TOSTAR Electric Guitar Kit with Amp Stratocaster 39 Review: The Ultimate All-in-One Solution for Aspiring Shredders?

I remember the first time I walked into a local music shop, eyes wide at the wall of gleaming instruments. The problem was immediately apparent: the guitars I wanted cost more than my first car, and the “starter packs” often felt like cheap toys that would discourage anyone from practicing. We’ve found that this is a universal struggle for aspiring musicians. If the instrument is hard to play or sounds like a tin can, you aren’t going to stick with it. Solving this problem is crucial because those first six months of playing are the most formative. Without a solid, reliable instrument, many talented individuals give up before they ever master their first bar chord. This is why we were so eager to get our hands on the TOSTAR Electric Guitar Kit with Amp Stratocaster 39—it promises a professional feel at a price point that makes sense for someone just starting their journey.

What to Consider Before Buying Your First Electric Guitar

An electric guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creative expression, stress relief, and technical skill development. When you’re choosing a starter kit, you’re not just buying a guitar; you’re buying an ecosystem of sound. A quality kit solves the complication of having to piece together an amplifier, cables, and tuners separately, which can lead to compatibility issues or unexpected costs. The TOSTAR Electric Guitar Kit with Amp Stratocaster 39 aims to eliminate this friction entirely.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a beginner adult or a teenager who wants a full-scale instrument that feels “real.” It’s for someone who appreciates the classic Stratocaster silhouette but wants modern appointments like a matte finish and Bluetooth connectivity in their amp. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who are looking for a professional-grade touring instrument or those who strictly play heavy metal genres that require high-output active humbuckers. For those users, a dedicated metal-focused guitar might be a better alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Scale Length: The scale length (the distance between the nut and the bridge) dictates the tension of the strings and the spacing of the frets. At 25.5 inches, this model follows the industry standard for full-size guitars, providing a familiar feel for anyone who might eventually upgrade to a premium brand. It requires a certain amount of arm reach, so ensure the player is comfortable with a 39-inch total length.
• Capacity/Performance (Pickups): The pickup configuration—in this case, S-S-S (three single coils)—is the heart of the guitar’s sound. Single coils are known for their “chimey,” clear, and articulate tones. We found this performance to be ideal for blues, pop, and classic rock, though it may produce a slight “hum” when used with high-distortion settings, which is a characteristic of this design.
• Materials & Durability: Look for tonewoods like maple and poplar. Poplar is a fantastic choice for the body because it is lightweight (saving your shoulder during long practice sessions) while maintaining a balanced resonance. Maple necks are the industry standard for durability, resisting warping over time better than softer woods.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: For a beginner, the ease of changing strings and tuning is paramount. This kit features an innovative split-pin design for string changes, which we found significantly reduces the frustration of those first few maintenance sessions. Long-term care involves keeping the high-density composite fretboard hydrated and the satin finish clean.

Choosing the right kit can be overwhelming with so many options available online. While the TOSTAR Electric Guitar Kit with Amp Stratocaster 39 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:

Unboxing and First Impressions: A Sleek, Modern Classic

Upon unboxing the TOSTAR Electric Guitar Kit with Amp Stratocaster 39, the first thing that struck us was the aesthetic. The “Satin Black” finish is a departure from the high-gloss coatings typically found on budget instruments. It feels incredibly smooth to the touch and, more importantly, it resists the fingerprints and smudges that can make a guitar look “cheap” after five minutes of play. The weight is substantial—at about 6 pounds, it feels like a “real” instrument rather than a plywood toy, a sentiment echoed by several users who noted its surprising heft.

The assembly was non-existent; the guitar comes pre-strung. We only needed to tune it up using the included digital clip-on tuner and plug into the 10W amp. Compared to older versions of starter kits that often included bulky, wired-only amplifiers, the inclusion of a battery-powered, Bluetooth-enabled amp here feels like a massive leap forward. The maple neck has a gorgeous grain, and the fret edges—often a pain point on budget guitars—were surprisingly smooth, allowing for comfortable slides up and down the neck without the fear of sharp metal edges. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of how it arrives at your doorstep.

