Ashthorpe30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Red), Basic Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Strings, Strap, Tuner, Picks

I have to say that I am impressed. While I must admit that I'm a beginner at guitar (I'm a former drummer that can no longer play due to health issues), I learned a lot about guitars from an old band mate. This beginner guitar sounds nice, and is of a better size for me to learn on. I have an old acoustic, but the body is far too large for me.This guitar arrived a little over an hour ago. No nicks, dings, or cracks on it. Checked the screws on the tuning machines, everything was good. Since the headstock is more of a classical style than a regular acoustic, I took off the steel strings that came on the guitar and replaced them with classical strings (nylon - medium tension). While it's going to take at least a few days for the nylon strings to stretch out enough before they stay in tune, I did get it tuned up for a bit and played a few chords. The guitar sounds wonderful, with a good bit of volume. I think I'll enjoy learning on this guitar.If you decide to get this guitar and go with nylon strings (which you should), unless you go with 'ball end' strings, you might have to look up how to 'tie' the nylon strings onto the guitar, as some nylon strings that you can get will not come with a ball end. I had helped do this on a guitar decades ago, but needed a refresher course, and found the information online easily enough.The reason I say you should use nylon strings is because they require less tension than the normal steel strings. Since this guitar does *not* have a truss rod, you want to go with strings that do not need as much tension. Using steel strings can cause problems with the bridge piece (breaking or coming off), the neck (warping), and the tuning pegs. You might be able to get away with using light or super light tension steel strings, but that's your choice. I'm sticking with the nylon strings. They bring out the sound that I want from this guitar. They're also easier to learn with as a beginner, as they don't hurt your fingertips as much. Yes, it will take longer to build up the callouses on the fingertips, but hey...less pain when learning can be a good thing.But again, for an inexpensive guitar, this one is a good deal. As with any instrument, if you're not sure if you, or the person you get it for, are going to maintain interest in learning the instrument...going with an inexpensive instrument like this is always the best idea.As for the other bits that come in this package...the picks are good, the case is good enough to keep dust off the guitar, the strap is not all that great, and the tuner is pretty much garbage because the battery cover does not want to stay on (I have another one just like it, and it has the same problem), and the pitch pipe is 'meh'. The main thing you want in this package is the guitar. Just get some better strings, a good tuner (I have a 'Snark' that wasn't expensive), and a decent guitar strap...and you're set.

It was just what we wanted and needed for my beginning granddaughters journey with the guitar, it perfect and was able to tune and do what she needed on her on with the beginning guitar book we also purchased, well worth the money, good sturdy product!!

Bought this for my daughter. She is taking music classes and thought this would be a good starting instrument. The bead that holds the string just fell off. We take good care of it and is only used when practicing or in class. Didn’t want to buy something super expensive since she’s barely getting the hang of it but do remember you get what you pay for. Contacted the seller and they were very helpful agreed to replacing it as long as they can inspect it and see if it’s a manufacturing problem, but I do not have the time to ship and wait for them to return due to her having class every week. So just going to try to fix it my self and hope for the best. The case is also cheaply made. Gets stuck every time I go to zip it up. But other than that she has really enjoyed it and it is a beautiful guitar.

I don't have much to compare it to because it's my son's first guitar, and he is just learning to play but it's good for beginners. Overall, the guitar is made nicely.

Excellent starter guitar, made beautiful. No complaints on guitar or manufacturers but delivery through fed ex is awful. It came 4 days late, couldn’t track it and fed ex had no answers when called.

For the Price this is a Great Beginner's Guitar. The case is not much a thin pock type cover. but... who cares. You can always buy one in the future.. The action is a bit high, but again for the price I see no issues. No it does not compare to my $2k Martin guitar. but for a starter guitar.. yes! I will buy another for my daughter. if something happens.. it will be easy and low cost to replace. Comes with a simple, easy to use turner and extra strings.

Overall a great value of items. But yes they are for kids. The strings do not seem to hold tune for very long and the tuner was hard to figure out

Lost 1 star for the strings. But with new strings, it's a good value [with new strings] and sounds much better than expected!STRINGS - For about $10, change the strings over to Nylon strings: 1) A child will not enjoy trying to hold down steel strings (ouch!). They require finger strength and it takes quite a while to develop callouses on the fingertips. 2) Decent strings significantly improved the sound quality! Now it sounds like music. 3) Nylon strings put less pressure on the saddle, which a few reviews mentioned pulling loose. 4) The tuning mechanism is the type found on a classical guitar, which has nylon strings so it's also appropriate for the design. - The local guitar shop recommended the ones pictured - ball ends and soft for young hands. You do not need special strings for a 1/4 size (30") guitar. With the new strings, it tuned easily and sounded very nice, especially for such an inexpensive guitar. As shipped, it would only frustrate a child but for an extra $10 for new strings, I am happy to give my 6 yr old granddaughter her own guitar.PLAYING - There are no fret marks. I used a paint pen to add dots at the correct frets along the edge of the fingerboard.FINISH- Fret marks are missing so I added appropriate dots on the side of the neck with a paint pen. Under bright light, the black finish has flaws, but a child won't notice or care. I barely noticed.TUNER - Very nice. It's accurate and easy to use without an adult or app. and new strings need to be tuned a LOT for the first couple of weeks.PICKS - Why? The guitar doesn't even have a pickguard and it's a skill that will come after a child will outgrow this guitar. But, kids will enjoy them.