TOSTAR 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit Review: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Powerhouse for New Players?
I clearly remember the day I decided to finally learn the electric guitar. Like many of you, I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices. Do I spend a fortune on a legacy brand name, or do I risk buying a “toy” that won’t stay in tune? The fear is real: if the guitar is too difficult to play or sounds like tin, you’re likely to give up within a month. This is the exact problem the TOSTAR 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit aims to solve. It is designed for those who want a professional look and a full-scale experience without the four-figure price tag. Solving the entry-level barrier is crucial because the “barrier to entry” shouldn’t be your bank account—it should be your dedication to the craft. Without a reliable starter kit, many aspiring musicians find themselves frustrated by gear that fails them before they even learn their first power chord.
What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Guitar Kit
An Electric Guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creative expression, stress relief, and skill development. For a beginner, a kit like the TOSTAR 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit provides an all-in-one ecosystem that eliminates the guesswork of buying separate components like amplifiers, cables, and tuners. These kits are designed to get you playing within minutes of unboxing, which is vital for maintaining that initial spark of inspiration.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a teenager or adult who is just starting their musical journey, or perhaps a hobbyist looking for a lightweight, “couch-friendly” guitar to practice on without risking their expensive vintage gear. On the other hand, it might not be suitable for professional touring musicians who require high-end, noiseless pickups or boutique hardware that can withstand the rigors of a 50-city tour. If you are looking for specialized heavy metal tones or a semi-hollow jazz sound, you might want to look at specific genre-based alternatives.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A 39-inch “full size” guitar is the industry standard for adults. If you’re buying for a child under the age of 10, a 3/4 size might be better, but for everyone else, the full-scale length of 25.5 inches is necessary to develop proper muscle memory and finger stretching techniques.
- Capacity & Pickup Configuration: This kit features an SSS (three single-coil) configuration. This is the classic “Strat” sound—bright, punchy, and clear. It’s perfect for blues, pop, country, and classic rock, though it may produce a slight “hum” at very high gain settings compared to humbuckers.
- Materials & Durability: Look for a real wood neck. This model uses Canadian hard maple, which is excellent for stability. The body is an eco-composite, which is a modern solution that is resistant to temperature changes and humidity, making it much lower maintenance than traditional solid-wood bodies that can warp.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: As a beginner, you want a guitar that stays in tune. Check for quality tuning pegs and a stable bridge. While a tremolo bridge (whammy bar) is fun, it adds a layer of complexity to tuning, so ensure the kit includes a reliable digital tuner to help you along the way.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that your first purchase is one that grows with you rather than one you outgrow in a few weeks. Now, let’s see how this specific model stacks up against the broader market.
While the TOSTAR 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar 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:
First Impressions: Unboxing the TOSTAR 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit
When the TOSTAR 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit arrived at our studio, the first thing that struck us was the packaging. It was incredibly secure, which is a relief because shipping can be brutal on musical instruments. Once we stripped away the cardboard, the Matte Black finish of the “Jet Black” model was stunning. Unlike glossy finishes that catch every fingerprint and smudge, this matte texture feels modern and sophisticated. We recommend you see its full feature set and user reviews to appreciate the aesthetic appeal of this instrument.
The assembly was non-existent—it’s a “plug and play” situation. We simply had to tune the strings, which is standard for any guitar after shipping. The guitar itself felt remarkably lightweight. At just under 6 pounds, it’s significantly lighter than a standard solid-body alder or mahogany guitar. This is thanks to the eco-composite body. For a beginner who might be standing up to practice for an hour, this reduced weight is a massive benefit for the shoulders and back. We’ve tested many entry-level “Strat-style” guitars, and this one holds its own in terms of initial “vibe” and build integrity, especially considering the price point.
Key Benefits
- Extremely lightweight eco-composite body, perfect for long practice sessions.
- Complete “everything-in-the-box” kit including amp, stand, and gig bag.
- Smooth Canadian maple neck provides a professional playing feel.
- Matte black finish is visually striking and resistant to fingerprints.
Limitations
- Fret edges can be a bit sharp out of the box and may need light sanding.
