LEKATO Electric Guitar Kit HSS Beginner 39 Inch Review: A Professional-Grade Starter Experience That Redefines Budget Excellence

We have all been there. You or a loved one decides it is time to finally pick up the electric guitar. You head online, overwhelmed by a sea of glossy finishes and “all-in-one” promises, only to end up with a “guitar-shaped object” that refuses to stay in tune, has sharp fret edges that cut your fingers, and sounds like a tin can. The frustration of learning on a sub-par instrument is the leading reason why most beginners quit within the first six months. When we set out to test the LEKATO Electric Guitar Kit HSS Beginner 39 Inch, we wanted to see if it could truly solve this age-old dilemma. Solving the “starter guitar” problem requires an instrument that is ergonomically comfortable, tonally versatile, and built with materials that won’t warp the moment the humidity changes. Without these traits, a novice isn’t just learning to play music; they are fighting an uphill battle against their own equipment. I have spent decades playing everything from pawn-shop prizes to custom-shop masterpieces, and I know that a beginner needs an instrument that inspires them to keep practicing, which is why we were so eager to see its full feature set and user reviews for ourselves.

What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Guitar Beginner Kit

An Electric Guitar Beginner Kit is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for anyone looking to bypass the confusion of buying individual components. For a first-time player, the barrier to entry isn’t just the price—it is the technical knowledge required to match an amplifier to a guitar, choose the right cables, and find a tuner that actually works. A comprehensive kit eliminates the guesswork, providing a curated ecosystem where everything is designed to work together right out of the box. The main benefit here is “time-to-play”; you aren’t spending hours researching different brands of picks or straps; you are spending that time learning your first chords.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a student, a hobbyist starting their musical journey, or a parent looking for a high-quality gift that won’t require immediate upgrades. It is perfect for someone who wants a versatile sound that can handle everything from jazz to hard rock. However, it might not be suitable for those who are already intermediate players looking for a specific professional recording instrument, or for those who strictly want a “heavy metal” aesthetic with active pickups. For those individuals, looking into specialized mahogany-body guitars might be a better route, but for 90% of beginners, the LEKATO Electric Guitar Kit HSS Beginner 39 Inch offers exactly what is needed.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A 39-inch full-size guitar is the industry standard for adults and teenagers. It is vital to ensure the scale length (the distance between the nut and the bridge) is standard—in this case, 25.5 inches—so that the player develops the correct muscle memory that will transfer to any other professional guitar in the future.
• Capacity & Performance: Look closely at the pickup configuration. An HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single) setup provides the most “tonal capacity,” allowing you to switch between the thick, warm sounds of a humbucker and the bright, “twangy” sounds of single coils. This versatility is the hallmark of a great starter instrument.
• Materials & Durability: Most budget guitars use “green” maple or cheap mystery woods. Roasted maple, however, is a premium choice. The roasting process removes moisture, making the neck incredibly stable against temperature changes and giving it a smooth, fast feel that traditionally costs hundreds of dollars more.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the fret material. Traditional nickel frets wear down over years of playing. Stainless steel frets, found on this LEKATO model, are significantly harder and more durable, ensuring the guitar remains playable and “buzz-free” for a much longer period without needing expensive luthier work.

While the LEKATO Electric Guitar Kit HSS Beginner 39 Inch 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 and Premium Features: The LEKATO Difference

When we first unboxed the LEKATO Electric Guitar Kit HSS Beginner 39 Inch, the first thing that struck us was the aesthetic. Often, budget starter kits look and feel like toys—the plastic is thin, the paint is uneven, and the neck feels like a piece of unfinished construction lumber. This was not the case here. The black finish on the basswood body is deep and glossy, providing a classic “ST-style” look that commands respect on a stand. But the real star of the show is the roasted maple neck. It has that gorgeous caramel hue that you typically only see on high-end boutique instruments. Touching it for the first time, the “C-shape” profile felt immediately familiar and comfortable, fitting perfectly in the palm of the hand.

The assembly was non-existent, as the guitar comes fully strung. We simply had to tune it up using the included digital tuner. Compared to market leaders in the budget space, the LEKATO feels significantly more robust. There is a “good weight” to it, as one user noted, which suggests the basswood used is of a higher density than the lightweight, hollow-feeling wood found in many supermarket-grade guitars. Before you even plug it into the 5W mini amp, you can feel the vibrations through the body when you pluck a string—a clear sign of a well-constructed solid-body instrument. For those looking to get started right away, you should check the latest price and availability to see if this kit fits your budget.

