REDDING 3/4 ACOUSTIC GUITAR
DISTRIBUTED BY: Australasian Music Supplies
EXPECT TO PAY: $149
RECCOMENDED FOR: The littlest guitar hero in the household, or the littlest household around the guitar hero.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
As the genre’s popularity spread, bluegrass players the world over leant towards guitars of a smaller stature in order to imitate the clunky, down-on-yer-luck twang of their favourite records. Smaller bodies tend to clean up and leave off a lot of bottom end in favour of a cracklier, more mid-focused voice. This is true of the Redding ¾ size, but there’s an extra strum-ability and campfire charm to this build that sets it apart.
USABILITY
Supremely portable and not at all imposing due to its size, this guitar is a great little player. It sits comfortably on your lap and doesn’t feel poky and awkward like other reduced scale guitars.
CONSTRUCTION
With the ever-reliable spruce across the top and linden back and sides, a smooth, cream bound catalpa neck and rosewood fingerboard tops off the Redding ¾ sized acoustic. Gloss poly over the tobacco-burst finish gives it that new guitar sheen as the stately Redding logo sits proudly atop the headstock like a sign above a saloon door.
OVERALL
Tiny body – mighty voice. Perfect for the beginner or the seasoned songsmith with economy of space in mind.
VALENCIA CLASSICAL GUITAR
DISTRIBUTED BY: Australasian Music Supplies
EXPECT TO PAY: $109
RECCOMENDED FOR: The budding young flamenco and/or anyone planting first steps on the road to guitar hero-dom.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
Planting themselves indelibly on the smaller end of the guitar size scale, classical guitars rely on the glassy heft of the mid-range for their unique and uncompromising voicing. Valencia have coloured their much loved nylon string models with the softness and clarity of the higher end of the bandwidth lending them a lilting, sing-song quality that is both charming and charismatic.
USABILITY
One thing that Valencia has been particularly forgiving with is the neck width. Far from being the imposing plank of rosewood familiar to more seasoned hands, these guitars are slimmer across the whole neck length, which makes them much easier to get around.
CONSTRUCTION
My Valencia 200 series was the first guitar I ever owned and it’s one I go back to time and time again when I feel like coming home. It feels like it should’ve crumbled to dust years ago but that quality craftsmanship is what renders Valencia one of the most trusted names in this particular game since 1972.
OVERALL
Whatever your style, be it bad Neil Young covers or Django Reinhardt worship, Valencia Classical guitars are a perfect place to start and never stop.
DINGWALL COMBUSTION 4 BASS GUITAR
DISTRIBUTED BY: Bass Centre
EXPECT TO PAY: $1999
RECOMMENDED FOR: The seasoned bass player who’s after a sleek and modern looking bass with versatility.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY
Perhaps the modern-ish looks give an impression of Metal, Rock, Djent and Prog styles but you’d be surprised how well the Combustion handles Funk, Pop and even some vintage vibes too. The dual soapbars and active/passive toggle let you tweak quite considerably and with nice sustain and low end thud you can get a little old school as well as smash out modern punchy tones.
USABILITY
An easy player the Combustion feels like a nicely balanced modern bass. Five control pots give you Master Volume, Pickup rotary selector and 3band EQ with a toggle switch for active or passive operation. Other than that it’s the fan fret design which might have you a little hesitant at first. Be assured though, it’s no real huge difference to your playing technique. Indeed, most people jump on and play normally within their first few notes and play as if they’ve used varying scale lengths all their life.
CONSTRUCTION
With their modern looks and fan fret design the Dingwall Combustion basses are a real eye catcher as a starting point. Look further and you get the Dingwall production ethos used on many of their more expensive basses. Dual soapbar pickups, active preamp and a range of specs (colours and Rosewood/Maple fretboards etc) make for a sweet instrument.
OVERALL
A super playing the bass the Combustion also stacks up dollar wise against many similar priced (and indeed more expensive) basses. A great introduction to the Dingwall name but not a sub par entry level instrument by any stretch of the imagination. Cool tones, cool looks and a serious player.
LAKLAND SKYLINE 55-01 BASS GUITAR
DISTRIBUTED BY: Bass Centre
EXPECT TO PAY: $1799
RECOMMENDED FOR: Bass players with a penchant for beauty who are in the market for a 5-string.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY
Super versatile the 55-01 could be right at home for rock, pop, funk, soul, blues and much more. A pair of Bartolini soapbar pickups, 3 band preamp and the ability to switch between active and passive modes mean you can get clear, punchy focused tones right down to the low B. Push the midrange a little to add some honk and you’ll edge into more old school tones.
USABILITY
I like the neck profile on the 55-01 which gives you something hold onto without being overly chunky. The control set is easy to get used to with a Master Volume and balance control setting levels and the 3 band EQ for tone tweaking. A comfy player it’d also be a nice introduction for 4 players wanting to test out something with a low B.
