AeroBand AG01 Acoustic-Electric Guitar: Full Review

The AeroBand AG01 is a unique acoustic-electric guitar that offers a new playing experience. This stringless guitar replaces traditional steel strings with an advanced fretboard that uses advanced sensor technology to produce sound. The AeroBand allows beginners to learn and play without the pain of steel strings digging into fingertips. Its lightweight, ergonomic body combined with its stringless design also makes it ideal for travel. While unconventional, the AeroBand still delivers recognizable acoustic guitar tones thanks to its spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The AG01 represents an innovative way to start playing guitar that breaks down common barriers like sore fingers and awkward chord changes. Its minimalist yet familiar design means both guitar newcomers and experienced players can enjoy practicing on this stringless acoustic.

Body & Construction

The AeroBand AG01 has a classic dreadnought body shape with a natural gloss finish. The top is made of solid spruce which provides brightness and volume. The back and sides are mahogany which gives a balanced tone.

At 41 inches long and 15 inches wide, it has a medium jumbo body size that provides good projection while still being comfortable to hold. The body depth is 4.25 inches which allows for loud volumes when strummed hard.

Overall the materials and construction allow the AG01 to produce a versatile acoustic tone across different styles of playing. The gloss finish gives it an attractive look on stage or in the studio. While not a high-end guitar, the use of solid spruce combined with laminate mahogany results in good sound at this price point.

Another comparable guitar is the Ortega Guitars R131SN-L. This acoustic-electric model also features a dreadnought body shape for full and balanced tone. It has a spruce top with mahogany back and sides. At 20 frets, it has a slightly shorter scale length than the AG01 but still provides rich acoustic resonance.

The R131SN-L is equipped with electronics including an under-saddle piezo pickup and preamp system. This allows it to be plugged into an amplifier or PA system. Tone shaping and EQ controls give you versatility for dialing in your amplified tone. While the AG01 relies solely on its acoustic construction, the R131SN-L gives you flexibility if you need amplified volume.

In terms of looks, the R131SN-L has a satin finish which some may prefer over the glossy AG01. It also comes in a few different color options. The Fishman electronics are a known quality brand for amplification and effects. Overall it provides another solid dreadnought option with the addition of being stage-ready as an acoustic-electric.

Both the AeroBand AG01 and Ortega R131SN-L are reasonably priced acoustic guitars. The AG01 gives you a traditional all-wood construction focused solely on unplugged acoustic tone. The R131SN-L adds the benefit of amplification and effects for more versatility. Choosing between them comes down to your needs as a player and which design you simply like the look and feel of more.

Neck

The AeroBand AG01 has a smooth maple neck with an easy-playing c-shape profile. The length of the neck measures 25.5 inches (648 mm) from the nut to the bridge, with a standard scale length of 25.5 inches for electric guitars. This gives the AG01 a nice middle ground feel, not too long or too short.

The rosewood fretboard has a 12" radius and uses a mix of steel strings and nylon under-saddle piezo pickups to capture both electric and acoustic tones. The rosewood creates a smooth playing feel along the neck. There are 22 frets total on the fingerboard, allowing for a wide range of notes and chords to be played up and down the neck.

Overall, the neck has a comfortable and ergonomic feel. The smooth finish coupled with the c-shape profile makes it enjoyable to wrap your hand around for both rhythm and lead playing. The rosewood fretboard also contributes to the smooth and fast feel up and down the neck.

The Martin 11OMCX1E-01 is another quality acoustic-electric guitar with some comparable neck features to the AeroBand AG01. The Martin has a smooth neck made of solid genuine mahogany for warmth and sustain. It also has a Performing Artist taper neck shape for comfort. The fretboard is made of richlite which provides a smooth feel during play. With 20 total frets, it has a slightly shorter scale length of 24.9 inches compared to the 25.5 inches on the AG01. This gives the Martin a nice compact feel. While the specific neck dimensions differ somewhat, both the Martin 11OMCX1E-01 and AeroBand AG01 aim to deliver comfortable, ergonomic necks for versatility across musical styles.

When comparing the necks, the maple neck of the AeroBand may provide a bit brighter tone while the mahogany neck of the Martin emphasizes warmth and resonance. The Martin's shorter 24.9 inch scale length makes it great for fingerstyle playing while the AG01's 25.5 inch scale caters well to strumming and flatpicking. While they have their differences, both offer quality build necks optimized for their specific purposes. The choice comes down to your preferred tonewood characteristics and playing style needs.

Electronics

The AeroBand AG01 features an under-saddle piezo pickup and onboard preamp system to deliver amplified acoustic tones. The piezo is located under the saddle and senses the vibrations of the strings, converting them into an electric signal.

The preamp and EQ help shape the piezo's output for optimal amplified tone. There are volume and tone controls, allowing you to dial in the perfect amount of lows, mids, and highs. The volume knob controls the overall output level, while the tone knob shapes the EQ. Turning it clockwise boosts treble frequencies, adding crispness and clarity. Turning it counterclockwise cuts treble and boosts bass for a warmer, smoother sound.

There is also a built-in tuner, making it easy to tune the guitar before playing. The tuner activates when you press the Power button. An LED display shows you whether you are sharp, flat, or in tune. This is a handy feature for an acoustic-electric guitar, ensuring you are always perfectly tuned when plugging in.

Overall, the electronics package on the AeroBand AG01 provides quality amplification and tone shaping in a streamlined set of controls. Between the piezo pickup, preamp, and accessible EQ, this guitar can go from unplugged acoustic tones to amplified sounds suitable for live gigs or recording.

