Author: alextagr

Davison Introduction

This article will provide you with all the necessary information about the Davison guitars in general but also will give you a quick and brief overview of the Davison beginner starter package. If you are interested in buying one of the Davison guitars or you just want to know more about them in general, you should keep on reading.

Product Description

This guitar is one of the most basic guitars that you can have on the market. However, don’t undermine its simplicity because it’s also very functional. It’s a full-size guitar despite the fact that it’s primarily for beginners.

It has a body of 25.5” scale length and has a double cutaway solid body. You can find a bolt-on maple neck as well as a maple fretboard which comprises 21 frets. Aside from this, its design also features black dot inlays.

The Davison Full Electric Bass Guitar has a single master volume and a master tone control knob which is ensured to be solid. You can also adjust the fixed bridge to prevent whammy bars.

This Electric Bass Guitar gives you good value and performance with a decent look.

This Electric Bass Guitar features a 10 watt BC-08 amplifier that has a small size. It can give off a good sound. It can fill an average-sized room that makes it a perfect guitar for practicing when you are in the bedroom.

Aside from this, there are volume controls and an overdrive select switch that will let you hear the tones that are distorted. These sounds are often understood in a crunchy tone that can sometimes be gritty.

The good thing is that you can still rely on this for rock playing. You can even put on your headphones since there is a jack provided for this purpose.

To make it convenient on your part, it also comes with a gig bag that is useful for

Price

The prices can vary depending on the website and country you are buying her from, but mainly the price stays under the 100$ price point. You can check the latest price here!

Pros 

• Dirt-cheap considering that you are getting a basic full size guitar + decent practice amp + cable + strap + gig bag + picks for under right around the hundred dollar mark.
• Very basic design and simplistic controls for learners to grasp their lessons faster.
• Despite being a full size 39”, it is not too heavy and can be managed by learners of all age groups.
• Presence of a single Humbucker Pickup and (obviously) no pickup toggle switch eases out the playability quotient.
• Despite being a top-notch 10 Amp Amplifier, it is extremely lightweight and portable to carry around for gigs, lessons etc.
• The In-built Overdrive/Distortion Button in the Amplifier is awesome for those riveting special effects.

Cons

• On raising the volume, the Amplifier emanates a slight buzzing noise which diminishes the overall experience.
• A beginner’s pack that’s only intended for absolute novices and cannot be upgraded.
• Owing to a full-length of 39”, string tension is on the higher side and this affects the playability.
• Guitar Strap Holders are not as firmly fastened as required.

Is it Worth it?

As a new learner, the biggest reason for you wanting to begin with a full-sized guitar as opposed to a slender Stratocaster or a stylish Les Paul, has to do with your love for classic heavy rock tones. In this day and age, when you have scores of guitars with dizzying combinations of single-coil and humbucker pickups, along with complex toggle options, the Davison Full Size Black Electric Guitar keeps it really straight and simple. And lest I skip the most important purchasing criteria here, you are not just buying a 39” electric guitar but a full-fledged Davison Guitar Beginner Starter Package. So you have a lot more going for that hundred bucks you spend, with a cool gig bag, strap, guitar picks as well as a compact amplifier and cable.

In-Depth Review of the above articles

Benefits:

If you have been teaching others how to play the guitar for more than a few years, you will be astonished. Because, after you have seen the Davison guitars, you will find out that the students are very adaptable with them. It is also hard to figure out how they can craft a product like Davison for the price that is under $100, including an amp?

There are plenty of different guitars that are not created and packed with the case, amp and ect. as the Davison Guitars are. The Davison guitars are well known in this field, because it does appear that this brand sets up each of those guitars nicely before their shipment, and many people would truly expect to possess some sort of nice set up. It seems really that the only thing you got to do, is open the box and easily tune the guitar.

Specifications:

The Guitar

• Full Sized Black Electric Guitar – 39”
• Maple Neck
• Bridge Humbucker Pickup
• Volume and tone control
• 22 frets
• Includes: Case, Strap, Pitchpipe, Picks, String Winder and Jack Lead

BCo8 10W Guitar Amplifier

The amp is well built, and works really well for practice at home (especially given the built in headphone socket, so as not to wake the neighbors!).

• 1 Channel Input
• 2-Band EQ
• 2 Volume Controls
• Headphone Jack
• Overdrive (distortion) Effect
• Output Power: 10W 4Ω
• S/N Rate: >95dB
• Frequency Response: 45Hz~20KHz
• Speaker: 5″
• Dimension: 225× 125× 235mm

Quality

If you tune this guitar up, and also plug it in, you will see that all is good. Sound quality is great and smooth, and this guitar is perfect for those who are at their beginning of playing. There are no problems with the distortion or noise here, but sometimes it may slightly refuse to maintain its tune.

These guitars are nice for the classic rock sound and many of them have a nice Humbucker pickup, and these are really easy to handle for performing, due to the fact that they can easily create more of a solid sound. There are not many imperfections in terms of the guitar sound. At this low cost, Davison Guitars are on a level that beat many other guitar brands.

Additional Features:

They look really great in pictures, but also they prove their good looks once you see them in real life. Firstly, when you order the Davison guitar online, you really have to be concerned and think about the packing and shipping. But in general, they have really nice designs. The maple neck is high-quality and has a good feel to it. 

Davison Music knows really well what goes into a beginners guitar set. The sets are always packed perfectly. The guitar’s neck is nice to the touch and feels comfortable to play — very sturdy but it’s not chunky, and also the rosewood that’s on the guitar board adds an additional feature to the guitar. For many people the favourite part of the guitar is the finish, but also the strings and the neck are one of the outstanding parts in Davison guitars.

The Davison guitars feel and truly look like top quality ones. The nice wood grains are a good show thru. Also, the fine tuners are truly surprisingly responsive. Also these guitars are comfortable to handle, which has also added and reworked some confidence in many new players who are starting out.

The beginners starter package seems definitely aimed at the rock/metal beginner. It has a bridge humbucker, which is all you’ll need for anything from Metallica to Green Day. Unfortunately, I can’t find any information on the body wood- although that might not be something to worry about as a complete beginner.

Warranty

Davison offers their clients a one year warranty on manufacturer defects. 

Who Is It Best For?

Nice starter for some rookies but if you are an advanced type of player you will outgrow this one relatively fast.

What Do People Say About It?

Amazon Reviews #1 – “This package is great if you’re just starting out. The guitar is pretty average, the amp doesn’t have a lot of features, and the gig bag is meh, but that’s why I love it. The guitar has 2 knobs to deal with which is perfect if you have no idea what the heck you’re doing. Additionally the amp doesn’t have a million settings to mess around with to make a decent sound. You can get away with just fiddling the volume to the appropriate level. The gig bag leaves something to be desired but is also plenty for throwing your guitar in your car and taking it somewhere.

To people that complained about the strings constantly being out of tune, it appears that you have never played a string instrument before. When you get new strings you’re going to need to stretch them a bit before they settle down and stay more consistently tuned.

If I end up sticking with the bass I will definitely end up getting a nicer instrument in the future, but this is plenty to practice on and learn with.”

Amazon Reviews #2 – “The Bass was received in a flimsy carton. One of the tuning pegs was bent. I emailed the selling company ‘ Musicians Discount Warehouse’ and to their credit they were prompt in sending me another tuning peg with instructions on how to replace it. Although I am a beginner I plan to use this to learn more before switching to something better. The amp is what it is, it’s good for practice. My suggestion for anybody buying this is to also get a tuner and at least some kind of instruction book/CD.”

To get a better idea of how the Davison guitars sound and look like, we have provided you with a couple of Youtube videos, where you can get a quick demo of the guitars. Unfortunately there were not many professional guitar reviews and videos, but hopefully these will help you get a better idea in general of what the Davison Guitars have to offer.

Youtube Reviews

YouTube Review #1 – “I got this guitar from ebay real cheap for a guitar project. I used a dremel moto tool with a homemade template to rout the cavity. The pickup is changed to  a potted soap bar which can be turned up way higher without feedback. The neck has a quarter inch of ground off the back side and is lacquered. It plays like a miracle. Now I’m looking for another mod project.”

Youtube Review #2 – “I am not affiliated with Davison Guitars or Discount Musicians Warehouse. I wanted to find out what the cheapest guitar you can buy these days is. In this video, I find it, order it, unbox it and give my honest feedback. Is it any good? Or a hunk of junk? Find out in this video!”

The Verdict: Is it Worth It?

As compared to the musical giants like Epiphone and Fender, Davison Guitars is just a family-owned, small-scale manufacturer. But the reason for the Davison Guitars Beginner Starter Package becoming an Amazon Bestseller, is the fact that it provides beginners with the opportunity to begin with a simple, decent-sounding and easy-to-manage full-scale electric guitar. You also needn’t scurry around for the necessary add-ons that are required. Neither do you need to decide and pick between a stylish Les Paul or Stratocaster. Starting off in full-scale certainly strengthens you as a learner. Now, not many electric guitar starter combos or bundles offer that kind of value; despite certain shortcomings, this product is here to stay. Not only can it fit your requirements, but it’s even ideal for gifting purposes!

If you like this article and found the provided information useful, you might want to check out our other reviews at AalbergAudio.com 

Ukulele Introduction

This article will provide you with all the necessary information about the best ukulele brands. If you are interested in buying a ukulele or you just want to know more about the instrument, you should keep on reading.

We will shortly introduce the top 3 best ukulele brands and then further in the review we will specify the brand that we think is the best.  

1. Cordoba

The Cordoba ukuleles tend to be very good quality. They have a large range and cater to people wanting all different sizes. Their range even has a lot of products with pickups included, so that amplification is a breeze. They’re great for live and studio use. 

Cordoba instruments tend to be made out of exceptional materials and mahogany is commonly used in their ukes, though they also have a number of spruce options.

Pros	Cons
Good build quality with all of their models  Mahogany material is generally used Some of their products come with electronics for amplification	Not as many models as some of the other brands Not many budget offerings in their range

Cordoba instruments have a professional feel and a very authentic tone in spite of not being manufactured in Hawaii. In terms of price, they’re at the mid to upper range, especially when compared to some budget ukulele makers. 

2. Kala

Kala is an incredibly prolific ukulele manufacturer. What Kala is to ukuleles is fast-becoming what Yamaha or Casio is to keyboards. Their range is huge with something to suit everyone, from beginner models to some of the more elite, professional ukes.

Kala continues to push the envelope. As well as making new models all the time, they’re branching into other instruments including percussion. They’ve also become known for the ‘U-bass’ which is a ukulele and bass guitar hybrid.

