Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Electric Guitar Kit vs LyxPro Left Hand

Overview of the Products

When comparing the Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Electric Guitar Kit with Amplifier and the LyxPro Left Hand 36 Inch Electric Guitar and Kit, it's essential to consider both the target audience and the features each kit offers. The Ashthorpe kit is priced at $89.99, which makes it about 44% cheaper than the LyxPro kit at $159.99. These two options cater to different types of beginners, with Ashthorpe aimed at younger learners and LyxPro designed for left-handed beginners. Understanding these distinctions will help guide your decision.

Target Audience

The Ashthorpe kit is specifically designed for younger learners, featuring a 30-inch electric guitar that is easy for kids to handle. This compact size makes it particularly suitable for children who are just starting their musical journey. On the other hand, the LyxPro kit caters to left-handed kids aged 9 to 19, featuring a 36-inch guitar that provides a more adult-like experience. This means that while the Ashthorpe kit may be ideal for very young beginners, the LyxPro kit is better suited for slightly older children or teens who might need a more substantial instrument.

Price Comparison

As mentioned, the Ashthorpe kit is priced at $89.99 while the LyxPro kit retails for $159.99. This price difference of $70 makes the Ashthorpe kit about 44% more affordable, which can be a significant factor for parents looking to provide their children with a beginner guitar without breaking the bank. While the LyxPro kit offers more advanced features, the stark price difference means that the Ashthorpe option may appeal more to budget-conscious buyers.

Features and Accessories

In terms of included accessories, the Ashthorpe kit comes with a portable amplifier, a nylon gig bag, a strap, an extra set of strings, and three picks, making it a comprehensive starter package. Conversely, the LyxPro kit also includes an amplifier, but it's a more powerful 20W amp with additional features like a headphone jack and AUX input, which can enhance the learning experience. The LyxPro kit provides a mini clip-on tuner and an instruction book, which can be beneficial for beginners who might struggle with tuning their guitar. Although both kits are equipped with essential accessories, the LyxPro kit offers a more robust setup for learners.

Build Quality and Design

The Ashthorpe guitar is designed with a classic Strat-style shape and a high-gloss finish that adds flair and style. It features a solid body construction that ensures durability, which is vital for young learners. Meanwhile, the LyxPro guitar incorporates high-quality materials, including a premium rosewood fingerboard and a Canadian maple neck. This suggests that while both guitars are built to last, the LyxPro guitar may provide a more professional feel, making it suitable for players who may continue their musical journey into more advanced stages.

Amplifier Performance

The amplifier included with the Ashthorpe kit is portable and designed for basic use, making it perfectly adequate for young learners. However, the LyxPro kit includes a more powerful 20W amplifier with built-in speaker capabilities, as well as integrated controls for gain, bass, treble, and volume. This means the LyxPro amplifier offers a more versatile performance, allowing users to customize their sound significantly more than with the Ashthorpe amplifier. For serious beginners looking to develop their skills, the amplifier can make a notable difference in practice sessions.

Learning Support

For beginners, learning support can be crucial. The Ashthorpe kit is designed with features that promote good playing habits, such as easy-tuning pegs and a manageable scale length. However, the LyxPro kit enhances the learning experience further by including a digital clip-on tuner and an instruction book. This additional support can help new players learn to tune their guitars properly, which is a vital skill for any musician. Therefore, while both kits offer learning support, the LyxPro kit may provide a more comprehensive approach to fostering musical growth.

Customer Reception

Both products have received positive customer feedback, with the Ashthorpe kit holding a sales rank of 18,776 and the LyxPro kit slightly better at 17,358. This indicates that both options are popular among buyers, though the LyxPro kit edges ahead in terms of sales performance. This may reflect its broader appeal to left-handed players and older children. However, the Ashthorpe kit’s lower price point could attract parents seeking a reliable starter kit for their younger children.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the choice between the Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Electric Guitar Kit and the LyxPro Left Hand 36 Inch Electric Guitar and Kit depends on your specific needs. If you're looking for an affordable, compact guitar for a very young beginner, the Ashthorpe kit is about 44% cheaper and provides a solid foundation for learning. However, if you're seeking a more advanced setup for a left-handed child who may need a larger instrument, the LyxPro kit offers superior quality and features, albeit at a higher price. Consider the age and needs of the learner when making your decision.