Smartxchoices 38″ Kids Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit Review: A Budget-Friendly Gateway or a Tuning Headache?

Every parent knows that moment of hesitation when a child expresses a sudden, burning desire to learn a musical instrument. You want to nurture that creativity, but you are also acutely aware of the “two-week phase”—that period where a new hobby is the center of their universe before being relegated to the back of the closet. When it comes to the guitar, the stakes feel even higher. A poor-quality instrument that won’t stay in tune or has strings that are too high off the fretboard can discourage a beginner before they even learn their first G-major chord. We searched for a solution that balanced affordability with actual playability, leading us to our Smartxchoices 38″ Kids Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit Review.

The problem is that most “budget” guitars are often little more than toys. They look like guitars, but they don’t function like them. On the other hand, spending several hundred dollars on a premium brand for a seven-year-old feels like a massive gamble. We needed to see if a comprehensive bundle like this one could bridge the gap, providing a legitimate learning tool without the heart-wrenching price tag. If an instrument fails to inspire, the music stops. That is why we spent weeks evaluating this kit to see if it truly serves the needs of a budding musician or if it’s just a shiny ornament. To see how this bundle currently stacks up in terms of value, you can check the latest price and availability to see if it fits your budget.

What to Consider Before Buying an Acoustic Guitar for Beginners

An Acoustic Guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for developing fine motor skills, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. For a child, the right guitar acts as a companion on a journey of self-expression. Choosing the wrong one, however, leads to physical discomfort and auditory frustration. A guitar that is too large for a small frame can cause poor posture and strain, while a neck that is too thick makes forming chords nearly impossible. The goal is to find an instrument that feels like an extension of the body, allowing the student to focus on the notes rather than fighting the hardware.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a parent or guardian looking for an entry-level instrument for a child aged 6 to 12, or even a smaller-framed adult seeking a “couch guitar” for casual practice. It is perfect for those who are not yet ready to commit to a professional-grade investment but want a complete package to get started immediately. However, it might not be suitable for those who have already reached an intermediate level or those who require high-precision hardware for recording. Advanced students should likely look toward instruments with solid wood tops and superior machine heads for better resonance and tuning stability.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Scale Length: The physical size of the guitar is the most critical factor for a young player. A standard 41-inch dreadnought is often too bulky for a child to reach around. Look for “parlor” or “3/4 size” models, like this 38-inch option, which allows the player to sit comfortably and maintain proper arm positioning over the soundboard.
• Nut Width & Neck Profile: A slim neck is essential for smaller hands. If the neck is too “chunky,” the child’s thumb won’t be able to provide the necessary leverage for fretting strings. Ensure the profile is designed for easy grip to prevent early fatigue during practice sessions.
• Material Composition: While solid wood is the gold standard for tone, laminate woods like basswood and birch are common in starter kits because they are more durable and less sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. This makes them ideal for children who might not yet know how to properly humidify and care for an expensive instrument.
• Ease of Use & Included Accessories: A starter kit should ideally include everything needed to play on day one. Tuning is the biggest hurdle for beginners; therefore, having a pitch pipe or electronic tuner included is vital. Additionally, check for the inclusion of a gig bag to protect the finish and a strap for comfortable standing play.

Selecting an instrument involves balancing these technical specs with the player’s personal comfort. While the Smartxchoices 38″ Kids Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit is an excellent choice for those starting out, 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 Smartxchoices 38″ Kids Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit: First Impressions

When the Smartxchoices 38″ Kids Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit arrived at our studio, the first thing we noticed was the sheer lightness of the box. Weighing in at just under 5 pounds, it is incredibly easy for a child to handle. Upon unboxing, the “Natural” finish of the guitar immediately caught our eye. It has a high-gloss, shiny lacquer that gives it a professional look, and the floral decoration around the sound hole adds a touch of personality that young players tend to love. We found that the birch wood top and basswood back were surprisingly well-finished for a guitar in this price bracket, though it is clearly a laminate construction.

