WINZZ AF168CE-41-GSB-V Acoustic-Electric Guitar: Full Review

Acoustic-electric guitars are a versatile instrument that can be plugged into an amplifier or PA system, expanding their sound possibilities beyond a traditional acoustic guitar. The WINZZ AF168CE-41-GSB-V is a beginner-friendly acoustic-electric model featuring a classic dreadnought body shape with a glossy blueburst finish. Designed to deliver amplified acoustic tones at an affordable price, this WINZZ guitar has a laminate spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It comes equipped with a built-in preamp and pickup system to let players plug in for live performances or recording scenarios. With its comfortable body size, smooth playability, and acoustic-electric flexibility, the WINZZ AF168CE-41-GSB-V is an appealing choice for new guitarists looking for an accessible way to explore amplified acoustic tones.

Construction

The WINNZ AF168CE-41-GSB-V features a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and rosewood fretboard, providing a balanced and resonant tone.

The solid spruce top is known for its crisp, clear sound and excellent resonance. As a softwood, spruce responds well to playing dynamics and allows the top to vibrate freely. The mahogany back and sides offer a balanced tone across the frequency spectrum, with ample lows, smooth mids, and shimmering highs. Mahogany produces a warmer, rounded sound compared to brighter rosewood. The combination of spruce and mahogany creates a versatile and well-balanced acoustic voice.

The fretboard is constructed from rosewood, which is appreciated for its dense, oily properties that enhance sustain. Rosewood also has a rich aesthetic appeal.

The AF168CE-41 has a natural gloss finish that allows the natural wood grain to shine through. The sunburst shading helps highlight the different woods used. This is an attractive guitar available at a reasonable price point.

For those looking for a more affordable acoustic-electric option, the Monoprice 610370 is worth considering. It has a laminated spruce top, mahogany back and sides, rosewood fretboard, and cutaway body style. While not all solid woods like the WINNZ, the Monoprice still delivers balanced tone and good playability. It has a built-in preamp and pickup system to plug into an amplifier or PA system. The guitar comes with light gauge strings installed, ready to play out of the box. Overall, the Monoprice offers great value for an acoustic-electric guitar under $200. The smooth finish and classy appointments make this an attractive option for new players. While it may lack some projection and nuance compared to all solid wood models, the Monoprice punches above its weight class. For those looking for an affordable, quality acoustic-electric guitar, check out the option from Monoprice.

Sound

The Winzz AF168CE-41-GSB-V acoustic-electric guitar produces a balanced, warm tone thanks to its combination of spruce and mahogany tonewoods. The spruce top contributes crisp highs and articulate note separation, while the mahogany back and sides provide a smooth low end and rich sustain.

This guitar comes equipped with an onboard preamp and pickup system, allowing you to easily amplify your acoustic tone. The pickup accurately conveys the guitar's natural acoustic resonance while adding stage-ready volume. Simply plug into an amplifier or PA system to project your sound in performance settings. The preamp provides tone shaping control with its integrated EQ, giving you the flexibility to dial in your ideal amplified tone.

When amplified, the Winzz AF168CE-41-GSB-V can fill the room with its rich, warm acoustic tone. The preamp and EQ allow you to shape your amplified tone, letting you boost treble for added cut and sparkle or increase bass for a full, rich low end. The pickup blends naturally with the guitar's acoustic resonance, retaining the nuances of your playing dynamics and articulation. This makes the Winzz AF168CE-41-GSB-V a highly versatile acoustic-electric for live performances, recording sessions, or practice scenarios where amplification is needed.

For musicians looking for an affordable acoustic-electric with professional level features, the Epiphone EILCAWGH1 is an excellent option to consider. This guitar has a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, a similar wood combination to the Winzz model. Epiphone outfits it with a Shadow ePerformer preamp system complete with a built-in tuner. The Shadow preamp provides quality acoustic amplification and lets you shape your tone.

Like the Winzz guitar, the Epiphone EILCAWGH1 combines warm acoustic resonance with the convenience of an onboard preamp and pickup. This gives you the flexibility to play it as a traditional acoustic or plug it in for amplified performances. The Epiphone is an affordable alternative for players seeking amplified acoustic tones and stage-worthy projection.

Playability

The Winzz AF168CE-41-GSB-V acoustic-electric guitar features a slim C-shaped neck profile that is comfortable and easy to play. The neck width measures 43mm at the nut, which is a standard width for acoustic guitars. This allows comfortable fretting hand movement up and down the neck.

The 25.5" scale length along with low action from the factory makes the AF168CE-41-GSB-V beginner friendly right out of the box. The action can be further adjusted using the truss rod in the neck to fine tune to your playing style.

The guitar has 20 frets and a rosewood fretboard which provides smooth playability. The frets are nicely finished with no sharp edges. Overall the neck and fretwork on this model make it an accessible option for new players while still offering pleasing playability for more advanced guitarists.

Hardware

The Winzz AF168CE-41-GSB-V features quality hardware that enables great playability and sound versatility.

