Jameson Guitars 21714538 Acoustic-Electric Guitar: Full Review

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Founded in 2000, Jameson Guitars is a U.S.-based guitar company known for its affordable, high-quality acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars. Based in Los Angeles, California, Jameson aims to provide intermediate and beginner players with great-sounding, easy-playing guitars without breaking the bank.

Jameson offers a wide range of acoustic and acoustic-electric guitar models, from small-bodied parlor guitars to jumbo-sized acoustics. Many of their instruments feature laminated wood construction and bolt-on necks, helping keep costs down while still providing good sound, playability and reliability. The company sources its tonewoods from sustainable sources around the world.

In recent years, Jameson has expanded into electric guitars and bass guitars as well. They continue their focus on value, aiming to give musicians quality instruments that don't require a huge investment. Jameson guitars are sold through various online retailers and local music stores.

Acoustic-Electric Overview

Acoustic-electric guitars are a hybrid between acoustic and electric guitars. They have the familiar hollow body construction of a traditional acoustic guitar, which uses the resonance of the guitar's body to produce unplugged acoustic sound. However, acoustic-electric guitars also incorporate pickups that can be plugged into an amplifier or sound system. This allows them to be played loud enough for live performance.

The main advantage of acoustic-electric guitars is their versatility. You get the warm, nuanced sound of an acoustic guitar when unplugged, but can also plug in for amplified volume ideal for band performances or playing live. This makes acoustic-electric guitars an extremely flexible choice suitable for practicing, recording, and gigging.

Acoustic-electric guitars have volume and tone controls onboard for shaping the amplified sound. The pickups and electronics are designed to produce amplified tone optimized for acoustic guitars, rather than electric guitar tone. This helps maintain the characteristic bright, resonant, organic sound of the acoustic when plugged in.

When shopping for an acoustic-electric guitar, it's important to test them unplugged as well as plugged in. The unplugged acoustic tone should sound great on its own, not just amplified. High quality acoustic construction is key. Also evaluate the amplified tone - it should capture the nuances of the acoustic sound. Onboard controls like EQ can shape the amplified tone further.

One popular acoustic-electric guitar to consider is the Fender CD-140SCE. This affordable model features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides for classic acoustic tone. The Fishman pickup and preamp system delivers natural amplified sound perfect for performing. At under $200, it's an excellent value acoustic-electric.

In summary, acoustic-electric guitars provide the rich unplugged sound of a great acoustic, plus the plugged-in power necessary for live gigs. Their versatility across different playing scenarios makes them a wise investment for guitarists who want one instrument for practicing, recording, and performing live. Models like the Fender CD-140SCE offer these advantages in an affordable package.

Jameson 21714538 Model

The Jameson 21714538 is a thinline acoustic-electric guitar with a cutaway dreadnought body shape. It features a laminated spruce top with laminated mahogany back and sides, giving it a balanced and well-rounded tone.

The guitar has a 25.5" scale length and narrow 1.69" nut width, making it comfortable for smaller hands while still providing full and rich acoustic resonance. The neck is made of nato wood with a rosewood fretboard containing 20 frets.

For electronics, the 21714538 utilizes a Jameson under-saddle piezo pickup system with a 3-band EQ and built-in tuner. The under-saddle transducer allows for a natural amplified acoustic tone and lets players shape their sound with bass, mid, and treble controls. The tuner makes it easy to keep the guitar in tune without extra accessories.

The thinline dreadnought body along with the undersaddle pickup system offer stage-ready amplified tones in a comfortable, lightweight acoustic-electric package. The Jameson 21714538's combination of traditional acoustic construction with built-in electronics provides versatility for both unplugged practice and live amplified performance. Players can experience the warmth of an all-wood acoustic guitar at home while still being able to plug in and project their sound in concert thanks to the integrated pickup and preamp system.

Another comparable acoustic-electric guitar is the Epiphone Paul-100 ENB-VSCH1. This thinline cutaway acoustic-electric model also has a laminated spruce top with mahogany back and sides. However, the Epiphone utilizes a Shadow eNanoFlex pickup system instead of an under-saddle transducer. The Shadow system combines an undersaddle piezo with a soundhole-mounted condenser microphone for a well-balanced amplified tone. The Paul-100's preamp includes volume and tone controls only, without the 3-band EQ of the Jameson. Hardware and fretboard differences provide distinctive looks and feel between the two models as well. While the Jameson 21714538 focuses on versatility and stage-ready performance, the Epiphone Paul-100 offers an alternative acoustic-electric solution with unique electronics and appointments.

Sound Quality

The Jameson 21714538 produces a balanced, warm tone that works well for a variety of musical genres and playing styles. The solid spruce top contributes brightness and clarity to the sound, while the mahogany back and sides provide depth and resonance.

The combination of spruce and mahogany creates a nicely balanced tone profile. The mahogany adds some midrange punch that makes rhythm parts sound full, while the spruce provides enough top-end shimmer for lead lines to sing out. Fingerstyle players will appreciate the harmonic richness and note definition.

Strummed chords ring out with sustain and complexity. The mahogany gives each chord a touch of woody character, while the spruce adds crispness and chime to the treble notes. The sound is detailed enough for intricate fingerpicking, yet still full and bold when strummed aggressively.

