Pyle PGACLS82BLU Acoustic Guitar: Full Review

An Entry-Level Classical Acoustic Guitar for Beginners

The Pyle PGACLS82BLU is a classically-styled, entry-level acoustic guitar aimed at aspiring musicians and beginners. As part of Pyle's Pro line, it provides decent construction quality and amplification features at an affordable budget price point. While it may lack some of the refinement of higher-end classical guitars, it offers new players an accessible way to start learning on an acoustic instrument.

The Pyle Pro brand specializes in audio equipment and instruments designed for practice, learning, and hobbyists. They aim to provide usable features and quality without premium price tags. As such, this model incorporates basics like a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and built-in preamp electronics. While it may eventually need upgrading, it allows beginners to explore classical technique and tone affordably.

Construction

The Pyle PGACLS82BLU acoustic guitar is constructed with quality materials for a solid and durable build. The top is made of spruce, which is a common and resonance-friendly wood choice for acoustic guitars. The back and sides utilize mahogany, which provides a balanced tone.

The hardware such as the tuning machines, bridge pins, and bridge appear to be generic unbranded parts but seem sturdy and function properly for a beginner's acoustic. The fretwork is also decent, with no sharp fret edges that can cause discomfort.

Overall, while the materials may not be the highest grade, the Pyle PGACLS82BLU has a reliably constructed body and neck that should hold up well under regular use. The guitar feels solidly put together, not flimsy. For a budget-friendly beginner classical acoustic, the build quality is quite respectable and enables the instrument to be playable while still remaining affordable.

When comparing the Pyle PGACLS82BLU to other entry-level acoustic guitars, it stacks up well in terms of build quality and playability. Models like the Fender CD-60S use similar construction methods and materials to achieve a durable, budget-friendly instrument. The CD-60S features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, generic hardware and fretwork, and an overall quality that belies its affordable price point. While the specific woods and appointments may differ slightly, Pyle and Fender take comparable approaches to crafting playable, value-oriented acoustics accessible to beginners and casual players.

When evaluating any entry-level acoustic, construction techniques and material quality directly impact playability and sound. While premium tone woods and ornate inlay work would increase costs, basic yet solid wood selection and hardware provide the foundation for an instrument that's enjoyable to play and listen to. Both the Pyle PGACLS82BLU and Fender CD-60S accomplish this goal, making them competitively priced options versus other budget acoustics. While minor details vary, their fundamental construction philosophy is comparable.

For a new guitarist primarily concerned with getting a decent, affordable instrument to learn on, the construction quality of the Pyle PGACLS82BLU should instill confidence. While not extravagant, the materials are thoughtfully chosen and the guitar is thoughtfully put together. The build allows the instrument to be not just playable, but also good sounding and long lasting. It provides a great platform for honing skills and enjoying music, especially considering the very reasonable price. Comparable options like the CD-60S from Fender follow similar design philosophies tailored towards the needs of acoustic guitar beginners.

Sound

The Pyle PGACLS82BLU acoustic guitar produces a bright, clean tone with good sustain thanks to its combination of spruce and mahogany tonewoods. The solid spruce top is known for its crisp, articulate highs and lively resonance. Meanwhile, the mahogany back and sides add warmth and body to the midrange frequencies.

The guitar projects well, with enough volume to be heard over light accompaniment. Notes ring out clearly when strummed, with a focused sound. However, the guitar lacks some bass response compared to higher-end models. The sustain is decent, allowing notes to ring out longer when played.

Overall, the Pyle offers a balanced tonal profile that works well for fingerpicking and strumming. While not as complex and full as premium tonewoods, there is enough clarity and projection for practice, jam sessions, and small performances. The spruce and mahogany combination delivers the essential acoustic guitar tone at an entry-level price point.

The Pyle PGACLS82BLU is a good option for beginners looking for an affordable acoustic guitar with decent sound. However, more advanced players may want to consider upgrading to a model with better bass response, projection, and sustain. The Fender FA-125CE is an example of a mid-range acoustic-electric guitar that offers richer tone thanks to its laminated mahogany top, mahogany back and sides, and built-in Fishman preamp system. While more expensive than the Pyle, the Fender produces fuller low-end, better note definition, and improved amplified sound. The Fender's cutaway body style also provides easier access to upper frets compared to the Pyle's classic dreadnought shape.

Playability

The Pyle PGA CLS82BLU acoustic guitar has a comfortable neck width and slim profile that makes it easy to grip and play, even for smaller hands. The action (string height) is set nice and low, allowing for easy fretting without buzzing. The frets themselves are smoothly finished with no sharp edges. Overall, the playability is quite good for a beginner acoustic guitar in this price range. The low action allows you to press the strings down easily and play chords and individual notes cleanly. The smooth frets also help with transitions up and down the neck. The neck width and slim profile provide a comfortable gripping surface for your fretting hand. While the playability is not on par with a high end acoustic, it provides a very playable experience right out of the box for new guitarists. The low action and smooth frets help make learning chords and scales a frustration-free experience.

