Best Choice Products 30in Kids Electric Guitar Starter Kit w/ Amplifier Review: The Ultimate Gateway for Aspiring Young Rockstars

I remember the first time my nephew told me he wanted to “rock out.” He was six years old, standing in front of the TV, air-guitaring to a classic rock performance. I knew right then that I didn’t want to get him a plastic toy that made pre-recorded sounds. I wanted a real instrument—something with actual wood, steel strings, and a functioning amplifier. However, the market is flooded with “toys” masquerading as instruments, and for a parent or relative, the fear of wasting money on a piece of junk is real. If the guitar doesn’t stay in tune or feels uncomfortable, the child gets frustrated and quits before they even start. We’ve spent weeks evaluating the Best Choice Products 30in Kids Electric Guitar Starter Kit w/ Amplifier to see if it truly bridges the gap between a toy and a professional instrument. Our goal was to find out if this kit provides the necessary foundation for a lifelong musical journey or if it’s just another “Christmas morning” novelty that ends up in the back of a closet.

What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Guitar for Children

An electric guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for developing fine motor skills, discipline, and creative expression in young children. Unlike acoustic guitars, which often have thick bodies and high string tension that can hurt small fingers, a properly scaled electric guitar offers a thinner neck and lower action, making it significantly easier for a child to press down the strings and produce a clear note. This ease of play is vital for keeping a child motivated during those first difficult months of learning.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenge of finding a “just right” size for a child between the ages of 5 and 10, while it might not be suitable for those who are older or larger, as a 30-inch scale will feel cramped for a teenager. If you have a child who has expressed a serious interest in music, you need a kit that includes everything so you aren’t running back to the store for cables, picks, or a tuner. For those looking for a professional-grade touring instrument, you’d naturally look at full-scale models, but for the beginner stage, this all-in-one approach is unbeatable.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A 30-inch guitar is specifically designed for 3/4 or even 1/2 scale ergonomics. It’s important to ensure the child can reach the first fret comfortably without overextending their shoulder, and that the guitar body doesn’t feel like a heavy weight they have to struggle against while sitting.
• Capacity/Performance: Look for a guitar that uses real wood and steel strings rather than plastic components. The electronics should include a functional pickup and volume control that allows the guitar to be plugged into an amplifier, providing that authentic “electric” experience that keeps kids engaged.
• Materials & Durability: Children aren’t always gentle with their gear. A solid wood body and a sturdy neck are essential for surviving the occasional bump or drop. High-quality tuning pegs are also a must, as cheaper models will slip, causing the instrument to go out of tune constantly.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A beginner kit should be “plug-and-play.” Consider whether the kit includes a setup guide and whether the amplifier is simple enough for a child to operate. Maintenance, like changing strings or cleaning the fretboard, should be straightforward enough for a parent to handle with basic tools.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that your purchase is a tool for growth rather than a source of frustration. Transitions into the world of music are smoother when the gear matches the ambition of the player.

While the Best Choice Products 30in Kids Electric Guitar Starter Kit w/ Amplifier 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 Metallic Blue Rockstar Starter Pack

When we first pulled the Best Choice Products 30in Kids Electric Guitar Starter Kit w/ Amplifier out of its packaging, the first thing that struck us was the finish. The Metallic Blue is vibrant, deep, and has a high-gloss sheen that makes it look far more expensive than its price tag suggests. It immediately gives off “Stratocaster” vibes, which is exactly what a kid wants to see when they open a gift. To see its full feature set and user reviews, you can tell right away that this isn’t just a toy; it has the heft and feel of a genuine musical instrument.

The assembly was non-existent, which is a huge plus. The strings were already installed, and the kit includes a 5-watt amplifier that is remarkably compact—about the size of a large loaf of bread. While some might find the amp small, we found it to be the perfect size for a child’s bedroom. It’s battery-operated (9V), meaning you don’t have to worry about your child tripping over a power cord while they are running around the living room during their “concert.” The inclusion of a gig bag, strap, and extra strings shows that the manufacturer actually thought about what a beginner needs to get through the first year of play.

