Monoprice Cali Classic Electric Guitar Review Perfect for Beginners and Customization

Description

Ease of Use

Testing the Monoprice 610164 guitar, I was immediately impressed by how beginner-friendly it felt. The satin maple neck has this smooth, almost fast feel to it that really helped my fingers glide effortlessly across the fretboard. Being right-handed, the double-cutaway solid body design made accessing the higher frets a breeze, which is a godsend for soloing or playing those tricky chords. My nephew, who’s just started learning electric guitar, was also able to pick it up quickly without feeling overwhelmed. The light nickel strings contributed to easier fretting, reducing finger fatigue during longer practice sessions. For anyone new to electric guitars or even intermediate players, this model feels very approachable.

Ice Quality & Type

Alright, I know this heading sounds like it belongs to a review of an ice maker, but here it’s a nod to the clarity and “coolness” of the guitar’s tone. The Monoprice 610164 features three single-coil pickups (SSS configuration), which deliver a bright, crisp sound that really cuts through the mix. I experimented with the pickup selector, toggling between neck, middle, and bridge positions, and each setting had its own distinct character. The neck pickup gave me warm, mellow tones perfect for bluesy riffs, while the bridge pickup was sharp and biting, ideal for rock or funk. The middle position provided a balanced tone that worked well for rhythm playing. The tonal range is quite versatile for a guitar in this price bracket, though true tone junkies might eventually want to swap the pickups for something more premium.

Noise Levels

While jamming with the Monoprice 610164, I noticed it stays pretty quiet when not playing, which is a relief. Some single-coil guitars are notorious for humming or buzzing, especially under fluorescent lighting or near electronic devices, but this guitar kept the noise to a minimum. However, at higher gain settings with my amp, a faint hum sneaked in, which isn’t unexpected for single coils but worth mentioning for those sensitive to noise. My roommate, who’s an audio engineer, pointed out that this hum is typical and can be mitigated with noise gates or by upgrading pickups later on.

Features

The Monoprice Cali Classic Electric Guitar stands out with several beginner-friendly and modder-friendly features. It has 22 frets on a 25.5-inch scale length, which is industry standard and comfortable for most hand sizes. The basswood body keeps the guitar lightweight (around 10 ounces), making it easy to handle during long playing sessions. The rosewood fretboard has a nice, smooth texture that complements the satin maple neck. It offers a tremolo bridge system that adds expressive vibrato capabilities, although it’s not a locking tremolo – so tuning stability can be affected if you use it aggressively. The large open cavity is a clever design choice, allowing owners to swap pickups or pots without hassle, making this a playground for those wanting to customize or upgrade their tone. Plus, it even comes with a gig bag, which is a nice touch for beginners who need protection on the go.

Durability

After a few months of daily use, including some travel to friends’ houses and even a few outdoor jam sessions, the build quality of this solid body guitar has held up surprisingly well. The basswood body resists dings and scratches better than I initially expected, though it’s not invincible. The hardware, including the tuning pegs and bridge, has remained stable with no signs of rust or looseness. The maple neck hasn’t warped or developed any fret buzz, which speaks well for its construction considering the affordable price point. My only gripe is the plastic knobs—they feel a bit cheap and could potentially wear out faster than metal alternatives, but that’s a minor quibble in the grand scheme.

Warranty

The Monoprice guitar comes with a standard manufacturer warranty, which, in my experience, covers basic defects and malfunctions. I appreciated having this safety net because buying a budget instrument always carries some risk. The warranty process was straightforward when I contacted customer support with a question about setup. They were responsive and helpful, which added confidence to my purchase. It’s reassuring to know that if something major were to go wrong, Monoprice stands behind their gear.

Competitive Options

Placing the Monoprice 610164 against some well-known competitors like the Squier Stratocaster and Yamaha Pacifica, a few differences stand out. The Cali Classic’s biggest strength lies in its customization potential—the large open cavity makes upgrading pickups or electronics less intimidating than on the traditional models. While the Squier and Yamaha both boast slightly better factory hardware and arguably more refined tonal qualities, they usually come at a higher price. The Monoprice also edges out on weight, thanks to its basswood body, making it easier to handle for younger or smaller players. However, it falls a bit short in terms of brand prestige and resale value compared to these giants. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, modifiable guitar and don’t mind spending some time tweaking it, this one shines. For those wanting a plug-and-play experience with a polished finish, the alternatives might be more appealing.

Price Performance

Evaluating the price performance of this instrument, I find it offers excellent bang for the buck. The features packed into this budget-friendly electric guitar are impressive: a full 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, tremolo bridge, and a versatile SSS pickup setup at this price range is rare. The inclusion of a gig bag and access to one month of free online lessons through GuitarTricks.com sweetens the deal further. While it’s not competing with high-end models, it punches above its weight in delivering industry-standard specs. For beginners or hobbyists not ready to splurge, investing in this guitar feels like smart spending. Its affordability doesn’t mean you sacrifice too much in terms of playability or tone, making it an attractive option for those balancing quality and budget.

Ice Production Speed

Sorry to break the ice pun again, but this section is about how quickly you can get rocking with the Monoprice 610164. Out of the box, it was mostly set up well, needing just minor tweaks to the action and tuning. The light gauge strings helped speed up the break-in period, allowing me to start playing comfortably within minutes. I didn’t have to wait for long hours of string stretching or fret settling, which can sometimes be a hassle with new guitars. For beginners eager to start learning fast or gigging musicians needing a reliable backup, this quick readiness is a major plus.

Benefits

• Versatile SSS pickup configuration for a wide tonal palette
• Lightweight basswood body enhances comfort during extended playing
• Large open cavity design perfect for customization and upgrades
• Comes with a gig bag and free online guitar lessons for beginners

Drawbacks

• Plastic knobs feel cheap and may lack durability
• Tremolo bridge can affect tuning stability if used heavily
• Single-coil pickups introduce some hum at higher gain settings
• Not as polished or refined as higher-end competitor models

Features Recap

To dive deeper into the specs: The Monoprice Cali Classic boasts a 25.5-inch scale length, which is the norm for many Strat-style guitars, providing a familiar tension and feel. Its 22 frets give enough room for expressive lead playing, and the rosewood fretboard adds warmth to the tone. The three single-coil pickups cover everything from bluesy warmth to bright rock tones, and the tremolo bridge, while basic, allows for subtle pitch modulation. The basswood body keeps the weight manageable and adds a balanced tonal character that’s neither too bright nor too muddy. The satin neck finish aids fast playing, and the ambidextrous design means lefties can enjoy it too, even though this particular model is right-handed. Overall, the features blend well to support a versatile playing experience for beginners and intermediates alike.

Additional information