Is the Crescent Guitar a Good Choice for Beginners? An In-Depth Review

If you’re searching online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay for an affordable acoustic guitar for a child, the Crescent MG38-PK guitar might have caught your eye. It often appears as a popular and budget-friendly option. As someone passionate about both acoustic and electric guitars with experience playing various models, the Crescent brand was new to me, prompting an investigation into this seemingly popular instrument. This particular Crescent Guitar model boasts over a thousand reviews on Amazon, a surprisingly high number that raises questions about the authenticity and reliability of such reviews.

My core belief when it comes to children’s guitars is to invest in the highest quality instrument that your budget allows. Learning to play guitar is significantly easier and more enjoyable on an instrument that holds its tuning and is well-constructed, compared to one that constantly goes out of tune and has strings that are difficult to press down. Purchasing a poorly made guitar that is hard to play and sounds unpleasant can quickly discourage children, making them lose interest due to frustration. While it’s understandable to be hesitant about spending a lot if you’re unsure of your child’s commitment, there are several commendable guitars in the $50 to $70 price range that offer excellent quality for beginners.

Driven by a preference for quality instruments with decent resale value and playability, I decided against purchasing the Crescent MG38-PK myself. Instead, I delved into the extensive customer reviews to understand the experiences of others. This review consolidates the findings and insights gathered from numerous users of the Crescent MG38-PK guitar.

First Impressions: Appearance and Build Quality of the Crescent Guitar

The Crescent guitar MG38-PK is available in a range of attractive colors for children, including black, blue, natural, pink, sunburst, and coffee finishes. However, a recurring theme in customer feedback is concerns about the quality of the finish. Numerous buyers reported issues such as chipped, scratched, or even peeling paint upon arrival. Some customers even described a noticeable strong chemical odor emanating from the guitar, presumably from the paint, immediately after unboxing. These paint-related issues raise questions about the durability and overall quality control during manufacturing.

The decorative rosette surrounding the sound hole, a common aesthetic feature on acoustic guitars, is implemented as a sticker on the Crescent MG38-PK. Several users mentioned that this decorative sticker began to peel off shortly after purchase, further indicating potential shortcuts in construction and materials.

While advertised as having steel strings, the string quality on the Crescent guitar is another point of contention. Customer reviews suggest inconsistencies in the strings provided, and many users recommend replacing them almost immediately. It’s important to note that steel strings are not typically recommended for very young beginners. Classical guitars with nylon strings are generally preferred for children starting out, as nylon strings are softer and less harsh on developing fingers. While calluses eventually build up, minimizing initial discomfort is crucial for encouraging young players.

Playability and Comfort of the Crescent Guitar for Young Learners

The Crescent MG38-PK guitar is described as being similar to a 3/4 size guitar, meaning it’s approximately 75% the size of a full-sized guitar. The product listing specifies a 38-inch overall length, which is a less conventional way to denote guitar size. Providing the scale length, the vibrating length of the strings, would be a more informative specification. To accurately determine the size, measuring the scale length is advisable. A 3/4 size guitar is generally suitable for children aged 8 to 11 years old.

A significant concern raised by customers is the action of the Crescent guitar, which is frequently described as being quite high. Action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. For a child’s guitar, low action is a desirable feature. Guitars with low action are easier to play because less finger pressure is required to fret the strings cleanly. High action can make learning significantly more difficult and painful for beginners, particularly children with less developed hand strength.

Sound Quality and Tuning Stability of the Crescent Guitar

For many guitarists, especially beginners, the ability of a guitar to stay in tune is paramount. While new strings naturally require a settling-in period involving stretching and retuning (nylon strings needing considerably more time than steel strings), once properly tuned, a guitar should maintain its tuning for a reasonable duration. However, numerous customer reviews for the Crescent MG38-PK report issues with tuning stability. Some users complained about the guitar going out of tune very rapidly, while others even struggled to tune it accurately in the first place. Unreliable tuning can be extremely frustrating for learners and hinder their progress and enjoyment.

Overall Quality and Value of the Crescent Guitar

Given its budget price point, extremely high expectations for the Crescent guitar MG38-PK are unrealistic. However, the customer reviews present a mixed and somewhat contradictory picture regarding its overall quality. Some users express satisfaction, stating that it sounds good, looks appealing, and plays adequately, often adding the qualifier “for the price.” Conversely, a substantial number of reviewers strongly question the guitar’s quality, with some even drawing comparisons to painted plywood in terms of its construction. This inconsistency in quality reports suggests potential variability in manufacturing or materials.

As is typical with many guitar starter kits in this price range, the included accessories are generally considered basic and low quality. Most reviews concur that the gig bag provided with the Crescent package is subpar, offering minimal to no padding and limited protection. The inclusion of a tuner is a positive aspect, but some users have also reported problems with the functionality or accuracy of the bundled tuner.

Things to Consider Before Buying the Crescent Guitar

Pricing Discrepancies: Guitar pricing often involves a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) or list price, which is rarely the actual selling price. The significant difference between the listed price (around $129) and the typical selling price (approximately $40) of the Crescent MG38-PK is particularly striking. It’s crucial to remember that list prices are often inflated to create the illusion of a substantial discount and a better deal.
String Replacement: If you decide to purchase the Crescent guitar, replacing the factory strings immediately is highly advisable based on customer feedback regarding their poor quality and potential discomfort for beginners.
Bridge Fragility: Exercise caution when changing strings or tuning the Crescent MG38-PK. Some users have reported that the bridge, the part of the guitar that holds the strings at the body, is delicate and prone to snapping easily.
Cosmetic Imperfections: Be prepared for potential cosmetic flaws. A high number of customers have reported receiving guitars with scratched paint or indentations in the body, suggesting a lack of thorough quality inspection before shipping.

Is the Crescent Guitar Right for Your Child?

In conclusion, if you have limited guitar knowledge and are seeking a very inexpensive and brightly colored instrument solely for a young child to experiment with casually, the Crescent MG38-PK guitar might suffice. However, the significant number of negative reviews and concerns about quality should give potential buyers pause. It’s strongly recommended to visit a local music store to explore alternative options in person. This allows you to physically inspect instruments and gain expert advice. If your goal is for your child to genuinely learn to play the guitar, develop a love for music, or take lessons, it’s advisable to avoid the Crescent MG38-PK. Instead, investing in a higher-quality instrument, such as the Valencia Classical Kit, the Hohner HC03, or for younger children (4-7 years old) a 1/2 size nylon string guitar like the Barcelona 30-Inch, would be a more beneficial investment in the long run.

By choosing a better quality beginner guitar, you’ll provide a more enjoyable and less frustrating learning experience, increasing the likelihood of your child’s success and sustained interest in playing the guitar.

Tom Martin

Tom Martin is a guitar enthusiast with over 25 years of playing experience. As a father of two, Tom enjoys researching and evaluating guitars suitable for children. Professionally, he works in the field of computer technology.