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Pros:
- Affordable
- Great for small hands
- Good sound
Cons:
- Sapele back and sides are not the best quality
- Frets are a bit sharp
Whether you are munching away on your instant ramen noodle in your 15×15 ft dorm room and thinking about becoming the next big rock star or thinking about getting a new hobby as you are sitting in another one of your boring beyond belief conference calls, chances are you do not want to invest thousands of dollars in an instrument that you have no idea how to play yet. BUT you are born in the good times when manufacturing has developed enough to offer more affordable models that beginners can enjoy without feeling like they have spent their next two months food budget on something that used for a week and then given up. Fortunately, there are hundreds of great quality, affordable acoustic-electric guitars like Jasmine JO37CE-NAT J-Series that you can use as your “first step” into the music world.
Build
The JO37CE-NAT, although a more affordable model, offers some perks that even the more expensive guitars do not have. The solid top spruce top is a great quality tonewood that ages well and creates resonance and great volume. The back and sides are made of sapele which, I would say, is one of the few “cheaper” materials that Jasmine uses in this model. That being said, Sapele is not that bad and does not influence the sound as much, especially since it is only on the back and the sides.
The nato neck is very comfortable even in beginner’s hands. The orchestra cutaway also adds a bit more comfort and makes the guitar easier to play. Jasmine used Advanced “X” Bracing on this model that has a “forward-shifted” pattern, placing braces closer the soundhole. This improves the overall sound and intonation of the guitar taking it from okay sounding to amazing. It also allows for the guitar to be more lightweight which I know is a big deal for a lot of beginners who are not as comfortable with bulkier, more weighty dreadnoughts.
Hardware
The JO37CE-NAT has chrome die-cast machine heads and synthetic bone nut and compensated synthetic bone saddle. This model also comes with Phosphor Bronze Light Gauge (.012-.053) set of strings. Since this is the light gauge, they will be very comfortable and not so harsh on beginner’s fingers. And as you get more used to playing you might think about switching to the medium gauge strings because they offer better volume and sound.
Jasmine JO37CE Sound
The sound on the JO37CE-NAT is surprising and not surprising at the same time. It is surprising because this model sounds much better than what I expected it to sound because of the price. AND not surprising because Jasmine knows how to create affordable guitars that sound not so affordable. The clarity of the sound and great intonation, as well as beautifully balanced, intricate tone, is something that not only beginners but most of intermediates and professionals find hard to find. BUT that’s definitely what Jasmine offers with this model.
Electronics
Jasmine decided to equip their JO37CE-NAT with Fishman Isys III Preamp w/Built-In Tuner. The controls include volume, bass, middle and treble. It is very intuitive and you will learn how to use it and get the best sound out of it instantaneously.
Conclusion
Jasmine is not big on making high-maintenance, extremely pricy guitars. They create guitars for people who cannot afford to pay thousands and do it very well. This acoustic-electric guitar is a bargain. Not only does it incorporate nice tonewood (still not the biggest fan of sapele) but also standard quality hardware and easy to use electronics that come together to deliver on the promise that a lot of other companies make but rarely accomplish – an affordable, good priced guitar.
Click here to find out more about Jasmine JO37CE-NAT J-Series.
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