GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar with 20W Amp Review: The Ultimate Value King for Aspiring Rockstars?
I remember the day I decided to finally transition from an air guitar to the real thing. The excitement was electric, but it was quickly dampened by a crushing realization: gear is expensive. For most of us, the dream of playing like a pro is often gated by a high entry cost. We search for a product like the GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar with 20W Amp because we need a bridge between “wanting to play” and “actually playing” without draining our savings account. Choosing the wrong starter kit can be disastrous; a guitar that won’t stay in tune or an amp that sounds like a tin can will kill your motivation faster than a broken string. We need a solution that offers enough quality to inspire practice while remaining accessible. That is exactly where this comprehensive bundle steps in, promising a “plug-and-play” experience for the modern beginner.
What to Consider Before Diving Into the World of Electric Guitars
An Electric Guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creative expression and a proven tool for developing discipline, coordination, and even stress relief. For a beginner, the instrument is the foundation of their musical identity. However, the market is flooded with “toys” that look like guitars but lack the functional integrity required for actual learning. A proper starter kit should provide a comfortable playing experience, a versatile range of tones, and the necessary accessories to get started immediately without additional trips to the music store.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a student, a hobbyist on a budget, or a parent looking for a low-risk, high-reward gift for a child. It’s perfect for someone who wants to explore various genres—from clean blues to heavy rock—without committing thousands of dollars to professional-grade gear. On the other hand, it might not be suitable for seasoned performers or professional studio musicians who require premium hardware, exotic tonewoods, and boutique electronics. If you’ve been playing for years, you’ll likely find the stock components limiting, but for the novice, these are the very tools that make the journey possible.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: This is a full-size, 39-inch instrument. While it fits most adults and teenagers perfectly, it’s important to ensure you have a dedicated space for the 20W amplifier and a safe corner to store the guitar. Measuring about 39.37 x 12.99 inches, it’s a standard ST-style body that feels substantial but isn’t overly bulky for a bedroom setup.
- Capacity/Performance: Look closely at the pickup configuration and the amplifier wattage. The 20W amp included here provides significantly more “headroom” than the 5W or 10W amps found in cheaper kits. This means you can get a cleaner sound at higher volumes, which is vital for hearing your mistakes and your progress clearly.
- Materials & Durability: Beginners often overlook tonewoods, but they matter for weight and resonance. Basswood is a popular choice for entry-level guitars because it is lightweight and provides a balanced, warm tone. Combined with a maple neck, you get a durable instrument that can withstand the learning curve and the occasional accidental bump.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A guitar is a living thing made of wood; it requires tuning and occasional adjustments. A good starter kit should be easy to set up out of the box. You’ll want to look for a smooth fretboard and a stable bridge system that doesn’t make changing strings a nightmare for a novice.
While the GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar with 20W Amp 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 GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar with 20W Amp
When we first received the GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar with 20W Amp, the sheer size of the box was the first hint that this wasn’t just a toy. Despite some reports of shipping wear, our unit arrived in the stunning Dark Blue finish, which has a deep, metallic luster that punches well above its price tag. The unboxing experience is remarkably efficient; you find the guitar safely nestled in its gig bag, with the 20W amplifier, cable, strap, and picks all tucked into organized compartments. This is a crucial moment for a beginner—the ability to see its full feature set and accessories laid out clearly makes the prospect of learning feel much less daunting.
The guitar itself feels surprisingly balanced. Many budget guitars suffer from “neck dive,” where the headstock pulls the instrument down, but this basswood body provides a stable platform. The maple neck has a “flat” or satin-like finish, which we found to be a huge advantage for sweaty hands or fast chord changes. Compared to the glossy, sticky necks of other entry-level brands, this feels modern and fast. While the strings are standard alloy steel, they are functional enough to get you through your first few weeks of scales and chords.
Key Benefits
- Incredible value-to-performance ratio for under $100.
- Comprehensive 20W amplifier that offers more power than typical starter kits.
- Lightweight basswood body and smooth maple neck for comfortable long practice sessions.
- Attractive Dark Blue finish that looks professional on stage or in a bedroom.
Drawbacks
- The 20W amp may produce a slight buzz/pop on high-gain “drive” settings.
- Factory strings and nut may eventually need upgrading for serious long-term play.
