Hadean EA-100 NA Acoustic-Electric Guitar: Full Review

The Hadean EA-100 NA is an affordable acoustic-electric guitar that combines traditional acoustic sound with plugged-in amplification capabilities. This dreadnought guitar features a laminated spruce top, mahogany back and sides, arched maple back, and mahogany neck. With its cutaway body design and slim neck profile, the Hadean EA-100 NA offers comfortable playability for both strumming chords and soloing. While not as finely crafted as premium models, it provides very good bang for your buck if you're looking for a well-rounded acoustic-electric guitar in the sub-$300 price range.

The onboard preamp and pickup system allows you to plug into an amplifier or PA system, making this an ideal gigging and performing guitar. However, it retains rich acoustic resonance when unplugged as well. The Hadean EA-100 NA hits a sweet spot between price, sound quality, and versatility. Keep reading for a more in-depth look at the specs and performance of this budget-friendly acoustic-electric.

Body & Neck

The Hadean EA-100 NA features a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and maple neck - typical woods found on many quality acoustics in this price range.

The solid spruce top helps produce a balanced, clear tone with good articulation and responsiveness. Spruce is a popular choice for the soundboard due to its resonance and ability to convey subtle tonal nuances.

Mahogany back and sides offer a slightly warmer, rounded sound with good low-end presence. Mahogany tends to emphasize the midrange while still retaining bright, crisp treble notes.

The maple neck provides stability, durability and helps enhance the midrange. Maple is a common neck wood thanks to its strength, bright tone and visual appeal.

Overall the tonewood combination produces a well-balanced acoustic guitar tone across the frequency spectrum - clear and articulate but with enough body and warmth. The solid spruce top allows the Hadean EA-100 NA to convey dynamics and respond well to the player's touch.

When comparing the Hadean EA-100 NA to other acoustic guitars in this price range, the Yamaha GC32S is worth considering. The Yamaha GC32S features a solid Engelmann spruce top with rosewood back and sides - another popular tonewood combination known for its balanced, warm tone. The GC32S has a slimmer neck profile that some find more comfortable and playable. It also comes equipped with an SRT piezo pickup system for amplifying the guitar's natural acoustic tone. The GC32S tends to have a bit more bass response compared to the Hadean thanks to its rosewood back and sides. Ultimately the choice comes down to player preferences in feel, tonewoods, electronics and aesthetics. Both the Hadean EA-100 NA and Yamaha GC32S represent quality all-solid acoustic guitars with electronics for stage use in this price tier.

Electronics

The Hadean EA-100 NA features an undersaddle piezo pickup and a 3-band EQ to shape your amplified tone. The pickup accurately captures the nuances of the guitar's acoustic sound.

A 3-band EQ gives you control over low, mid, and high frequencies. This allows you to dial in the perfect tone whether playing live or recording in the studio. There is also a built-in tuner, making it easy to keep the EA-100 NA in tune without additional accessories.

The onboard preamp has volume and tone controls that are easy to adjust on the fly. There is a discrete mono output and stereo headphone output for practice or recording. The electronics give you versatility for amplified situations while retaining the full acoustic sound when unplugged.

Having quality electronics like an undersaddle piezo pickup and 3-band EQ is essential for getting great amplified acoustic guitar tone. The Hadean EA-100 NA provides flexible tone shaping and easy tuning for live and studio use. If you're looking for another high-quality acoustic-electric guitar option, check out the Pyle PEGKT99BK.X9. This model features a laminated spruce top with mahogany back and sides for balanced acoustic resonance. It also has a built-in preamp with 3-band EQ and tuner for amplified performance. The Pyle acoustic-electric guitar gives you natural acoustic sound and stage-ready features at an affordable price point.

When shopping for an acoustic-electric guitar, pay close attention to the pickup and preamp system. Undersaddle pickups like the EA-100 NA and PEGKT99BK.X9 accurately capture the guitar's natural tone. Multi-band EQs allow you to shape the amplified sound to suit different live and studio needs. Easy access controls for volume, tone, and tuning are also key for making adjustments on the fly. Consider whether you want to blend your acoustic guitar tone with other instruments or reproduce it cleanly direct to the mixing board. This will help determine if you need a discrete output, stereo outputs, or other connectivity options.

It's also important to try out the unplugged sound of any acoustic-electric guitar you are considering. Make sure it has good acoustic projection to hear it well unamplified. Check the string action and playability too. While electronics are crucial for amplification, you want a guitar that feels and sounds great acoustically before plugging in. This ensures it will still sound its best in acoustic-only settings. Pay attention to body shapes and bracing patterns that provide balanced resonance across the tonal spectrum.

Quality acoustic-electric guitars like the Hadean EA-100 NA and Pyle PEGKT99BK.X9 give you the versatility to play amplified or unplugged. The right electronics reproduce your natural acoustic tone and allow flexibility for different live and studio applications. Do your research to find a guitar that suits your budget and needs. Make sure to try it out unplugged as well as direct through an amp or PA. This will ensure you get a great all-around acoustic-electric guitar for any musical situation.

Hardware

The Hadean EA-100 features sturdy chrome enclosed gear tuners that help keep the guitar in tune during playing sessions. The tuners provide smooth and accurate tuning adjustments.

The guitar has a tortoise pickguard which gives it some nice visual flair. Tortoise pickguards have an attractive mottled brown and yellow aesthetic that pairs well with the natural wood grain of the guitar body. The pickguard not only looks good, but also protects the body from pick scratches during strumming.

The chrome tuners and tortoise pickguard give the Hadean EA-100 a handsome, vintage-inspired hardware look. Both are nice touches that enhance the guitar's playability and style.