CONSTRUCTION
Coming in a range of colours – Antique White, Natural, Black and Three Tone Sunburst Lakland’s finishes on the 55-01 really look nice. Clean and understated I dig the no pickguard look and with quality parts it feels like a serious instrument that’s built to last.
OVERALL
Such a good bass at such a good price the Lakland 55-01 definitely deserves a look if you’re in the market for a Pro Level 5 (at a considerably cheaper price!). The kind of instrument that’ll cover you across most gigs with ease it’s a great player that sounds good at a good price.
Crafter GXE600CD
DISTRIBUTED BY: Drumpartner/Musicpartner
EXPECT TO PAY: $1199
RECOMMENDED FOR: The serious and considered guitarist who is looking to tread a darker path.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
For an orchestra style body shape, the GXE600CD sounds and even feels much more like a dreadnought. The exploration of cedar as the main tone wood lends the voicing a density and booming earthiness that is refreshingly arresting. This smoky darkness is offset only slightly by the chime offered by the slimmed curves around the sides and the freshness of the D’Addario Phosphor Bronze strings.
USABILITY
Not only does it sound intense but also playing it is more like dancing with The Phantom. The matte finish on the neck and fretboard flows like velvet beneath your grip and its slender profile gives just enough resistance as to leave you wanting more.
CONSTRUCTION
Every inch of the GXE600CD feels immaculate to hold, featuring a solid Cedar top, Mahongany back and sides and an LR Baggs preamp. The density of the cedar, which is in part responsible for that throaty quality, makes it one of the heavier guitars I’ve picked up in a while but that little extra effort is absolutely worth it for that triumphant tonality.
OVERALL
A beautiful guitar to add to a most sincere collection. Refined, dignified and reverent to play, it also somes with a Crafter hardcase.
CRAFTER SILVER SERIES HTE600 ACOUSTIC GUITAE
DISTRIBUTED BY: Drumpartner/Musicpartner
EXPECT TO PAY: $599
RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone looking for a guitar with a little finesse and a lot of attitude.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
Mahogany back and sides with spruce across the top; it’s a combination you’ve heard dozens of times and probably played dozens more, but it’s one that exemplifies the age old adage ‘if it ‘aint broke don’t fix it.’ The Crafter HiLite TE is a rich, chiming and elegant sounding guitar with a broad frequency range that speaks primarily to modern rock but is ready, willing and able to give back everything you put in.
USABILITY
The neck profile is a deep ‘C’ shape, on the chunkier side of life but not so much that it plays like a baseball bat.
CONSTRUCTION
The mahogany tone wood of the back and sides, as mentioned above, extends all the way along the matte finish neck. Rosewood fingerboard is finished with curlicue inlay that matches that found on the headstock and around the sound hole, which engenders the instrument with a sleek, almost feminine wile.
OVERALL
An earnestly playable, elegant and modern guitar at a modest price-point with an included heavy duty gig gig bag.
CRAFTER UC50 UKULELE
DISTRIBUTED BY: Drumpartner/Musicpartner
EXPECT TO PAY: $299
RECOMMENDED FOR: People looking to explore the folksier side of their personalities.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
As a general rule, ukuleles are not known as one-way tickets to tone city; their size limits them to that familiar, boxy plonk. As with anything though, a little care and attention to detail makes that singular personality all the sweeter, and Crafter’s UC50 definitely sits on that end of the spectrum. The notes are clear and defined and ring with a perfect balance of pride and meekness.
USABILITY
The UC50 is almost literally light as a feather, and the matte finish not only looks worldly and genuine whilst handily stopping it from slipping all over your torso. It feels like there’s an extra few millimeters in each fret which makes it a comfortable, relaxed and perfectly playable little song box.
CONSTRUCTION
The main tone wood at play here is the effortlessly crisp cedar; used to great effect to enhance the distinction and focus of the concert ukulele sized body. Open backed tuners hark back to the glory days of surf-rock instrument construction and the fact that it comes in a classy, ochre gig-bag rounds out the whole package nicely.
OVERALL
A great little box of songs to have bye your side as the sun goes down.
SEAGULL MERLIN NATURAL MAHOGANY SG
RECOMMENDED FOR: Musicians who want to add an inspiring new element to their studio efforts and those looking to pick up a new instrument at price that won’t break the bank, that’s easy to begin on and hard to put down.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
Inspired by the dulcimer, the Seagull Merlin is tuned to DADD with the high D doubled, giving a lush natural chorus effect. The open tuning makes for a jangly, shimmering sound – almost reminiscent of a banjo. A diatonic instrument, the Merlin’s sound is useful for Celtic and Eastern-inspired music, but could easily slot into other styles and genres.
