Ashthorpe 21637111 Acoustic-Electric Guitar: Full Review

Ashthorpe has been crafting guitars since 1964. Founded in Southern California, Ashthorpe started out building high quality acoustic guitars by hand. Over the decades, the brand expanded into electric guitars and basses, always maintaining their reputation for excellent craftsmanship.

Ashthorpe may not be a household name like Fender or Gibson, but they have earned a loyal following of musicians who appreciate the attention to detail and custom options available. They aren't a budget guitar company - Ashthorpe instruments command premium prices for their boutique build quality.

Today, Ashthorpe offers a wide selection of acoustic, electric, and bass guitars. Models range from traditional and vintage inspired designs to modern, forward-thinking instruments. Ashthorpe has embraced technology while staying true to their roots of quality American craftsmanship.

Overview

The Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a high quality acoustic-electric guitar with onboard electronics. It has a stylish but classic thinline body shape with a single cutaway for easy upper fret access.

The guitar features a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, which produce a balanced and articulate tone. The 25.5" scale length mahogany neck provides a comfortable playing feel. Die-cast tuning machines help keep the guitar in tune.

Some key specifications include:

• Body Shape: Thinline cutaway
• Top Wood: Solid Spruce
• Back & Sides: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Inlays: Dot
• Bridge: Rosewood
• Tuning Machines: Die-cast
• Electronics: Onboard preamp with 3-band EQ

This acoustic-electric model offers plugged-in versatility while maintaining excellent unplugged tone and playability. The thinline design provides comfort during longer playing sessions. Overall, the Ashthorpe delivers pro sound and quality at an accessible price point.

The Ashthorpe thinline acoustic-electric guitar is a great option for players looking for the convenience of built-in electronics along with traditional acoustic sound and feel. It's comfortable to play unplugged yet ready to amplify when needed. This versatility makes it suitable for gigs, recording, practice, and more.

Acoustic-electric guitars like the Ashthorpe allow you to switch between an acoustic and electric sound. The onboard preamp and EQ give you control over your amplified tone, while the all-wood body provides rich acoustic resonance when unplugged. So you get the best of both worlds.

While the Ashthorpe thinline aims for a comfortable, lightweight build, Yamaha's GIGMAKER STD has a traditional dreadnought body shape. It's an affordable acoustic-electric designed for robust, balanced tone with the ability to plug in live or in the studio.

The GIGMAKER STD features a solid spruce top, Nato back and sides, rosewood fingerboard, and die-cast tuners. The onboard preamp has a built-in tuner along with EQ controls for shaping your amplified sound. Overall, it's a versatile acoustic-electric solution for players on a budget.

Both the Ashthorpe and GIGMAKER STD acoustic-electrics aim to offer great bang for your buck. The Ashthorpe thinline focuses on comfort and portability, while the GIGMAKER goes for more traditional acoustic tone and appeal. Depending on your needs and preferences, either could be a solid choice.

When shopping for an acoustic-electric, think about how you want to use it. If you plan to amplify your acoustic and modify your tone with EQ, onboard electronics are a must. Thinline bodies offer comfort, while bigger shapes provide richer unplugged sound. Test different models to find the right balance of acoustic resonance and amplified versatility for your needs.

Body & Neck

The Ashthorpe acoustic-electric guitar features a laminate spruce top with a natural gloss finish that allows the wood's resonance to resonate freely. The back and sides are made from laminate mahogany, which provides warmth and definition to the overall tone.

The neck is constructed from nato wood with a smooth satin finish that allows for comfortable and fast playing. It has a C-shaped profile that fits nicely in the hand. The fretboard is rosewood which contributes to the warm, rounded tone. The neck meets the body at the 14th fret for easier access to upper frets.

Overall, the tonewoods and construction of the Ashthorpe's body and neck produce a balanced and dynamic acoustic sound with good projection suited for both strumming chords and fingerpicking melodies. The smooth neck promotes comfortable and agile playing across various styles. The Ashthorpe acoustic-electric guitar is a great option for players looking for a quality, affordable acoustic-electric with versatile sound. It's comfortable body shape and smooth neck make it a joy to play for extended periods.

