GLARRY AEG-Black-73 Acoustic-Electric Guitar: Full Review

Acoustic-electric guitars are versatile instruments that can be played amplified or unplugged. They combine the rich acoustic tone of a traditional acoustic with the flexibility of electronic pickups and preamps. This allows acoustic players the option of plugging into an amplifier or PA system when performing live or recording in the studio. Acoustic-electric guitars first emerged in the 1930s and have become a mainstream instrument over the past few decades. They open up musical possibilities for guitarists who want to play in louder settings without sacrificing the nuanced sound of an all-wood acoustic instrument. This review will take a close look at the GLARRY AEG-Black-73 acoustic-electric guitar, examining its construction, electronics, sound quality and playability as an accessible beginner model.

Overview

The GLARRY AEG-Black-73 is an affordable acoustic-electric guitar from the GLARRY brand. It has a black distressed finish that gives it a vintage, played-in look. As a budget-friendly model, the AEG-Black-73 is aimed at beginners and those looking for an inexpensive acoustic-electric option.

Some key specs of the GLARRY AEG-Black-73 include its laminated spruce top, mahogany back and sides, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard. It has a full-scale length of 25.6 inches and comes equipped with built-in EQ and tuner for amplified play. The guitar has steel strings and a classic dreadnought body shape.

As an acoustic-electric guitar, the AEG-Black-73 can be plugged into an amplifier or PA system to boost its volume for live performances or recording. The built-in EQ allows you to shape the guitar's tone and onboard tuner makes it easy to keep the AEG-Black-73 in tune. The guitar comes with basic chrome hardware and GLARRY branded enclosed tuning machines.

For those looking for an affordable way to go electric with their acoustic playing, the GLARRY AEG-Black-73 is a decent option. While it may lack some of the features and build quality of more expensive models, it provides an accessible entry point for amplified acoustic guitar. The distressed aesthetic gives it a nice vintage vibe as well.

Fender is another major brand in the acoustic-electric guitar market. The Fender FA-235E 971252035 is a comparable model that offers solid bang-for-your-buck. It has a laminated flame maple top, back and sides with a mahogany neck and walnut fingerboard. The guitar has a Viking bridge design and comes equipped with a Fishman preamp system for plugging in.

Like the GLARRY model, the Fender FA-235E 971252035 is aimed at new players and those seeking good value. It has a classic dreadnought shape with gloss polyurethane finish. The guitar comes strung with Fender Duratone strings and includes a Fender gig bag. Overall, it provides versatile tone and easy playability perfect for acoustic guitarists on a budget.

When choosing between the GLARRY AEG-Black-73 and Fender FA-235E 971252035 models, consider your budget and any preferences for particular specs or brand reputation. Both guitars offer quality construction and amplified sound at an affordable price point. Weighing the laminate wood choices, built-in electronics, hardware, and included accessories can help decide which is the better fit for your needs and playing style.

For many beginners, either of these value-packed acoustic-electrics will provide a great first experience with plugged-in acoustic guitar tone and versatility. Their classic dreadnought shapes and smooth playability make learning and practicing enjoyable. And their wallet-friendly pricing means you don't have to break the bank to start exploring amplified acoustic guitar performance.

Construction

The GLARRY Acoustic-Electric Black utilizes a combination of woods that provide a sturdy yet resonant build. The back and sides are made from basswood, a cost-effective wood known for being lightweight and tonally balanced. The laminated top is made from linden, a softer wood that helps produce a warm, bright sound.

For a budget-friendly model, the GLARRY surprises with its solid construction. The neck joint and bridge are securely glued for stability and correct string alignment. The tuners turn smoothly and hold tune reliably. The medium jumbo frets are finished neatly along the rosewood fretboard. The matte finish on the body shows some simulated wear for vintage appeal but feels smooth sanded.

Overall the materials and craftsmanship result in a well-built acoustic-electric for the price point. While it may lack some refinement in finish and detailing, the guitar's sturdy construction should hold up well to regular playing. The combination of woods provides an accessible tone across different styles, making this a versatile and playable instrument for beginners through intermediate players.

Another quality budget-friendly acoustic-electric guitar to consider is the YAMAHA FD01S. This model features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides for balanced warm tones. It has a slim neck profile that is comfortable to play, with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. The body binding and rosette add some decorative detail. It comes equipped with a System55T preamp and tuner for amplifying the guitar's natural acoustic sound. The overall construction quality is impressive for an affordable model, with attention to smooth fret ends, proper neck angles, and quality hardware. While it lacks some projection compared to larger bodied guitars, the YAMAHA FD01S provides great playability and versatile acoustic-electric tones in a compact package.

Sound

The GLARRY acoustic-electric guitar produces a balanced, warm tone thanks to its laminated spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The spruce top provides clarity and projection in the high end, while the mahogany adds depth and richness to the lows and mids.

