Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK Review (2023)

Build Quality:
Hardware:
Sound:
Value:
Average:

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Pros:

• Good quality build
• Bargain price
• Comfortable for beginners

Cons:

• Low-quality nut material
• Not the best amplifier  

If you are buying your first guitar and having a hard time with your budget, let me tell you, you are not the first or the last person with that problem. Well, “small budget” is also relative. For some, it might be $2000 and I really want to be one of those people. Alas, that is not the case with most of us so a lot of the times bundle deals are the best option to get a decent sounding guitar with all the accessories at a lower cost than what you would spend on them separately. The Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK is a good option for beginners not just because of all the accessories but also because it is on our list of best beginner electric acoustic guitars.

Build

Now, getting a guitar that is under $150 mark might be quite risky. Getting a guitar with amplifier and about ten other accessories under $150 is either very good luck or an absolute sham. Thankfully, there ways to know whether you are getting yourself into a … pickle. The number one thing that you should be concerned about even with bundles is the guitar build. The GA204BCO-BK has a maple top, basswood back and sides, and catalpa neck with a rosewood fretboard.

Catalpa is a native North American wood that for some reason is not as popular but I have heard several all-catalpa body guitars and they sound marvelous. The use of a catalpa neck is an interesting venture that will add more sturdiness to the structure.  Overall, this is a stunning-looking guitar. For the price, you are paying you are definitely getting nice quality tonewood that fits together surprisingly well.

Hardware & Bundle Details

When it comes to hardware, the GA204BCO-BK is pretty basic. You get sealed-gear tuners, okay quality truss rod and steel strings which I would recommend changing. I have figured out a while ago that if you are buying an affordable guitar you can always elevate it to a new level by switching up small, inexpensive accessories. This not only improves the sound but also helps with the overall feel you get when playing.

The nut on this model is not the best but it will probably do for the starter. Of course, if you think it is bad you can upgrade it and make this guitar even better. As a beginner, there is nothing more important than being comfortable with the guitar. As for the bundle, GA204BCO-BK comes with Strings, Picks, Gig Bag, Strap, Digital Clip-On Tuner, Truss Rod, and 10-Watt Amplifier (later on that in the electronics section).

Glen Burton Acoustic Guitar Sound

You would think that a guitar at a $150-200 price range would not really have much to impress you. While the GA204BCO-BK is no $2000 Martin, it definitely has a couple of tricks up its sleeve. The overall sound is warm and very pleasant. There is no buzzing and the tone is balanced. Most importantly for a beginner, this is a pleasant, easy guitar to handle.

Electronics

The GA204BCO-BK is equipped with Active 4 Band 7545  for clear and pretty authentic sound. I have heard some people complain that the amplifier just plain refuses to work sometimes. While I cannot say whether it is the shipping company’s fault or whose, if (and probably you are) going to get this model and the amplifier works, it will deliver decent sound. It is also very easy and intuitive. There is not much to it, just a regular beginner/bedroom amplifier that will guide your way to the big stages in the future.

Conclusion

Overall, the Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK Bundle is a great beginner, budget-friendly guitar bundle. While a lot of the bundle deals are more marketable due to a lot of accessories (most of which are often useless) this bundle has one major good thing about it – actual good quality guitar.

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