Ermik Soild Body Electric Guitar Kit with Amp 20W, vs Tostar Electric Guitar Kit with Amp, 39" Full

Overview of the Electric Guitar Kits

Both the Ermik Soild Body Electric Guitar Kit and the Tostar Electric Guitar Kit are excellent choices for beginners looking to start their musical journey. Priced at $119.99 and $119.68 respectively, they both come equipped with essential accessories needed for a complete setup. Interestingly, the Tostar kit is about 17 cents cheaper than the Ermik kit, making it slightly less expensive while still offering a full-size guitar experience.

Build Quality and Design

When it comes to build quality, the Ermik guitar features a premium Canadian maple neck combined with a rosewood fingerboard, providing a smooth playing experience. Its glossy hardwood body is designed for durability and aesthetics. Conversely, the Tostar guitar is constructed with a maple neck and tectona grandis fingerboard, which contributes to a bright and balanced tone. While both guitars boast a full-size 39" design, the slightly different choice of materials may influence sound and playability, making the Ermik a better option for those who prioritize a traditional feel.

Sound and Versatility

The Ermik Soild Body Electric Guitar Kit offers an S-S-H pickup configuration, which includes two single-coil pickups and one humbucker. This setup allows players to explore a range of genres, from blues to rock, with five adjustment methods for different tonal qualities. In contrast, the Tostar Electric Guitar features a 5-way HSS pickup switch, allowing for versatile sound options as well. While the Tostar emphasizes a rich, expressive sound suitable for blues, pop, and rock, the Ermik's humbucker may provide a richer tone for heavier styles.

Amplifier Features

For amplification, the Ermik kit includes a 20-watt power amp with built-in speakers, which is slightly more powerful than the Tostar's 10-watt amp. The Ermik amp offers a range of controls, including gain, bass, treble, and volume, which can be beneficial for beginners experimenting with different sound settings. The Tostar amp is equipped with a cable and is sufficient for starting out, but the additional power and features of the Ermik amp may appeal to those looking for a more robust setup right from the start.

Accessories Included

Both kits come with a comprehensive set of accessories, making them suitable for beginners. The Ermik kit includes a gig bag, digital tuner, six spare strings, picks, a tremolo bar, and a strap. The Tostar kit, while also comprehensive, includes a nylon gig bag, extra strings, celluloid picks, a tremolo arm, and a strap. Although both kits provide essential tools for starting, the Ermik kit includes a digital tuner, which can be a significant advantage for new players who are not yet familiar with tuning their guitar.

Portability and Comfort

The design and portability of these guitars are crucial for beginners who may want to practice on the go. The Ermik guitar features a gig bag with handles, shoulder straps, and side pockets for easy carrying, making it practical for transport. The Tostar also includes a nylon gig bag, designed to provide comfort and ease of transport. Additionally, the Tostar's design incorporates a rounded body edge and recess contour, which enhances comfort during long playing sessions, potentially making it more appealing for extended practice.

Brand Reputation and Sales Rank

In terms of brand reputation, the Ermik guitar kit holds a sales rank of 6460, indicating a solid position in the market. Meanwhile, Tostar is a younger brand with a sales rank of 19750, which may suggest it is still building its reputation among consumers. Beginners might feel more secure purchasing from the Ermik brand, given its higher sales rank and established presence.

Which should you buy?

Deciding between the Ermik Soild Body Electric Guitar Kit and the Tostar Electric Guitar Kit ultimately depends on your specific needs as a beginner. If you prioritize power and versatility with a higher quality amplifier, and the inclusion of a digital tuner appeals to you, the Ermik kit, priced at $119.99, may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a slightly less expensive option, with a focus on comfort and a unique design, the Tostar kit at $119.68 could be ideal. Each guitar offers unique features, so consider what aspects are most important to your musical journey before making a decision.