- The included 10W amp is strictly for bedroom practice, not for loud jamming.
Deep Dive: Performance and Playability Analysis
After spending several days with the TOSTAR 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit, we have a clear picture of where it shines and where it shows its budget roots. This isn’t just a generic review; we’ve run this guitar through various genres, from clean blues licks to distorted rock riffs, to see if it can truly handle the needs of a developing player.
Ergonomics and Build: The Lightweight Advantage
One of the most surprising aspects of the TOSTAR 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit is the use of an eco-composite body. Traditionalists might scoff at anything that isn’t solid ash or alder, but we found the composite material to be a stroke of genius for this price bracket. Because it is resistant to moisture deformation, you don’t have to worry as much about the guitar’s “setup” changing drastically if you live in a humid or very dry climate. To understand the technology behind this build, you can check the latest price and availability for this specific model.
The ergonomic contouring on the back of the body is well-executed. It sits comfortably against the ribs, and the underarm pressure is noticeably lower than on some of the boxier beginner models we’ve handled. The Canadian hard maple neck is the star of the show here. It has a slim “C” shape profile that is very friendly to smaller hands or those who haven’t yet built up the hand strength for thicker necks. The teak fingerboard (Tectona grandis) feels dense and smooth under the fingers, providing a nice contrast to the maple. While the user reviews mentioned sharp fret edges—and we did notice a few spots that felt a bit “sprouted”—it wasn’t a dealbreaker. Five minutes with a fine-grit sanding block would make this feel like a $500 instrument.
Sonic Versatility: The SSS Pickup Configuration
The “SSS” in the TOSTAR 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit refers to the three single-coil pickups. This configuration is famous for its versatility. Using the 5-way selector switch, we were able to jump from the “twangy” bridge pickup (great for country or surf rock) to the warm, “tubby” neck pickup (perfect for bluesy solos). The “in-between” positions (2 and 4) provide that classic quack sound that made the Stratocaster famous. We found that the electronics, while basic, are remarkably quiet for single coils. There wasn’t an excessive amount of 60-cycle hum when we plugged it into our test rigs.
The included amplifier is a modest 10-watt unit. It’s certainly not going to fill a concert hall, but for a bedroom or a small apartment, it’s exactly what is needed. It features a “clean” and “drive” channel. The drive channel provides a decent crunch that is more than enough to get a beginner excited about playing rock riffs. If you’re serious about your tone, we recommend you a feature that really sets it apart is how well the pickups respond to different pick attacks, which is essential for learning dynamics. We were able to get some very pretty, bell-like tones out of the neck pickup that we didn’t expect at this price point.
Tuning Stability and the Tremolo System
For many beginners, tuning is the greatest enemy. We put the TOSTAR 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit through a “stress test,” using the tremolo bridge (the whammy bar) quite aggressively. Generally, budget guitars with tremolos go out of tune the moment you touch the bar. However, the TOSTAR held its pitch surprisingly well. The nickel steel strings included in the kit are of decent quality, though we always suggest a fresh set of name-brand strings after the first month of playing. The tuning machines are sealed-gear, which provides a much smoother experience than the open-gear tuners found on the cheapest “no-name” guitars.
The visual fret markers are another small but significant detail. In low-light conditions—perhaps you’re playing in a dimly lit bedroom—they are easy to see, which helps in navigating the 22-fret teak fingerboard. The scale length of 25.5 inches provides a familiar tension that makes bending strings feel natural. We found that the nut width of 1.69 inches is standard, providing enough string spacing so that your fingers don’t feel crowded when playing open chords like G or C major. If you want to dive deeper into the technical specifications, you can view the complete technical sheet here.
The “Everything-in-the-Box” Value Proposition
When you analyze the cost of this kit, the value is undeniable. If you were to buy a guitar, amp, stand, gig bag, cable, tuner, and strap separately, you would easily spend double the price of this kit. The TOSTAR 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit includes a padded gig bag that is actually protective, not just a thin “dust cover” like many competitors provide. The stand is a standard A-frame style that is sturdy enough to keep the instrument safe between sessions.