Pros	Cons
Lots of affordable ukuleles with a bright tone Great for beginners and sold bundled with accessories Huge range	Not many of their range uses elite tonewoods such as koa

The Kala range is exceptionally popular for beginner and intermediate players. If you search for any design and shape of ukulele then you are bound to find something offered by Kala. 

3. Martin

Looking for a professional, high-end acoustic instrument? You really can’t escape this brand, with incredible craftsmanship going into all of their instruments. 

The major factor you should consider when looking into buying a Martin ukulele, is that some of Martin models are around 5,000$. But despite the price the hand-made quality and history of this brand is impressive. Martin,as a brand, goes back 200 years. Ukuleles were first made in the late 1800s and Martin started making them not long after. 

If you want a historic ukulele brand then this is the one for you. Very few music brands have the history that Martin can offer. This comes with extra expense, but you can’t argue with the design and quality of their instruments.  

One of the things that sets the Martin range apart is their choice of materials as they use only the very best tonewoods and hardware.

Pros	Cons
Incredible craftsmanship One of the most respected brands on the market Elite instruments, and make excellent recordings	Very expensive compared to a lot of the other options on the market

You know what you are getting with Martin instruments; quality. But that quality comes at a price. If you want the very best and don’t mind paying for it then this could be the brand for you.

Kala KA-15S

Product Description

The Kala KA-15S is a quality soprano ukulele with a nice price. It features a traditional mahogany body, giving you that classic ukulele look and feel, so you can start playing immediately. The Kala KA-15S satin mahogany ukulele also features quality geared tuners, so you know your uke is working with you to stay in tune. Ready to start playing? Grab the Kala KA-15S and you’re instantly ready for island-style strumming.

Price

The prices can vary depending on the website and country you are buying her from, but mainly the price stays in the 50€ price region which is approximately 60$. You can check the latest prices here!

Pros 

• Durable materials for the body, neck, bridge and fretboard
• Great strings
• Elegant design
• Reasonably priced 
• Loud in comparison to its size
• Comes with a gig bag and tuner

Cons

• The tuner is fragile 
• Might need a proper set up upon arrival

Is it Worth it?

The KA-15S ukulele is a real value, especially in light of how well it’s built. Its all-mahogany body produces a resonance that belies this uke’s modest size. Geared die-cast tuners ensure reliable intonation. You’ll experience superior sustain and vibrational transfer, thanks to a high-quality GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle. Add to that an eye-catching satin finish, and you’ve got yourself a fine acoustic instrument that you’ll enjoy for years to come. At Sweetwater, we find that the Kala KA-15S delivers performance that far exceeds expectations.

In-Depth Review of the above articles

Benefits:

The Kala KA-15S model has a surprisingly low fret action, making it easier to play, especially for beginners. With the Kala Ka-15S it is unlikely to hear any buzzing noises or high frets, since the action is not only low but also even. 

The mahogany construction not only makes this a traditional instrument, but it also gives it a classic look, which can be very important, depending on where and when you intend to play the instrument. If we’re talking about actually performing in a show, then you can be sure that people in the audience are going to notice you are using an elegant and classic ukulele. 

This particular model is actually part of the brand’s flagship collection and it’s been so popular among ukulele players, that it’s not wrong to say that it has become an industry standard. Plus, the satin finish gives it a highly elegant appearance, while the sturdy mahogany construction also renders it durable, which means you’ll be able to play it for many years to come. 

If you are thinking about giving this product a try, then you will surely enjoy the high-quality sound it renders, as well as the elegant design that enhances any musician’s gear. 

Specifications:

• Size Soprano
• Number of strings 4
• Colour Natural
• Finish Satin
• Top Material Mahogany
• Back and SIdes Material Mahogany
• Neck Material Mahogany
• Fingerboard Material Walnut
• Fingerboard Inlay Dots
• Number of Frets 12
• Scale Length 13.625”
• Tuners Geared Tuners
• Nut Material GraphTech NuBone
• Nut Width 1.37”
• Saddle Material GraphTech NuBone
• Strings Aquila Super Nylgut
• Overall Length 20.87”
• Body Length 9.37”
• Upper Bout Width 5.12”
• Lower Bout Width 7”
• Waist Width 4.5”
• Body Depth 2.37”

Quality

Sound Quality

Since size affects the momentum of the sound that could be produced from any instrument, it’s a given that the Kala KS-15S doesn’t have the best sounds on the market. However, it offers balance in its range. The mahogany body allows it to produce that warm, happy sound we all yearn for from ukuleles.

Soprano ukuleles tend to have a more “tinkly” tone than larger ukes. That doesn’t mean that they sound “bad”, they’re just different. As mentioned, the Kala KA-15S has an excellent tone for a budget uke. If you’re after bass, sustain and volume, however, opt for a larger uke like a concert or a tenor. 

Additional Features:

• Value-priced ukulele with quality construction
• Soprano size delivers a classic island sound with percussive treble and glittering overtones
• All-mahogany body produces a resonance that belies this uke’s modest size
• Geared die-cast tuners ensure reliable intonation
• GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle yield superior sustain and vibrational transfer
• Eye-catching satin finish

Warranty

Kala Brand Music Co. warrants solely to the original purchaser that the instrument purchased shall be free from defects in workmanship and materials and shall function for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase. American made models are warranted for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase. Kala Brand Music Co. reserves the right to determine upon inspection if the warranty claim is valid or not.

Who Is It Best For?

The Kala KA-15S is an excellent value for beginners; both its quality and price are a perfect fit for those who are starting to learn the uke without wanting to break their wallets. 

What Do People Say About It?

You can find some feedback and Kala KA-15S ukulele reviews on Amazon, Sweetwater and Thomann. Overall the KA-15S ukulele has been rated on average 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon Review.

Amazon Reviews #1 – “This is such a lovely instrument – it looks nice and has a really nice, warm sound. I purchased it for my daughter, who is 8 years old and a beginner, to replace a cheaper ukulele that was struggling to stay in tune and sounded a little ‘tinny’. For just £30 more this produces a much nicer sound and is also easier to play – I didn’t understand the significance of the these strings until I had a go at strumming; this ukulele feels much easier and nicer to strum than the cheaper one, with the nylon strings.”

Amazon Reviews #2 – “The best thing I have ever bought for myself for the amount of money spent!! I deliberated over a lot of ukes. The pictures do not do it justice – it looks, feels and sounds beautiful – the tuner buttons are pearlescent rather than block white which is a really nice touch. The strings are light, and gentle on the finger tips for a beginner. Even though the instrument is new it holds tune well only requiring minor adjustment. I also bought a flight tus35 for my son and it is going majorly out of tune every time it’s put down, so there’s quite a contrast between the two despite being similarly priced… I really can’t rave about the Kala ks15 enough – it’s just sheer joy!! I’ve played a few hours every day, which is wonderful.

Update 3 weeks later: playing daily, still love it. Warning: the wood is very soft, head stock vulnerable to damage (small ding thanks to son 😫), if not in your hands put in a case straight away.”

To get a better idea of how the KA-15S ukulele  sounds and looks like, we have provided you with a couple of Youtube videos, where you can get a quick demo of the ukulele. 

YouTube Review #1 – This demo of the Kala KA-15s soprano ukulele (with a spruce top) shows the instrument in a few different settings. First you hear it as a piece of a bigger ensemble (the song is Please don’t talk about me when I’m gone), then as a solo instrument (I saw three ships come sailing in), after that I play some finger picking (an original song featuring some lap steel guitar) and finally a bit of strumming (the song is The velvet glove). The strings used are the stock Aquila Nylguts.

Youtube Review #2 – Kala KA-15S Ukulele Player Pack 

Everything you need to get started on your road to ukuleledom in this Player Pack. A quality ukulele with a padded uke bag and a digital tuner.

The Verdict: Is it Worth It?

In conclusion the Kala KA-15S is ideal for beginners, yet also suitable for intermediate and seasonal players. It is clearly understandable why the Kala KA-15S is the crowd’s favourite, due to all the reasons mentioned previously. 

Beginners would have a hard time finding a better choice than this Kala model to choose from many others. The build, durability, playability and tone are better than most of the other budget ukuleles offered to those at the entry-level phase. Great overall value is the distinguishing factor of this ukulele!

If you like this article and found the provided information useful, you might want to check out our other reviews at AalbergAudio.com

Introduction of the Yamaha FG830

This article will provide you with all the necessary information about the Yamaha FG830 acoustic guitar. If you are interested in buying the Yamaha FG830 or you just want to know more about the guitar or the FG series, you should keep on reading.

Product Description

Yamaha has an excellent reputation for its student-friendly instruments. This product is a perfect example of what Yamaha does best. The FG830 is an affordably priced, well-made, dreadnought-shaped, cut-away acoustic folk guitar.

It’s got a bound, nato neck, and a rosewood fretboard. The body is also made from rosewood and has a large depth to deliver a more powerful sound. It’s got a solid Sitka spruce top, which is a lovely material. It also has an adjustable truss rod and die-cast tuners. It is available in six colors and the sound-hole has an abalone inlay. It’s a truly beautiful guitar, both in terms of looks and sound.

Price

The prices can vary depending on the website and country you are buying her from, but mainly the price stays between 370 and 450 euros. You can check the latest offers here!

Pros

• A really nice tone at both the mid and lower levels
• Good projection (in part thanks to the Dreadnaught design)
• A comfortable feel that makes it an excellent option for those learning to play guitar
• Good for advanced players who don’t have the budget for higher-end guitars (they’ll still be happy with the sound they get).
• Hard wearing and long-lasting (as long as you take care of it – check out our guide to doing just that here).

Cons

• Probably too large a guitar for younger players or those of a small stature to hold comfortably
• Playing can be a little more difficult due to how close the strings are to each other, meaning you might need to watch your fingering
• Inexperienced players may need help tuning the guitar.

Is it Worth it?

The FG730 was one of our best-selling acoustic guitars thanks to its superb build quality, playability and warm sound. The new FG830 guitar brings an even richer tone with improved feel and response. A stunning guitar.

In-Depth Review of the above articles

Benefits:

Newly Developed Scalloped BracingA new FG has louder and stronger sound in the low- to mid-ranges, thanks to cutting-edge acoustic analysis technology developed by the Yamaha R&D Division. Yamaha’s engineers have achieved this sound by utilizing analysis and simulation to arrive at the best bracing design without depending on tradition or guesswork. This analysis led to the development of the new scalloped bracing pattern, a new and ideal acoustic structure that maintains the durability of the top board while bringing out the most sound the Yamaha FG has to offer.

