CG851 1/4 : Cheap travel guitar but may require some tinkering

9 years ago

I think the target market may be kids, but there are many who use these kind for travel. So, from this perspective, these are my notes:

Pros: Cheap. Small, the body fits in a backpack with the neck sticking out which I bag. I also use a 1/4 gigbag. Very good sound actually. I like the sound of top 3 nylons; tone is clear and easy to sing with (baritone). Surprisingly loud for its size.

Cons: Requires tinkering to get most out of it, see below.

Easy: I tuned this one 5 semitones up so it's exactly the same as standard with capo on 5, including fret lengths; ADGCEA. The strings become too loose for standard EADGBE.

Moderate/hard: The strings are too close together, and they don't sit in notches near the hole (!). I widened the strings and sawed small notches in the white part near the sound hole. Guitar stays in tune and strings are as wide as on a normal electric guitar.

If you want to attach a strap, you'd have to remove strings and drill a hole and attach at least the bottom nut. Though, the guitar is so light the strap may not be necessary.

Image Startone CG851 1/4

Technical Data

  • Manufactured by Startone
  • Released in 2009
  • Average price : $40
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