Sound & Tone

The AeroBand AG01 delivers crisp acoustic tone and impressive amplified sound. When unplugged, the guitar has a bright and balanced acoustic voice, with clear notes across the fretboard. The brand's ThinLine body incorporates a 1.75" deep cutaway design that enhances resonance and projection, resulting in full and singing acoustics.

When amplified, the AG01's preamp and pickup system captures the natural acoustic character very well. The onboard preamp provides tone shaping controls for bass, mid, and treble, allowing you to dial in the perfect amplified sound. There's plenty of volume on tap to play small gigs or jam sessions. The amplified tones are lively and detailed, retaining the guitar's acoustic qualities. While not as warm as a traditional acoustic, the amplified sound is very good for a thinline model.

Overall, the AG01 delivers excellent acoustic tones and quality amplified sounds that make it very versatile. The guitar sounds great whether strumming unplugged or using its electronics for performances and recording. The well-balanced acoustics and accurate amplified reproduction give players a wide range of great tones from a single instrument.

Playability

The AeroBand AG01 features quality hardware and setup for excellent playability. The action on the guitar is comfortable for most hands. The strings sit at a medium height above the fretboard so there is room for expressive techniques without excessive buzzing. The neck has a user-friendly slim taper profile that makes it easy to fret notes up and down.

While the action could be slightly lower for beginners or players with small hands, it provides a good balance for most playing styles. The medium jumbo frets promote comfortable chording and allow for expressive string bending. The width of the neck is ideal for most hands to wrap around comfortably.

Overall, the playability is suited for both beginners and more advanced players. The setup allows you to dig in and play with dynamics. The comfortable neck and string height cater to a variety of techniques from rhythm playing to soloing. While those with smaller hands may want a neck with slightly thinner width, most players will find the AG01 a very playable instrument right out of the box.

Pros & Cons

The AeroBand AG01 acoustic-electric guitar has a number of pros and cons that are worth considering.

Pros

• Unique stringless fretboard design is ideal for beginners learning chords and easier on fingers
• Onboard electronics allow for plugging into an amp or PA system
• Comes with useful accessories like strap, picks, gig bag, and audio cable
• Affordable price point compared to other acoustic-electric guitars
• Lightweight, comfortable to hold, and playable while standing up
• Produces decent amplified acoustic tone for the price

Cons

• Not a traditional acoustic guitar, takes time to get used to fret positions
• Limited unplugged acoustic volume without strings
• Electronics and amplified sound quality could be better
• Does not come with a tuner or other useful accessories
• Some may prefer standard acoustic guitar with strings
• Questionable long-term durability and materials

The unique design of the AeroBand AG01 makes it accessible for beginners, while also offering the ability to plug in and play live or with an amplifier. However, the unorthodox fretboard and minimal unplugged sound may frustrate some traditional acoustic players. Overall, this is a decent option for new guitarists wanting to learn acoustic and electric tones affordably.

Accessories

The AeroBand AG01 comes with several useful accessories for getting started with playing.

Included Accessories:

• Gig bag - The guitar comes with a lightweight padded gig bag for safely transporting and protecting the instrument. The bag features backpack straps, exterior storage pockets, and interior cushioning.

• Pick sampler - A variety of different guitar pick gauges and materials are included so you can find the right pick thickness and texture for your playing style.

• Spare strings - A set of extra strings are provided since strings can wear out after extensive playing. Having spares on hand ensures you can re-string the guitar when needed.

• Digital tuner - Keeping the guitar in tune is essential, so a compact chromatic tuner is included that clips onto the headstock for fast tuning during practice and performances.

• Strap - An adjustable fabric strap securely attaches to the guitar so you can stand and play hands-free. The strap length adjusts to fit players of different heights.

• Polishing cloth - The included polishing cloth lets you wipe down the guitar after playing to keep it looking its best. The soft cloth safely removes fingerprints and dust.

Having these useful accessories bundled with the guitar provides everything you need to start playing right out of the box. The extras like the tuner, strings, and polishing cloth add convenience and value.

Price & Value

The AeroBand AG01 offers excellent value for money given its quality and features. This acoustic-electric guitar is affordably priced between $100-$150, making it very competitive within its category for entry-level and budget-friendly instruments.

When comparing to other acoustic-electric guitars in this price range from major brands like Fender, Yamaha or Epiphone, the AeroBand AG01 holds up very well in terms of build quality, playability and electronics. It doesn't cut corners or feel "cheap" despite the low price point.

Considering the layered wood construction, removable fretboard for easy playing, built-in tuner and pickup, this guitar packs in a lot of value. The electronics allow you to plug into an amplifier or PA system for playing live or recording. Beginners will appreciate the playability enhancements.

While the AeroBand may lack some prestige of big brand names, it compensates by being an ideal starter instrument with useful features at an affordable cost. Overall, this represents a great acoustic-electric guitar option that outperforms expectations for the price. It's an excellent choice for new players or parents looking for a quality, budget-friendly guitar for kids or teens.

Conclusion

The AeroBand AG01 may be designed primarily for beginners, but its quality features and superior tone provide an excellent playing experience for guitarists at any level. With a laminated spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this acoustic-electric guitar produces a balanced, resonant sound that projects well unplugged or amplified. The removable fretboard is a unique feature that allows easy access to the higher frets while learning.

While the electronics and tuners may be basic, they perform well for practice sessions and smaller gigs. The AeroBand AG01's comfortable neck, low action, and slim body make it an ideal choice for smaller hands and new players. It's an affordable workhorse of a guitar with professional appointments like binding and pearl inlays.

Overall, the AeroBand AG01 punches above its weight class, offering versatile, rich acoustic tones and easy playability. Its innovative design allows both beginners and experienced players to progress their skills on a quality instrument. For those seeking a well-constructed, great sounding acoustic-electric guitar with distinctive features, the AeroBand AG01 is a recommended choice.