Specifications:

• Body Shape Traditional Western
• Scale Length 650mm (25 9/16″)
• Body Length 505mm (19 7/8″)
• Total Length 1038mm (40 7/8″)
• Body Width 412mm (16 1/4″)
• Body Depth 100-118mm (3 15/16″- 4 5/8″)
• Nut Width 43mm (1 11/16″)
• String Spacing * 11.0mm
• Top Material Solid Spruce
• Back Material Rosewood
• Side Material Rosewood
• Neck Material Nato
• Fingerboard Material Rosewood
• Fingerboard Radius R400mm (23 5/8″)
• Bridge Material Rosewood
• Nut Material Urea
• Saddle Material Urea
• Bridge Pins Black ABS with White Dot
• Tuners Die-cast Chrome(TM29T)
• Body Binding Cream
• Soundhole Inlay Abalone w/ Black + White
• Pickguard Tortoise Pattern
• Body Finish Gloss
• Neck Finish Matt
• Electronics None
• Controls None
• Connections None
• Strings .012/.016/.025(or.024)/.032/.042/.052(or.053)
• Color Natural, Tobacco Brown Sunburst, Autumn Burst
• Accessories Hex Wrench
• Case None

Quality

The FG830 takes this design several steps further with scalloped bracing for a punchier tone and better stage projection, and a slimmer, more comfortable tapered neck with gently rounded fingerboard edges. 

New scalloped bracing makes the FG830 even fatter and louder. This gives the solid spruce top — a feature normally reserved for professional instruments — an expressive dynamic range for punchy chords, sweet-sounding leads, and lively riffing.

HIGH-END TONAL BALANCE

Rosewood tonewoods are common but still the best choice for acoustic guitars. Because of this, you have ensured the high-end tonal balance as you play. 

EXCELLENT SOUND QUALITY AND PROJECTION

Even though the FG830 is affordable and comes at a price that won’t empty your wallet, the FG830 does NOT sound cheap. You have the usual Dreadnought body sound but with the pure quality tone. There is a rich projection and many overtones to appreciate.

But what impresses the most is its sonic impact. It is the booming projection that makes the Yamaha FG830b perfect for recording or live sessions, which can be heard in the whole room. Thanks to the dried woods, it has utter class in tune and stands out. Expect the strong mid and low ranges from the analysis technology of Yamaha.

SOLID BONY AND NECK

Nothing can beat any solid Sitka spruce top, which is what the FG830 owns. What makes the body better is that the top wood is matched with Rosewood back and sides, which makes the guitar look more expensive and premium. 

Also, you get the popular Dreadnought body, which may be a bit larger than what you’re used to but is still comfortable. 

You have a comfortable neck and profile, with the smooth strumming. With its die-cast tuners and the specially-designed bracing pattern, you get the strong build with equally robust sounds. However, it’s still a production guitar which means you may want to improve on its strings or have it tuned better when receiving it. 

Additional Features:

Featuring superb projection and volume with a warm, rich tone, the FG830 is a superb acoustic guitar for playing live, recording in the studio or just enjoying at home with friends.

• Traditional Western Body
• Solid Spruce Top
• Rosewood Back & Sides
• Newly Developed Scalloped Bracing
• Rich Overtones
• A value-packed acoustic with pro looks and features
• The newest installment in the best-selling Yamaha FG series
• Comfortable dreadnought body with tapered waist fits all players
• Solid spruce top is full and balanced
• Scalloped bracing improves punch and projection
• Rosewood back and side deliver a richness and long-lasting sustain
• Slim, tapered neck with fast satin finish glides through the hand
• Rosewood fingerboard with comfortable rounded edges
• Stable die-cast tuners
• Player Port app provides users with tips, tricks, videos, and a built-in instrument tuner

Warranty

Yamaha provides a warranty for Acoustic, Electric and Bass Guitars. The warranty is for Yamaha original products only. 

• CONDITIONS OF LIMITED WARRANTY 

If, during the applicable period from the date of original purchase, your Yamaha Guitar Product is found on authorized inspection to have a defect in material or workmanship, a Yamaha Service Center will repair such defect without charge for parts or labor. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WORK AND THE RESULTS OF NORMAL WEAR ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY. 

• WARRANTY PERIOD 

ONE (1) YEAR PARTS AND LABOR: 

Tuning hardware, tail piece, bridge, plating, pickguard, vibrato mechanisms, and electronic/electrical components.

Who Is It Best For?

It’s not hard to see why Yamaha’s FG series is a world bestseller: the comfortable dreadnought bodies, professional-grade tonewoods, and fast-playing necks make these acoustics great first instruments for beginners, and solid seconds for seasoned players who need an extra acoustic for the stage or to play around the house.

With its wallet-friendly price point and extensive feature set, the FG830 is already a fantastic instrument for beginners or anyone else looking to add a top-notch acoustic to their arsenal. Yamaha is here to sweeten the pot even more, courtesy of their highly versatile Player Port app. Available for both iOS and Android devices, Player Port is a fantastic all-in-one resource for newcomers. Just download the app, register your Yamaha, and gain access to tips, tricks, articles, videos, an FAQ section, and more tools catered especially to the fledgling player. Player Port even comes stock with a free built-in tuner that doesn’t require an instrument registration to use, making this incredible app all the more impressive.

What Do People Say About It?

You can find some feedback and FG830 Acoustic Guitar reviews on Amazon, Sweetwater and Thomann. Overall the FG830 has been rated on average 4.8  out of 5 stars on Amazon Review.

Amazon Reviews #1 – “I seriously expected to have to do major setup work when I received the guitar because of the price, but all it needed was a little height taken off the saddle. The nut slot heights were perfect to a 1/10 of a mm, the fretwork was spectacular, and the materials were top notch. I really don’t know how they can manufacture these for the price. The sound really opened up after about a week and compared to my Taylor 314 and Martin it’s 90% of the way there in terms of sound and 100% of the way there in terms of playability. I’m used to Grover tuners so they feel a little loose while turning, and don’t hold tune quite as long as I’m used to, but they do work. Really amazing for the money. Oh, and the best part, I don’t worry about singing it, so as far as peace of mind goes, it’s way better than Taylor or Martin.”

Amazon Reviews #2 – “I don’t want to come across as the end-all of all, because I’m not. I had however been in the business years ago and played many an acoustic from Martins and Guilds with Brazilian Rosewood sides and backs, to Taylors, etc., being lucky enough to own some and use them in the recording. I may not be the best guitarist, but do know my way around enough to spot a value when I see one, and this Yamaha definitely fits the billing. Yamaha has always made decent products and I bought this under that premise. I was surprised, however, (maybe I just got lucky), that out of the box, this guitar needed no action to be set up. It was pretty much dead on. Something I couldn’t say about the Taylor I owned, or even the D-55 Guild, (in fairness it was owned by someone else, but the folks in N.J. took great pride in making things more than right!). The sound from this Yamaha is more than satisfying. For the money, it holds its own against Martin D-18’s, Guild D-35, (U.S.-made), and many others. The highs are crisp, lows, bellowing and mids smooth. For a Guitar in the mid $300 range, you will more than get your money’s worth, even if you have to have it set up. Good luck.”

To get a better idea of how the Yamaha FG830 Acoustic Guitar sounds and looks like, we have provided you with a couple of Youtube videos, where you can get a quick demo of the guitar. 

YouTube Review #1 – This video is a sound demo of the Yamaha FG830 Acoustic guitar. This video depicts the beautiful versatile tones and sound that the guitar has.

Youtube Review #2 – Jake Blake demonstrates the Yamaha FG830 acoustic guitar at Kraft Music. Yamaha’s FG series has consistently been the #1 selling acoustic guitar family of all time, and rightly so. They represent one of the best values in the music industry. Whether you’re a beginning player, or just looking to add another guitar to your collection, the FG830 is a great way to get a high-quality and beautiful acoustic guitar at a very affordable price. This instrument features outstanding sound quality, smooth playability, and the craftsmanship you expect from a genuine Yamaha instrument. The FG830 includes premium features such as scalloped X bracing, die-cast tuners, a solid spruce top, Rosewood back and sides, Abalone soundhole inlay and a Rosewood fingerboard and bridge. The heritage of Yamaha folk guitars begin with the FG series. Yamaha’s FG series stretches back into the mid 60’s on the heels of the folk guitar movement in the United States. Moving into the 1970’s, many notable artists were seen playing Yamaha acoustic guitars…Jimmy Page, Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Bruce Springsteen to name a few. Yamaha’s FG series is the #1 selling acoustic guitars of all time. FG guitars are known for quality, dependability, playability and value.

The Verdict: Is it Worth It?

It’s an excellent entry-level model made by one of the best brands for affordable instruments, Yamaha. The scalloped bracing is particularly impressive, it allows for more resonance and optimal sustain. It’s a great instrument that delivers superb value-for-money.

If you like this article and found the provided information useful, you might want to check out our other reviews at AalbergAudio.com 

Best bass, Fender Aerodyne Introduction

This article will provide you with all the necessary information about the Fender Aerodyne Jazz Electric Bass Guitar. If you are interested in buying the Fender Aerodyne Jazz Electric Bass Guitar or you just want to know more about the guitar itself, you should keep on reading.

Product Description

For the bassist who wants a darkly alluring and notably modern take on a Fender classic, the Aerodyne Jazz Bass is a specialized all-black model unlike any other instrument in the family. It rocks a specially shaped slim body and carved bound top with no pickguard, stained rosewood fingerboard with no inlays, smoked-chrome control knobs and hardware, and a Stratocaster output jack. It also features the tonally versatile combination of a pummeling split single-coil Precision Bass® middle pickup and a growling Jazz Bass® single-coil bridge pickup.

Price

The Fender Aerodyne Jazz is priced around 700 euros. Yet, what you get for the money is exceptional. You can check the latest offer here!

Pros

• Great price
• Beautiful looks
• Silky sounding pickups
• Premium sounds
• Fulfilling feeling when jamming
• Great functionality of the dual-controls on the guitar
• The guitar is very versatile and can be used to play many different genres and still have the silkiness of jazz, but the boldness and strong sounds of grunge at a switch.

Cons

• The guitar can sound too soft for some stronger genres, such as punk.
• The tuners can be soft, but the problem can be fixed with stronger tuners.
• Questionable quality of the guitar neck

Is it Worth it?