Sound & Playability

When it comes to sound and playability, the Hadean EA-100 NA really shines. This acoustic-electric guitar produces a rich, full-bodied tone that belies its affordable price point. The solid spruce top is responsive and expressive, with plenty of crisp highs balanced out by the mahogany back and sides. It's a very well-balanced guitar tonally.

In terms of playability, the Hadean EA-100 NA features a slim neck profile that makes it very comfortable and accessible, even for smaller hands. The action is set low and smooth right out of the box, making barre chords and faster lead lines a breeze to play. The wider nut also provides ample room for intricate fingerpicking and chord melodies. Overall, this is a very easy and enjoyable acoustic-electric to play for both amateurs and more advanced guitarists.

Between the warm, balanced tone and smooth playability, the Hadean EA-100 NA really delivers when it comes to sound and feel. It's the kind of guitar you can play for hours without fatigue.

Pros

The Hadean EA-100 NA acoustic-electric guitar punches above its weight class in terms of quality and features, especially considering its budget-friendly price point.

• The all-laminate construction may not offer the most resonant tone, but it provides excellent durability and stability. The neck is also made from quality hardwoods that feel smooth and comfortable.

• The onboard tuner is extremely convenient for quick tuning between songs without needing a separate tuner. It's a great addition not always found on guitars at this price.

• The pickup and preamp system deliver a balanced and natural acoustic tone, without excessive piezo quackiness. The tone comes through clearly amplified or direct.

• The satin finish gives the guitar a smooth, sleek look and feel that plays fast and fluidly. The cutaway also provides excellent upper fret access.

Overall, the materials and hardware are excellent for a sub-$150 acoustic-electric, making the Hadean EA-100 NA a great choice for new players or budget-conscious musicians. The quality exceeds expectations and provides fantastic value.

Cons

While the Hadean EA-100 NA is a solid entry-level acoustic-electric, it does have some drawbacks to be aware of.

• The onboard electronics and preamp are fairly basic and may leave more advanced players wanting more control and customization options. The pickup and preamp don't deliver the most natural acoustic tone when plugged in either. Upgrading to higher-end electronics could improve the amplified sound.

• There were some minor fit and finish imperfections on the model reviewed. Things like slightly uneven frets, a few sharp fret ends, and a minor chip in the finish. Nothing major, but not up to par with premium acoustics in this price range. Expected on a budget import model, but worth noting.

• The tuners feel a little flimsy and loose. They hold tune decently, but an upgrade to sealed tuners could help tuning stability.

• Lack of cutaway limits upper fret access. An issue for players who use a lot of lead techniques up the neck.

• Some may find the neck profile chunkier than expected. Not the slimmest or fastest playing neck.

So while the Hadean EA-100 NA punches above its weight in many regards, it does have a few areas that could be improved with some simple upgrades and professional set up work. The budget price does mean accepting some compromises in build and electronics. Most notable in fit & finish inconsistencies and basic amplified tone.

Who It's For

The Hadean EA-100 NA is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate level players looking for an affordable acoustic-electric guitar. With its comfortable and slim neck profile, smaller body size and simplified electronics, it's a very playable instrument even for those without a lot of experience.

The laminated spruce top produces bright ringing tones while the mahogany back and sides provide some nice warmth and resonance for an overall well balanced sound. Players transitioning from an acoustic to an acoustic-electric for the first time will appreciate the built-in EQ and tuner, allowing you to shape your amplified sound and keep the guitar in tune.

While not the most premium choice for pros, the Hadean EA-100 NA certainly punches above its weight class in terms of build and sound quality. For players interested in gigging and performing with an acoustic-electric guitar, but not wanting to spend thousands of dollars, the EA-100 NA is a versatile and reliable option worth considering. Its quality and playability make it a perfect step-up instrument before investing in a more expensive guitar down the road.

Alternatives

The Hadean EA-100 NA sits in the lower price range of acoustic-electric guitars. Here are some other popular models to consider in a similar price point:

Yamaha APX600

The Yamaha APX600 is another budget friendly electro-acoustic with solid top construction. It has a slightly smaller body than the Hadean which makes it comfortable for smaller players. The APX600 produces a balanced tone across the tonal spectrum. The built-in preamp allows you to plug into an amplifier or PA system. An excellent choice for beginners looking for their first electro-acoustic.

Fender CD-60SCE

As a classic American guitar brand, the Fender CD-60SCE brings great value with their entry-level electro-acoustic model. It features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides. The onboard preamp gives you built-in tuner and EQ controls. Overall a nice full sound and classic styling from Fender.

Epiphone DR-100NA

The Epiphone DR-100NA is one of the least expensive electro-acoustic guitars available. It uses laminate wood construction instead of solid wood. While it won't have the same acoustic resonance as solid wood, it provides reliable performance. The Shadow preamp gives you volume control and tuner. A great starter option if you're on a tight budget.

Conclusion

The Hadean EA-100 NA offers good value for the price, making it a great choice for beginner to intermediate level players. While it may lack some of the premium appointments and refinement of more expensive models, it delivers solid acoustic-electric performance in an attractive bundle.

The spruce top and mahogany back and sides produce balanced tone and resonance, while the slim neck and low action facilitate comfortable playability. The built-in preamp and tuner provide everything you need for plugging in and amplifying your sound at gigs or practice sessions.

For those looking to buy their first acoustic-electric or upgrade from a budget model, the Hadean EA-100 NA is definitely worth considering. The quality is very respectable given the accessible price point. Intermediate players will also appreciate the smooth playability and acoustic richness this guitar provides.

While more advanced guitarists would likely prefer stepping up to a more premium instrument, the Hadean EA-100 NA is an excellent value in its price range. For beginner to intermediate players, it delivers a well-rounded acoustic-electric experience without breaking the bank.