We especially appreciated the inclusion of a digital clip-on tuner. Tuning by ear is a skill that takes years to master, and having a visual guide is essential for a beginner’s success. The kit also comes with spare strings, which is a lifesaver when you inevitably break your first high-E string while learning to bend. Everything about this package suggests that TOSTAR actually listened to what new players need. To see the full list of included accessories, feel free to explore the detailed product bundle and see why it’s a top-rated gift choice.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general consensus among the community mirrors much of what we discovered during our hands-on testing. One user noted that “for the price, this is an amazing value for beginners,” emphasizing that while the guitar isn’t a high-end masterpiece, it “stays in tune pretty well” and the electronics are “plenty good for a beginner.” This is a recurring theme: people are impressed by the utility and the “bang for the buck.”
However, honesty is key in these reviews. Several users, including the one mentioned above, did point out the “sharp fret edges.” This is a common occurrence in budget guitars where the wood of the neck might shrink slightly during shipping, leaving the metal frets sticking out a tiny bit. While it’s a minor annoyance that can be fixed with 10 minutes of DIY work, it is something to be aware of. Despite this, the overwhelming majority of feedback is positive, with users praising the “lightweight” feel and the “striking matte black finish.” This feedback is vital because it proves that the guitar is a functional, reliable tool for learning, rather than a flashy toy that fails under pressure.
Comparing the TOSTAR 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit to Top Alternatives
To give you the most comprehensive view, we’ve compared the TOSTAR to three other heavy hitters in the beginner market. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses depending on your specific needs.
1. Fender Squier Debut Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit
The Squier Debut is the “gold standard” for entry-level guitars. While it comes with the prestige of the Fender name and a slightly better 2-year warranty, it is often more expensive than the TOSTAR. The Squier offers a very traditional feel and includes free lessons, which is a nice touch. However, the TOSTAR holds its own in terms of physical weight and the unique matte finish. If you are a brand loyalist and want the “Fender” logo on your headstock, the Squier is the way to go, but for those looking for maximum value-per-dollar, the TOSTAR is a formidable rival. You might want to compare its price against the TOSTAR before making a final decision.
2. Grote Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Stainless Steel Frets
The Grote is a very different beast. It’s a semi-hollow body, which means it has a warmer, more acoustic-like tone and is much better suited for jazz, blues, and indie rock. Its standout feature is the stainless steel frets, which are incredibly durable and usually found on much more expensive instruments. However, it is not a “kit.” You would need to buy an amp and accessories separately, which significantly increases the total cost. If you are a beginner who specifically wants that “335-style” look and sound and doesn’t mind shopping for extra gear, the Grote is an excellent step up.
3. LyxPro 36 Inch Electric Guitar Kit for Kids
This is the primary alternative for younger or smaller players. At 36 inches (3/4 size), it is much more manageable for children under 5 feet tall. Like the TOSTAR, it is a full kit with an amp and accessories. However, for an adult or a teenager, the LyxPro will feel cramped and difficult to play. The TOSTAR’s 39-inch full-size frame is the correct choice for anyone looking for a standard playing experience. The LyxPro is a great “first guitar” for a child’s birthday, whereas the TOSTAR is a “first guitar” for someone ready to take music seriously.
The Final Verdict: Is the TOSTAR 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit Worth It?
After our extensive “sound check,” we can confidently say that the TOSTAR 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit is one of the most compelling entry-level packages on the market today. It manages to balance aesthetics, playability, and price in a way that few other brands do. Its main strengths lie in its incredible lightweight design—making it a joy for long practice sessions—and its comprehensive accessory bundle that leaves you wanting for nothing. While you should be prepared for some potential fret-end roughness, the overall quality of the Canadian maple neck and the tonal variety of the SSS pickups make this a winner.
We recommend this kit wholeheartedly to any adult or teenager starting their musical journey, or as a high-quality holiday gift that won’t disappoint. It offers a professional feel that inspires you to keep picking it up day after day. If you’re ready to start your journey into the world of rock, blues, or pop, now is the perfect time to grab your TOSTAR 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit and begin your musical legacy today!