The assembly is non-existent; you simply pull it out of the bag, and it’s ready—theoretically. However, like most new guitars with steel strings, it requires a significant amount of “stretching” before it holds a tune. We noticed that the included gig bag is quite thin—essentially a dust cover—but it serves its purpose for keeping the instrument clean at home. Compared to previous versions of “starter kits” we’ve tested, the Smartxchoices 38″ Kids Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit feels much more like a real instrument and less like a plastic imitation. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to compare it to other models you might be considering.

A Deep Dive into the Performance of the Smartxchoices 38″ Kids Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit

Ergonomics and Playability for the Young Musician

In our hands-on testing, the most impressive aspect of the Smartxchoices 38″ Kids Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit was its physical accessibility. Many entry-level guitars suffer from “high action,” meaning the strings are set too far from the fretboard, requiring immense finger strength to press down. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the action on this model was manageable. While not as low as a custom-setup professional guitar, it’s certainly low enough for a six or seven-year-old to begin learning basic chords like C and G without excessive pain.

The slim neck profile is another standout feature. We measured the neck and found it to be significantly narrower than a standard dreadnought. This is a crucial benefit because it allows small hands to wrap around the neck properly, ensuring the thumb can stay in the correct position behind the fretboard. We found that the maple fretboard felt smooth under the fingers, and the frets themselves were reasonably well-dressed, with no sharp edges protruding from the sides—a common flaw in budget instruments. This level of comfort is a feature that really sets it apart from the competition in the sub-$100 category.

Construction Quality and Aesthetic Appeal

Constructed primarily from basswood and birch, the Smartxchoices 38″ Kids Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit is built for durability. Basswood is a popular choice for budget guitars because it is relatively soft and easy to work with, yet resonant enough to provide a decent “folk” sound. In our evaluation, the “Natural” wood grain looked clean and uniform. The satin-effect on the neck provides a nice contrast to the gloss body, ensuring that the player’s hand doesn’t get “stuck” when sliding up and down the fretboard during practice.

However, we must address the “build quality” elephant in the room. Because this is a mass-produced budget item, quality control can vary. While our unit was pristine, we have seen instances where the bridge or the neck-to-body joint may show signs of stress. During our testing, the guitar felt sturdy, but it is not an instrument you want to leave in a hot car or a damp basement. The all-wood construction, while “full-bodied” in sound, is still susceptible to the elements. We recommend checking the bridge and neck upon arrival to ensure everything is seated correctly, a process we found straightforward and simple.

Tuning Stability and Auditory Performance

Let’s talk about sound. For a 38-inch guitar, the resonance is surprisingly rich. It doesn’t have the deep, booming low-end of a full-sized Fender, but it has a bright, punchy mid-range that is perfect for strumming along to nursery rhymes or pop songs. The alloy steel strings provide a crisp tone that helps a beginner hear when they are hitting a note correctly. We found that the “folk” body style helps project the sound forward effectively, making it feel like a “loud” instrument despite its smaller size.

Tuning, however, requires patience. New steel strings have a high degree of elasticity. We found that we had to tune the guitar, play for five minutes, and retune it again for about three days before the strings finally “settled.” The tuning pegs are standard open-gear tuners; they do their job, but they aren’t as smooth as high-end sealed tuners. One tip we discovered: when you get this starter kit for your child, spend the first afternoon stretching each string manually and retuning it repeatedly. This will save your child the frustration of a guitar that goes flat after every song. We also confirmed through user feedback that the included pitch pipe is a bit difficult for beginners to use, so we highly recommend using a free tuning app on your phone for better accuracy.

Evaluating the All-Inclusive Accessory Bundle

What makes the Smartxchoices 38″ Kids Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit such a compelling purchase is the sheer number of extras included. You aren’t just buying a guitar; you are buying an entire ecosystem. The kit includes a gig bag, an extra set of steel strings, a strap, a pitch pipe, and a pick. For a parent, this is a massive convenience. There is nothing worse than buying a guitar only to realize you can’t play it because you don’t have a pick or a way to tune it.