This jazz bass features a bound basswood body with a unique carved top, a maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, and a matching painted headstock. It’s loaded with a Precision-Jazz pickup combination and rear-routed, top-mounted controls. The lack of a pickguard and fretboard inlays (side dots only) with smoked chrome appointments give it an especially clean, no-nonsense look. Playing the Fender bass guitar feels silky to the touch and the sounds can be sweet and jazzy as well as incredibly bold, strong and punchy.

In-Depth Review of the above articles

Benefits:

• The Aerodyne Jazz Bass features the tonally versatile combination of a pummeling split single-coil Precision Bass® middle pickup and a bright, growling Jazz Bass® single-coil bridge pickup, widely known in bass guitar circles as a “P/J” pickup configuration.

• The sleekly specialized all-black Aerodyne Jazz Bass features a comfortable slim basswood body with special shaping and contours, a carved top and elegant cream binding.

• The Aerodyne Jazz Bass rocks an especially distinctive modern style, with a darkly alluring all-black look, specially shaped slim body and carved top with no pickguard, stained rosewood fingerboard with no inlays, smoked-chrome control knobs and hardware, Stratocaster output jack and more.

• Featuring both J Bass and P Bass pickups, this bass offers a huge range of tones.

• Unique bound-top, Strat output jack, and smoked chrome bridge and tuners provide a unique look.

• A fast-action neck makes this bass fast and extremely playable.

Specifications:

• Body Material – Basswood
• B Finish – Urethane
• Body Shape – Jazz Bass®
• Body Binding – Cream
• Bridge Pickup – Standard Single-Coil Jazz Bass®
• Middle Pickup – Standard Split Single-Coil Precision Bass®
• Controls Volume 
  • 1. Volume 
  • 2. Master Tone
• Switching – None
• Configuration – SS

• Bridge – 4-Saddle Standard
• Hardware Finish – Smoked Chrome
• Tuning Machines – Standard Open-Gear
• Pickguard – None
• Control Knobs – Knurled Dome
• Neck Plate – 4-Bolt Standard

• Neck Material – Maple
• N Finish Satin Urethane
• N Shape – “C” Shape
• Scale Length – 34″ (86.36 cm)
• Fingerboard Material – Stained Rosewood
• Fingerboard Radius – 7.25″ (184.1 mm)
• Number of Frets – 20
• Fret Size – Medium Jumbo
• Nut Material – Synthetic Bone
• Nut Width – 1.5″ (38.1 mm)
• Position Inlays – Side Dot

Quality

The Fender Aerodyne Jazz is a superb guitar made for many different players. It is a compromise of both, soft and hard, and that is why the sound of the guitar can be so versatile. Once plugged in the amp the sound of the guitar is smooth and agt the same time, the sound has a presence like no other bass guitar.   

The guitar itself has a very nice and sturdy build. It is made out of good quality materials, which makes the guitar durable and more pleasant to play. You can move around with the guitar, take it to gigs and play it with a real feel. The guitar stays in tune and it really can’t be tuned down once heard. 

Additional Features:

The guitar has three versions:

• Fender Aerodyne Classic Bass 
• This variant has a radiused, carved basswood Precision Bass body with cream binding and flamed maple top, P/J pickups, Jazz Bass neck with a 20-fret stained rosewood fingerboard with aged Pearloid dot inlays, matching headstock and a 3-ply white pickguard. It was introduced in 2006 and was offered in Natural, Blue, and Crimson Red Transparent finishes.

• Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass
• This version of the Aerodyne Jazz features a radiused, carved basswood Jazz Bass body with cream binding in a non-transparent finish, matching painted headstock, “C” shape Jazz Bass neck with a 20-fret stained rosewood fingerboard with aged Pearloid dot inlays, P/J pickups, a 3-ply black/white/black pickguard, and a chrome Jazz style control plate with chrome knobs and output jack. It was introduced in 2006 as a Japanese non-export model, available in Black, Dolphin Grey (metallic), Old Candy Apple Red (metallic), Lake Placid Blue and Cream (with black bindings).

• Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass 
• This version of the Aerodyne Jazz is similar to the other Japan non-export models, except that it has two (DiMarzio-designed, but manufactured in Japan) J-style pickups instead of a stock P/J pickup configuration. It also has a medium 32″-scale length (812,8 mm) which plays just like a regular Jazz Bass with a capo at the first fret. The medium-scale permits the use of slightly heavier gauge strings while retaining the same “feel” (string tension) as a standard length 34″-scale bass. Production of this model began in 2003 (prior to the introduction of the USA model) and the earliest examples had the model number AJB-90M/DJ. In 2007, the medium scale bass acquired the model number AJB-M/DJ and was offered in Black, Olympic White and GunMetal Blue.

Warranty

Every retailer offers a warranty optimized for their clients. Get in contact with your retailer for more information!

Who Is It Best For?

The guitar is used by the best and also by beginners. There are a lot of possibilities and sounds to explore – the guitar is a challenge to play for everyone, nevertheless your valour or experience. The best aspect about this guitar is that you can find your own sound with the guitar and not stay in the box – there will be no boxes. Finding the right tune for you has never been really that simple. Just pick up the guitar, tune it, strap it and start playing. The guitar itself will do the rest in assisting you in finding the sound that you produce yourself.

What Do People Say About It?

YouTube Review #1 – The Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass takes one of the most iconic basses in history – The Fender Jazz bass and creates an all-new version. 

Made of basswood, it weighs 7 pounds or 3KG, the bass offers maximum manoeuvrability and a very prominent midrange tone.

The bass has a 34″ scale length neck. A standard Fender Precision and Jazz pick up, stained chrome hardware, stained rosewood fretboard, a beautiful cream binding and a very tidy Stratocaster type socket jack. 

Youtube Review #2 – Black beauty made in Japan… Sexy shapes and piano black colour. Tinted binding, curved top and top hat knobs – Awesome! The bass features a basswood body, maple neck and rosewood fretboard. Hardware is made by Gotoh, the nut is 38mm and the frets are medium jumbo. Cool guitar to have!

The bass was restored:

-Fret leveling

-Finish polishing

-Hardware polishing

-Nut slotting

-Copper shielding

-Electronics cleaning

-Fretboard cleaning

-New strings

-Pro-set-up

Amazon Reviews #1 – “This bass is one of the best I have ever owned. I picked mine up back in 2008 from a local vendor, not through Amazon. Didn’t make any adjustments to the action or pickups when I first purchased it, and I have made no adjustments over the past 6 years either. I left this bass in the closet for an entire year once. I pulled it out… it was still in tune! The neck is straight, the bass is light, and the sound is just what I am looking for. I would have to say the sound might be nicer in the mids rather than the lows, but that is the sound I like. I have no regrets about buying this bass and would purchase it again if I had to.”

Amazon Reviews  #2 – “I have been meaning to buy this bass for 30 years and now I got one! This bass was made for any type of music: Funk, R & B, Soul. It has a rich, deep sound. It is ready to play right out of the box. Good strings on it also. The late, great Louis ‘Thunder Thumbs’ Johnson (MJ’s Bassist), The Great Bootsy Collins and BrownMark (Prince’s second Bassist) are Fender Jazz fans. Don’t know if my man Larry Graham uses it.”

The Verdict: Is it Worth It?

Being an icon in the Fender Bass lineup, as well as being a legend in the entire musical world, having one of the most reasonable prices around and yet maintaining the quality and feel of a right bass guitar, makes it a no brainer. The Fender Aerodyne Jazz can produce many different sounds and vibes. This is the guitar you just cannot go wrong with and that is why it is the best bass under 1000 euros in our opinion. 

If you like this article and found the provided information useful, you might want to check out our other reviews at AalbergAudio.com

Mini II MH introduction

This article will provide you with all the necessary information about the Cordoba Mini II MH. If you are interested in buying the Cordoba Mini II MH or you just want to know more about the guitar, you should keep on reading.

Product Description

The Mini II MH is a new addition to the family. It is a travel size guitar, but slightly bigger and with an extended 580 mm (22 ⅞”) scale length, so it tunes perfectly to Standard E. Despite its small profile, the Mini II has a deeper body depth which creates a well-rounded tone that is close to a full-size nylon string guitar. Built with all-mahogany woods, the Mini II MH’s unique voice is mellow, soft and balanced. 

Price

The prices can vary depending on the website you are buying it from, but mainly it stays between 140 and 250 euros.  You can find the latest prices here!

Pros 

• Clear, complex tone
• Neck shape improves playing comfort
• Travel size with full-size playability

Cons

• Requires bracing due to head heavy design and no strap
• Tuning takes fiddling
• Standard E tuning requires different strings

Is it Worth it?

Small-bodied guitars are quite fashionable these days, and the Mini II, a new instrument by Cordoba, is a nice example of a miniature nylon string that’s easy to play—and easy on the wallet. 

For those wanting to get into classical guitar but have been put off by the playability, the Cordoba Mini II is a worthwhile instrument to get into.

In-Depth Review of the above articles

Benefits:

Without a doubt, from its build and features and actual user comments, the Cordoba Mini II fulfils these travel needs capably. It is lighter and smaller than a full size, nylon string guitar and has the scale length of a half-size guitar like Cordoba’s own C1M 1/2 (580 mm or 22 7/8”). It also features a narrower nut width at 1 7/8” (48 mm), making it easier to play.

