Ashthorpe Full-Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Package Review: The Ultimate Hybrid Starter Kit?

Choosing your first guitar is a rite of passage that can be as frustrating as it is exciting. Many of us start with a simple question: should I go acoustic or electric? The acoustic offers portability and a raw, organic tone, while the electric provides that amplified punch and the ability to experiment with effects. When we first encountered the Ashthorpe Full-Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Package, it promised to solve this dilemma by offering the best of both worlds in a single, affordable bundle.

The problem many beginners face is the “investment gap.” Buying a high-end guitar, an amplifier, and all the necessary accessories separately can easily cost several hundred dollars. For a student or a hobbyist just testing the waters, that’s a massive risk. Settling for a “cheap” toy-like guitar often leads to poor playability, which ultimately causes many new players to quit. We wanted to see if this Ashthorpe package could bridge that gap—providing a professional feel and versatile sound without the intimidating price tag. Solving this playability issue is crucial; without a comfortable instrument that stays in tune, the musical journey ends before it truly begins.

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 aspiring musicians who want a “plug-and-play” experience without the headache of matching compatible components. These kits are designed to eliminate the guesswork, providing the instrument, the power source, and the protective gear in one box. The primary benefit here is cohesion. When you buy a bundle like the Ashthorpe Full-Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Package, you know the pickup system is designed to work with the included 10W amp, and the gig bag is tailored to the specific dimensions of the thinline body.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a beginner or intermediate player looking for a versatile practice tool, or perhaps a parent seeking a comprehensive gift for a child. It is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate the “Thinline” design, which is easier to handle than a bulky dreadnought. However, it might not be suitable for professional touring musicians who require high-end, stage-ready electronics or those who specifically want a heavy, solid-body electric guitar for metal or hard rock. If you are strictly looking for a traditional acoustic experience with no interest in amplification, a standard full-bodied acoustic might offer more natural volume.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Since this is a full-size 41-inch guitar, it is designed for adults and older teens. However, the “Thinline” body depth (about 3.5 inches) makes it much more ergonomic than traditional acoustics, making it easier to wrap your arm around during long practice sessions.
• Capacity/Performance: Look for the versatility of the electronics. This model features a 4-band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence), which gives you significantly more control over your tone than the standard 2-band systems found on most entry-level guitars.
• Materials & Durability: The choice of wood impacts both sound and longevity. This kit utilizes a Spruce top for brightness and Basswood for the back and sides to add warmth. While these are excellent tonewoods for the price, they require proper humidity control to prevent warping over time.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A beginner kit should include everything needed to maintain the instrument. Check if the package includes extra strings and a truss rod adjustment tool, as new guitars often require a slight setup adjustment after shipping to achieve the best “action” (string height).

While the Ashthorpe Full-Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Package 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 Full-Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Package

When we first unboxed the Ashthorpe Full-Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Package, the visual impact of the blue finish was immediate. It’s a vibrant, polished look that feels more premium than the price suggests. The “Thinline” cutaway design is the standout feature here. Unlike bulky traditional acoustics that can feel like you’re hugging a suitcase, this guitar feels sleek and manageable. We found that the cutaway provides excellent access to the upper frets, which is a rare treat on an acoustic-style instrument.

The assembly—if you can call it that—was straightforward. We simply tuned the strings (which took a moment to stretch and settle), plugged in the 1/4″ cable to the 10-watt amp, and we were ready to go. Before you start playing, you should see its full feature set and user reviews to understand the breadth of what’s included in this box. It’s a comprehensive starter kit that avoids the cluttered “cheap” feel of many competitors, focusing instead on the essential tools a player actually needs.

Deep Dive: Putting the Ashthorpe Full-Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Package to the Test

The Thinline Cutaway Design: Ergonomics Meets Accessibility

In our extensive testing, the most impressive physical attribute of the Ashthorpe Full-Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Package was undoubtedly the thinline body. Traditional acoustic guitars often have a depth of 4 to 5 inches, which can be cumbersome for beginners. Ashthorpe has slimmed this down to roughly 3.5 inches. We found that this reduction in depth significantly improves the “playability” factor. It allows your picking arm to rest at a more natural angle, reducing shoulder fatigue during hour-long practice sessions.

Furthermore, the cutaway design isn’t just for show. Many beginner acoustics are full-body, meaning you lose access to the frets past the 12th or 14th mark. With the Ashthorpe, we were able to practice scales and lead lines all the way up the neck. While this is an acoustic-electric, the feel of the neck and the cutaway body lean slightly toward an electric guitar’s agility. This makes it a perfect “crossover” instrument for someone who isn’t quite sure which style they prefer yet. To see why this ergonomic choice is winning over so many new players, you can check the latest price and availability for this specific blue model.

On-Board Electronics and the 10-Watt Amplifier

The “Electric” part of the Ashthorpe Full-Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Package is where the value truly shines. Most budget acoustic-electrics come with a basic volume and tone knob. However, this model features a side-mounted 4-band EQ system. We spent hours tweaking the Bass, Mid, Treble, and Presence sliders. The “Presence” control was particularly impressive, allowing us to add a crisp, “sparkling” top end to the sound that helped the guitar cut through the mix when playing along with backing tracks.

The included 10-watt amplifier is a dedicated practice tool. It’s not meant to play a stadium, but for a bedroom or living room, it’s more than sufficient. We were pleasantly surprised by the “Overdrive” button. Usually, acoustic amps stay clean, but this little 5-inch speaker can produce a gritty, distorted growl if you want to experiment with rock or blues tones. We confirmed through our testing that the 1/4″ jack connection is solid, though we recommend eventually upgrading the included cable to a braided one for long-term durability. This electronic versatility is a feature that really sets it apart from basic acoustic-only starter kits.

