For starters this is not just a beginner guitar for kids. Of course, it is ideal as a first guitar for kids, but it is also quite functional for experienced guitarists. It is quite ergonomic as it is much smaller (body and neck) than a full size V or RR. Generally ideal for all people with smaller hands.
OK this is seriously ridiculously low price. It's practically free. And with that in mind, I can say that quality is more than good. Not perfect, but with a little effort you can make it much better.
Here are some advices how to improve it.
So my came with dead straight neck. Nothing to do here. It's a thin modern C shape with satin finish and jumbo frets. Super comfortable.
Frets are little rough. So I would suggest to polish them. Also I additionally lowered down the action to my preference. No string buzz or dead notes.
Tuning stability is kind of a issue or not ?! I mean there's a way to make it better.
- Forget about 09-42 factory gauge. With such a short scale there just isn't enough string tension.
- Just use 10-46 or 11-48. It's a huge difference in tuning stability, and overall sound is less dull more detailed and alive.
- I also need to widen the slots on the nut for a thicker gauge (use old strings). And be sure to use that trick of lubricating the grooves with pencil graphite.
The bridge is not of some super quality, but the action and octaves are adjustable without any major problems.
After all this changes tuning stability is significantly better.
Stock Jackson pickups are "so to say" a little dark sounding. But since it’s a very light guitar and wood, that’s actually a good thing. You can definitely shape it to your preference by adjusting the height of the pickups and the height of pickup pole-pieces.
CHUG TIP.
Definitely raise bridge pickup (it is to low). You'll get more output and more compressed sound for high gain.
In the end, the guitar turned out great. I'm pretty happy.
CONS
1. Don't expect sound like on PRO Soloist with Seymour Duncan pups.
2. So guitar needs some work to push it on another level.
3. Neck scale is just too small for people with large / beefy hands and fingers