• The size is travel friendly
• It’s easy to carry along, strum and play for acoustic/electric players
• It’s a great practice guitar for classical guitarists on the move
• It’s an ideal beginner guitar

Specifications:

Replacement Saddle	03501 72mm Saddle, composite
Electronics Vendor & Model	N / A
Headstock Logo	Cordoba Logo – Silver MOP Decal
Neck Joint	Dowel Joint
psid	32
Back Purfling Inlay Pattern & Dimensions	N / A
Nut String Spacing	39mm
Back Binding	Black ABS
Tuning Machine Ratio	14:1
Side Purfling Inlay Pattern & Dimensions	N / A
Tuning Machine Buttons	Black Plastic Oval
Top Purfling Pattern & Dimensions	N / A
Pickup Type	N / A
Headplate	Mahogany
Middle Pickup	None
Battery Pack	N / A
Battery Pack Installation Location	N / A
Waist Width	190mm (7 1/2″)
Target Instrument Weight	2.4 lbs / 1 kg
Number of Strings	6
Individual Carton Dimensions	93cm L x 34cm W x 10.2cm H
Master Carton Dimensions	95cm L x 28cm W x 35.8cm H
Tuning	E-A-D-G-B-E
pcid	1
Frets to Body	14
Item Number	03951
Family	Traditional
Build	Small Body
Construction	Layered
Body Top	Mahogany
Top Bracing Pattern	Fan
Soundhole Diameter	84mm (3 1/3″)
Rosette	Abalone
Top Binding	Black ABS
Side Purfling Inlay	N / A
Back and Sides Wood	Mahogany
Back Purfling Inlay	N / A
Neck Material	Mahogany
Scale Length	580mm (22 7/8″)
Neck Shape	C Shape
Nut Width	48mm (1 7/8″)
Neck Thickness 1st Fret	19mm
Neck Thickness 9th Fret	20mm
Truss Rod	Dual Action
Truss Rod Wrench	4mm Allen Key
Fingerboard Material	Pau Ferro
Fingerboard Inlays	4mm Dots – Pearloid
Frets Total	19
Colour	Natural (NAT)
Finish	Satin Polyurethane
Bridge Material	Pau Ferro
Saddle Material	NuBone
Nut Material	NuBone
Tuning Machines	Cordoba Satin Nickel with Black Buttons
Tap Plate	N / A
Electronics	N / A
Strings	Savarez Cristal Corum High Tension 500CJ
Included Case	Case Sold Separately
Upper Bout Width	222mm (8 3/4″)
Lower Bout Width	286mm (11 1/4″)
Body Depth Upper Bout	75mm (3″)
Body Depth Lower Bout	85mm (3 1/3″)
Body Length	403mm (15 7/8″)
Overall Length	873mm (34 3/8″)
Country of Origin	China

Quality

The Cordoba Mini II MHBody has a satin polyurethane finish, which provides a sleek and attractive look. You’ll find that there is layered mahogany on the sides, back, and top of the guitar. The use of mahogany provides this small instrument with a boosted tone.

Additional Features:

Warranty

Cordoba Music Group (“CMG”) warrants Córdoba guitars and Cordoba 30 Series ukuleles to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for three (3) years from the original purchase date, except that pickups, switches, jacks, controls, all other electronic components, tuning machines, hardware, pickguards, plated surfaces, cases and case hardware are warranted for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase.

Who Is It Best For?

This half-size guitar is a great option to go with if you’re looking to introduce your child to nylon strings. Nylon strings are comfortable and easy for beginning musicians to play and learn on.

Beginning musicians will find that the neck on this half-size guitar has a c profile, which means that it’s both comfortable and easy for small hands to begin playing the strings.

If you’re an experienced musician, you’ll notice that there is a warm and full tone that the guitar produces. The action is also great for pulling it right out of the box, so you shouldn’t have to worry about fiddling with it if you’re looking to pull it out and play.

What Do People Say About It?

You can find some feedback and guitar reviews on Amazon, Sweetwater and Thomann. Overall the Cordoba Mini II MH has been rated on average 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon Review.

Amazon Reviews #1 – “When considering this guitar, it’s important to take two things into account. 1) this is a half size guitar, and 2) it is built to a specific price point. Those things considered, it is a very good value and a good sounding LITTLE guitar. It’s small and very light, so it’s easy to take places. It’s about halfway between the size of a baritone uke and a full-sized classical guitar. Since it is a short scale guitar and tuned to standard tuning, the strings carry less tension and it’s just not as powerful (unplugged) as a full-size guitar. You may also notice that the lower tension makes the strings feel softer, and may or may not like that. For a short scale guitar with a small body, I think the guitar sounds great and has good harmonics and a sensitive feel to it. I especially like it for fingerstyle and classical. However, it is built to a price point, and the finish on mine had some flaws. Action is good, about 3.5 mm at 12th fret with plenty of saddles available to lower it if you wanted. Intonation is spot on. I would say they focused more on getting the sound and playability right and compromised a little on the finish in order to be able to offer it at a lower price.”

Amazon Reviews #2 – “I bought this used for $110 bucks and I’m so glad I did. The action is perfect. It has amazing sustain and a lovely reverb for such a small body. Notice that the 12th fret is very far up, and the 14th fret meets the body instead. This allows you to play the higher notes with ease even tho it’s not a cutaway. Also, I can’t emphasize enough that It feels very close to an electric guitar like a PRS…. so it has a nice fusion quality to the action. Some metal frets are a bit sharp on the edges, so I’ll eventually get to filing them down. However, for the price… this is an amazing instrument that I’m really looking forward to travelling with! I can’t wait to take this to the beach!”

To get a better idea of how the guitar sounds and looks like, we have provided you with a couple of Youtube videos, where you can get a quick demo of the guitar. 

YouTube Review #1 – Say hello to the Mini II MH — our popular Mini travel-size guitar, but slightly bigger and with an extended 580mm (22 7/8”) scale length so it tunes perfectly to Standard E. Despite its small profile, the Mini II has a deeper body depth which creates a well-rounded tone that is close to a full-size nylon string guitar. Built with all-mahogany woods, the Mini II MH’s unique voice is mellow, soft and balanced.

Youtube Review #2 – This video is a quick review of the guitar from the beginners perspective. Also, this video depicts that the Cordoba Mini II is a perfect gift for a friend.

The Verdict: Is it Worth It?

Cordoba has delivered a travel guitar that any classical guitarist would be happy to take on the road. With elegant looks, a robust build and very good playability, you would be forgiven for forgetting that the MH comes in at under $200. With such value, it is surely set to become a modern classic!

If you like this article and found the provided information useful, you might want to check out our other reviews at AalbergAudio.com 

OGHS-A-U introduction

This article will provide you with all the necessary information about the Oscar Schmidt OGHS-A-U. If you are interested in buying the Oscar Schmidt OGHS-A-U or you just want to know more about the guitar, you should keep on reading.

Product Description

This guitar uses Spruce tonewood for the top. The back and sides are made with Catalpa. It features a solid mahogany neck. It comes with die-cast tuners to keep the tuning of the instrument stable. The instrument also has a truss rod which is fully adjustable. Other extras include a rosewood bridge and a nice herringbone style trim around the instrument. In addition, the Oscar Schmidt OGHS-A-U has steel strings which makes them more resistant to the effects of the heat.

Price

The prices can vary depending on the website and country you are buying her from, but mainly the price stays between 120 and 200 euros. You can check the latest offers here!

Pros 

• Uses steel strings, no nylon
• Looks great with nice extras
• Big sound for the size

Cons

• Steel strings are tougher on younger hands
• A bit harder to play than nylon 1/2 guitar
• May need some initial setup for the action

Is it Worth it?

If you are looking for an affordable guitar that you can use either for travel or you want to purchase it as a beginners guitar for a child then I suggest you go for it. The Oscar Schmidt OGHS-A-U has steel strings that make a louder sound than the nylon strings, so you should take into consideration that the guitar is noisier by its self. 

In-Depth Review of the above articles

Benefits:

When looking for the best 1/2 size guitar with steel strings, it can be a little frustrating. That all changes with the Oscar Schmidt OGHS-A-U 1/2 Size Dreadnought. This is an excellent Dreadnought style 1/2 size acoustic guitar. The best part is that it doesn’t use nylon strings; it is a steel-string acoustic.

Specifications:

• Size: 1/2
• Dimensions 104.14 x 19.69 x 39.37 cm
• Weight: 2.13 kilograms
• Product Colour: Natural
• Colour: Natural
• Surface treatment: Gloss
• Type: Dreadnought
• Cutaway: No
• Body Construction: Layered
• Top/Face: Spruce
• Back Plate: Catalpa
• Sides/Ribs: Catalpa
• Neck: Mahogany
• Scale: 556 mm
• Number of strings: 6
• Number of frets: 20
• Nut Width: 38 mm
• Fingerboard: Tech Wood
• Bridge: Tech Wood
• Nut: NuBone
• Pickup: No
• Pickup Type: N/A
• Model electronics: N/A
• Controls: N/A
• Integrated Tuner: No
• Tuning machines: Die-Cast
• Hardware: Chrome
• Hard Case: No
• Case: No
• Country of Origin: China

Quality

The instrument has a select spruce top as well as Catalpa sides and back. The guitar has engineered tech wood on the bridge and fingerboard. The instrument has a nice high gloss finish which looks great.

Additional Features:

The OGHS is a 1/2 size dreadnought guitar. This is a great guitar for children to start or step up to from a nylon string guitar. Also available in a left-handed version.

• Handcrafted quality
• 1/2 size dreadnought style
• Select spruce top
• Catalpa sides & back
• High gloss finish
• Rosewood fingerboard & bridge
• Fully adjustable truss rod

Warranty

Oscar Schmidt instruments are warranted to be free from defective materials and craftsmanship from the date of purchase to the original purchaser when purchased from an authorized Oscar Schmidt dealer.

Duration Of Coverage

The duration of coverage varies by instrument type and in some instances the specific aspect of the instrument.

• Autoharps have a five year, non-transferable warranty.
• Electronic controls are covered for a period of one year.
• Other instruments including Oscar Schmidt acoustic guitars, electric guitars, basses, bluegrass and ukuleles provide a limited lifetime warranty, which is non-transferable.

Oscar Schmidt will repair or replace, at its option, any Oscar Schmidt instrument or part thereof which is found by Oscar Schmidt to be defective. The customer pays transportation costs to and from Oscar Schmidt. Oscar Schmidt reserves the right to use materials readily available at the time of the repair. Warranty service requires a copy of the Proof of Purchase (sales receipt) to be presented at the time of service request.

Who Is It Best For?

This is the perfect guitar for anyone that wants a half-sized instrument but the full sound of an acoustic guitar.

If you need a solid and dependable guitar when you travel. You get that from Oscar Schmidt with the OGHS-A-U ½ sided acoustic guitar. 

Due to the size of this guitar (it is much smaller than a regular dreadnaught) it is the ideal guitar for anyone that wants to travel and needs a small guitar for tight spaces. 

What Do People Say About It?

You can find some feedback and guitar reviews on Amazon, Sweetwater and Thomann. Overall the Oscar Schmidt OGHS-A-U has been rated on average 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon Review.

Amazon Reviews #1 – “Purchased for 8 yr old girl to begin lessons. Much better than other small guitars that sound too play-like. Great purchase!”

Amazon Reviews  #2 – “Great little guitar for the youngster who’s ready to step up to a steel-string acoustic. It might be a little larger than some other 1/2 size guitars. Fit and finish comparable to many $200-$300 full-size guitars. Lifetime warranty.”

