Grote MG-404 Electric Guitar: Full Review

The Grote MG-404 is a semi-hollow body electric guitar that offers an affordable way to get classic electric guitar tones. This guitar features a laminated maple body with a beautiful transparent blue finish that lets the wood grain show through. The double-cutaway design provides easy access to the upper frets while retaining the traditional look of iconic semi-hollow body guitars.

Though it is a budget model, the MG-404 doesn't compromise on tone or playability. It is equipped with a pair of humbucker pickups that can dial in anything from warm, jazz tones to higher-output rock crunch. Hardware includes chrome die-cast tuning machines, a Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece for solid tuning stability and sustain. Overall, the Grote MG-404 punches above its weight class in looks, sound and feel.

Body Style and Design

The Grote MG-404 offers a cool semi-hollow body design that provides the resonance and warmth of a hollowbody guitar with the sustain and feedback resistance of a solidbody.

The double-cutaway body shape features an arched maple top, back, and sides paired with a solid center block running through the middle. This construction allows the top and back to vibrate freely like a fully hollow guitar, producing rich, full tones.

The f-holes on either side of the maple top further enhance resonance and projection. At the same time, the solid center block provides stability and helps prevent feedback at higher volumes, making this a versatile guitar suitable for rock, blues, jazz, and more.

While not as lightweight as a fully hollow guitar, the semi-hollow MG-404 still feels comfortable balanced on a strap during extended playing sessions. The contoured body with forearm and ribcage cuts allows easy upper fret access as well. Overall, the MG-404 offers an excellent mix of hollowbody warmth and solidbody playability thanks to its finely crafted semi-hollow design.

When it comes to electric guitars, one of the most iconic options is the Fender 0378213550. This classic electric guitar delivers the signature Fender tone that has been a staple of popular music for decades. With an alder body and maple neck, it produces a balanced, versatile sound that works for everything from country and blues to hard rock. The two single coil pickups give you crystal clear treble and robust mid-range for chords and solos. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first real electric guitar or a pro who loves that classic Fender vibe, the 0378213550 is a fantastic choice. Its comfortable contoured body design makes playing for hours effortless, while the vintage-style tremolo bridge allows expressive pitch effects. When you choose a Fender electric like the 0378213550, you know you're getting a high quality, road-tested guitar built to stand the test of time. It's an iconic instrument that any guitarist would be proud to own.

When it comes to the body style and design of an electric guitar, there are a few main options to consider. Solid body guitars like the Fender Stratocaster offer great sustain and bright tone. Hollow and semi-hollow body guitars provide warm, full tones and enhanced resonance. And for players who want the best of both worlds, hybrid designs like the PRS SE Custom offer a solid center block for sustain while still allowing the top and back to vibrate like a hollowbody. The shape of the guitar body is another key factor - from single cutaway Les Pauls to contoured Strat-style bodies to aggressive shapes like the Ibanez Destroyer. The controls, pickups, and hardware also impact the look and functionality. Premium components like locking tuners and coil-splitting pickups offer expanded tone options. The choices are nearly endless, which is why exploring different body styles and designs is so important in finding your ideal guitar.

Pickups

The Grote MG-404 electric guitar features two Alnico V humbucker pickups that provide a warm, rich tone. Humbucker pickups use two coils wound in opposite directions to cancel out unwanted noise and hum. This results in a thicker, more powerful sound compared to single-coil pickups.

The bridge pickup provides plenty of bite and brightness for lead playing, while the neck pickup has a smoother, rounder tone that's great for chords and clean passages. Both pickups are wax potted to reduce microphonic feedback at high volumes. The pole pieces are adjustable for fine-tuning string balance and output.

Overall, the dual humbuckers offer exceptional versatility across a wide range of musical genres. From classic rock to heavy metal, the MG-404 can deliver the archetypal electric guitar tones that players crave. The pickups have excellent dynamics and respond well to different playing techniques and pick attack.

Controls

The Grote MG-404 electric guitar features a simple yet effective control layout that provides versatility in shaping your tone. It has master volume and tone knobs, as well as a 3-way pickup selector switch.

The volume knob allows you to control the overall output level of the guitar. Turn it up for more volume or roll it back to clean up and reduce gain. The tone knob lets you dial in the treble response to suit your taste. Roll it back for a darker, bassier tone or increase it for more sparkle and bite.

The 3-way pickup selector switch allows you to choose between the neck pickup, bridge pickup, or both pickups together. The neck pickup provides a warm, round tone that is great for jazz and blues. Switching to the bridge pickup gives you more bite and twang, perfect for rock and country styles. Selecting both pickups produces a balanced tone across the frequency spectrum.

Overall, the controls on the Grote MG-404 are straightforward but offer enough tonal variety for playing anything from mellow jazz to aggressive hard rock. The volume and tone knobs react smoothly, and the pickup selector switch provides distinct tonal options.

In addition to the dual humbucker pickups and simple control layout, the Grote MG-404 also comes equipped with sealed die-cast tuning machines to help keep the guitar in tune during intense performances. The chrome hardware combined with the elegant double cutaway shape makes this an aesthetically pleasing instrument as well.

For guitarists looking for an affordable, versatile electric guitar that can handle anything from blues to metal, the Grote MG-404 is an excellent choice. It delivers those classic humbucker tones that players know and love. And with the simple controls, it's easy to dial in your perfect sound.