A Deep Dive into the Performance of the TOSTAR Electric Guitar Kit with Amp Stratocaster 39

Build Quality and Material Integrity

In our evaluation, the most impressive aspect of the TOSTAR Electric Guitar Kit with Amp Stratocaster 39 is the choice of materials. The body is crafted from Poplar, a tonewood often used by major manufacturers for its lightweight properties and neutral tonal footprint. This makes it an excellent “blank canvas” for the pickups to do their work. However, the real star is the maple neck. TOSTAR claims to use European and Canadian maple, and holding it in your hand, you can feel the density. A stiff neck is vital because it ensures the guitar stays in tune and maintains a low “action” (the distance between the strings and the frets).

We spent several hours testing the neck’s stability. Even with significant temperature shifts in our studio, the neck remained straight. The high-density composite fretboard feels remarkably similar to rosewood, providing a smooth surface for your fingertips. One user, an experienced Fender player, even rated this kit highly, which speaks volumes about the quality control. This is a feature that really sets it apart from other entry-level models that often use cheaper, softer woods that warp within months.

The SSS Pickup Configuration: Classic Tones

The “SSS” stands for three single-coil pickups. This is the classic Stratocaster setup, famous for its “quack” in positions 2 and 4 of the 5-way selector switch. When we plugged the TOSTAR Electric Guitar Kit with Amp Stratocaster 39 into a high-end tube amp (just to see what the pickups could really do), we were met with surprising clarity. The bridge pickup is bright and biting—perfect for surf rock or country—while the neck pickup is warm and bluesy.

For a beginner, these pickups are very forgiving. They allow the individual notes in a chord to ring out clearly, which is essential when you’re still learning how to press down on the strings correctly. We found that the pickups handle “clean” tones exceptionally well. While they might struggle with the ultra-high gain required for modern death metal, they are more than capable of handling classic rock and pop. If you’re looking for that iconic “glassy” sound, you can check the latest price and availability and experience these tones for yourself.

The 10W Portable Amplifier: Modern Convenience

Most starter kits include a cheap, boxy amp that requires a wall outlet. TOSTAR has broken the mold by including a 10W rechargeable amplifier. During our testing, the 6-hour battery life held up accurately, which is a game-changer for someone who wants to practice on the couch or even in the backyard without hunting for an extension cord. The inclusion of Bluetooth is perhaps the most underrated feature. We were able to sync our smartphone to the amp and play along to backing tracks on YouTube and Spotify seamlessly.

The amp features two channels: Clean and High-Gain. The clean channel is remarkably transparent for its size, while the high-gain channel provides enough grit to make power chords feel satisfyingly “crunchy.” We also noted that the amp doesn’t have a lot of low-end bass, which is expected for a small speaker, but for a beginner learning technique, the mid-range and treble clarity are actually more important for hearing mistakes. It’s a thoughtful inclusion that adds significant value to the TOSTAR Electric Guitar Kit with Amp Stratocaster 39 package.

Ergonomics and Playability

A guitar can have the best wood and pickups in the world, but if it feels like a 2×4 in your hands, you won’t play it. The TOSTAR features a 1.65-inch nut width, which is the “Goldilocks” zone for most hand sizes—narrow enough for small hands to reach chords, but wide enough that experienced players won’t feel cramped. The “C” shaped neck profile is comfortable and familiar, fitting naturally into the palm of the hand.

We also want to highlight the tremolo bridge system. While we generally recommend that beginners keep the tremolo arm (the “whammy bar”) off until they master basic tuning, it’s a fun feature to have. The bridge on this model is stable enough to handle light vibrato without knocking the guitar wildly out of tune. We were particularly impressed by the “split-pin” tuner design. If you’ve ever struggled to wind a guitar string around a post, you’ll appreciate how much easier this makes the process. It’s these small, user-centric details that make this guitar a joy to pick up every day. You can view more high-resolution images of the hardware here.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among those who have purchased this kit is overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the “value for money” factor. One seasoned player, who typically uses high-end brands like Fender, was impressed enough to give it a four-star rating, noting it as a “nice set” for his needs. Another user highlighted the gorgeous look of the maple wood and the “pop” of the color, confirming that the aesthetic appeal isn’t just marketing fluff. Many beginners have shared that it includes “everything you need to start off,” which reduces the barrier to entry significantly.