Hardware

The Pyle PGACLS82BLU acoustic guitar features quality hardware that enables stable tuning and good playability.

Tuning Machines

The guitar has chrome enclosed die-cast tuning machines. These machines hold tune well and allow for smooth and accurate tuning adjustments. The knobs have a nice grippy texture that makes fine tuning easy.

Bridge

It has a quality rosewood bridge that transfers string vibrations well into the top of the guitar. The bridge saddle and nut help produce good intonation across the fretboard.

Nut and Saddle

Both the nut and saddle are made from a synthetic bone material. This results in smooth and binding-free playability. The nut slots are cut at an optimal depth and width for the string gauge used. This allows for buzz-free open notes and proper tuning stability.

Electronics

The Pyle PGACLS82BLU acoustic guitar comes equipped with a pickup and preamp system that allows you to amplify your guitar through an external amplifier or PA system. It features an under-saddle piezo pickup that captures the vibration of the strings and converts it into an electrical signal.

The preamp and controls are mounted just inside the soundhole for easy access. It features volume, bass, and treble controls so you can shape your amplified tone. The volume knob controls the overall output level, while the bass and treble knobs let you dial in more low end resonance or add brilliance to the highs. There is also a built-in tuner that mutes the output so you can tune quietly on stage.

The preamp runs on a single 9V battery, so you don't need any external power source. The pickup and preamp system gives you the flexibility to play acoustic guitar in larger live settings or use effects without compromising the guitar's natural acoustic sound. It's a great option for beginners looking to gig or practice performing live.

Aesthetics

The Pyle PGACLS82BLU acoustic guitar has a classic dreadnought body shape with a nice blue gloss finish. At 41 inches long, it's a full-size guitar, though the slimmer depth makes it comfortable for smaller players.

The all-laminate construction keeps the guitar lightweight at just under 6 pounds. While the blue gloss finish looks attractive, it is prone to fingerprints and scratches which can detract from the aesthetic over time. The rosette around the soundhole and white binding on the body edges add some visual flair.

Some additional finish options are available, like natural, sunburst, and black gloss, allowing you to choose the look you like best. The overall design has an elegant but budget-friendly vibe. While not the flashiest, it's a pleasant looking instrument for the price.

Accessories

The Pyle PGA35 Classical Acoustic Guitar comes with several useful accessories for beginners.

It includes a nylon gig bag to safely transport and protect the guitar when not in use. The padded bag has backpack-style straps, making it easy to carry. It helps prevent scratches, dings, and other damage during storage and transport.

The guitar also comes supplied with an extra set of strings. Having an extra set allows you to re-string the guitar when old strings lose their bright tone. Nylon strings stretch over time and need periodic replacing to keep the guitar sounding its best.

Additionally, a pack of 4 guitar picks is included. The various pick thicknesses and shapes allow experimenting with different tones and playing styles. Thinner picks produce brighter tone while thicker ones offer more volume and bass. The pick sampler lets you determine your preferences.

Finally, the included electronic tuner makes keeping the guitar in tune quick and convenient. Tuning peg adjustment is easier with the clear visual feedback. An accurately tuned guitar is important for proper technique and to produce the best sound.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good construction quality for a beginner's acoustic guitar
• Generous lower bout provides fuller sound
• Lightweight and comfortable to hold
• Easy playability for learning basic chords and strumming
• Attractive design available in multiple color finishes
• Comes ready to play out of the box
• Budget friendly price point

Cons

• Only available with nylon strings, not steel strings
• Limited tonal range due to smaller body size
• Not as durable as a solid wood acoustic guitar
• Low action can cause fret buzz
• Electronics and built-in tuner may be unreliable
• Lacks the projection of a full size dreadnought

Summary: The Pyle PGACLS82BLU offers an affordable starting point for new guitarists to learn on a nylon-string classical acoustic. While it lacks the richness and volume of premium models, it provides decent sound and playability considering the very low price point. The smaller concert body and nylon strings limit its versatility for multiple genres. Serious players would need to upgrade eventually, but overall it's a decent beater guitar for beginners on a tight budget.

Conclusion

The Pyle PGACLS82BLU is a great choice for beginner guitar players looking for a quality instrument at an affordable price point. The spruce top and basswood body produce a balanced, warm tone that will sound good playing anything from classical to folk music. The playability is quite good for the price, with a comfortable neck, low action, and quality hardware and electronics.

Overall, this is an excellent entry-level acoustic guitar that punches above its weight class in terms of features and sound quality. It's an ideal choice for new players who want a long-lasting, versatile instrument. More advanced players may want to look at upgrading if they find the tone or playability limiting after honing their skills. But for most, this should provide many years of musical enjoyment.

Some alternatives in a similar price range are the Yamaha FG800 or Fender FA-100. These are also well-respected beginner acoustic guitars with slightly different sounds and playing dynamics. Trying them out in person is recommended to find the best fit based on your musical needs and playing style. But the Pyle PGACLS82BLU stacks up very well against the competition and should provide a great experience for any blossoming musician.