A Deep Dive into the Performance of the Best Choice Products 30in Kids Electric Guitar Starter Kit w/ Amplifier

Construction, Ergonomics, and Playability

When evaluating a guitar for a child, the “playability” factor is paramount. We found that the Best Choice Products 30in Kids Electric Guitar Starter Kit w/ Amplifier excels in its physical design. The 30-inch length is roughly 3/4 the size of a standard electric guitar, which significantly reduces the “reach” required to play chords. We observed that the neck profile is slim, allowing small fingers to wrap around it comfortably. The body is made of “Popular Wood” (likely Poplar), which provides a solid resonance without being too heavy. At only 6 pounds, it’s light enough for a 6-year-old to hold for a 30-minute practice session without shoulder fatigue.

One detail we noticed—and this was confirmed by several users—is that the fretboard is made of engineered wood. While purists might prefer rosewood, this engineered material is actually very stable and less prone to warping in different climates. However, we did find that the back of the neck can feel a little “dry” or rough compared to a premium Fender or Gibson. A quick tip for parents: if the neck feels a bit scratchy, a very light pass with ultra-fine sandpaper or a green scouring pad can make it feel buttery smooth. Despite this minor finish detail, the guitar’s ability to hold its tuning was impressive. For a budget instrument, the geared tuners are surprisingly resilient, which is a feature that really sets it apart from the cheaper plastic alternatives you might find elsewhere.

The Electronics and Sound Quality of the 5W Amp

The “electric” part of an electric guitar comes down to the pickups. This model features a single S-configuration (single-coil) pickup. In our testing, this pickup provided a bright, clear tone that is synonymous with rock and roll. While it won’t give you the heavy “hum-bucking” sound of a metal guitar, it is perfect for learning the basics of clean and overdriven tones. The volume and tone knobs are responsive, allowing the child to experiment with how the sound changes when they “roll off” the high end.

The included 5-watt amplifier is the heart of the “cool factor” for this kit. It’s tiny, yes, but it’s remarkably loud for its size. Because it runs on a 9V battery, it’s incredibly safe for kids—no high-voltage wall outlets required during play. We tested the “Drive” setting on the amp, which adds a bit of distortion, and it definitely elicited smiles. It’s enough to make a kid feel like a rock star without blowing the windows out of the house. We should note, however, that the amp is purely for practice. If you are looking for deep bass or high-fidelity sound, you might eventually want to upgrade, but to check the latest price and availability of this kit, the value of having a working amp included is undeniable. Just remember to stock up on 9V batteries, as there is no power cord included in the box.

The “Starter Kit” Ecosystem: Accessories and Educational Value

What really elevates the Best Choice Products 30in Kids Electric Guitar Starter Kit w/ Amplifier is the ecosystem of accessories. Often, “starter kits” cut corners on the extras, but here, we found the gig bag to be of decent quality—it’s a soft case that will protect the guitar from dust and minor scratches. The inclusion of a digital tuner is a godsend for parents who don’t know how to tune a guitar by ear. We found the tuner to be accurate and easy to use, which is critical because a guitar that sounds “wrong” is the fastest way to make a kid stop playing.

The most valuable “accessory” in the box, however, isn’t a physical item—it’s the 4 months of no-cost lessons through the Fret Zealot app. In our experience, the hardest part of starting an instrument is the first 90 days. Having a structured path to follow via an app can replace the need for an expensive private tutor in the beginning. This adds roughly $60 of “hidden” value to the kit. When you consider the strap, the picks, and the extra set of alloy steel strings, you realize that you are getting a complete musical education package. You can explore the full accessory bundle here to see how comprehensive it truly is.

Long-Term Durability and “Growing Room”

One question we always ask is: “How long will this last?” In our hands-on evaluation, the Best Choice Products 30in Kids Electric Guitar Starter Kit w/ Amplifier felt like it could easily survive 2-3 years of heavy practice. The bridge is a “fixed” system, which means there are fewer moving parts to break compared to a “tremolo” or “whammy bar” system found on adult guitars. This simplicity is a major advantage for durability.