On the critical side, some users mentioned that the amplifier, while decent for its size, lacks the depth of larger units. One user noted they were still learning how to use the battery-operated tuner correctly, suggesting a slight learning curve for the accessories. However, the common thread is that any minor “cons” are far outweighed by the quality of the guitar itself. As one reviewer put it, “I really can’t find a single major fault with this guitar/kit,” especially when considering the budget-friendly price point. We’ve found that these user experiences align perfectly with our expert findings, proving that this is a reliable choice for the masses.

Comparing the TOSTAR Electric Guitar Kit with Amp Stratocaster 39 to Top Alternatives

While we are big fans of the TOSTAR kit, it’s important to see how it compares to other heavy hitters in the beginner market. Here are three alternatives that might suit different specific needs.

1. Donner DST-152R Electric Guitar Starter Kit

The Donner DST-152R is a formidable competitor, primarily because of its “HSS” pickup configuration (Humbucker, Single, Single). The addition of a humbucker in the bridge position, combined with a coil-split feature, makes this guitar slightly more versatile for high-gain rock and metal than the TOSTAR. If you know for a fact that you want to play heavier music, the Donner might be worth the slightly higher price. However, it lacks the unique satin finish of the TOSTAR, and its included amp is a more traditional wired unit without the modern Bluetooth “jam-along” capabilities found in the TOSTAR kit.

2. LyxPro 36 Inch Electric Guitar Kit for Kids – Pink

The LyxPro 36-inch model is specifically designed for younger players or those with smaller frames. While the TOSTAR is a full-size 39-inch instrument, the LyxPro’s 3/4 scale makes it much easier for children to navigate the fretboard without straining their reach. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors, like pink, making it an excellent gift for a child’s first foray into music. However, for an adult or a growing teenager, the 3/4 size will quickly feel too small, and the hardware quality is a step down from the “heavy metal” durability found in the TOSTAR’s maple neck and poplar body.

3. Grote Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Stainless Steel Frets

The Grote Semi-Hollow is a completely different beast. Unlike the solid-body TOSTAR, this is a semi-hollow guitar, which provides a warmer, more resonant acoustic-like tone. It also features stainless steel frets, which are incredibly durable and offer a very smooth playing experience. This is an excellent alternative for someone interested in jazz, indie rock, or “bluesy” tones. However, it is sold as a standalone guitar, not a kit. By the time you buy an amp, cable, tuner, and bag, you will have spent significantly more than the all-in-one price of the TOSTAR, making the TOSTAR the much better value for a true beginner.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the TOSTAR Electric Guitar Kit with Amp Stratocaster 39?

After a rigorous evaluation, we can confidently say that the TOSTAR Electric Guitar Kit with Amp Stratocaster 39 is one of the most comprehensive and high-quality beginner packages currently on the market. Its main strengths lie in its premium materials—specifically the maple neck and poplar body—and its forward-thinking 10W Bluetooth amplifier. While the SSS pickup configuration has some inherent limitations for extreme metal, it is the gold standard for almost every other genre. The minor drawbacks, such as the small amp’s lack of bass, are easily forgiven given the incredible price-to-performance ratio.

We recommend this kit to any adult or teen beginner who wants an instrument that feels professional and provides every tool needed to start playing immediately. It removes the guesswork and provides a solid foundation for years of musical growth. If you are ready to stop dreaming and start playing, this kit is your best first step. Don’t miss out on this incredible value; we highly recommend that you pick up the TOSTAR Electric Guitar Kit today and start your musical journey with the right gear.