USABILITY
If you already know your way around a guitar’s fret board, you’ll naturally be able to translate a lot of those skills to the Merlin. An instrument like this functions best as something that could add a finishing touch on a composition, though that’s not to say it couldn’t lead a song on its own. Both finger picking and strumming sounds great too.
CONSTRUCTION
If you were after an instrument small enough to travel around easily with, the Merlin is an excellent choice. The solid mahogany top paired with a satin oil finish makes for a beautiful look, while the Tusq bridge and saddle ensure it holds its tune.
OVERALL
Whether you’re beginning or an advanced player, the Merlin acts as both a great stepping stone for someone looking to move into the guitar, or as a handy instrument to find new ideas on.
HAGSTROM ULTRA SWEDE
RECOMMENDED FOR: Those looking for a powerhouse solid-body guitar with a look all of its own
SOUND/VERSATLITY
While at first glance the Ultra Swede conjures ideas of Les Paul, in reality it’s a totally different beast. While you can certainly get classic sustaining humbucker sounds, the coil-split mode offers another layer of versatility – adding some jangly single coil tones to the Swede’s arsenal. The neck pickup is warm without sounding dull, while the bridge pickup shines when paired with a little dirt for singing, expressive tones.
USABILITY
The Ultra Swede would be at home with most styles of music, but the custom 62 pickups push this guitar into the realm of players who feel most at home with a healthy dose of overdrive behind them.
CONSTRUCTION
The surprisingly light body is complemented with Hagstrom’s ultra-slim neck profile, paired with a very playable D shape, resulting in a fret board that’ll work well for those with fast and dexterous playing styles. The ‘H-Expander’ truss rod allows for a low action, working in tandem with the Hagstrom’s trademarked Sustain Block Tailpiece to maximise each string’s vibration.
OVERALL
If you’re looking for a guitar that can offer some classic humbucker grunt while also covering your bases for single-coil tones, the Ultra Swede is more than a worthy choice. Coupled with Hagstrom’s Swedish design and history, it’s a cut above the rest that stands out from the pack.
PIGNOSE PGG200 GUITAR
DISTRIBUTED BY: Seltaeb Music Australia
EXPECT TO PAY: $449
RECOMMENDED FOR: The world-weary road warrior or guitarist with a penchant for all things off kilter and off the beaten track.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
Much like its infamous companion the Pignose 7-100 5 watt amp, the PGG200 Travel guitar is a gnarly little grunter. Tiny in stature but with a bark much bigger than you’d expect. The extra option of connecting to an outboard amp is a bonus if the built in 1-watt squawk wears you down. It is definitely more of a prize pig than a one trick pony.
USABILITY
Throw it in your backpack and you’ll never be caught riff-less. The 1-watt amp mounted where the pick-ups would usually be is perfect for impromptu boogie but if that gets too much for the rest of the hostel then there’s a headphone jack to give everyone a bit of peace.
CONSTRUCTION
Maple on rosewood throughout the neck means that if you close your eyes you’d be forgiven for mistaking the PGG200 for your favourite full size guitar. Look down however and the miniscule 21” scale will remind you of what you’re dealing with. Just like its namesake, its low center of gravity means it’s next to impossible to knock down.
OVERALL
A surprisingly fun guitar to play, perfect for long journeys both in the physical and the sonic realms.
YAMAHA GIGMAKER 310 ACOUSTIC GUITAR PACK
RECOMMENDED FOR
Including not only the F310P acoustic guitar but a Korg tuner, a spare set of strings, a string winder, a strap, a pitch pipe, gig bag and an instructional DVD, this package has everything a beginner could possibly need.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
The guitar has a close action that is very easy to play, with a bright, full sound courtesy of its steel strings and laminated spruce top. It is comfortable to both strum, play intricate picking patterns and hold chord shapes up and down the neck.
USABILITY
Players of all ages should have no problem with this guitar as it is quite versatile and user friendly. Unsurprisingly for an acoustic at this price point it does not have a pickup and so can not be plugged in, and there is only one strap button, but you can easily attach the other side of the strap to the neck.
CONSTRUCTION
The guitar is a dreadnaught body shape with a short scale neck (634mm), which makes it suitable for younger players. The neck is made of unvarnished nato wood, which gives it a natural feel, and the rosewood fingerboard adds to the playability. The tuning pegs are chrome plated and so are solid enough to stay in tune for longer than may be expected.
OVERALL
This is an excellent guitar for beginners and the other inclusions in the pack will mean that you won’t have to return to the shop for any extras for quite some time.