Tuning Machines

The guitar comes equipped with chrome die-cast tuning machines. These sealed tuning pegs help keep the guitar in tune by preventing slipping. The precise engineering provides smooth and accurate tuning.

Bridge and Saddle

It has a rosewood bridge and saddle which gives bright tone and sustain. The material blends nicely with the solid spruce top. The compensated saddle helps maintain consistent intonation up the neck.

Pickup and Controls

The guitar has a built-in pickup and preamp system. It uses a piezo pickup under the saddle to capture a balanced acoustic tone. There are tone and volume control knobs on the side for shaping your amplified sound. The 3-band EQ lets you adjust bass, midrange, and trebles. There is also a built-in tuner for quick tuning. The preamp requires a 9V battery.

Comfort and Playability

The Winzz AF168CE-41-GSB-V has a comfortable body shape and weight that makes it easy to play for long periods. The neck has a smooth C-shaped contour that fits nicely in the hand. The cutaway body shape provides good upper fret access, enabling you to easily reach those high notes.

The compact auditorium body style, along with the small lower bout, creates an overall lightweight feel. Weighing only 4.6 pounds, this guitar doesn't cause fatigue even after extended practice or performance sessions. The smooth satin finish on the back and sides further enhances the comfortable feel.

The slim tapered C-shaped neck allows comfortable hand placement up and down the neck. The 1.69" nut width provides adequate room for fretting chords and single notes cleanly. Overall, the neck is very playable with a comfortable C-shaped profile suitable for all playing styles.

Sound Versatility

One of the main benefits of an acoustic-electric guitar like the WINZZ AF168CE-41-GSB-V is its sound versatility. This guitar can be played just like a traditional acoustic guitar unplugged, making it ideal for practice, jam sessions, and casual playing. The sound is loud and resonant acoustically thanks to its all-laminate construction.

However, you also have the ability to plug this guitar into an amplifier or PA system for live performances or recording sessions. Simply plug a cable into the built-in preamp and you'll get that amplified electric sound and volume needed for band settings. The pickup and preamp do a nice job reproducing the acoustic tone and adding warmth and clarity when plugged in.

So whether you prefer to play acoustically or want the flexibility of plugging in, the WINZZ AF168CE-41-GSB-V gives you the best of both worlds. Its acoustic-electric design makes it one of the most versatile options for new guitarists looking for a single, affordable guitar that can handle any musical scenario.

Value

The WINZZ AF168CE-41-GSB-V acoustic-electric guitar offers a solid value for the features and quality in its price range. The combination of an all-laminate spruce top, mahogany back and sides, 6-string design with steel strings, and built-in electric pickup and preamp makes it comparable to models that can cost $100-$200 more.

For around $100-$150, you get a guitar suitable for practice, jamming with friends, open mics, and recording. The sound quality, playability, and electronics are good enough for beginners and intermediates on a budget. While not a professional level instrument, it provides an affordable entry point for exploring amplified acoustic tones.

Some key factors establishing the value:

• All-laminate woods keep costs down while providing decent tone for the price
• Built-in pickup and preamp allow plugging into an amp or PA system
• Hardware, nut, and saddle are decent quality in this range
• Playable action and comfortable neck for a beginner guitar
• Stylish gloss finish exceeds expectations at this price

The WINZZ AF168CE-41-GSB-V punches above its weight class in terms of features, quality, and versatility at an attractive price point. It makes an excellent first guitar or beater instrument for travel or outdoor use. Overall, it provides strong value compared to other models under $200.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid spruce top provides good volume and projection
• Mahogany back and sides give a balanced, well-rounded tone
• Piezo pickup and tuner allow playing plugged-in or amplified
• Full size dreadnought body offers traditional acoustic sound
• Comfortable neck and smooth fretboard facilitate easy playing
• Comes with gig bag for protection and portability

Cons

• Electronics and equalization are basic and lack tone shaping features
• Rosewood bridge and fretboard are not solid wood
• Machine heads may need upgrading for optimal tuning stability
• Laminated mahogany sides don't resonate as well as solid wood
• Intonation and action may need professional setup out of the box
• Lack of cutaway limits upper fret access

Conclusion

Overall, the WINZZ AF168CE-41-GSB-V is a decent entry-level acoustic-electric guitar that offers good value for the price. It's an affordable option for beginners looking to dip their toes into amplified acoustic playing.

The guitar's laminate spruce top and mahogany back and sides produce a balanced tone that works well for various music genres. The built-in EQ gives you some control over the tone, allowing you to shape the sound to your liking. The playability is also quite good for the price, with a comfortable neck and low action.

The main downsides are the lack of cutaway for upper fret access and the unbranded pickups and preamp, which are prone to feedback at higher volumes. The hardware and electronics are serviceable but unremarkable.

Final thoughts - the WINZZ AF168CE-41-GSB-V is a solid bang-for-your-buck acoustic-electric for novices. While not perfect, it has an appealing price point and delivers on the fundamentals. More advanced players may want to consider spending a bit more for upgraded features and components. But for new guitarists on a budget, the WINZZ AF168CE-41-GSB-V is a respectable first acoustic-electric to learn and practice on.