Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit Review: Is This the Best All-in-One Starter Bundle for New Players?
I remember the first time I decided I wanted to learn the electric guitar. I spent hours browsing online, overwhelmed by terms like “single-coil pickups,” “scale length,” and “truss rod adjustments.” The problem isn’t a lack of options; it’s the sheer volume of them. For most beginners, or parents buying for their children, the goal is simple: you want a guitar that stays in tune, sounds decent, and comes with everything you need to start playing the moment the box arrives. Choosing the wrong kit can lead to immediate frustration—strings that snap, amps that hiss uncontrollably, or a neck so uncomfortable that it makes your fingers ache before you’ve even learned a G-major chord.
This is where a comprehensive package like the Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit enters the stage. It promises to solve the “analysis paralysis” by providing a solid-body instrument paired with every necessary accessory. Without a reliable starter kit, many aspiring musicians give up within the first month because they spent more time troubleshooting their gear than actually practicing. In this review, I’ll dive deep into whether this specific Vangoa bundle truly delivers on its promise of a seamless entry into the world of music, or if it’s just another flashy package that hits a sour note.
What to Consider Before Investing in an Electric Guitar Beginner Kit
An Electric Guitar Beginner Kit is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between curiosity and actual musical proficiency. These kits are designed to remove the technical barriers of entry by bundling the instrument, amplification, and maintenance tools into one affordable purchase. The primary benefit is convenience—you don’t have to worry about whether a specific cable is compatible with your amp or if you have the right gauge of replacement strings. It provides a foundation upon which a student can build their skills without the high upfront cost of professional-grade gear.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the initial learning curve, such as a teenager, a hobbyist adult, or a parent looking for a gift that won’t break the bank. It is perfect for those who want to “test the waters” of guitar playing. However, it might not be suitable for those who are already intermediate players looking for a “forever” instrument with high-end boutique electronics. For a more professional studio environment, you might consider building a custom rig, but for the bedroom learner, the Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit is a compelling starting point.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Scale and Size: A 39-inch guitar is considered “full size.” This is important because it prepares the player for the standard dimensions of most professional guitars. While younger children (under 8) might struggle with the reach, most teens and adults will find this size provides the best resonance and fret spacing for learning proper finger placement.
- Pickup Configuration: Look for what kind of sound you want to achieve. This Vangoa model features an SSS (three single-coil) configuration. This is the classic setup for bright, “twangy” tones found in blues, country, and classic rock. If you want heavy metal, you might look for “humbuckers,” but for general learning, SSS is the most versatile standard.
- Neck Comfort and Material: The neck is where your hand will spend all its time. A maple neck with a “C” shape is generally preferred for beginners because it fits the natural curve of the palm. High-quality kits like this use Canadian maple, which is resistant to warping due to humidity changes—a common killer of cheap guitars.
- The Accessory Ecosystem: A kit is only as good as its weakest link. Check if the amp has a headphone jack for silent practice and if the gig bag is padded. A non-padded bag offers zero protection against the inevitable bumps of travel, while a good kit should include a tuner that is easy to read for someone who doesn’t yet have an “ear” for pitch.
Ultimately, a beginner kit should provide a path of least resistance. You want to spend your energy on your scales, not on fixing a buzzing bridge. While the Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner 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:
Unboxing the Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit: First Impressions
When the Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit arrived at our studio, the first thing that caught my eye was the striking pink finish. It’s a bold aesthetic choice that stands out in a market saturated with standard blacks and sunbursts. The paint job is surprisingly well-executed; it has a deep gloss that feels premium rather than “plasticky.” Upon lifting the guitar, the weight of the poplar wood body felt substantial—enough to provide good sustain, but light enough that a teenager wouldn’t get a sore shoulder after a 30-minute practice session. Before you even strike a string, you can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand the value packed into this box.
The assembly was non-existent, which is exactly what a beginner needs. Aside from screwing in the tremolo bar (the “whammy bar”) and tuning the strings, it was ready to go. Compared to some other budget brands I’ve tested, the fret edges on the Vangoa were remarkably smooth. Often, cheap guitars have “fret sprout,” where the metal wires poke out and scratch your hand, but this maple neck felt sleek and well-finished. The mini amp included is compact—hardly bigger than a lunchbox—but it felt sturdy. The overall initial impression is one of high value; Vangoa has clearly focused on making the “touchpoints” (the neck, the finish, the tuning pegs) feel like they belong on a much more expensive instrument.
