Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit Review: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Powerhouse for Beginners?

I remember the first time I picked up an electric guitar. It was a borrowed, beat-up instrument with strings so high off the fretboard they felt like cheese cutters. For a beginner, that kind of experience is a motivation killer. Whether you are a parent looking for a holiday gift for a child or an adult finally chasing that rock-and-roll dream, the barrier to entry has always been the same: finding an instrument that is affordable enough to justify the investment but high-quality enough to actually be playable. We have seen far too many “department store” guitars that look the part but fail to stay in tune for more than five minutes. This is precisely why we decided to put the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit through its paces. Solving the “quality vs. cost” dilemma is crucial because a poorly made guitar doesn’t just sound bad—it actively prevents a student from learning proper technique and can lead to them quitting altogether. If you’re looking to jump into the world of music without breaking the bank, you can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand why this kit is making waves.

What to Consider Before Buying a Solid Body Electric Guitar

A Solid Body Electric Guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for anyone looking to explore the vast landscapes of modern music, from the crunchy riffs of rock to the smooth licks of country. Unlike hollow-body guitars, solid-body instruments like the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit are designed to minimize feedback, allowing you to crank up the volume and use various effects pedals without the instrument howling back at you. They offer a level of durability and sustain that is essential for both practice and performance. By choosing a solid body, you are investing in a versatile tool that can adapt to almost any genre by simply tweaking the knobs on your amplifier.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daunting task of starting from scratch—someone who needs a “plug-and-play” solution that includes everything from the strap to the gig bag. It is also an excellent choice for hobbyists who enjoy modding or “upgrading” cheaper guitars as a project. However, it might not be suitable for professional touring musicians who require high-end hardware and boutique electronics that can withstand rigorous, nightly stage use. Those users might consider high-end American-made models that cost ten times the price.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A full-size 39-inch guitar is standard for adults and teenagers. While younger children might struggle with the reach, most 11 or 12-year-olds can handle a full-size body comfortably. Ensure you have a dedicated spot for a stand, as keeping the guitar out and accessible is the best way to ensure you actually practice.
• Capacity & Performance: Look at the pickup configuration. The S-S-S (three single-coil pickups) setup found on the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit is legendary for its “quack” and bright, clear tones. It provides five different tonal positions, giving the player a wide palette of sounds to experiment with right out of the box.
• Materials & Durability: The choice of tonewoods matters. A poplar body provides a balanced weight and decent resonance, while a maple neck offers the stability needed to keep the guitar straight under string tension. We always look for a neck that feels “fast” and slim, as this makes complex chords much easier to grip for small hands.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Every electric guitar requires a bit of “setup.” This includes adjusting the bridge and occasionally the truss rod. For a beginner, a guitar that arrives nearly ready to play is a massive plus. You should also look for a kit that includes a polishing cloth and extra strings, as maintenance is key to long-term instrument health.

Understanding these factors will help you determine if a budget-friendly bundle is the right path for your musical journey. While the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit

When the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit arrived at our studio, we were immediately struck by the aesthetic. The Red-Black finish is a classic “sunburst” style that looks far more expensive than the price tag suggests. The high-gloss finish on the poplar body is deep and vibrant, though we did notice a few minor cosmetic marks on the pickguard, a common find in mass-produced kits. Upon unboxing, we were pleased to find the gig bag was of surprisingly high quality; it’s padded, which is a rarity at this price point where most manufacturers provide a thin “dust cover” nylon bag.

Handling the guitar for the first time, the weight felt “just right” at approximately 7.3 pounds. It has a solid, reassuring heft without being a “back-breaker” during long practice sessions. The neck, made of maple with a mahogany fretboard, has a slim profile that feels comfortable for both thumb-over and traditional playing styles. We did encounter some minor “fret sprout”—where the edges of the frets feel slightly sharp—but this is a typical occurrence as wood acclimates to different humidity levels. Overall, the initial build quality surpassed our expectations for a value-tier instrument, and you can check the latest price and availability to see how it fits your budget.