Tonewood Construction and Acoustic Resonance

Despite being a thinline model, the Ashthorpe Full-Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Package holds its own acoustically. This is largely due to the A-grade Spruce wood top and X-braced internal structure. Spruce is the industry standard for acoustic tops because of its “springiness” and ability to project sound. In our evaluation, the guitar produced a bright, punchy tone that worked exceptionally well for fingerstyle playing and light strumming.

The back and sides are made of Basswood, which is a softer wood known for its warmth and “dampening” of harsh overtones. This combination creates a very balanced sound profile. While it won’t have the booming bass of a $2,000 Taylor or Martin, it sounds authentic and “woody,” rather than “plasticky.” We found that the Okoume neck was stable and held its tune well once the strings were properly broken in. For anyone worried about the sound quality of a “budget” guitar, this material composition should put those fears to rest. You can view the detailed wood specs and color options to see the craftsmanship for yourself.

Comprehensive Accessory Bundle and Value Proposition

Value is the name of the game here. When you look at what’s included—the guitar, the 10W amp, a gig bag, three different gauges of picks, a strap, a cable, and a full set of extra strings—it’s clear that Ashthorpe is targeting the “one-and-done” buyer. We particularly appreciated the inclusion of “thin, medium, and heavy” picks. For a beginner, this is a great way to learn how pick thickness changes the attack and tone of the strings.

The gig bag is made of soft nylon, which is perfect for keeping dust off the guitar at home or for light travel to a teacher’s house. However, it’s not a hardshell case, so you’ll still need to be careful. We also found the shoulder strap to be functional, though a bit basic. When you add up the cost of buying these items individually, the Ashthorpe Full-Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Package offers a significant discount. It’s an investment in a hobby that provides everything you need to start from day one without any hidden costs. If you’re ready to start your musical journey, we recommend you explore the full bundle details.

Real Voices: What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment surrounding the Ashthorpe Full-Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Package is overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding its value and the manufacturer’s customer service. We noticed a recurring theme: users are genuinely surprised by how good the guitar sounds for the price. One user shared a story about receiving a unit where the amp didn’t connect properly, but they noted that the company “swiftly responded and sent a replacement,” ultimately recommending the business for their integrity. This aligns with our expert view that while budget electronics can occasionally have issues, a responsive manufacturer makes the purchase “risk-free.”

Another user highlighted that it is a “great value guitar—beautiful to look at and comfortable to play.” This sentiment was echoed in Spanish-speaking reviews as well, with one user calling it a “buen producto” with “excelente sonido.” However, the feedback isn’t without its warnings. A few users reported receiving guitars that were damaged during transit, with one noting the “bottom was broken” despite the outer packaging looking safe. Another user mentioned that an internal cord came loose after several months of use. These reviews underscore the importance of inspecting the instrument immediately upon arrival. Overall, the consensus is that for the price, you are getting an instrument that looks and sounds much more expensive than it actually is.

Comparing the Competition: Top 3 Alternatives

1. Yamaha GigMaker EG Electric Guitar Pack

The Yamaha GigMaker EG is a step up for those who are certain they want to play 100% electric music. Unlike the Ashthorpe, which is a hybrid acoustic-electric, this is a solid-body electric guitar. It offers the legendary Yamaha build quality and a more powerful amplifier. This is the better choice for students who want to play high-gain rock, metal, or funk, as the solid body prevents the feedback issues that can occur when amplifying an acoustic guitar at high volumes. However, you lose the ability to play “unplugged” on the couch with any real volume.

2. RockJam Electric Guitar Kit with 10-Watt Amp

The RockJam kit is perhaps the most direct competitor in terms of price point. It focuses on a standard ST-style electric guitar. While it is incredibly affordable and comes with online lessons, we found the Ashthorpe to be a bit more versatile for the average home user. The RockJam is strictly an electric guitar, whereas the Ashthorpe allows you to bridge the gap between folk/pop acoustic styles and amplified performance. RockJam is great for absolute budget-conscious beginners, but the Ashthorpe feels like a more “grown-up” instrument.

3. Stedman Pro Beginner Bass Guitar Bundle

We included the Stedman Pro Bass bundle for those who might be confused about which “guitar” they want. If you find yourself gravitating toward the low-end rhythm rather than chords and melodies, this is a fantastic entry point. It includes a 15-watt amp (slightly more powerful than the Ashthorpe) and all the bass essentials. Obviously, this is a completely different instrument, but for many beginners, the “cool factor” of the bass is a draw. If you want to play lead or rhythm guitar, stay with the Ashthorpe; if you want to be the heartbeat of a band, the Stedman is your go-to.

Final Verdict: Is the Ashthorpe Full-Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Package Worth It?

After putting the Ashthorpe Full-Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Package through its paces, our conclusion is clear: this is one of the most cost-effective ways to enter the world of guitar. Its greatest strength lies in its “Thinline” design and the robust 4-band EQ system, which provide a level of comfort and tonal control usually reserved for much more expensive instruments. While the occasional quality control issue during shipping is a reality of budget instruments, the company’s reputation for making things right provides significant peace of mind.

We recommend this package to anyone who wants the versatility of an acoustic guitar but doesn’t want to be limited to just one sound. It’s perfect for the student who wants to play folk songs by day and plug into an amp for some distorted blues by night. The aesthetics are stunning, the playability is high, and the bundle is genuinely complete. If you are looking for a reliable, beautiful, and versatile starter kit, the Ashthorpe Full-Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Package is a fantastic choice.

Ready to start your musical journey with a guitar that grows with you? We highly recommend that you grab the Ashthorpe Full-Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Package here and start playing today!