YAMAHA REVSTAR RS320
DISTRIBUTED BY: Yamaha Music Australia
EXPECT TO PAY: $599.99
RECOMENDED FOR: Guitarists of all ability levels who are interested in producing a classic rock sound with an instrument made from quality parts without the heavy price tag.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
The RS320’s ceramic YDG humbucker pickups capture a standard, yet effective dual-coil tone. They are heavy, deep and powerful – made for rock’n’roll, blues and will even hold up under the duress of some metal styles. There’s a rewarding boldness here; playing on the bridge hints at a classic tremolo with a shimmering presence and a radiant top-end, while switching to the neck embellishes the low-end and midrange for a solid tone, built on depth. The middle pickup touches on a nice balance between twang and punch.
USABILITY
The neck profile is thin and for a base model plays consistently smoothly with quite a fast action. It’s an all-round player that won’t stand in the way of movement up and down the neck.
CONSTRUCTION
The nato wood body provides some fatness and girth to the tone – it’s a dense wood that gets a lot out of its rather compact package. Despite being the being the base model in this series, with a custom solid body, custom pickups and an eye-catching finish, Yamaha have not skimped on the quality of the guitar’s parts or construction.
OVERALL
This is a classically made guitar that does the little things well. With customised pickups and a unique build, Yamaha have gone to great lengths in order to articulate a vintage rock sound – one that they have successfully captured in an affordable, no-nonsense package.
YAMAHA TRBX204 BASS GUITAR
DISTRIBUTED BY: Yamaha Music Australia
EXPECT TO PAY: $499.99
RECOMMENDED FOR: Beginner to intermediate bass players looking for a reliable instrument with a versatile sound. This guitar is designed to be affordable and sonically excellent.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
The Yamaha TRBX204 provides both great playability and impressive dynamics thanks to its formidable active electronics. It features a ‘P and J-Bass’ pickup configuration, providing a slightly wider sonic range. The pickups are ceramic, which generally means tighter lows and a bit of punch in the upper midrange. The neck pickup sounds full and deep, while the bridge pickup sounds punchy and articulate.
USABILITY
The four-control circuit includes controls for master volume, balance, and a two-band equaliser for creating a more aggressive tone. This means that the instrument is suitable for an array of musical styles. The controls include a master volume, a pickup balancer knob and controls for bass and treble.
CONSTRUCTION
The body is made of Basswood, a particularly even-toned wood often found in metal-oriented guitars. The neck is made of Maple with a Rosewood fretboard and 24 frets. The overall shape of the body is slightly reminiscent of the fabled Tune Bass Maniac but with more of an offset thing going on, and there’s good access to most of the upper frets. The bridge is a vintage-style unit and the tuners are die-cast, quite simple and straightforward.
OVERALL
It’s a great playing and sounding bass, very impressive for this price range.
CORDOBA MINI M TRAVEL GUITAR
DISTRIBUTOR: Zenith Music
EXPECT TO PAY: $399
RECOMMENDED FOR
Guitarists who are as keen on travel as they are on music. Especially those heading abroad, or travelling without their own car.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
Though this is a small guitar, and plays more or less like a guitar that’s tuned up a 4th, but with a tone that sits more or less between that of a guitar and a ukulele. The construction is sound, and the neck feels great.
USABILITY
As you can probably extrapolate from the name, this guitar is aimed at travellers, but the unique sounds that come with the smaller body might make it an interesting instrument for the folk, country or bluegrass guitarist that likes to experiment with different sounds.
CONSTRUCTION
This features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, but is available in rosewood and ovangkol variants.
OVERALL
This is an interesting instrument. It’s not suited to everyone, but it’s the perfect gift for the people it is suited to. Incredibly portable, but with a surprisingly booming voice, if you have a friend who’s heading out on the road for a while, this might be the perfect instrument for them to sling over their shoulder for the ride.
CORDOBA UP-100 CONCERT UKE PACK
DISTRIBUTOR: ZENITH MUSIC
EXPECT TO PAY: $199
RECOMMENDED FOR: People who are just getting into Ukelele, guitarists who want to muck about with a smaller instrument or kids who are starting out with stringed instruments.
SOUND/VERSATILITY
Though this Ukelele is a pretty inexpensive instrument, it’s still a serious uke. Cordoba has a solid reputation for producing good products at great price points. For what you’re paying, this kit is not only going to get you started, it’s going to get you sounding good.
USABILITY
The package comes with the Uke itself, a carry bag, a digital clip on chromatic tuner, picks and a lesson book. As far as usability goes, this is about as usable as it gets.
CONSTRUCTION
This is an all mahogany concert Ukelele put together by an esteemed builder. It isn’t the type of thing you’d find in a showbag. It stays in tune, resonates well, and boasts a clarity you’d expect from an instrument well beyond this price point.
OVERALL
If you, or someone you know is thinking about getting into the Ukelele, this is a really great place to start. The kit comes with everything you need to get going. Really, for aspiring Uke players it’s a no brainer.