A Deep Dive into the Performance of the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit

Build Quality and Aesthetic Appeal

In our evaluation, the first thing we look at is the structural integrity of the instrument. The Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit utilizes a solid poplar body. Poplar is a fantastic choice for this price range; it is a resonant hardwood that provides a balanced tone without the extreme weight of mahogany or the high cost of alder. We found the contoured body to be very ergonomic, sitting comfortably against the ribs whether playing seated or standing. The high-gloss finish is applied evenly, and the transition of the red-to-black burst is smooth and visually striking. We’ve seen many budget guitars with “cloudy” finishes, but this one remains clear and reflective.

One detail we noticed—and this was confirmed by several users in their feedback—is the attention to the “extras.” The bridge is a standard tremolo system, allowing for subtle pitch bends. While it isn’t designed for heavy “dive bombs” like a Floyd Rose, it adds a layer of expression that beginners will love exploring. We found that after a 48-hour acclimation period, the wood stabilized well. As one user mentioned, the finish is “beautiful,” and we agree that it stands out in a crowded market of plain black or white starter guitars. For those concerned about aesthetics, this guitar definitely punches above its weight class.

Neck Playability and the Learning Curve

The neck of a guitar is where the music happens, and if it feels wrong, the player won’t want to pick it up. The Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit features a maple neck with a mahogany fretboard. This combination is a bit unique, as many budget guitars use synthetic materials. We found the “fast and slim” description to be accurate. The C-shaped profile fits naturally in the hand, making it easier to reach across all six strings. This is a critical benefit for students who are just developing the hand strength required for barre chords.

However, we must address the playability out of the box. Like many instruments in this category, we found the “action” (the height of the strings) to be a bit high from the factory. While it is playable, we recommend a quick adjustment of the bridge saddles to lower the strings, which makes the guitar significantly “easier to play” than even some $2,000 instruments we’ve tested. We also noted the “fret sprout” mentioned by other users. This isn’t a dealbreaker; a few minutes with a fine-grit sanding block can smooth those edges right down. If you’re willing to put in a tiny bit of “elbow grease” or watch a YouTube tutorial on basic setup, this neck becomes a joy to play. You can find more details on the neck specifications here.

Tonal Versatility and Electronics

Sound is subjective, but for a beginner guitar, versatility is the name of the game. The Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit is equipped with three single-coil pickups (S-S-S) and a 5-way selector switch. In our testing, position 4 (neck and middle) produced a wonderful, warm “bluesy” tone that was perfect for clean melodies. Position 1 (bridge) has that classic “treble bite” needed for rock and roll. We did experience a slight 60-cycle hum in positions 1, 3, and 5, which is an inherent characteristic of single-coil pickups and not a defect of this specific guitar. It’s actually a great teaching moment for new players to learn about how pickups work.

We plugged the guitar into a variety of amplifiers and were impressed by the clarity. It doesn’t sound “muddy” or muffled. Even through a small practice amp, the distinct character of the pickups comes through. For styles ranging from country to classic rock, this setup is more than adequate. One user noted they used this specific model to build a replica of a famous musician’s guitar, which speaks to the quality of the “bones” of this instrument. Whether you’re learning your first scales or experimenting with distortion, the electronics here provide a solid foundation. If you want to hear more about the sound profiles, you can explore the technical specs for the S-S-S configuration.

The All-In-One Accessory Experience

The value of the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit isn’t just in the guitar itself, but in the thoughtfully curated bundle. When you’re starting out, the hidden costs of a strap, cable, and bag can quickly add up. We were particularly impressed with the padded gig bag. Most kits include a “bag” that is essentially a thin piece of plastic; the Ashthorpe bag actually offers some protection against bumps and scratches. The included tremolo bar, extra strings, and picks mean that a student can truly start playing the moment they open the box.