Key Benefits
- Comprehensive “Everything-in-the-Box” approach saves time and money.
- Smooth Canadian maple neck with a comfortable C-shape profile.
- Bright and crisp vintage SSS pickups perfect for clean and bluesy tones.
- Stylish and high-quality pink finish that resists easy chipping.
Limitations
- The mini-amplifier is great for practice but may produce static at high gain.
- Quality control can be hit-or-miss, with occasional reports of headstock cracks.
A Deep Dive into the Performance of the Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit
Playability and Ergonomic Design: A Neck Built for Learning
In our extensive testing of the Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit, the standout feature was undoubtedly the neck. For a beginner, the neck is the most critical component. If it is too thick, small hands struggle to wrap around it; if it is too thin, it can feel flimsy. Vangoa has opted for a “C-shaped” Canadian maple neck. We found this profile to be the “Goldilocks” of guitar necks—it feels substantial enough to provide leverage for chords but slim enough for fast movement during scales. The 14-inch fingerboard radius is flatter than a traditional vintage guitar, which is a major advantage for modern players. A flatter radius makes it much easier to “bend” notes without them “fretting out” (stopping the sound prematurely).
Furthermore, the engineered wood fretboard provides a smooth surface that mimics the feel of rosewood. During long practice sessions, we noticed that the guitar stayed remarkably comfortable. The body’s poplar wood construction is light, making it an excellent choice for standing play. We’ve used guitars twice this price that felt significantly more cumbersome. This focus on ergonomics is why we recommend that you check the latest price and availability for this kit, as the build quality often exceeds its price bracket. Whether you are sitting on a bed or standing with the included strap, the guitar feels balanced and doesn’t suffer from “neck dive,” where the headstock pulls the instrument downward.
Tonal Versatility: The Power of the SSS Pickup Configuration
The heart of any electric guitar is its electronics. The Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit utilizes three single-coil pickups (SSS). In our sound tests, we were impressed by the “quack” and “snap” these pickups produced. When using the 5-way selector switch, you can toggle between a warm, bassy sound at the neck position (perfect for jazz or soulful blues) and a sharp, biting tone at the bridge position (ideal for country lead or punk rock). While these aren’t high-output boutique pickups, they offer a very clean and honest representation of the instrument’s resonance. This clarity is a feature that really sets it apart from other kits that often use muddy, low-quality humbuckers to hide poor wood quality.
We did find that, like all single-coil pickups, there is a slight “60-cycle hum” when you turn up the gain on the amp. This is a characteristic of the technology, not a flaw in the guitar itself. However, when playing through the clean channel, the Vangoa sounds remarkably bright and airy. For a student learning the difference between various musical genres, having a 5-way switch is like having a palette of five different colors to paint with. You can go from the smooth tones of Jimi Hendrix to the bright “twang” of a Telecaster-style lead with just a flick of your finger. To hear the difference yourself, you might want to read more about the pickup specs and user sound samples.
The Practice Ecosystem: Amp, Tuner, and Silent Practice
The inclusion of a mini-amplifier is a game-changer for those who don’t want to buy a separate, heavy stack. This amp features both a “clean” and an “overdrive” channel. While the overdrive is admittedly a bit “crunchy” and basic, it provides enough grit for a beginner to feel like a rockstar. What we truly appreciated, however, was the 1/8″ headphone output. This allows for silent practice at 2 AM without waking up the entire house. For parents, this is perhaps the most valuable feature of the Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit. The amp also includes an AUX input, meaning you can plug in your phone or laptop and play along to your favorite tracks on YouTube or Spotify.
The tuning stability is another area where we scrutinized this kit. It uses 1:14 ratio sealed chrome-plated tuning pegs. In our experience, these pegs held their tension well, even after aggressive use of the tremolo bar. The included clip-on tuner is highly responsive, which is essential because a beginner often doesn’t know how to “pitch match.” Having a visual guide that tells you exactly when a string is in tune reduces the frustration of a guitar that sounds “off” no matter how hard you play. When you consider the cost of buying a tuner, a strap, a cable, and a gig bag separately, the value of this complete all-in-one beginner guitar kit becomes incredibly apparent.
Durability and Craftsmanship: Can It Withstand the Journey?