A Deep Dive into the LEKATO Electric Guitar Kit HSS Beginner 39 Inch’s Performance

The Game-Changer: Roasted Maple Neck & Stainless Steel Frets

In our professional evaluation, the inclusion of a roasted maple neck and fretboard on the LEKATO Electric Guitar Kit HSS Beginner 39 Inch is nothing short of revolutionary for the entry-level market. Typically, “roasting” or torrefaction is a process reserved for guitars in the $800+ range. By heating the wood in an oxygen-free oven, LEKATO has removed the oils and moisture that cause wood to shrink and expand. In our testing, we found that this guitar stayed in tune remarkably well even when moved from a cold air-conditioned room to a humid outdoor environment. This stability is a massive benefit for beginners who might not yet know how to adjust a truss rod.

Furthermore, the stainless steel frets are a feature that really sets it apart. Most starter guitars use nickel-silver frets which are soft and eventually develop “divots” from string friction. Stainless steel is incredibly hard and smooth. When we performed string bends, the strings glided across the frets like silk on glass. There was no “gritty” feeling that you often get with cheaper fretwork. We also confirmed through our inspection that the fret ends were well-polished, meaning no sharp edges were poking out to scratch the player’s hand. This level of detail ensures that a new player focuses on their finger placement rather than nursing a sore hand.

Tonal Versatility: The HSS Pickup Configuration

The LEKATO Electric Guitar Kit HSS Beginner 39 Inch utilizes an H-S-S (Humbucker-Single-Single) pickup layout, which we found to be the ultimate “Swiss Army Knife” for sound. The bridge position features a Humbucker—a double-coil pickup designed to cancel hum and provide a thicker, more powerful output. When we plugged it into a high-gain setting, this pickup delivered a satisfying “crunch” perfect for rock and even early heavy metal. It has enough “meat” to handle power chords without sounding thin or screechy.

Switching to the middle and neck single-coil pickups, the guitar transforms. You get those classic, glassy “strat-like” tones that are synonymous with blues, funk, and pop. The 5-way selector switch allows you to combine the pickups (positions 2 and 4), producing that famous “quack” sound that is perfect for clean rhythm playing. We found that this versatility makes the LEKATO an excellent tool for a beginner to discover their own musical voice. Whether you want to mimic the smooth lead lines of Jimi Hendrix or the heavy riffs of modern rock, this guitar has the “electronic DNA” to get you there. To experience this variety, we recommend you a feature that really sets it apart and listen to some sound demos if possible.

Ergonomics and Build Quality: Designed for Longevity

One of the most impressive aspects of the LEKATO Electric Guitar Kit HSS Beginner 39 Inch is the “C-Shape” neck profile. In our experience, many budget brands use necks that are either too thin (causing hand cramps) or too thick (making it hard for small hands to reach the top strings). The C-shape is the gold standard for comfort. We spent several hours running through scales and found the satin finish on the back of the neck prevented our hands from getting “stuck” due to sweat, which is a common issue with gloss-finished necks. It feels fast, smooth, and professional.

The body is made of basswood, which is a smart choice for a beginner kit. It is lighter than mahogany but still offers excellent resonance. During our testing, the guitar felt well-balanced when using the included shoulder strap; there was no “neck dive” where the headstock pulls the guitar down toward the floor. This balance is critical for younger players who may be practicing while standing up. The solid body construction feels sturdy enough to survive the occasional bump against a desk or chair, which is inevitable in a practice environment. We agree with user feedback that the wood “looks really nice” and the “weight is just right,” making it a joy to hold for extended sessions.

The “Plug and Play” Ecosystem: Accessories and the 5W Mini Amp

While the guitar is the star, the accessories in the LEKATO Electric Guitar Kit HSS Beginner 39 Inch package deserve praise for their thoughtfulness. The included 5-watt mini amp is a standout. Don’t let the “mini” tag fool you; for a small bedroom or apartment, it produces more than enough volume to practice effectively. It features both a clean and a distortion (overdrive) channel. We found the clean channel to be surprisingly transparent, while the gain channel offered a fun, fuzzy distortion that is perfect for practicing lead solos. It even has a headphone jack, which is a godsend for parents or roommates who don’t want to hear “Smoke on the Water” for the hundredth time.