The Jameson 21714538 handles heavier strumming without sounding too boomy or muddy in the low mids. It maintains note separation even when multiple strings are played together. The balance between warm lows and bright highs produces a very playable tone for rock, pop, folk, country and blues.

Playability

The Jameson 21714538 features a slim C-shaped mahogany neck and 20-fret rosewood fretboard for smooth playability. The slim neck profile is comfortable to grip and makes it easy to play barre chords. Mahogany is a dense, strong wood that provides stability and sustain without adding too much weight. The rosewood fretboard complements the warm, woody tonality of the mahogany neck. Rosewood is a hardwood that brings out clear notes with strong fundamentals. It also has a smooth feel, allowing easy movement up and down the neck. The medium jumbo frets are just the right size for accurate fretting without being sharp on your fingertips. Overall, the neck and fretboard materials make this an acoustic-electric that's enjoyable to play for long periods.

Hardware

The hardware on the Jameson 21714538 acoustic-electric guitar provides smooth and reliable performance.

The guitar comes equipped with quality sealed chrome die-cast tuning machines. These tuning machines hold the strings firmly in tune, even during aggressive strumming or bending. The precise tuning ratio allows for accurate tuning adjustments.

The guitar features a rosewood bridge and saddle. Rosewood is a dense tropical wood that provides warm, rounded tones with excellent sustain. The material is highly durable and resistant to wear. The rosewood bridge transfers the strings' vibrations efficiently to produce a full-bodied acoustic sound.

Overall, the hardware components on the Jameson 21714538 are designed for stability, accuracy and rich acoustic resonance. Guitarists will appreciate how the tuning machines hold firm and the rosewood bridge provides a robust platform for vibrant acoustic tones.

Aesthetics

The Jameson 21714538 has an attractive and stylish look, appealing to a wide range of players. It features a thinline body with a graceful curved cutaway design. The body shape is comfortable and balanced, measuring just 2.75" deep.

This model comes in three classic finish options - natural, black, and sunburst. The natural finish shows off the wood grain of the spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The glossy black and reddish-brown sunburst finishes offer an elegant, polished look.

The overall size is a compact 38.5" long and 15" wide. The smaller body size makes this guitar easy to handle while playing seated or standing. The thinline build prevents it from being too bulky or cumbersome.

The rosette and bindings help accentuate the guitar's shapely curves. Chrome tuning machines,Volume/Tone controls, and a 3-band EQ complete the refined appearance. The Jameson logo is tastefully displayed on the headstock.

Overall the 21714538 has a refined and eye-catching esthetic that flatters it as a stylish on-stage partner or an attractive decoration when on display. The thinline build and range of color options let it fit into any musical scenario.

Accessories

The Jameson 21714538 comes with several useful accessories to help you get started playing right out of the box. Inside the package, you'll find:

• Gig bag - A lightweight padded gig bag provides protection while transporting or storing the guitar. The bag features backpack straps for easy carrying.

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

• Electronic tuner - An easy-to-use chromatic tuner helps keep the guitar properly tuned. This is powered by one CR2032 battery (included).

• Extra strings - An extra set of Jameson nickel-plated steel strings are provided in case strings need to be changed.

• Polishing cloth - A soft polishing cloth allows cleaning fingerprints and smudges off the guitar's finish.

The included accessories make it convenient to start playing the Jameson acoustic-electric straight out of the box. The gig bag and electronic tuner are particularly useful additions that aren't always standard with guitars in this price range.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thin and lightweight body makes it comfortable to play for long periods
• Cutaway design allows easy access to higher frets
• Built-in preamp and tuner provide plug-and-play live performance capability
• Balanced tone from laminate spruce top and mahogany back and sides
• Easy playability from slim neck and low action
• Attractive binding on body and fretboard adds visual appeal

Cons

• Not as loud acoustically as a fully wooden body guitar
• Electronics may produce feedback at high volumes
• Limited adjustability from basic preamp controls
• May not stay in tune as precisely as higher-end models
• No frills gig bag doesn't offer much protection

Comparable Alternatives

The Jameson 21714538 sits in a fairly competitive price range for acoustic-electric guitars. Here are some other notable models to consider in a similar price bracket:

• Yamaha FGX800C - This is another popular entry-level acoustic-electric from a well-known brand. It has a solid spruce top and rosewood fretboard. The tone is balanced and it comes with a System55T preamp. The Yamaha is a very playable option with great quality control.

• Epiphone DR-100 - Epiphone offers this affordable dreadnought with a select spruce top and mahogany back/sides. It has a Shadow ePerformer pickup and tuner. The hardware is not as high-end but it's a decent starter acoustic-electric.

• Fender CD-60SCE - This dreadnought guitar has a laminated mahogany top and back with a Fishman pickup. It's an affordable Fender with their recognizable headstock. The electronics and hardware are decent for the price.

• Ibanez AEG10II - Ibanez is known for shredding electric guitars but also offers acoustics like this model. It has a spruce top, mahogany back/sides, and Fishman Sonicore pickup. The thin neck profile is beginner friendly.

These and other comparably priced acoustic-electrics from major brands like Takamine and Washburn are worth checking out alongside the Jameson model. While the 21714538 is a quality entry-level option, trying out different guitars can help find the right fit.