Master Play
MasterPlay Kids Guitar Review
Reviewed by Eric Davis · Published
Discover the MasterPlay Kids Guitar, perfect for young beginners. Learn more about its features and if it's the right choice for your child.
The verdict
The MasterPlay Kids Guitar is a solid choice for beginner musicians but may need careful handling.
Why we recommend it
THE PERFECT FIRST GUITAR FOR YOUR CHILD: The MasterPlay acoustic youth guitar with 3 steel and 3 nylon strings
REAL WOOD GUITAR QUALITY BUILD – QUALITY SOUND: Made from top-notch basswood (linden wood), our learner guitar delivers
ALL-IN-1 COMPLETE GUITAR STARTER KIT: To equip your kid with everything they need to start their music journey, our begi
TIMELESS DESIGN FOR BOYS & GIRLS 4+ YEARS OLD: This 30-inch guitar features a natural wood finish, offering a timeless,
A CHRISTMAS GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING: Our guitar set for beginners makes an unforgettable gift idea for children and gr
Pros
- Quality sound from basswood construction
- Comprehensive starter kit included
- Attractive design appealing to children
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Affordable price point for beginners
Cons
- Durability concerns with the case and headstock
- Tuning retention issues requiring frequent adjustments
- Not suitable for advanced young musicians
Gallery
Full review
Overview The MasterPlay Kids Guitar is a 30-inch classical wood guitar designed specifically for young learners aged 5 to 12. With a vibrant pink finish and a complete starter kit, this guitar aims to introduce children to the world of music in an engaging and enjoyable way. As a bestseller on Amazon, it has garnered attention for its affordability and the quality of its build, making it a popular choice among parents looking for the perfect first guitar for their children.
Key Features One of the standout features of the MasterPlay Kids Guitar is its construction from quality basswood, known for its excellent sound production. The guitar is equipped with a combination of steel and nylon strings, which not only enhances playability but also provides a rich tone that is often sought after by beginners. The guitar's design is lightweight and comfortable, ensuring that small hands can easily manage the instrument without becoming fatigued.
Included in the package is a comprehensive starter kit that contains everything a young musician would need. This includes a guitar bag for protection during transport, a tuner to keep the strings in pitch, a strap for easy playing, extra strings for replacements, picks, and a cleaning cloth. This all-in-one kit makes it convenient for parents as they don’t need to purchase additional accessories separately.
The aesthetic appeal of the MasterPlay Kids Guitar is another significant aspect. Its timeless design not only attracts girls but also appeals to boys, making it a versatile choice for any aspiring musician. The natural wood finish gives it a classic look that resonates well with both children and parents alike.
Who Is It For This guitar is tailored for young beginners, making it an ideal choice for children aged 5 to 12 who are just starting their musical journey. It’s particularly suited for those who show an interest in music and want to explore playing an instrument without the commitment of a more expensive guitar. Parents looking for a thoughtful gift for birthdays, Christmas, or special occasions will find the MasterPlay Kids Guitar to be an excellent option. Its colorful design and complete starter kit can inspire children to develop a love for music from an early age.
However, it’s worth noting that while the guitar is designed for beginners, it may not withstand the vigorous play of more advanced young musicians. Some users have reported issues with durability, including cases ripping and the guitar breaking at the headstock. Additionally, tuning retention has been a concern, with strings reportedly falling out of tune quickly. While the included tuner is helpful, frequent adjustments may be necessary to maintain the desired sound.
Final Verdict Overall, the MasterPlay Kids Guitar is a fantastic entry-level instrument for young learners, combining quality sound, an attractive design, and a comprehensive starter kit, making it a great introduction to the world of music. However, potential buyers should be mindful of the durability issues and tuning challenges that some users have experienced.