One common concern with budget instruments is durability. Vangoa has used solid poplar for the body, which is a resilient hardwood that takes paint well and can withstand the occasional knock. The bridge is a “hard tail” style (though it comes with a tremolo bar option), which generally offers better tuning stability for newcomers. We did note that the nut (the piece where the strings meet the headstock) is made of synthetic material; while functional, a drop of graphite or nut lubricant can make tuning even smoother. This is a small “pro tip” for those looking to maximize their experience with the Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit.
The waterproof padded gig bag deserves a mention. Most starter kits include a thin “dust cover” that offers no protection. Vangoa’s bag actually has enough padding to protect the guitar from minor dings while being carried to a lesson or a friend’s house. It also has a front pocket large enough to hold the cable, the tuner, and the extra set of strings. This attention to detail suggests that Vangoa understands the lifestyle of a student musician. To ensure you’re getting the authentic model with the full accessory pack, make sure to verify the warranty and shipping details here. This kit isn’t just a toy; it’s a tool designed to survive the first few years of a musical journey.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general consensus among those who have purchased the Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit is overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding its “bang for the buck.” One user enthusiastically noted, “I can’t believe they call this a starter guitar, this thing rocks! The paint and finish are above par.” This sentiment is echoed by many who were surprised that an entry-level instrument could look and feel so professional. Another musician mentioned that after adding it to their collection, they were impressed by the “comfortable neck and light weight,” noting it was a great introduction to the electric world.
However, it wouldn’t be a balanced review without addressing the hiccups. A few users reported quality control issues, such as a “crack in the headstock” upon arrival or a “loose toner screw.” While these seem to be isolated incidents usually related to rough handling or factory oversights, they are worth noting. One user mentioned the amp gave them “a little static,” but they were still able to work with it for practice purposes. Most owners agree that for the price point, these minor risks are outweighed by the overall quality of the guitar itself. As one reviewer put it, “This really has it all and you are good to go with this setup.”
Comparing the Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit to Top Alternatives
1. RockJam Electric Guitar Kit with 10-Watt Amp
The RockJam kit is often seen as the primary rival to Vangoa in the budget space. While the RockJam includes a 10-watt amp that is slightly louder than Vangoa’s mini-amp, we found the Vangoa guitar itself to have a superior finish and neck feel. RockJam targets the absolute budget-conscious consumer and often includes online lessons, which is a nice touch. However, the Vangoa’s use of Canadian maple for the neck gives it a more “pro” feel that will likely last longer as the student progresses. Choose RockJam if you are on a very tight budget and want those extra lessons included.
2. Yamaha GigMaker EG Electric Guitar Pack
Yamaha is a titan in the music industry, and the GigMaker EG is their gold-standard starter pack. Comparing it to the Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit, the Yamaha definitely feels like a more “serious” instrument with higher-end quality control. The price reflects this, often costing significantly more. While the Vangoa is perfect for someone wanting a stylish, affordable entry point, the Yamaha is for the student who is 100% committed and wants a brand name they can trust for decades. Yamaha’s amp is also a step up in terms of tonal depth and build quality.
3. Stedman Pro Beginner Bass Guitar Bundle
It is important to note that the Stedman Pro in this bundle is a Bass Guitar, not a standard electric guitar. We include it here because many beginners confuse the two. If you are looking to play the deep, rhythmic low-end notes of a band, the Stedman is a fantastic entry point into the bass world. However, if you want to play chords and solos, stay with the Vangoa. The Stedman bundle is similarly comprehensive, offering an amp and accessories, but it serves a completely different musical role. It’s a great alternative if you realize your heart is actually in the rhythm section rather than the lead.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit?
After putting the Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit through its paces, our conclusion is clear: this is one of the most stylish and value-packed starter kits on the market today. Its greatest strengths lie in its excellent neck playability, its comprehensive accessory package, and an aesthetic that makes you actually want to pick it up and play. While the amp is best suited for bedroom practice rather than a stadium concert, it perfectly fulfills the needs of a beginner. The minor quality control risks are typical for this price range and are usually easily resolved through customer support.
We recommend this kit to any aspiring guitarist, especially girls, teens, or adults who want a full-size instrument that doesn’t feel like a toy. It provides everything necessary to go from “zero to hero” without the need for additional trips to the music store. If you are looking for a gift that will genuinely inspire a new musical passion, this is a fantastic choice. Don’t let indecision hold you back from your musical goals—take the first step today and get your Vangoa 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Kit now to start your journey toward becoming the musician you’ve always wanted to be.