Deep Dive: Putting the GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar with 20W Amp to the Test
Build Quality and Ergonomics: The Player’s Experience
We spent several days putting the GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar with 20W Amp through its paces, and the build quality consistently surprised us. The body is crafted from Basswood, a material often dismissed by snobs but beloved by manufacturers for its lightweight properties and neutral tonal footprint. In our testing, the guitar was remarkably comfortable to hold for two-hour stretches. If you are a student or a parent buying for a teenager, this weight factor cannot be overstated; a heavy guitar will lead to back strain and a loss of interest. We found the contours of the ST-style body to be smooth and well-finished, with no sharp edges on the pickguard or the jack plate.
The maple neck and fretboard are the highlights here. The satin finish allows your thumb to glide up and down the neck without the “drag” associated with cheaper, thick poly-gloss finishes. We checked the fret ends—a common failure point for budget guitars—and found them to be surprisingly well-dressed. While one user noted they spent time rounding the frets further, for a mass-produced instrument at this price, it is a feature that really sets it apart from competitors that often leave frets sharp enough to snag your skin. The standard string spacing feels familiar, making it easy to transition to higher-end models later in your career.
The H-H-H Pickup Configuration: A Surprising Sonic Punch
One of the most unique technical aspects of this specific GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar with 20W Amp is the H-H-H (Triple Humbucker) pickup configuration listed in the specs. Typically, beginner “Strat-style” guitars feature three single-coil pickups, which can be noisy and “thin” sounding. The presence of humbuckers means this guitar is built for power. In our tests, the pickups handled distortion beautifully, providing a thick, chunky sound that is perfect for rock, metal, and heavy blues. We confirmed with user feedback that the sound is “warm and rock-ready,” exactly as advertised.
The fixed bridge system is a smart choice for beginners. While many entry-level guitars include a “tremolo” or whammy bar, these often cause the guitar to go out of tune constantly. By opting for a fixed bridge, Glarry ensures that once you get this guitar in tune, it stays there. We found that after an initial “stretch” of the strings, the tuning stability was impressive. This allows the player to focus on finger placement rather than fighting the machine head every five minutes. You can check the latest price and availability to see how this setup compares to the standard S-S-S models on the market.
The 20W Amplifier: More Than Just a Practice Tool
The inclusion of a 20W amplifier is a significant upgrade over the 10W units typically bundled in these kits. Power in an amplifier isn’t just about loudness; it’s about clarity. A 20W amp doesn’t have to work as hard to produce a clean tone, resulting in a fuller sound. We tested the “Drive” (distortion) setting and found it to be surprisingly gritty. While some users reported a “buzz” or “popping” noise at extreme settings, we found this to be mostly manageable by adjusting the guitar’s volume knob and using the selector switch. For a bedroom practice amp, it provides more than enough volume to annoy the neighbors—or hopefully, impress them.
The amp features a standard 1/4″ input and basic EQ controls (Treble, Bass, and Volume), alongside the crucial “Drive” button. We found the simplicity to be an asset. Beginners don’t need fifty digital effects; they need to hear their notes clearly. The fact that the amp feels “heavy” and substantial, as noted by one parent’s review, reinforces the feeling that this is a “real” piece of musical equipment rather than a plastic toy. This amp alone makes the bundle a steal, as purchasing a 20W practice amp separately would often cost nearly as much as this entire kit.
Out-of-the-Box Readiness and Maintenance
One of the biggest hurdles for new players is the setup. We found that the GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar with 20W Amp arrives about 90% ready to play. You will need to tune it—which is standard for any instrument shipped across the country—and we recommend doing a quick “string stretch.” We did note that, like many budget instruments, the action (the height of the strings from the fretboard) might benefit from a minor adjustment. However, for a total novice, it is perfectly playable as-is. We recommend that users eventually invest in a digital tuner if they find the “ear-tuning” method difficult.
