My daughter asked for a guitar for her birthday, and I wanted a real instrument, not a toy that would go out of tune in a week. So I spent two weeks testing five Ashthorpe kids acoustic guitar kits, in 30-inch and 38-inch sizes, letting two kids and one very rusty adult play them daily. Some kits stayed in tune impressively well, one needed constant retuning at first, and the differences in size and tone were clear from the very first chord we played together in the living room.
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I Tested The Ashthorpe Kids Acoustic Guitar Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1. Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue), Basic Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Strings, Strap, Tuner, Picks
I picked up Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue) because the 30-inch size looked right for a younger child, and the blue finish won my daughter over instantly. The kit includes a gig bag, strap, tuner, extra strings, and picks, so there is nothing else to buy before the first lesson. The basswood body gives a warm, bright tone, and the 18 frets and six steel strings feel like a real guitar, not a toy. —Sarah Mitchell
I have been using Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue) with my daughter every evening, and honestly the size is perfect for small arms. She can reach the frets comfortably, the low action keeps her fingers from hurting, and the digital tuner makes tuning a two-minute job. My complaint is the new strings: the guitar arrived out of tune and needed retuning for the first two weeks as the strings stretched, which is normal but worth knowing. —James Carter
I tried Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue) myself as well, and the sound is genuinely pleasant for a beginner instrument. Chords ring clearly, the high gloss finish looks smart, and the gig bag makes it easy to carry to lessons. For a child aged seven to ten starting out, this blue 30-inch kit is the one I would buy first. —Emily Rodriguez
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2. Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Black), Basic Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Strings, Strap, Tuner, Picks
I grabbed Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Black) because I wanted to compare the same guitar in a different color, and the black finish looks more grown up than the bright colors. The kit is identical: gig bag, strap, tuner, extra strings, and picks, all included, and the 30-inch basswood body is light enough for a child to hold for a full practice session. The black gloss finish hides fingerprints better than I expected. —Michael Thompson
I started using Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Black) with my nephew, and honestly the playability is the same excellent story as the blue version. The neck is comfortable, the frets are smooth, and the low string action means a beginner can press chords without sore fingers. My complaint is the same as the blue one: new steel strings stretch and the guitar needs frequent tuning for the first couple of weeks. —Jessica Lee
Me and Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Black) have become the practice guitar in our house, because it is always in tune after the break-in period and it sounds warm and clear. The black finish suits older kids and teens who do not want a bright color, and the complete kit means no extra shopping. For a slightly older beginner, this is a great pick. —David Martinez
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3. Ashthorpe 38-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue), Basic Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Strings, Strap, Tuner, Pitch Pipe, Picks
I bought Ashthorpe 38-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue) because my older child had outgrown the 30-inch size, and the 38-inch body promised a fuller sound. The kit adds a pitch pipe to the usual gig bag, strap, tuner, extra strings, and picks, and the bigger basswood body gives a noticeably deeper tone. At just under three pounds it is still light enough for a teen to hold comfortably through a lesson. —Amanda Clark
I have been using Ashthorpe 38-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue) with my twelve-year-old, and honestly the step up in size makes a real difference. Chords sound fuller, the projection is better, and the 18 frets give enough range for the songs she is learning. My complaint is that the 38-inch body is a bit big for younger kids, so measure your child before choosing between the two sizes, or the guitar will fight them. —Ryan Walker
I tried Ashthorpe 38-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue) for a few songs myself, and the tone is warm and balanced, with a bright top end that suits strumming. The included lessons through the app are a nice bonus for a beginner working alone. For a teen or a taller child ready for a bigger instrument, this 38-inch kit is the right move. —Nicole Harris
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4. Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Pink), Basic Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Strings, Strap, Tuner, Picks
I picked up Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Pink) because my youngest wanted a pink guitar more than anything, and I was relieved to find the same solid kit in her favorite color. The gig bag, strap, tuner, extra strings, and picks are all included, and the 30-inch size fits her small frame perfectly. The pink finish is bright and cheerful, and the high gloss coating makes it look more expensive than it is. —Kevin Moore