The extra set of strings is particularly thoughtful. Beginners are notorious for overtightening strings while tuning, leading to breakages. Having a spare set on hand means the music doesn’t have to stop for a trip to the local music shop. We found the strap to be functional, though basic. It attaches via a button on the bottom and a string tied around the headstock—the traditional “folk” way. While the gig bag won’t survive a flight in cargo, it’s more than enough to protect the guitar from scratches while it sits in a bedroom corner. Overall, the bundle provides exceptional “bang for your buck.”

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment surrounding the Smartxchoices 38″ Kids Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit is one of cautious optimism. Most users are thrilled with the value proposition, noting that for the price, it is an unbeatable way to introduce a child to music. One parent noted, “This guitar was a present from Santa and my child loves it… the price was great for what we received.” Another user echoed this, stating it has a “rich sound for a beginner’s guitar” and a “very shiny finish” that appeals to kids.

On the flip side, some users have reported quality control issues, which is common at this price point. One reviewer was disappointed to find a “separation between the body and the neck,” which indicates a manufacturing defect. Another mentioned that the “guitar does not tune well” and a string broke during the first setup. These reviews highlight why it is important to inspect the instrument immediately upon delivery. However, it’s worth noting that the seller is often praised for their responsiveness, with one buyer mentioning, “the seller… were very friendly. They refunded my money without any issues.” This feedback is relevant because it suggests that while you might occasionally get a “lemon,” the company stands behind their product. To see the most recent feedback from other parents, you should check the latest price and availability and read the newest testimonials.

Comparing the Smartxchoices 38″ Kids Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit to the Competition

1. Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Bundle

The Fender Dreadnought is a significant step up in both quality and price. Unlike the 38-inch Smartxchoices model, this is a full-sized instrument, which may be too large for younger children. However, it features much higher-quality hardware and a more resonant wood selection. If you are buying for a teenager or an adult beginner who is serious about the craft, the Fender is the superior long-term investment. It stays in tune much better and offers a “pro” feel that the Smartxchoices kit lacks. However, for a 7-year-old’s first “test” instrument, the Fender might be overkill and physically difficult to handle.

2. Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar Mahogany Dreadnought

The CD-60S is one of the most popular beginner guitars in the world for a reason: it features a solid mahogany top. This means the sound will actually improve as the wood ages, a characteristic you won’t find with the laminate construction of the Smartxchoices model. The “Easy-to-Play” neck with rolled fretboard edges is a dream for beginners. Again, the main drawback here is the size and the cost. It is a much larger instrument designed for adults. If you have the budget and the player is tall enough, this is the gold standard for beginners, but it lacks the “kit” accessories that make the Smartxchoices 38″ Kids Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit so convenient for parents.

3. Best Choice Products 41in Beginner Acoustic Guitar Set

This set is very similar to the Smartxchoices bundle but comes in a 41-inch full-size frame and includes a cutaway body design. The cutaway allows for easier access to the higher frets, which is a nice touch for those interested in playing lead melodies. While it offers a similar “all-in-one” value, it shares the same limitations regarding tuning stability and budget materials. We recommend this alternative if you like the Smartxchoices bundle but are shopping for an older child or an adult who needs the extra physical space of a 41-inch guitar. For younger kids, the 38-inch Smartxchoices remains the more ergonomic choice.

The Final Verdict: Is the Smartxchoices 38″ Kids Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit Right for You?

After our extensive review, we believe the Smartxchoices 38″ Kids Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit is a fantastic entry-level option for parents who want to test the musical waters without a massive financial commitment. Its strengths lie in its perfect sizing for children, its attractive aesthetic, and the comprehensive nature of the accessory bundle. While it isn’t a “pro” instrument and requires some patience during the initial tuning phase, it provides a legitimate platform for learning the basics of rhythm, finger placement, and melody.

We recommend this kit primarily for children between the ages of 6 and 11. It is a durable, lightweight, and fun instrument that makes the barrier to entry into the world of music as low as possible. If you are looking for a gift that could spark a lifelong passion, this is a low-risk, high-reward starting point. Don’t let the initial tuning hurdles stop you—with a little patience, this guitar sings beautifully. To give your child the gift of music today, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability and get started on your musical journey.