Another great electric guitar option to consider in a similar price range is the Ovation AB24CII-CED. This guitar features Ovation's iconic rounded back design made from Lyrachord, a synthetic composite material. The Lyrachord back projects the sound outward, resulting in excellent acoustic resonance and sustain.

The Ovation AB24CII-CED is equipped with dual Ovation Slimline pickups that provide clear, balanced tone across the tonal spectrum. Between the sculpted Lyrachord body and quality electronics, this guitar delivers studio-quality tones at an affordable price point.

The slim neck profile and low action also make the Ovation AB24CII-CED comfortable to play for extended periods. And the OP-Preamp gives you versatile tone shaping and EQ options right onboard the guitar. If you like the idea of an acoustic-electric crossover guitar, the Ovation AB24CII-CED is worth considering alongside the Grote MG-404.

Hardware

The Grote MG-404 features quality hardware that enhances its playability and sound. It has chrome die-cast tuning machines that hold tune reliably. The guitar stays in tune even during aggressive rhythm playing or wild whammy bar dives.

The MG-404 uses a tune-o-matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece. This is a classic design that provides excellent intonation and sustain. The bridge delivers a bright, focused tone that cuts through a mix nicely. The adjustable saddles allow easy and precise intonation adjustments. Overall, the hardware is durable and helps produce great tone and tuning stability.

Sound

The Grote MG-404 electric guitar delivers a warm, bluesy tone that's great for rock and jazz playing. The semi-hollow body gives it a nice resonance while the dual humbuckers provide fat, rounded tones perfect for lead lines and solos. There's good sustain too thanks to the set neck construction and quality hardware.

The two humbuckers, neck JH-O4N and bridge JH-O4B, are quite versatile. The neck pickup produces a smooth, silky warmth with enough clarity for chording and rhythm parts. Switch over to the bridge humbucker and you get more bite and aggression perfect for wailing blues solos and classic rock riffing. Dialing back the volume slightly mellows out the bridge pickup for fatter lead tones.

With its warm woody sound, this Grote electric guitar excels at vintage blues, jazz, and rock. The pickups deliver a nice organic tone, unlike some sterile-sounding budget humbuckers. It's articulate enough for complex jazz chords and improv but also has that raw vintage rock n' roll vibe. Overall an impressive sounding instrument considering the affordable price point.

Playability

The Grote MG-404 features a slim and fast roasted maple neck paired with a rosewood fretboard that offers smooth playability. The neck has a modern C profile that provides comfort while allowing quick runs up and down the fretboard.

Despite having 22 jumbo frets, the neck remains comfortable and doesn't feel crowded. The frets are finished smoothly and don't have any sharp edges that can irritate your hands during long practice sessions.

The rosewood fingerboard has a 9.5" radius, providing a rounded feel that facilitates both chording and soloing. Bending strings feels very natural on this guitar.

Overall, the playability of the MG-404 makes it a versatile electric guitar suitable for various genres and playing styles. The slim neck and rosewood fretboard provide a smooth and comfortable feel whether you are playing rock riffs or jazz chords.

Quality and Reliability

The Grote MG-404 offers decent quality and reliability for its price point. The body and neck are made from basswood, which is a common guitar wood known for being lightweight and resonant. The hardware appears to be generic but seems sturdy and well-assembled based on reviews.

Some buyers have commented that the guitar stays in tune nicely and intonation is good up the neck after a proper setup. The electronics also perform reliably according to several users. While it may not have the same fit and finish as more expensive models, the MG-404 provides good bang for your buck if you're on a budget but want a playable instrument.

The overall construction quality is as expected for an affordable import guitar. It likely won't withstand heavy abuse, but with proper care it should hold up fine for regular playing and practice. As with any budget guitar, a professional setup is recommended to optimize playability. But the MG-404 seems capable of providing years of use if maintained properly.

While the quality can't compare to premium brands, Grote does not cut corners. For the price, most buyers have been satisfied with the materials, electronics, and manufacturing of the MG-404. It delivers dependable performance that belies its low cost.

Pros

The Grote MG-404 offers excellent value for an affordable semi-hollow electric guitar. Its versatile tone covers a wide range of musical styles thanks to its dual humbucker pickups and 3-way selector switch providing an array of tones from clean to crunchy overdrive.

The guitar's retro double-cutaway body not only looks stylish, but provides comfortable access to upper frets. The Grote plays very smoothly up and down the maple neck, aided by a fast thin C profile and smooth rolled fretboard edges. Intonation stays accurate and tuning stable thanks to a quality hardware setup.

Considering its budget-friendly price, the Grote MG-404 punches above its weight in build quality, playability, and tonal versatility. It's an excellent choice for beginners seeking their first semi-hollow electric, or intermediate players wanting an affordable second guitar with a different voice for jamming and gigs.

Cons

The Grote MG-404 electric guitar does have some drawbacks to consider.

• The pickups it comes equipped with are decent for the price point, but upgrading to higher quality aftermarket pickups could help the guitar reach its full potential tone-wise. The stock pickups get the job done, but lack some richness and dynamics compared to premium pickups.

• Color options are also quite limited. The MG-404 only comes in a silverburst finish. Those seeking a wider variety of color choices will have to look elsewhere. Though the silverburst is an attractive classic look, more color options would be nice for those who want something that stands out visually.

Overall the cons are relatively minor and wouldn't be dealbreakers for most players shopping in this price range. The MG-404 represents a good value for the money, though a few component upgrades down the road could help it punch above its weight.