The thin, satin finish allows the wood to vibrate and ring freely, enhancing resonance and sustain. Reviewers note that this guitar has impressive volume and projection for its size and price point. Strumming generates a full, vibrant acoustic sound that fills a room.

When plugged in, the onboard preamp and pickup accurately convey the guitar's natural acoustic tone. The EQ controls allow shaping the lows, mids, and highs to tweak the amplified sound. There is enough dynamic range to go from shimmery cleans to a slightly gritty overdriven tone. Overall, the GLARRY delivers a great acoustic sound whether unplugged or amplified.

Playability

The GLARRY acoustic-electric guitar features a C-shaped neck profile that provides comfort and accessibility for most hand sizes. The neck width at the nut measures 43mm, which is considered a "standard" width that fits most playing styles nicely.

The fretboard is made of rosewood and contains 20 frets in total, with silver nickel fretwire for smooth transitions up and down the neck. The fretwork from the factory seems well done, with no sharp edges to irritate the hands. Binding along the fretboard edges gives a nice finished look.

The action, or string height from the fretboard, comes set up reasonably well from the factory. There is enough clearance for comfortable chord shapes without buzzing, but not so high that it inhibits ease of fretting notes and chords up the neck. The action height can also be further adjusted via the truss rod in the neck to customize it to personal preferences.

Overall, the GLARRY acoustic-electric presents a comfortable and easily playable neck and fretboard suitable for both rhythm and lead playing. The quality fretwork and nut width accommodate various styles, allowing the guitarist to concentrate on making music without hand fatigue.

Electronics

The GLARRY AEG-Black-73 features dual pickups for amplified electric tones with clear highs and balanced warm lows. It has an onboard EQ and tuner control to shape your amplified sound.

The guitar has a classic humbucker pickup in the bridge position for thick, rich electric tones. The neck pickup is a single coil that brings out brighter treble frequencies for balanced amplification. Together they offer a versatile range of electric tones.

The onboard preamp has volume, bass, middle, treble, and presence controls to precisely shape your amplified tone. There is also a built-in tuner for quickly tuning on the fly. The tuner can be easily engaged with a push-pull control on the volume knob.

The guitar outputs through a standard 1/4" jack, allowing you to plug into any amplifier or PA system. The preamp requires a 9V battery or power supply.

Hardware

The GLARRY AEG-Black-73 features quality hardware that helps bring out the full potential of this acoustic-electric guitar.

It comes equipped with closed chrome tuners that hold tune reliably. The tuners are smooth and precise, making it easy to keep the guitar in tune even during extended playing sessions. The tuners turn smoothly without any binding.

The guitar has a rosewood bridge and saddle. The rosewood helps transfer vibrations efficiently from the strings to the body, promoting a full and rich acoustic tone. The saddle is cut from bone, which also enhances resonance and sustain. Overall, the hardware components on the GLARRY AEG-Black-73 are thoughtfully chosen to optimize the guitar's acoustic-electric performance.

Pros

The GLARRY Acoustic-Electric Guitar has several noteworthy benefits that make it a great choice for beginners and intermediate players alike.

• Quality materials: The guitar features a laminated spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and rosewood fingerboard and bridge. These tonewoods produce a balanced, warm sound. The build quality exceeds expectations for the price point.

• Playability: The guitar has a comfortable neck profile that makes it easy to play. The action is set low and the strings are spaced nicely, enabling clear fretting and smooth chording. It stays in tune well too.

• Onboard electronics: The guitar comes equipped with a built-in preamp and pickup system. This allows you to plug into an amplifier or PA system for amplified tones. The EQ controls also let you shape your amplified sound.

Cons

• The strings it comes with may not hold tuning very well and may need to be replaced. Some users report the factory strings going out of tune frequently.
• The neck and frets may benefit from a professional setup as the action is a bit high out of the box. Fret edges could be smoothed out as some users report them being a bit sharp.
• The onboard preamp and electronics, while decent for the price range, are basic and may lack the warmth and nuance desired by more advanced players. The EQ controls are also limited.

Conclusion

Overall, the GLARRY AEG-Black-73 is an excellent choice for a beginner or intermediate acoustic-electric guitar. It delivers impressive sound and playability at an affordable price point.

The solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides produce a rich, warm acoustic tone that projects well unplugged. Yet the built-in EQ and tuner provide the flexibility to shape your amplified sound.

The neck is comfortable and smooth, making it easy to play. The cutaway body allows easy access to higher frets. Hardware and electronics are decent for the price.

There are some expected drawbacks like the need to do a professional setup and electronics being susceptible to feedback at higher volumes. But these are common compromises for guitars under $200.

Considering the high-quality materials, construction and electronics, the GLARRY AEG-Black-73 punches far above its weight class. Overall, it's an excellent choice as a beginner or intermediate acoustic-electric guitar and is highly recommended.