To get a better idea of how the guitar sounds and looks like, we have provided you with a couple of Youtube videos, where you can get a quick demo of the guitar. 

YouTube Review #1 – This video is a quick demo of the Oscar Schmidt OGHS-A-U.

Youtube Review #2 – This is a great video for those who are looking to buy a guitar for a child. By watching this you will not only get a better understanding for what you pay for but also get a better idea of the quality of the guitar and how it is built. 

The Verdict: Is it Worth It?

This Oscar Schmidt is an excellent choice for anyone that wants to travel and needs a good guitar that sounds great. This guitar has a smooth and comfortable neck. The instrument has extras such as a nice rosette design and a logo on the headstock. The tuners are stable and the guitar keeps it tuning longer than similar guitars. This guitar is the perfect size for the overhead compartment in a plane, a small space in a boat, and much more. You will save space, but still, be able to play when you own this Oscar Schmidt guitar. But not only is this guitar suitable for travel but also it is a great starting point for beginners, especially kids, who want to learn how to play on a guitar.

If you like this article and found the provided information useful, you might want to check out our other reviews at AalbergAudio.com

Jay Turser JT-300 Introduction

This article will provide you with all the necessary information about the Jay Turser JT-300. If you are interested in buying the Jay Turser JT-300 Model or you just want to know more about the guitar, you should keep on reading.

Product Description

JT-300 is a model from the series of the same name, with which Jay Turser Guitars pay their due tribute to the most legendary double-cut of all times, the one and only Fender Stratocaster. Jay Turser models from the JT-300 series are vintage-styled and feature the classic hardware appointments. The body of the JT-300 guitar is solid, double-cut and made of alder. It`s flat on top and equipped with a bolt-on neck joint. The bridge section is fitted with a non-locking tremolo bridge with string-through-body construction. Classic pickups combo includes three single-coils with a standard set of knobs and switches. Bolt-on neck is made of maple and it features the standard 21-fret fingerboard made of rosewood on its top.

Price

The prices can vary depending on the website you are buying it from, but mainly the price can start from 125$ and go up to 360$. The price might be lower if you are buying a second-hand guitar. You can check the latest offers here!

Pros 

• Fat neck
• Sturdy feel 
• Non-locking tremolo for better sound and easier usage
• 21-fret fingerboard
• Three single-coils
• 5-Way pickups
• Many colour-combinations to select from
• Good value for money
• Great alternative for a more expensive Fender

Cons

• It’s not a Fender
• Neck can feel to big for players with smaller hands

Is it Worth it?

Considering the guitar is a great alternative for more expensive, but for some people better fitting, Fender guitars, then it all comes down to personal taste. The Jay Turser is a great company that produces great instruments and the guitars in their lineup are all high quality products. You might not get the feeling of the guitar being in a lead of the sound and music, but it gives you the possibility to direct the music yourself. With the Jay Turser guitars you always know that the design of the guitar is exquisite and grabs attention everywhere you go. So, is it worth it? You should keep reading, if you want to know more about the guitar and understand if it is a fitting match for you. 

In-Depth Review of the above articles

Benefits:

The guitar is filled with technology and the quality of the guitar cannot be understated. For the money you are paying, it is difficult to find anything else as playable and friendly as this guitar. 

The guitar is really forgiving and it can be played by different players with different styles and hands. Being a versatile guitar, you can be sure that you are getting the right guitar if you finish reading this article about the Jay Turser guitar. 

Specifications:

• Right/Left Handed 
• Number of Strings 6
• Body Type Solid
• Cutaway Double-Cutaway
• Body Wood Alder, Basswood
• Neck Type Set Neck
• Neck Wood Maple
• Fingerboard Rosewood
• Number of Frets 21
• Scale Length 25.5”
• Bridge Type Tremolo
• Pickguard Yes
• Pickups Neck: Single Coil

Middle: Single Coil

Bridge: Single Coil

• Controls Tone Control: x 2

Volume Control: x 1

• Switching 5-Way Pickup Selector Switch

Quality

The 300 Series JT-300 from Jay Turser is a classic-style, double-cutaway electric guitar made with a basswood/alder body in a Daphne blue gloss finish. The bolt-on maple neck features a rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays and is fitted with an adjustable truss rod which helps maintain straightness and prevents bowing.

Additional Features:

The JT-300 is equipped with a white pickguard loaded with three single-coil pickups, a 5-way selector switch, a master volume control, and two-tone controls. Additional features include a fulcrum tremolo bridge and a set of die-cast tuners. All hardware is chrome.

• Double-cutaway body
• White pickguard
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Maple neck
• Standard fulcrum tremolo bridge
• Adjustable truss rod
• Dot inlays
• 3 Single-coil pickups
• 1 Volume, 2 Tone controls
• 5-Way pickup selector
• Chrome die-cast tuners and hardware
• Gloss finish

• Basswood / Alder Body
• 25.5″ Scale / 21 Frets

Warranty

Every retailer offers a warranty optimized for their clients. Get in contact with your retailer for more information!

Who Is It Best For?

“Right tool for the right job”. A specific type of hammer or screwdriver isn’t chosen for its looks, but instead, for its functionality. This guitar is a multitool that can be used for many different genres. The guitar likes to be challenged and played. 

A guitar is a tool for making music. Use the guitar that gets the job done for your particular application, regardless of aesthetics. If it’s a Strat, so be it. If it’s a Jay Turser, the same still applies. The goal of making music is to sound like you. Not trying to be anyone else, but finding joy in playing the music you want and can. Do you want to sound like you? If yes, then this guitar gives you everything you could dream of to accomplish this goal. 

What Do People Say About It?

You can find some positive feedback and guitar reviews on Amazon, Sweetwater and Thomann. Overall the Jay Turser JT-300 Model has been rated on average 3.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon Review.

Amazon Reviews #1 – “This guitar has really good action. It’s also a very pretty guitar. With a little setup, it plays as good as any lower price fender and the pickups are brighter. Intonation was easy to set and I personally really like the neck. The frets seem to be set level so I was able to get the action very low. Amazon needs to pay more attention to the way they pack guitars but it did arrive undamaged but not because it was packed well. The last one I got from them was damaged just because of the poor packing job. This is my second Jay Turser guitar and I think that looks as good and plays as good or better than my $400-$500 Epiphones and Fenders. The colour is a lot darker than what is pictured but I knew that when I bought it because I viewed better pictures on other websites. It’s actually much prettier than the picture. You can’t go wrong with this baby.”

Amazon Reviews #2 – “Since this is a gold box item today, and the fact that I noticed both reviews were from people complaining about a vendor experience, and not the guitar itself, I thought I would write a review for you all.

First off I have 2 Jay Tursers. An acoustic as well as the pink version of this blues guitar 300 series. I have to say I love them both. Jay Turser makes a very decent guitar for a low cost. The sound of both my acoustic and my 300 rival a lot of the guitars I have seen or tested for sound quality. I paid $150 for my 300 series and have to say the quality was that of a $500 electric guitar. I have let my guitar teacher play them as well as having them restrung, and the comments from both people were that they were amazed at the sound and quality for the price.

With that being said I thought $150 was a steal so needless to say I am contemplating now buying the blue one. I am definitely a Turser fan and know they perform well. I have had my acoustic now for ten years. No problems are other than being very attached to it. They seem to tune well and keep in tune for quite a while with little to no adjustments. And even though I did not pay much for them, I find that the quality of the way they are made, as well as the sound, make them valuable to me. This is a great starter guitar…I had even recommended one for a friend since their son was starting lessons. Can’t feel too bad if they drop the lessons for having only spent a small amount to get started. I also paired the 300 with a low-end amp for thirty dollars. Sounds awesome without spending a lot.

That being said I give it 4 stars because the quality for a low-end product is fantastic. However there are some really expensive 5-star guitars out there, but you won’t see me giving mine up any time soon!”

To get a better idea of how the electric guitar sounds and looks like, we have provided you with a couple of Youtube videos, where you can get a quick demo of the guitar.

YouTube Review #1 

Youtube Review #2 

The Verdict: Is it Worth It?

Considering the price, the looks, the sound, the guitar and yourself, you should be able to find it fitting or not. The guitar is mainly created for beginners to experiment and create music that might just inspire the beginning guitarist to become better and level up to something the guitarist finds more fitting. If you need a guitar to understand how you sound then you cannot find a better tool to befit that goal. The price is not comparable to some other more high-end guitars, but this guitar is mainly for people who want to understand where they want to move on – what style and what genre. Should it then be jazz, rock, grunge or pop, that guitar gives many possibilities and challenges to the player. 

If you like this article and found the provided information useful, you might want to check out our other reviews at AalbergAudio.com 

D’Addario EJ44TT

This article will provide you with all the necessary information about the D’Addario EJ44TT Guitar5 strings. If you are interested in buying the D’Addario EJ44TT guitar strings or just want to know more about the guitar itself, you should keep reading.

EJ45TT normal tension is D’Addario’s best-selling Dynacore set, preferred for its balance of rich, projecting tone and comfortable feel. D’Addario Premium Pro-Arté DynaCore sets are constructed using our exclusive multifilament-stranded core material with a revolutionary winding technique. The result is a truly unique and contemporary tone…rich, round, and full with dramatically improved string life, tuning stability, and consistency. This set is complemented by our titanium trebles (bright and projecting) for optimal tonal balance.

Product Description

D’Addario EJ44TT extra-hard tension classical strings are optimal for maximum string resistance and projection without compromising tone. EJ45TT normal tension strings are D’Addario’s best selling Dynacore set, preferred for its balance of rich, projecting tone and comfortable feel.

Price

D’Addario EJ45TT guitar strings can cost around 15 euros, depending on the reseller. You can check the latest price here!

Pros 

• Titanium trebles for brightness and projection
• Normal, hard or extra hard tension
• Made in the U.S.A.
• Durable

Cons

• The Normal Tension strings can be buzzy

Is it Worth it?

It is almost impossible to find other strings that are so versatile and comfortable to play with. The strings are durable, high quality and made to play. Even better is the price of the strings themself – quite cheap for what you get. 

In-Depth Review of the above articles

Benefits:

D’Addario is driven by exceptional precision.

All Pro-Arte treble strings are manufactured with our in-house extruded nylon, ensuring consistent strings with precise intonation. Pro-Arté basses are wound using silver-plated copper on a multi-filament nylon core for consistent and warm, yet projecting tone.