We did find that the factory strings are functional but a bit stiff. We agree with the user recommendation to eventually swap them out for a set of high-quality nickel-wound strings to improve the tone and “feel” under the fingers. However, as a total package, it solves the problem of “what else do I need to buy?” This convenience factor is a major reason why we recommend this kit for parents. It’s a one-stop-shop that ensures the recipient has every tool they need to succeed from day one. To see everything included in the box, view the full contents of the kit here.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment among users is overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the “bang for the buck.” Many parents highlighted that it was the “absolutely perfect gift” for their children, noting that it didn’t feel like a toy. One user, who identifies as a guitar tech, mentioned that they buy these guitars specifically to “put a little time and skill in” and then donate them to music academies because the core components are so solid. This confirms our expert finding that the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit is a high-quality platform that can be made into a “great instrument” with just a bit of tuning.

On the flip side, some users did report issues with shipping damage, such as “trashed boxes” and minor cosmetic scratches upon arrival. While replacements were sent quickly, it’s a point of consideration. Another common critique was the tuning stability. As one user noted, it “struggles to stay tuned,” though they hoped tightening the hardware would fix it. In our experience, new strings always take a few days to stretch out, and tightening the tuning peg screws usually solves this “looseness.” These critiques are relevant because they remind buyers that a budget guitar may require a bit of initial maintenance to reach its full potential.

How the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit Compares to Alternatives

Choosing the right guitar often means looking at how it compares to the giants of the industry. Here is how the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit stacks up against three popular alternatives.

1. Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack Vintage Sunburst

The Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack is the “heavy hitter” in the beginner market. Unlike the Ashthorpe’s single-coil setup, the Les Paul features humbucking pickups. These offer a thicker, darker sound with much less “hum,” making it a preferred choice for those who strictly want to play heavy metal or hard rock. However, the Epiphone is typically significantly more expensive. While you are paying for the “brand name” and the hum-canceling pickups, the Ashthorpe provides a very similar level of build quality for a much lower entry price. If you prefer a “chunkier” neck and a heavier body, the Epiphone is the way to go; but for sheer value and a “bright” tone, the Ashthorpe wins.

2. enya Inspire 39′ Smart Electric Guitar with Speaker

The Enya Inspire is a completely different beast, aimed at the “tech-forward” musician. It features a carbon fiber construction and a built-in speaker with onboard effects. This is a fantastic choice for someone who wants to play in the park without an amp or who loves digital presets. However, it lacks the classic, organic feel of the poplar and maple construction found in the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit. The Enya is a “smart” instrument, but for a student who wants to learn the traditional mechanics of an electric guitar—including how to use real pedals and amps—the Ashthorpe offers a more authentic “old school” learning experience.

3. Yamaha Pacifica PAC012DLX Electric Guitar

The Yamaha Pacifica is widely considered the gold standard for entry-level guitars. Its craftsmanship is legendary for being consistent right out of the box. It often features an H-S-S pickup configuration (one humbucker, two single coils), providing the best of both worlds. However, the Pacifica is usually sold as a “standalone” guitar, meaning you would still need to purchase a bag, strap, and cable separately, which can drive the total cost much higher than the Ashthorpe bundle. If you have a larger budget and don’t mind buying accessories separately, the Yamaha is a step up in refinement. But if you need a “complete world” in one box for a hard budget, the Ashthorpe remains the champion of value.

The Final Verdict: Is the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit Right for You?

After a thorough evaluation, we can confidently say that the Ashthorpe 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit is one of the most impressive entry-level bundles we have tested. Its strengths lie in its beautiful aesthetics, the surprisingly high quality of the included padded gig bag, and a neck profile that is genuinely inviting for new players. While it does have the typical “growing pains” of a budget instrument—such as the need for a minor setup and the standard single-coil hum—these are easily managed and do not detract from the instrument’s overall utility. It is an ideal starting point for children, teenagers, and budget-conscious adults who want a “real” guitar that can grow with them.

In summary, if you are looking for a complete, stylish, and functional setup that won’t empty your savings, this kit is a “winner.” It provides everything you need to embark on a musical journey, backed by a solid build that even professional techs find worthy of praise. Don’t let the fear of a “cheap” instrument hold you back—this is a legitimate musical tool. We highly recommend you a feature that really sets it apart and see for yourself why so many beginners are choosing Ashthorpe as their first step into the spotlight. Grab your kit today and start making some noise!