ermik Electric Guitar Kit with 20W Amp – Blue Review: The Ultimate All-in-One Solution for Aspiring Rockstars?
I still remember the first time I picked up a guitar. It was a dusty, borrowed acoustic with strings so high off the fretboard they felt like cheese cutters. Within twenty minutes, my fingers were throbbing, and my dreams of being the next guitar hero were rapidly fading. This is a common story for many beginners. They search for a way to enter the world of music, but they are often met with two choices: spending a fortune on professional gear they aren’t ready for, or buying a “toy” guitar that won’t stay in tune for more than five minutes. The struggle to find a middle ground—a high-quality, playable, and affordable entry point—is real. Without the right equipment, most beginners quit within the first three months. That is precisely why products like the ermik Electric Guitar Kit with 20W Amp – Blue have become such a focal point for new players. It promises to remove the barriers to entry by providing everything you need in one box, ensuring that your first experience with the instrument is one of inspiration rather than frustration.
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 complexity of shopping for individual components. When you are just starting out, you don’t necessarily know which cable matches which amp, or which pickups are best for the genre of music you love. These kits eliminate the guesswork, providing a curated experience that allows you to plug in and play immediately. The main benefit is the sheer convenience and the significant cost savings compared to buying each piece of gear separately. Before you commit, you should see its full feature set and user reviews to ensure it aligns with your musical goals.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daunting task of starting from scratch—perhaps a parent buying a gift for a child, or an adult finally fulfilling a lifelong dream of learning to play. It’s perfect for those who want a versatile sound without a massive upfront investment. However, it might not be suitable for professional touring musicians or seasoned studio pros who require boutique hardware and highly specific tonewoods. For those players, a custom-shop instrument would be the logical step, but for 99% of people starting out, a comprehensive kit is the smartest way to begin.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: This is a 39-inch, full-size guitar. While it fits most teenagers and adults comfortably, it’s important to ensure you have a dedicated space for the 20W amplifier. Consider where you will practice and if you have a stand to keep the instrument safe when not in use.
- Capacity/Performance: Look specifically at the pickup configuration. The ermik uses an HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single) setup. This provides more “capacity” for different sounds than a standard three-single-coil setup, allowing you to play everything from clean jazz to heavy rock.
- Materials & Durability: The use of Basswood for the body and Maple for the neck is a classic industry standard for a reason. Basswood is lightweight and resonant, making it easier for beginners to hold for long practice sessions without back strain, while Maple provides the structural integrity needed for the neck.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A kit should include a digital tuner. Keeping a guitar in tune is the biggest hurdle for new players. If a kit doesn’t make tuning easy, you won’t want to play. Also, check for the inclusion of a truss rod adjustment tool to maintain the neck’s bow over time.
While the ermik Electric Guitar Kit with 20W Amp – Blue 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 ermik Electric Guitar Kit with 20W Amp – Blue
When the ermik Electric Guitar Kit with 20W Amp – Blue arrived at our studio, the first thing that struck us was the weight of the box. It felt substantial, not flimsy. Upon opening, we were greeted by a stunning blue finish that looks much more expensive in person than it does in photos. The “ST” (Stratocaster-style) design is iconic for a reason—it’s ergonomic and balances perfectly on your lap. We found the initial setup to be incredibly straightforward. Within ten minutes, we had the guitar out of its gig bag, the 20W amp plugged in, and the digital tuner clipped onto the headstock. Compared to previous versions of budget kits we’ve tested, the fit and finish on the Ermik are notably superior; the paint is smooth, and there are no sharp fret edges, which is a common complaint with entry-level instruments. You can check the latest price and availability here to see how it fits your budget.
Key Benefits
- Highly versatile HSS pickup configuration for multiple music genres.
- Substantial 20W amplifier which is louder and clearer than most competitors’ 10W amps.
- Complete accessory package including a digital tuner and spare strings.
- Comfortable C-shaped neck profile ideal for smaller or beginner hands.
Drawbacks
- The gig bag is basic and lacks heavy padding for serious travel.
- Included instrument cable is functional but may need upgrading for long-term use.
Deep Dive: Evaluating the Performance of the ermik Electric Guitar Kit with 20W Amp – Blue
The Versatility of the HSS Pickup Configuration
In our testing, the standout feature of the ermik Electric Guitar Kit with 20W Amp – Blue is undoubtedly the HSS pickup configuration. For those unfamiliar with the terminology, this means the guitar has two single-coil pickups and one “Humbucker” pickup at the bridge. This is a massive advantage for a beginner. Single coils provide that bright, “twangy” sound famous in Texas blues and country music, while the Humbucker provides a thicker, “meatier” tone with less background hum—perfect for rock and metal. We were impressed by how well this guitar captured the essence of high-end models; we were even able to hit those tricky harmonics typically associated with much more expensive gear. Whether you are aiming for a clean, melodic sound or a distorted, “spicy” lead tone, this pickup arrangement delivers. As one user noted, the pickups feel “extra spicy,” allowing for a range of sounds that keeps the learning process exciting. You can really explore the tonal range of this kit here.
Playability and Ergonomic Neck Design
One of the most critical factors for any beginner guitar is “playability,” or how easy it is to actually press the strings down and move across the fretboard. We found the C-shaped neck profile on the ermik to be exceptionally comfortable. It fills the palm of the hand without being too bulky, which is a common issue with “D” shaped necks. The Rosewood fretboard felt smooth under our fingertips, and the action—the distance between the strings and the frets—was set perfectly right out of the box. We’ve tested many “budget” guitars where the strings are so high they are impossible to play, but the ermik offered a clear and clean sound all the way up the neck with minimal effort. This ease of use is vital because it prevents the finger fatigue that causes many novices to give up. The fret work was also surprisingly decent, with no “sprouting” (sharp edges) that can often scratch a player’s hand during fast movement.