Specifications
| Brand Name | Master Play |
|---|---|
| Hand Orientation | Right |
| UPC | 633841914573 |
| Manufacturer | Master Play |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Set Name | True |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Instrument | guitar |
| Item Weight | 3 pounds |
| Model Number | G30-PNKAA |
| Manufacturer Part Number | G30-PNKAA |
| Warranty Description | Na. |
| Best Sellers Rank | #463 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)#1 in Classical & Nylon-String Guitars |
| ASIN | B01MPXTKB4 |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (9,562) 4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Color | Pink |
| Top Material Type | Linden Wood |
| Body Material Type | Basswood |
| Back Material Type | Basswood |
| Neck Material Type | Basswood |
| Fretboard Material Type | Basswood |
| String Material Type | Steel and Nylon |
| Material Type | Bass Wood |
| Guitar Pickup Configuration | S-S-S |
| Guitar Bridge System | Fixed |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Scale Length | 30 |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 35"L x 13.5"W x 4"H |
| String Nut Width | 1 feet |
| Item Dimensions | 35 x 13.5 x 4 inches |
| Instrument Size | 30" |
What buyers say
4.8 · 5 reviews“We bought this MasterPlay Kids Guitar for my daughter, and she absolutely loves it. It’s a great starter guitar for beginners who want to learn and see if they enjoy playing before investing in something more expensive.The size is perfect for kids, and the included accessories were a nice bonus. The guitar looks great, feels surprisingly solid for the price, and has held up well so far.”
“I got this for a 7 year old and I think she's going to love it. The guitar looks great, very similar to my classical guitar and the size should be just right for her. The mahogany version really looks nice. The included tuner worked like a charm and I didn't have much trouble tuning the guitar. Of course the strings stretch so I'm periodically retuning it so it will be more stable by Christmas. The guitar, accessories, and case are a great deal for the price and I'm very happy with the purchase. It does not have fretboard dots so I did buy some dots to put on the appropriate frets and top side of neck.”
“We bought this for a 5 year old. It's a very good guitar for his first one. The last 2 strings buzzed oddly (almost a deal breaker for me when it arrived) but we put a twist-tie to hold the strings tighter on bridge (the nut groove being too wide) and the buzzing was fixed. The black finish can get chipped off but this has only happened once and the nice thing is that a sharpie "fixed" the problem and the said 5 year old never noticed. Great first beater guitar. He can be rough on it as he learns and it's okay. We practice twice a week for the last 7 months and tune it using a clip on electric tuner before each practice.**Update: at 8 months the strings are stretched and my son has better guitar manners so very little tuning has been needed before our lessons. This also means the tuning pegs and hardware has also passed the kid test and is of a good quality. The guitar is holding up VERY well! It is very sturdy! I am very pleased with the purchase and price range. It is what it is and works good for us! At some point as he ages I'll replace the strings for a higher quality as you can hear in the video they are very basic.**Update: It's 2 years old now. The decorative "inlay" has been flaking off for a while. We did replace the strings and it didn't improve the sound in anyway. It sounds like a cheap guitar or uke due to how short the strings. I can play a song on it to encourage him that it can make decent sound but long term I'm beginning to wonder if the poor sound quality makes guitar lessons boring and non productive since every chord sounds similar and bad.We are moving on from this little near toy to something with actual tone. Son is 7 1/2 now. I wouldn't recommend this for anyone older than 7. It is too much of an toy.It is still in excellent condition with no resale value. But it held up and I got my money's worth.”
“Excellent lil beginner guitar the granddaughter loved it.”
“Not a professional guitar, but it is perfect for kids to fall in love qith with music and instruments”
Frequently asked questions
Is the MasterPlay Kids Guitar suitable for adults?+
No, the MasterPlay Kids Guitar is specifically designed for children aged 5 to 12 and may not be comfortable for adults to play.
What accessories are included with the guitar?+
The guitar comes with a bag, tuner, strap, extra strings, picks, and a cleaning cloth, providing everything a beginner needs.
How often does the guitar need to be tuned?+
Due to some tuning retention issues, it may need to be tuned frequently, especially after extended use or if frequently played.
What is the best age to start learning guitar?+
Children as young as 5 years old can begin learning guitar, making the MasterPlay Kids Guitar a great choice for early starters.
Can the guitar be used for travel?+
Yes, the included guitar bag makes it easy to transport, making it suitable for travel and outdoor activities.
About the reviewer
Eric Davis
Music Editor
Eric is a musician with 15 years experience reviewing instruments for players of all levels.
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