Another comparable acoustic-electric guitar is the Epiphone J45 EA22VSNH3. The Epiphone J45 produces a balanced, warm tone with good projection thanks to its solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It has a comfortable slim-taper "D"-shaped neck that allows smooth playing up and down the fretboard. The guitar has a Shadow ePerformer preamp system that accurately reproduces the J45's acoustic tone when plugged into an amplifier. The classic J45 body shape with vintage styling gives this Epiphone acoustic-electric a timeless look on stage. With its quality tonewoods, comfortable neck, and built-in electronics, the Epiphone J45 EA22VSNH3 is an excellent choice for gigging musicians who need an acoustic-electric with traditional aesthetics and great amplified sound.

When comparing the Ashthorpe and Epiphone J45 acoustics, the J45 has the edge in sound quality thanks to its solid wood construction over the Ashthorpe's laminate woods. The J45 produces a slightly richer and more complex acoustic tone. However, the Ashthorpe's laminate construction makes it more affordable and durable for everyday use. Both guitars have comfortable necks and quality electronics to amplify the acoustic sound. The Ashthorpe has a more modern, understated look compared to the J45's vintage vibe. Overall, the Epiphone J45 EA22VSNH3 is the better choice for those seeking top-notch amplified acoustic tone and traditional styling, while the Ashthorpe is ideal for players wanting great bang-for-buck in a contemporary acoustic-electric package.

Electronics

The Ashthorpe acoustic-electric guitar comes equipped with a 2-band EQ and built-in tuner to shape your amplified tone. The guitar has a dual-source pickup system, with both an under-saddle piezo pickup and a soundhole pickup.

The under-saddle piezo pickup captures the vibration of the strings for an accurate amplified version of your acoustic tone. The soundhole pickup uses a small microphone inside the guitar body to pick up resonance and natural acoustic feedback. Using both pickups together blends the direct string sound with the ambient resonance of the guitar body.

Onboard electronic controls include volume, bass, mid, treble, and built-in tuner. The volume knob controls the overall output, while the 2-band EQ of bass and treble allows you to dial in your ideal amplified tone. The midrange frequency control helps shape the guitar's core sound. The tuner lets you quickly tune up at the turn of a knob without needing a separate tuner.

The preamp and controls are simple to use while providing the key parameters for sculpting your amplified acoustic tone. No batteries are required, as the electronics are powered by the guitar's endpin jack when connected to an amplifier or PA system.

Sound & Playability

The Ashthorpe Acoustic-Electric produces a warm, balanced tone that works well for various musical styles. It has a solid low end, clear mids, and crisp highs. The spruce top and mahogany back and sides give it a nice resonance and sustain.

In terms of playability, the Ashthorpe feels comfortable and smooth to play. The slim mahogany neck has a satin finish that allows your hand to easily move up and down. The action is set medium-low, making it very playable while still having a nice acoustic response. The thinline body helps reduce fatigue during longer playing sessions.

Overall, the Ashthorpe delivers a versatile acoustic-electric sound with excellent playability. The tone is well-balanced across the frequency spectrum, allowing it to handle strumming chords or intricate fingerpicking equally well. And the comfortable neck and thinline body design make it a joy to play for extended periods.

Hardware

The Ashthorpe Acoustic Electric features high quality hardware that enables great playability and tuning stability.

Tuners

The guitar has sealed die-cast Grover tuners that do an excellent job of holding the strings in tune. The tuners are smooth and accurate, providing precise and easy tuning adjustments. Many players find the Grover tuners to be an upgrade over cheaper tuners found on guitars in this price range.

Bridge

It has a compensated rosewood bridge and saddle that helps maintain proper intonation across the fretboard. The construction is sturdy while still allowing the top to vibrate freely for full acoustic resonance. The saddle material and shape complement the warm tone of the mahogany top.