We also checked the “intonation”—which is basically whether the guitar stays in tune as you play higher up the neck. While it isn’t perfect (budget guitars rarely are), it is more than “true” enough for a beginner to learn their first scales and chords. One user mentioned that the guitar “doesn’t play true,” but we found that with a proper initial setup (tightening the strings and checking the bridge height), it performs admirably. For a child who is just starting, this instrument provides enough “growing room” to take them from their first “C-Major” chord to playing full songs. It’s an investment in their potential, and you can read more about the technical specs to see if it fits your child’s specific needs.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among those who have purchased the Best Choice Products 30in Kids Electric Guitar Starter Kit w/ Amplifier is one of high satisfaction, particularly regarding value for money. Most users are “pleasantly surprised” by how professional the guitar looks and feels. One user noted, “You can actually play this guitar and it stays in tune,” which is the highest praise you can give a budget instrument. Another parent shared that their 7-year-old was “over the moon” and that the size was “perfect” for his small frame.

However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques. Some users were disappointed that the amplifier didn’t come with a power cord, with one buyer mentioning their child was “disappointed because the amplifier did not bring the power cord.” It’s important to set expectations: this is a battery-powered practice amp. Another user mentioned the amp is “about the size of a slice of bread,” which some find “cutely portable” while others find it “too small.” We also saw reports of the “rough neck,” which we previously addressed. Overall, the sentiment is that for under $100, you are getting an incredible deal that facilitates learning without a massive financial risk. For many, like the “favorite Aunt” who gifted this for Christmas, the “priceless entertainment” of a child’s first concert far outweighs any minor technical gripes. You can see more user success stories and photos here.

How It Compares to the Competition

While we are impressed with the Best Choice Products kit, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against other popular entry-level options.

1. Fender Squier Debut Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit

The Squier Debut Series is the “gold standard” for beginners who have a higher budget. Unlike the Best Choice model, this is a full-scale or near-full-scale instrument, making it better for older kids (10+). It comes with a Fender Frontman 10G amp, which is significantly more powerful and plugs into the wall. However, it is also much more expensive. If you are looking for a “forever” beginner guitar and your child is big enough to handle a heavier body, the Squier is the premium choice. But for a 6-year-old, the Best Choice 30-inch model is actually more ergonomic and easier to manage.

2. Grote Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Stainless Steel Frets

The Grote is a very different animal. It’s a full-scale, semi-hollow body guitar with stainless steel frets—features usually reserved for professional instruments. It looks stunning and sounds great for jazz or blues. However, it is NOT a kit. It doesn’t come with an amp, strap, or tuner. For a child, this would be a difficult starting point because you’d have to buy everything else separately, and the semi-hollow body is much larger and more fragile than the solid wood of the Best Choice Products guitar. The Grote is for the intermediate player looking for a specific “vibe,” not a child’s first instrument.

3. LyxPro Left Hand 3/4 Size Electric Guitar Kit

The LyxPro is the direct competitor to the Best Choice Products kit. It’s also a 30-inch (3/4 size) guitar and comes with a similar accessory pack. The main reason to choose the LyxPro over our main review product is if your child is left-handed. Finding “lefty” guitars for kids is notoriously difficult, and LyxPro fills that niche well. In terms of build quality, they are very similar, though we found the Metallic Blue finish on the Best Choice model to be slightly more “premium” looking. If your child is right-handed, the Best Choice kit generally offers a better value-to-app-lesson ratio.

Final Verdict: Is This the Best Start for Your Young Musician?

After a thorough evaluation, we can confidently say that the Best Choice Products 30in Kids Electric Guitar Starter Kit w/ Amplifier is one of the best value-for-money propositions on the market for parents of young children. It successfully avoids the “toy” trap by providing a real wood body, functional electronics, and a complete set of tools that a child needs to actually learn the instrument. While the 5W amp is small and the neck might need a tiny bit of “parental TLC” to smooth out, the pros far outweigh the cons. The inclusion of the Fret Zealot app lessons is the “cherry on top” that turns this from a gift into an education.

If you have a child between the ages of 5 and 9 who is eager to start their musical journey, this is the perfect entry point. It’s durable, sized correctly, and looks absolutely stunning in Metallic Blue. Don’t let your child’s musical interest fade away with a plastic imitation; give them the tools to succeed. We highly recommend you grab this starter kit today and start their rockstar journey!