Specifications:

• String gauges: 

Trebles: 

• .0280, 
• .0332, 
• .0403 

Basses: 

• .028, 
• .035, 
• .044 .
• Series: D’Addario Pro-Arté DynaCore
• Model: EJ45TT
• Set: Full guitar set (6 strings)
• Tuning: EBGDAE
• Scale Length: 640-650 mm (25.2-25.6″)
• Trebles Tension: Medium/Normal
• Basses Tension: Medium/Normal
• Trebles Material/Technology: Titanium
• Basses Material/Technology: Silverplated, Composite, Wound

Quality

The D’Addario EJ45TT ProArte Nylon DynaCore strings are made of different materials and created with different winding technology than some other strings. That makes the guitar strings extremely durable, nice to play and gives the guitar new breathing and view. These strings give you the chance to make the guitar sound more lively and eloquent. Also, these strings can stay in tune for a longer time and keep the tuning in different settings in different temperatures and weather conditions. 

Additional Features:

• Composite core material, combined with our Dynacore winding technology for flexible feel with greater projection and response
• Pro-Arté Titanium trebles for brightness and projection with a smooth, silky texture
• Corrosion-resistant packaging for strings that are always fresh
• All D’Addario strings are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA

Warranty

Every retailer offers a warranty optimized for their clients. Get in contact with your retailer for more information!

Who Is It Best For?

These strings are for everyone who cares about low cost, beautifully sounding and feeling guitar strings that can stay in tune and also that are a faff to play with. There is not a lot of choices as well, being the most versatile out of the competition, makes The D’Addario EJ45TT ProArte Nylon DynaCore strings the best strings for classical guitars. 

What Do People Say About It?

To get a better idea of how the guitar sounds and looks with the D’Addario EJ45TT strings, we have provided you with a couple of Youtube videos, where you can get a quick demo of different guitars. 

YouTube Review #1 – Amateur-style comparisons of D’Addario EJ45TT nylon core and EJ46FF carbon strings on my Cordoba C7 guitar. I also added samples of the 6-week-old strings (EJ45) that were previously on my guitar for reference. Here are some of my observations:

The EJ46FF strings include carbon trebles and Dynacore basses. The EJ45 strings have nylon core basses and nylon trebles. 

I tested each set two days after stringing the guitar.

The packaging states that the EJ45’s are “warm, full-bodied tone and consistent intonation.” The packaging of the EJ46FF’s says “vibrant modern tone” with “bold powerful sound, responsive feel, & improved intonation.”

I would agree with both of these assessments!  I found the carbon strings to be quite loud and lively with lots of sustain. My first impression was that they almost reminded me of steel strings. They have a higher tension, and the treble strings are thinner than the nylon trebles. When strumming these strings, the fret-buzz sounds more pronounced…almost metallic. 

The nylon strings have more of a rounded and warmer tone. They settle in quickly and last a long time. I thought the 6-week old set sounded good when I took them off to do this comparison. 

The thinner carbon trebles take a little getting used to, and my first impression is that the high E string feels too thin and high tension. They are fun to play, however, as the sustain gives almost an electric vibe. 

I would like to try the Dynacore bass strings with the nylon trebles.

Youtube Review #2 – Speaking in general, different strings work differently on different guitars. One set may sound great on a given guitar, but sound unbalanced or “plasticky” on another. What you play and how you play also matter. For example, flamenco players’ preferences are usually a little different than classical players.  The quality of your nails affects the tone, etc. Cost and durability are also considerations. The goal is to find something that works for you, and your instrument and preferences.

Reviews # 2

Amazon Reviews #1 – “MY FAVORITE STRINGS FOR MY CORDOBA, I have tried every kind of string by Daddario and these have the best sound, feel, they are ready to perform with sooner, don’t stretch for days when you first put them on, now I will say that the regular ej45 EXP strings are a nice second place, the exp does make them last longer in that “prime sounding” period your strings are good for, I use these about 2 weeks 2-3 hours a day before my ear can tell they are not in prime sound period anymore, exp ej45 gave me about 3 weeks but there is something special with these I like them, I have used them all from carbon to exp to non-exp also I have tried Augustine kinds as well, at end of the day from the day after you put these on (play them in an hour or so or just re-tune every few hours for a day) the sound and performance of this D’Addario EJ44TT are my favorites.”

Amazon Reviews  #2 – “Strings are bright and resonant. They vibrate for a long time and let you wallow in harmonic overtones, which is what a guitar is all about, ultimately. They’re bright too — shiny and easy to see, which, surprisingly, helps. They don’t last as long as regular EJ45s. The beautiful tone disappears rather suddenly after a month. They’re still okay then but not spectacular, and that disappoints me every time I play, casting a bummer over the whole practice, so I have to swap them out. The premium price means the TTs are a luxury I only use for a treat. Regular 45s are completely adequate for everyday use.”

The Verdict: Is it Worth It?

The D’Addario EJ45TT ProArte Nylon DynaCore strings are custom-built, well-designed strings that are surprisingly eloquent. They have a lot of sounds hidden inside of them and all of them are ready to become reality. Control over the strings can feel robust and richly crafted. The improved winding technique creates strings that are better in every way. 

Overall, The D’Addario EJ45TT ProArte Nylon DynaCore strings are a good choice for every guitarist out there looking for a reliable set of great strings. 

If you like this article and found the provided information useful, you might want to check out our other reviews at AalbergAudio.com

Ibanez Introduction

This article will provide you with all the necessary information about the Ibanez AF55 guitar. If you are interested in buying the Ibanez AF55 or you just want to know more about the guitar, you should keep on reading.

Product Description

The Ibanez AF55 Artcore Hollowbody electric guitar delivers a quality instrument in a stripped-down, aggressive-looking package. The full-hollow Sapele body of the AF55 offers you a large, round tone with plenty of woody warmth that’s well-suited for jazz, blues, older country styles, and rock. The flat finish and lack of extra ornamentation give the guitar a no-nonsense look that will be right at home on stage with a loud rock band. Ibanez’s Artcore series delivers great quality instruments, such as this AF55, at an attainable price.

Price

The prices can vary depending on the website and country you are buying her from, but mainly the price stays between 200 and 300 euros. You can check the latest offer here!

Pros 

• Lightweight but packs a lot of tones to experiment with
• Sounds great both as an acoustic and electric guitar
• High-quality sound for a moderately proceed guitar

Cons

• Case not included

Is it Worth it?

This guitar is worth much more than its price point, an incredible deal.

In-Depth Review of the above articles

Benefits:

Identifiable and versatile Hollowbody tone

The Sapele top, back, and sides bring out clarity and note definition in an otherwise warm-sounding design. The deep body ensures you’ll hear plenty of woody resonance. Working in conjunction with the wood and design, the uncovered Ibanez Infinity humbucking pickups have enough output to perform well in many genres, but are subtle enough to bring out the clarity and nuance of your playing.

Straightforward aesthetics

The first thing you’ll notice when seeing the AF55 is the no-nonsense appeal of its design. Sweetwater guitarists agree that the flat finish begs for the instrument to be played hard, but it also has a quiet elegance. The uncovered Infinity pickups continue the aggressive aura of the instrument and allow for more attack to come through when you play. Dot inlays on the fretboard, minimal chrome hardware, and single-ply binding round out the aesthetics.

Specifications:

Neck Type 

Af Artcore / Nyatoh / Set-in neck

Top/Back/Side

Lined top / Lined back / Linden sides

Fretboard

Bound Wault fretboard / White dot inlay

Fret

Medium frets

Number of frets 

20

Bridge 

Gibraltar Performer bridge

String space 

10.5 mm

Tailpiece

VT06 teilpiece 

Neck Pickup

Infinity R (H) neck pickup (Passive/Ceramic)

Bridge Pickup

Infinity R (H) bridge pickup (Passive/Ceramic)

Factory tuning 

1E, 2B, 3G, 4D, 5A, 6E

String gauge 

.010/.013/.017/.030/.042/.052

Hardware color

Chrome

NECK Dimensions

 

Scale:

628 mm

a: Width

43 mm at NUT

b: Width

56.3 mm at 20F

c: Thickness

21 mm at 1F

d: Thickness 

24 mm at 9F

Radius 

305 mmR

BODY Dimensions 

a: Length

19 ½”

b: Width 

15 ¾”

c: Max Depth

3 ⅝” 

DESCRIPTION

Guitar Body Diagram

A: Length of the body

B: Maximum width of the body

C: Maximum depth of the body

Quality

Body & neck

The instrument utilizes a strong mahogany body, mixed up with a mahogany neck, a classic rosewood fingerboard, a set of 22 frets, white dot fret inlays, and two lovely F-holes.

The use of mahogany brings in a booming sonic foundation with plenty of resonance. The instrument features a classy Gibson-like headstock and a smoky finish that perfectly matches the sonic attack. 

Hardware

We’re looking at a floating bridge, a set of standard tuning pegs, and no pickguard. These components may not be the instrument’s strongest points, but they do a solid job in keeping the AF55 in proper shape. While some users have reported minor tuning issues, a proper intonation is almost always secured. 

Electronics

The pickups certainly give the instrument a healthy load of charm. We’re dealing with a classic pair of humbuckers, but they’re a bit on the hot side, securing plenty of versatility and tonal freedom, but also a constant presence of the “hotness” factor. The pickups are connected to a single set of control knobs for Tone and Volume adjustments. Also included in the mix is a standard three-way pickup selector.

Sound

Yes, Ibanez is a manufacturer typically associated with the realm of hard n’ heavy music, but this fella still has a sonic foundation deeply rooted in the world of jazz. Bright, sharp, articulate, and resonant – those are the keywords.

However, the use of booming mahogany wood and slightly hotter pickups opened this fella up for musical endeavours outside of the jazz domain, going from harder blues all the way to alternative rock. This is great, although there are some players who are looking for a full-on jazz guitar and simply won’t appreciate the extra gain punch.

Additional Features:

• Hollowbody guitar with a rock ‘n’ roll look
• Straightforward aesthetics look great on any stage
• Uncovered Infinity pickups deliver a warm but clear tone
• Minimal hardware keeps clean lines uninterrupted
• The single-ply binding adds an air of elegance
• Gibraltar Performer bridge

The Gibraltar Performer bridge provides rich sustain and tuning stability. The low-positioned saddles promise comfortable playability.

Warranty

Ibanez provides a warranty with a period of one (1) year from the date of the original retail purchase.

Who Is It Best For?

Combining brightness with a more beefy vibe, this six-string is a valid choice for a modern jazz player looking for a great mixture of versatility and traditional values. 

The Guitar utilizes some of the well-known pros of Ibanez guitars and sets them up in more blues- and jazz-driven environments. 