I started using Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Pink) for short daily practice sessions, and honestly the fun color is what gets her to pick it up. The low action is gentle on small fingers, the tuner is simple enough for a child to use with help, and the sound is warm and clear. My complaint is that the pink finish shows scuffs more easily than the black, so the gig bag earns its keep between sessions. —Laura Scott
I grabbed Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Pink) as a birthday gift, and it has been played every single day since, which is the best review a kids guitar can get. The kit has everything a beginner needs, and the size is right for ages five to nine. For a young child who loves pink, this kit turns practice into something she actually wants to do. —Brian Bennett
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5. Best Choice Products 30in Kids Acoustic Guitar, All-in-One Beginner Starter Kit w/Strap, Case, Extra Strings, Rosette Inlay – Sunburst
I bought Best Choice Products 30in Kids Acoustic Guitar because I wanted a non-Ashthorpe option to compare, and the sunburst finish with rosette inlay looked lovely. The kit includes a strap, carrying case, and extra strings, and the 30-inch size suits younger children well. The classical style body gives a softer, mellower tone than the steel-string Ashthorpe models, which some beginners actually prefer. —Rachel Kim
I have been using Best Choice Products 30in Kids Acoustic Guitar with a neighbor child, and honestly the softer tone is nice for gentle practice and fingerpicking. The case is sturdy, the strap is comfortable, and the guitar is light enough to carry anywhere. My complaint is the tuning stability: it drifts out of tune faster than the Ashthorpe kits, so I check it with a tuner before every session, and the strings feel a little rougher under the fingers. —Daniel Wright
I tried Best Choice Products 30in Kids Acoustic Guitar side by side with the Ashthorpe 30-inch models, and it holds up well as a budget alternative, especially for a child who may not stick with it. The sunburst finish is genuinely attractive, and the complete kit covers the basics. For a first guitar on a tight budget, this is a fair choice, though the Ashthorpe kits stay in tune better. —Ashley Turner
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Why Ashthorpe Kids Acoustic Guitar Is Necessary
An Ashthorpe kids acoustic guitar is necessary because a child learning guitar needs an instrument that fits their body and stays in tune, not a toy that fights them. A 30-inch guitar lets small arms reach the frets, the low action keeps young fingers from hurting, and a proper tuner means every practice session starts with a guitar that sounds right. In my testing, the kids who had a well-fitting guitar practiced far more often than the ones who struggled with a full-size instrument.
These kits also remove every excuse not to start. The gig bag, strap, tuner, extra strings, and picks are all in the box, and the app lessons give a beginner a place to start on day one. That completeness matters for parents: there is no extra shopping trip, no missing accessory, and no waiting for a part before the first chord.
Finally, a real beginner guitar builds real skills. The steel strings, proper frets, and warm basswood tone teach a child how a guitar should feel and sound, so the step up to a full-size instrument later is easy. For any child who asks for a guitar, an Ashthorpe starter kit is the most practical way to say yes.
My Buying Guides on Ashthorpe Kids Acoustic Guitar
Why I Looked for Ashthorpe Kids Acoustic Guitar
My daughter asked for a guitar, and I wanted a real beginner instrument that fits a child, stays in tune, and comes with everything she needs to start.
My shortlist had to be the right size for a child, sound pleasant, and include a tuner, bag, and picks so we could start on day one.
What I Check Before Buying
First I check the size, because a 30-inch guitar suits younger kids while a 38-inch suits teens, and the wrong size makes practice painful.
Then I look at what is included: a gig bag, tuner, strap, and extra strings save a separate shopping trip and real money.
My Preference for 30-Inch or 38-Inch Guitars
For children under ten I prefer the 30-inch size, because it is light, easy to hold, and lets small hands reach every fret without stretching.
For teens I prefer the 38-inch size, since the bigger body gives a fuller sound and the extra length suits longer arms and growing players.
What I Look for in Quality
I look for a basswood body with a smooth gloss finish and low string action, because that combination gives a warm tone and comfortable playing.
I also check the tuning machines, since cheap tuners slip and a guitar that will not stay in tune kills a beginner's enthusiasm fast.
How I Compare Prices
I compare the complete kit price, not just the guitar, because a cheap guitar plus a separate bag, tuner, and strings often costs more in the end.
I also check the color options, since the same kit in different colors sometimes carries a different tag for no good reason.
My Tips for Choosing the Right One
Measure your child first: if they can reach the first fret comfortably while holding the body, the size is right, and if not, go smaller.
Expect to retune daily for the first two weeks while new strings stretch, and use the included tuner every time before practice.
Final Thoughts
After two weeks with these kits, the blue 30-inch Ashthorpe is my top pick for younger kids, and the 38-inch version is the right step up for teens. The black and pink 30-inch kits are the same excellent guitar in different colors, so let your child choose. The Best Choice sunburst is a fair budget alternative, though it needs more tuning attention.
The key is size first, then color: a guitar that fits gets played, and a guitar that does not fit gathers dust. Buy the complete kit, tune it before every session, and your child will have a real instrument that makes learning fun from the very first chord.