solid Body Guitar Kit for Beginners
- Versatile S-S-S pickups allow you to tailor your sound across blues, rock, and country with ease using the 5-way selector switch.
- Solid poplar body delivers strong durability and impressive tone, wrapped in a sleek high-gloss finish that catches the eye.
- The fast, slim maple neck with C-shaped profile and mahogany fretboard make playing comfortable and responsive even during long sessions.
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Description
Noise Levels
Testing the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar (Red-Black), Item model number B08HVQJK4K, in my home studio, I was curious about its noise characteristics. Unlike some electric guitars that can be a bit noisy with buzzing or humming issues, this one stayed pretty quiet unless I cranked the amp up high. The single-coil S-S-S pickups do produce that classic hum, typical for this pickup configuration, but nothing unbearable. I noticed some slight background buzz in high-gain settings, which could bother perfectionists or those seeking ultra-clean tones, but for blues, rock, or country styles, it adds a bit of character. My teenage nephew loved jamming on it without waking the whole house, which says something about its manageable noise levels.
Ease of Use
I found the Ashthorpe electric guitar surprisingly user-friendly for both beginners and more experienced players. The fast, slim maple neck with a comfortable C-shaped profile makes chord transitions smooth, even for someone like me who isn’t a shredder. The tuning pegs held the strings firmly in place — no constant retuning required after long practice sessions. Switching between the three single-coil pickups with the 5-way selector is intuitive and responsive, allowing quick changes in tone without fumbling. The included tremolo bar added some fun, though I had to get used to it not being as smooth as higher-end models. My friend, new to guitar, appreciated the balanced action and light feel, which helped avoid finger fatigue during longer sessions.
Ice Quality & Type
Although ice quality is out of place here, speaking metaphorically about the tonal clarity of this guitar, the Ashthorpe delivers a crisp, articulate sound thanks to its S-S-S pickup configuration. The trio of single-coil pickups offers a bright, clear tonal palette that shines especially in clean and slightly overdriven settings. The maple neck combined with the poplar body and mahogany fretboard contributes to a well-rounded sound that can cover bluesy warmth to twangy country vibes. The 22 nickel frets felt smooth under my fingers, helping me hit every note with precision. The guitar’s solid poplar body might not be as resonant as some pricier woods like alder or ash, but it certainly holds its own tone-wise.
Features
Packed within the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar kit are all the essentials you need to start playing right away. This bundle includes the guitar itself, a padded gig bag that’s surprisingly sturdy for the price, a shoulder strap, extra strings, a cable, three celluloid picks, and a polishing cloth. The tremolo bar and adjustable bridge set offer some versatility for expressive playing. I particularly liked the three controls: two tone knobs and one volume knob, which worked well to tweak the sound on the fly. The high-gloss red and black finish gives it a classic rock vibe, turning heads even in casual jam sessions. The truss rod allows neck adjustments, which I found handy after a few weeks of use as the strings settled in.
Durability
After a couple of months of regular use, the Ashthorpe electric guitar has shown commendable durability. The poplar body and maple neck feel solid, with no signs of warping or cracking. The tuners have stayed tight, and the frets show minimal wear despite some aggressive playing sessions. I accidentally knocked it against a chair once during a late-night practice, but the high-gloss finish only picked up a minor scratch. The padded gig bag protects the instrument well during transport, which was reassuring when I took it to a friend’s place for a small gig. Overall, it’s clear that the build quality exceeds what you might expect at this price point, making it a reliable choice for daily jamming or beginner players.
Warranty
The warranty information that came with the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar (Red-Black), Item model number B08HVQJK4K, was fairly standard. It includes a limited warranty covering manufacturing defects for a reasonable period, which gave me peace of mind during initial use. Customer service responses were timely when I reached out with questions about setup and maintenance. While the warranty doesn’t cover wear and tear or accidental damage, the overall solid construction reduces the likelihood of needing repairs. It’s always wise to register the product and keep receipts handy, but I felt confident that any legitimate issues would be addressed without hassle.
Product Alternatives
Comparing this electric guitar to other beginner-friendly models like the Squier Stratocaster or Yamaha Pacifica, the Ashthorpe holds its own, especially in terms of affordability and included accessories. While the Squier offers a slightly more refined build and arguably better pickup tone, it often comes barebones without a full kit. The Yamaha Pacifica excels in versatility with its H-S-S pickup layout, but the Ashthorpe’s classic S-S-S setup is perfect for purists seeking that vintage vibe. The included gig bag and accessories give Ashthorpe an edge in value over some competitors who sell the guitar alone. However, in terms of neck smoothness and hardware quality, the Ashthorpe falls a bit short compared to higher-priced rivals, which is understandable given its budget-friendly positioning.
Price Performance
Evaluating the price performance of this guitar kit, it’s clear that you get a lot for what you pay. The complete package with the padded gig bag, strap, cable, picks, and extra strings makes it an excellent choice for beginners who want to avoid purchasing accessories separately. The guitar’s build quality and sound are impressive for the price range, offering genuine value without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a starter electric guitar that won’t feel like a toy but also won’t empty your wallet, this one fits the bill. Experienced players might see it as a budget backup or a travel guitar, but for novices and intermediate users, it’s a solid investment that delivers.
Ice Production Speed
Translating ice production speed to how quickly you can get this guitar performance-ready, it’s pretty swift. Out of the box, it took me less than 15 minutes to get it tuned and comfortable to play. The strings were pre-installed and didn’t require immediate replacement, which is a plus for those eager to start jamming. The adjustable bridge and truss rod allowed me to dial in the action quickly, while the included cable meant I could plug right into my amp without scrambling for gear. This rapid setup makes it ideal for learners who want to avoid lengthy rigging times or complicated assembly.
Upsides
- Complete starter kit with all necessary accessories included
- Classic S-S-S pickup configuration offers versatile tones
- Comfortable maple neck with smooth mahogany fretboard
- Solid poplar body with eye-catching red-black finish
Limitations
- Single-coil pickups produce some noticeable hum under high gain
- Tremolo bar movement felt a bit stiff compared to premium models
- Poplar wood body may lack the resonance of higher-end tonewoods
- Slightly less refined hardware and tuners than more expensive guitars
The Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar kit provides a balanced mix of quality, playability, and affordability. Whether you’re just starting out or need a reliable backup guitar, it’s an option worth considering with its complete accessory package and classic design.
Additional information
Item Weight | 7.3 pounds |
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Product Dimensions | 2.5 x 2.5 x 39 inches |
Country of Origin | China |
Item model number | 21701983 |
Date First Available | September 11, 2020 |
Back Material | Poplar |
Body Material | Poplar |
Color Name | Red-Black |
Fretboard Material | Mahogany Wood |
Guitar Pickup Configuration | S-S-S |
String Material | Alloy Steel |
Top Material | Poplar Wood |
Neck Material Type | Maple |
Number of Strings | 6 |
Guitar Bridge System | Tremolo |