The 20W Power Amplifier: Beyond the Bedroom
Most starter kits include a tiny 5W or 10W “practice” amp that sounds thin and buzzy. The ermik Electric Guitar Kit with 20W Amp – Blue steps it up with a 20W amplifier that actually has some “oomph.” During our evaluation, we found the amp to be more than loud enough for home practice, and it even held its own in a small garage jam session. The built-in speakers provide a respectable low-end response for their size. We also appreciated the multiple input interfaces, allowing you to plug in headphones for silent practice or use an aux cord to play along with your favorite tracks. While one user mentioned having to purchase a separate aux cord for their specific device, the core functionality of the amp is excellent. It features intuitive controls for gain, bass, and treble, allowing you to sculpt your sound without getting bogged down in complex menus. This amp is a feature that really sets this kit apart from cheaper alternatives.
Build Quality and Aesthetic Appeal
Let’s talk about the look and feel. The 39″ full-size body made of Basswood gives the guitar a nice weight—it feels “substantial” without being a literal burden on your shoulder. The Blue finish is vibrant and deep, and we found the paint job to be above par for this price point. The inclusion of a tremolo bar (whammy bar) adds a layer of fun, allowing beginners to experiment with pitch bends and “surf rock” sounds. We also noted the quality of the tuners; they felt stable and didn’t slip, which means you spend more time playing and less time retuning. The 2-year manufacturer warranty is the icing on the cake, providing peace of mind that the company stands behind the materials and construction. For anyone looking for a gift that looks “impressive” and “pro” without the pro price tag, this is a strong contender.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment among users is one of high satisfaction, particularly regarding the value-to-price ratio. Most owners find it “very impressive” how much quality is offered at this price point. Parents frequently mention that it makes an excellent gift, with one parent noting that their 12-year-old son has been successfully teaching himself to play using this kit. Another user, who typically plays acoustic guitar, was pleasantly surprised by the “nice action” on the fretboard, stating that switching between genres was effortless.
On the positive side, one reviewer exclaimed, “I can’t believe they are calling this a starter electric guitar, this thing rocks!” highlighting the “above par” fit and finish. Another mentioned that it captures the “essence of an actual Les Paul” despite being an ST-style body, thanks to those powerful pickups. However, it’s not without its minor critiques. One user mentioned that the “gig bag is not heavily padded,” suggesting it’s better for storage than for frequent transport. Another noted they “did have to purchase another aux cord” to match their specific music player. Despite these minor points, the consensus is that it’s a “great value” and a “great guitar” for anyone on a budget. You can read more user experiences and see more photos here.
Comparing the ermik Electric Guitar Kit with 20W Amp – Blue to Top Alternatives
While the ermik is a stellar choice, it’s important to see how it compares to other heavy hitters in the beginner market. Here is how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.
1. Yamaha GigMaker EG Electric Guitar Pack
The Yamaha GigMaker EG is often considered the gold standard for high-end beginner kits. While it is significantly more expensive than the ermik, you are paying for the Yamaha brand’s legendary quality control and a slightly more refined amplifier. However, for a total beginner, the price jump might be hard to justify when the ermik provides a very similar playing experience and an equally versatile HSS pickup configuration. Choose the Yamaha if you have a larger budget and want a brand name that holds its resale value better. Choose the ermik if you want nearly identical performance for a much more accessible price.
2. RockJam Electric Guitar Kit with 10-Watt Amp
The RockJam kit is a more budget-focused alternative. The primary difference here is the power of the amplifier; RockJam includes a 10-watt amp compared to the 20-watt amp in the ermik kit. In our experience, those extra 10 watts make a world of difference in sound clarity and volume headroom. Furthermore, the ermik’s HSS pickups offer a wider variety of tones than the standard setup often found on entry-level RockJam models. If you are strictly limited by a very tight budget, the RockJam is a functional starter, but the ermik is a significant step up in quality for just a small increase in investment.
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 electric guitar kit. We include it here because many beginners often confuse the two. If your goal is to play lead melodies and chords, stick with the ermik. However, if you find yourself drawn to the low-end rhythm and want to be the “heartbeat” of a band, the Stedman Pro is an excellent entry-level bass kit. It features a 15-watt amp and a full-size bass guitar. Just be aware that the playing style and musical role are entirely different from the ermik electric guitar.
Final Verdict: Is the ermik Electric Guitar Kit with 20W Amp – Blue Right for You?
After a deep dive and extensive hands-on evaluation, we can confidently say that the ermik Electric Guitar Kit with 20W Amp – Blue is one of the most comprehensive and high-value starter packages on the market today. Its main strengths lie in the versatility of its HSS pickups, the surprisingly powerful 20W amplifier, and a level of build quality that far exceeds its price point. While the gig bag could use more padding and the cable is basic, these are minor trade-offs considering the quality of the instrument itself. It’s an ideal solution for students, hobbyists, or anyone looking to gift a high-quality musical experience without breaking the bank.
If you are ready to stop dreaming and start playing, this kit provides everything you need to hit the ground running. The combination of classic aesthetics and modern performance makes it a joy to use, whether you’re practicing scales or learning your first power chords. We highly recommend this kit for its exceptional balance of price, performance, and accessories. Don’t let another day go by without making music—pick up the ermik Electric Guitar Kit with 20W Amp – Blue today and start your journey on the right note!