The kit also includes a digital clip-on tuner, which we found to be highly accurate—essential for any beginner, as playing an out-of-tune guitar is the fastest way to discourage a student. The capo, extra strings, and padded gig bag are all high-quality additions. Often, the “free” bags included with kits are paper-thin, but this one provides actual protection against dust and light scratches. Having everything in one box means you won’t have to make a secondary trip to a music store. If you are ready to start your musical journey, you can order the full kit today and have everything you need by the time it arrives at your door.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment among users is one of pleasant surprise. Most people enter the “budget guitar” market with low expectations, but the LEKATO Electric Guitar Kit HSS Beginner 39 Inch consistently exceeds them. One user highlighted the finish, stating it “stands out compared to a lot of the more basic designs out there,” emphasizing that it doesn’t look like a cheap starter instrument. Another veteran player, who owns several pedals from the brand, was shocked by the value, noting that getting a roasted maple neck at this price point is “outrageous” and a “steal.”

Common praise also centers on the “playability out of the box.” Many users mentioned that they didn’t feel the need to take it to a professional for a setup immediately, which is a huge cost-saving benefit. On the negative side, a few users noted that the 5-watt speaker is “good for small enclosed areas” but lacks the low-end punch of a larger amplifier. However, they quickly followed this by saying the “sound is just right for a beginner.” This balanced feedback confirms our expert finding: this kit isn’t designed for a stadium world tour, but it is perhaps the most over-engineered and high-value practice tool currently available for those starting their journey.

Comparing the LEKATO Electric Guitar Kit HSS Beginner 39 Inch to its Top Alternatives

1. RockJam Electric Guitar Kit with 10-Watt Amp

The RockJam kit is one of the most popular entry-level options on the market. It comes with a slightly more powerful 10-watt amplifier compared to LEKATO’s 5-watt unit. However, where it falls short is in the actual construction of the guitar. The RockJam uses standard maple and traditional nickel frets, which simply don’t offer the same stability or “smoothness” as the roasted maple and stainless steel found on the LEKATO. We would recommend the RockJam for those on a very tight budget who prioritize a slightly louder amp over the long-term durability and premium feel of the instrument itself. But for a few dollars more, the LEKATO provides a significantly better playing experience.

2. Yamaha GigMaker EG Electric Guitar Pack

Yamaha is the “old guard” of the beginner world, and the GigMaker EG is a solid, reliable choice. The build quality is exceptional, as you would expect from a legendary brand. However, the Yamaha kit often carries a higher price tag and sticks to very traditional specifications. You won’t find roasted maple or stainless steel frets here. While the Yamaha might hold its resale value slightly better due to brand recognition, the LEKATO Electric Guitar Kit HSS Beginner 39 Inch actually offers more “pro-level” features for the modern player. If you want a brand your teacher grew up with, go Yamaha. If you want the best possible specs for your money today, LEKATO wins.

3. Stedman Pro Beginner Bass Guitar Bundle

It is important to note that the Stedman Pro bundle is a bass guitar kit, not a standard 6-string electric guitar. We include it here for those who are still undecided on which instrument to choose. Bass guitars have thicker strings and play lower notes, serving as the “heartbeat” of a band. The Stedman bundle is an excellent entry point for the aspiring bassist, offering a 15-watt amp and a full accessory pack. However, if you are looking to play chords, solos, and the melody lines found in most pop and rock songs, you should stick with the LEKATO Electric Guitar Kit HSS Beginner 39 Inch. The choice between them depends entirely on whether you want to provide the rhythm or the lead.

Final Verdict: Is the LEKATO Electric Guitar Kit HSS Beginner 39 Inch the Ultimate Starter?

After a thorough evaluation, we can confidently say that the LEKATO Electric Guitar Kit HSS Beginner 39 Inch has set a new benchmark for what a beginner should expect. By including “luxury” components like a roasted maple neck and stainless steel frets, LEKATO has addressed the biggest pain points of the entry-level market: neck warping and fret wear. This guitar is built to last, not just through your first few months of lessons, but for years of serious playing. The HSS pickup configuration provides a tonal range that can grow with your musical tastes, and the all-in-one kit ensures you have every tool needed to succeed from day one.

While the 5W amp is clearly intended for quiet home practice, the guitar itself is high-quality enough to be paired with a larger stage amp down the road. This is a kit that grows with you, rather than something you’ll need to replace in six months. We recommend this kit to any adult or teen beginner who wants a professional feel without the professional price tag. If you are ready to stop dreaming and start playing, we highly suggest you pick up this comprehensive kit now and join the thousands of other players who have found their voice on a LEKATO.