What Do People Say About It?

You can find some feedback and guitar reviews on Amazon, Sweetwater and Thomann. Overall the Ibanez AF55 has been rated on average 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon Review and also with the same rating on Thomann. Due to the poor amount of reviews on Amazon, we have provided you with Thomann reviews.

Thomann Reviews #1 – “As for the AF55 what can I say other than astounding value for the really low price charged by Thomann. After the obligatory fret polishing, fingerboard oiling, very minor adjustments to the neck, and intonation the instrument plays beautifully, no buzzes or extraneous noises, and the sound from the stock pick-ups is pure jazz. If I have any negative comment it is regarding the stock tuners, which while they keep the instrument in tune, are unpleasant to use…so much free play. This is a low priced stripped-down guitar that has everything it needs, and nothing it doesn’t. So I will replace the tuners eventually, and stick on some flat wound strings…This instrument looks great, feels great and holds its own with others costing four or 5 times more. Oh, and the recommended ‘Rockbag 335’ style gig bag fits like a glove.”

Thomann Reviews #2 – “I bought this because it was cheap enough to take a gamble. I’m very glad I did.

Stock tuners: I found them to be a bit on the cheap side. I was having tuning issues. I decided to change them for locking tuners which helped loads. Stock tuners acceptable for home, but wouldn’t depend on them for a gig.

Pickups: I got a bit confused with this. I was told it had ACH pickups, it doesn’t. Mine says ‘hot ‘n’ nasty’ on the back of them. Regardless of that, they are non staggered flat poles with ceramic magnets. Not exactly quality, but for home volumes, I was pleasantly surprised. Slightly scooped sounding but good clarity (I’m always on the neck). I did change them out for something else but didn’t like that. Also tried changing the magnet on the stock pickup to an Alnico V or II magnets

Jury still out on that one. If you are after distorted noises I think they’re fine.

Body/neck: really good! Frets and neck were great. Really pleased. Can’t fault it. The body also a work of art, with no faults at all. Loved the burst on it. Great worn look. Not a fan of the matt finish. I compound polished the whole body and buffed it to shine. Gleams now with a satin/gloss finish. You can see the grain much better.

Overall: great guitar for any time you need an archtop. It is not my main axe currently but when I found a pickup I’m happy with it certainly might be!”

Youtube reviews

YouTube Review #1 – The Ibanez AF55 Artcore Hollowbody Electric Guitar sets the standard for Ibanez full-hollow body design. Their long-standing partnership with jazz greats such as George Benson and Pat Metheny has resulted in pioneering advancements in the world of hollow-body guitar building. The AF55 with its choice selection of tonewoods, high-quality appointments, and superb electronics continues that tradition of daring design and passion for tone.

Youtube Review #2 – White Christmas played on an Ibanez AF55 guitar.

The Verdict: Is it Worth It?

If you want to get the best of both worlds, here’s a guitar that sounds great both as an acoustic guitar and an electric guitar. The Ibanez Artcore AF55 doesn’t just have a beautiful body, it has an amazing fretboard that guarantees easy playability. 

If you like this article and found the provided information useful, you might want to check out our other reviews at AalbergAudio.com 

Epiphone Introduction

This article will provide you with all the necessary information about the Epiphone SG G-400. If you are interested in buying the Epiphone SG G-400 or you just want to know more about the guitar, you should keep on reading.

Product Description

Not all guitars are supposed to look the same. All the Les Paul imitations, Stratocasters, and other overused body shapes get tiring after a while. It is boring to see the same guitar sold in a dozen different ways under a hundred different names. This is why this time around we are going to be looking at an Epiphone SG G-400. This more unique-looking instrument has a lot of qualities to make it into a loveable, if not outright the best, instrument in its price range out there.

Price

The prices can vary depending on the website and country you are buying her from, but mainly the price stays between 200 and 400 euros.

Pros 

• Interesting Desing
• Great Sound 
• Affordable

Cons

• A little heavy

Is it Worth it?

This Epiphone G-400 is truly one of the best values in the guitar industry. Every serious guitar player wants an SG, and here’s a real one that sounds as good as it looks. Epiphone’s G-400 has been one of the best-selling set-neck guitars in the world for years and perhaps the most famous version of the guitar that for seven years in the 1960s. The G-400 from Epiphone is truly the SG that you think of when you think “SG”.

In-Depth Review of the above articles

Benefits:

Sound 

For a guitar that costs about 1/4th of a Gibson SG, the Epiphone G-400 offers an outstanding imitation of the SG’s sound. With distortion applied, the G-400 has all of the aggressive, hard-edged growls, and screaming high-end that made the SG so popular. If you’re interested in this guitar to play classics like AC/DC, Black Sabbath, and even Cream, you won’t be disappointed.

It’s not perfect — there’s less depth to these tones than you’ll find in a Gibson, and at points, the G-400 sounds a bit shrill or tinny. The clean tones are decent but nothing to write home about, though the coil-tapping feature found on the G-400 PRO version gives you some welcome versatility.

The Wow Factor 

The SG body is probably one of the eye-catching guitar bodies ever. The finish is really nice and glossy and the trapezoid inlays really set it off.

Specifications:

• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Indian Laurel
• Trapezoid fretboard inlays
• Neck profile: 60s slim taper
• 22 Frets
• Scale: 629 mm (24.75″)
• Nut width 43 mm (1.693″)
• Pickups: 2 Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers (neck and bridge)
• Controls: 2 x Volume and 2 x tone
• CTS electronics
• Lockton ABR Tune-o-Matic bridge
• Stoppable tailpiece
• Colour: Ebony

Quality

The quality is fantastic. You couldn’t ask for better quality at this price. Everything is solid and well put together. It doesn’t seem to have any “cut corners” or anything.

Body and Neck

Based on vintage SG models of the 1960s, the G-400 borrows the SG’s iconic double-horned body. It’s finished in either cherry or ebony for a swaggering hard-rock look. Like the SG, the G-400 also utilizes a mahogany body; while Epiphone uses more pieces of wood and Gibson takes many of the choice cuts, the mahogany keeps the tonal palette of the G-400 incredibly close to that of its big brother.

The neck is mahogany as well, with a glued-in heel joint at the 19th fret. The glued neck sets this guitar apart from other models in its price range, which most often use bolt-on necks. A 22-fret rosewood fretboard tops that neck, shaped with Epiphone’s SlimTaper “D” shape and tailored for a 1.68″ nut width.

It’s definitely more substantial than Fender-style necks, but it’s manageable for players of most hand sizes. The 12″ radius is also flatter than Fender necks, which makes it easier to play power chords and nail sweeping bends.

Electronics

Outfitted with a pair of humbuckers, the G-400 uses Epiphone’s Alnico Classic design for the neck pickup and an Alnico Classic Plus in the bridge. These are exceptionally high-output humbuckers that can handle even the heaviest distortion you could run them through. They offer plenty of fire to nail overdriven blues, hard rock, and metal tones.

The PRO version of the G-400 also offers coil-tapping for pickups. By pulling out the knobs, you can convert each humbucker to sound like a single-coil pickup. If you’re interested in a G-400 but still want to access some Stratocaster or Telecaster tones, consider purchasing a G-400 PRO.

Beyond the pickups, the G-400 mirrors the SG’s dial layout. Each pickup corresponds to a pair of individual tone and volume knobs to give you complete control over your sound. The three-way pickup selector switch alternates between the pickups — the neck is labeled “rhythm,” while the bridge is tagged “lead,” and the middle position on the switch combines the two.

Hardware

The G-400 uses Epiphone’s LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and a stop bar tailpiece. The Tune-O-Matic allows you to adjust the intonation of each string individually via the six built-in saddles.

On the headstock, you’ll find six Grover tuners with a 14:1 gear ratio. They work great for keeping your guitar in tune and are precise enough to make fine adjustments to your tuning.

Additional Features:

The guitar has great tuners, it tunes easily and stays in tune very well. The pick-ups are better than most of the lower Epiphone models and they have covers and look great. They also sound amazing, as detailed above. Also, there is a handy switch that lets you choose to use the neck pick-up, bridge pick-up, or both. This guitar also has awesome trapezoid inlays on the neck which gives it a sweet Gibson look.

Warranty

The Epiphone G-400 guitar comes with the famous Epiphone Lifetime Limited Warranty, featuring Gibson 24/7/360 Customer Service and Support and warrants the instrument against defects in materials or workmanship.

Who Is It Best For?

Epiphone’s version of the SG, the SG G-400, offers the same legendary styling and sound at a budget price point that’s attainable for players at all levels. Whether you’re looking for your first electric guitar or want a change-of-pace model that you can throw around without fear, the G-400 makes a lot of sense.

What Do People Say About It?

You can find some feedback and guitar reviews on Amazon, Sweetwater and Thomann. Overall the Epiphone SG G-400 has been rated on average 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon Review.

Amazon Reviews #1 – “This guitar is wonderful. I found it here on Amazon, but I’ll never order an instrument without trying it out first. Went to my local G.C. and played around with it. To say it sounds great for the price is an understatement. It is a level of quality above similar guitars in its price range.

Wonderful for almost every genre of music. Country music musicians and similar are usually dissuaded to purchase an SG, but norms can be broken. For those who have never touched an SG model, you will have to get used to the neck imbalance that all SG models tend to have. If you don’t have one, you will want a strap.”

Amazon Reviews  #2 – “Take my review for what it is worth, as I am definitely not a very skilled player. But I do really enjoy playing this guitar. It seems easy and nice to play. The size and shape of the neck are great for me. The electronics are quite good. No weird clicks pop or sizzles when changing the selector or moving the pots.

The sound and tone are so much better than my previous guitars and the overall build quality is very good. It is a solid instrument. It’s much lighter than I anticipated but still strong for all that.

Although I don’t have much experience with too many other guitars to compare to, all I can say is I’m loving the way this guitar sounds.”

The Verdict: Is it Worth It?

Overall, the Epiphone SG G-400 gives a convincing rendition of the SG’s sound and style at a much more affordable price. For the sub-$500 price, Epiphone has managed to preserve a lot of high-quality touches in this instrument, like the set neck and Grover tuners. If you’re a distortion-oriented player and you want to look and sound like your idols, the G-400 is a great choice.

A great guitar all around, it is an instrument that can’t be recommended enough to any level of player. While it does have to deal with minor issues, in general, the guitar is definitely one to own.

If you like this article and found the provided information useful, you might want to check out our other reviews at AalbergAudio.com