Overall the hardware components on this guitar are thoughtfully designed for optimal functionality, playability, and tone. The tuners and bridge give players the ability to easily keep the guitar in tune and sounding its best.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clean and balanced amplified tone from the built-in preamp and pickup
• Solid spruce top contributes to rich acoustic resonance and sustain
• Mahogany back and sides provide warmth and sweetness
• Slim neck profile is comfortable and playable
• Thinline semi-hollow body lightens the weight
• Single-cutaway design improves upper fret access
• Available in multiple attractive finish options

Cons

• Lacks the projection of a full-bodied acoustic
• Only has one pickup, limiting tone shaping compared to guitars with more pickup options
• Higher action from bridge to neck may make barre chords more challenging
• Controls are basic volume and tone, without EQ shaping
• May feedback at higher volumes when amplified
• Thinline semi-hollow body can bring some feedback issues
• No battery indicator light for the preamp and built-in tuner

Comparison

The Ashthorpe Acoustic-Electric Guitar compares well to other models in this price range such as the Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar and the Epiphone Hummingbird PRO Acoustic/Electric Guitar.

The Ashthorpe has a solid spruce top like the Fender, while the Epiphone has a solid mahogany top which will produce a slightly different tone. The back and sides on the Ashthorpe are mahogany while the other two models have laminate mahogany back and sides. This gives the Ashthorpe a slight edge in build quality and resonance.

The Ashthorpe comes with a Shadow preamp and tuner like the Epiphone, while the Fender has a Fishman preamp. All three have cutaway bodies for easy upper fret access. The Ashthorpe has 20 frets while the others have 19, so it gives you a bit more range on the fretboard.

When it comes to sound, the Ashthorpe is comparable to the full and balanced tone of the Epiphone. The Fender may have a bit more bass emphasis with its dreadnought body shape. The Ashthorpe seems to have better reviews when it comes to overall playability and quality control compared to the other models.

Overall the Ashthorpe holds it own against the competition. It's a quality guitar for the money with attractive cosmetics, electronics and hardware. The solid wood construction gives it an edge over other guitars with laminate back and sides in this price range.

Conclusion

The Ashthorpe Acoustic-Electric Cutaway Thinline guitar offers an excellent value for players looking for a versatile, easy-playing electro-acoustic guitar. Its thinline body provides comfort and balanced tone, while the onboard preamp and tuner make it stage-ready right out of the box.

The combination of laminated spruce top and mahogany back and sides delivers a balanced, clear tone across the tonal spectrum. While not as rich sounding as a solid wood guitar, the Ashthorpe punches above its weight class in terms of acoustic projection and dynamic range. The slim neck and smooth satin finish also make this guitar comfortable for long practice or gigging sessions.

Overall, the Ashthorpe AE-21637111 is highly recommended for beginner to intermediate players seeking an affordable, quality electro-acoustic guitar for practice, jamming, and live performance. It provides versatility through its acoustic and plugged-in sounds, playability through its comfortable neck and body size, and reliability through its sturdy hardware and electronics. For an entry-level thinline electro-acoustic, the Ashthorpe is an excellent choice.

Additional Resources

The Ashthorpe Acoustic-Electric Cutaway Thinline Guitar (model 21637111) is a quality instrument that can be purchased online from various musical instrument retailers. Here are some additional resources for learning more or purchasing this guitar:

Where to Learn More

• Check out video reviews on YouTube to see the guitar demonstrated and hear how it sounds. Search for "Ashthorpe 21637111 review".

• Read forums like Harmony Central to see owners discussing their experiences with this model. Search the forums for "Ashthorpe 21637111".

• Check the Ashthorpe website for additional specs, images, and information on this guitar model.

Where to Purchase

• Amazon - This guitar is available on Amazon from various sellers. Search Amazon for "Ashthorpe 21637111".

• Musician's Friend - A major online musical instrument retailer that carries Ashthorpe guitars.

• Local music stores - Many independent music stores carry Ashthorpe acoustic-electric guitars. Call your local stores to ask if they have this model in stock.

• Ashthorpe website - You may be able to purchase directly from Ashthorpe through their website.

• eBay - Search eBay for new and used listings for the Ashthorpe 21637111.

Accessories

• Consider purchasing a hard case for protecting and transporting the guitar.

• A tuner, capo, picks, straps, and extra strings are useful accessories for acoustic-electric guitars.

• An amp or PA system is required to amplify and shape the sound of the guitar's electronics.

• Effects pedals like reverb or delay can further enhance the guitar's amplified tone.