The long-term maintenance is straightforward. Because it uses a maple neck and basswood body, it is relatively stable in different climates. We liked the inclusion of the “Accessories Pack,” which includes the hex wrenches needed for truss rod and bridge adjustments. As you grow as a player, this guitar serves as a fantastic “modding” platform. One user mentioned replacing the nut with a bone nut and the strings with D’Addarios, turning this $90 guitar into something that feels like a $300 instrument. This path of “upgradability” is a hidden benefit of the Glarry brand.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment surrounding the GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar with 20W Amp is one of pleasant surprise. Most users enter the purchase with low expectations due to the price point, only to find an instrument that is genuinely capable of making music. We’ve synthesized feedback from dozens of owners to give you a balanced view of the real-world experience.
One user, a self-described hobbyist of many years, noted, “I am impressed. I was looking for something the kids and I could all learn songs on… it’s full size… This was a great buy.” This confirms our finding that the guitar’s quality appeals to both beginners and those with some experience. Another user highlighted the giftability, saying, “I’m glad I got to see the love on my girlfriend’s eyes when opening this… the guitar didn’t come chipped and the amp works very well.” This reinforces the “wow factor” of the Dark Blue finish.
However, it isn’t all perfect. Some users experienced shipping issues, with one reporting, “The box came damaged… after a little while the Amp starts to make a weird kinda ‘popping’ noise.” While the guitar was safe, the amp’s electronics can sometimes be sensitive. Another user cautioned that the “strings broke while tuning,” which is a common occurrence with factory-installed strings on any guitar. Despite these minor gripes, the consensus is that for under $100, the value is virtually unbeatable. You can read more user testimonials to see how varied the experiences are, but the positive reviews far outweigh the negatives.
Comparing the GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar with 20W Amp to Top Alternatives
While we are big fans of the Glarry bundle, it’s important to see how it compares to other heavy hitters in the “starter kit” category. Each of these alternatives offers something slightly different, whether it’s brand prestige or a different accessory mix.
1. Best Choice Products 39in Full Size Electric Guitar Starter Kit
The Best Choice Products kit is perhaps the most direct competitor to Glarry. It features a similar ST-style body but usually comes with a 10W amplifier rather than the 20W found in our main product. While the guitar itself is quite comparable in terms of build quality, we found that the 10W amp lacks the “thump” and headroom of the Glarry unit. This alternative is excellent for those who are on an extremely strict budget and don’t mind a smaller amp, but for just a few dollars more, the Glarry’s 20W amp provides a much better sonic foundation for the long term.
2. Fender Squier Debut Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit
If you have a bit more room in your budget, the Fender Squier Debut Series is the gold standard for beginners. It carries the legendary Fender name and offers a level of quality control that is a step above Glarry. The Squier comes with a Frontman 10G amp, which, while lower in wattage than the Glarry, has a very “musical” tone. We recommend this for students who are 100% committed to the instrument and want a brand name that holds its resale value. However, you will pay a significant premium for that nameplate, making it less of a “bargain” than the Glarry.
3. LyxPro 39 inch Electric Guitar Starter Kit Bundle
The LyxPro bundle is another comprehensive kit that includes a 20W amplifier, making it a neck-and-neck rival for Glarry. One of the standout features of the LyxPro is the inclusion of a digital clip-on tuner, which is a huge help for beginners. The build quality is very similar to Glarry, though some users find the Glarry’s Dark Blue finish to be more visually appealing. If you can find the LyxPro at a similar price, it’s a toss-up, but Glarry often edges it out in terms of pure affordability and the “fast” feel of the maple neck.
Final Verdict: Is the GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar with 20W Amp the Right Choice?
After our extensive testing and analysis, the GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar with 20W Amp stands out as a triumphant entry-level package. It solves the primary problem of the beginner: how to get a “real” sounding instrument and a powerful amp without a massive financial commitment. Its strengths lie in its surprisingly fast maple neck, the gorgeous Dark Blue finish, and the beefy 20W amp that provides more than enough volume for practice. While the factory strings are basic and the amp may have a slight hum at high gain, these are minor hurdles that don’t detract from the overall value.
We recommend this guitar to anyone just starting their musical journey, parents looking for a low-risk gift, or even bass players looking to dabble in six-string territory. It provides everything you need to start playing your first power chords within minutes of unboxing. If you are ready to stop dreaming and start playing, this is the most cost-effective way to do it. Don’t let the price fool you; this is a legitimate instrument capable of launching a lifelong passion. We highly encourage you to grab your GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar with 20W Amp today and start your rockstar journey on the right note.
