Mass-Produced, Poor Quality, and Heavily Marketed – Not the Sound Investment for Guitarists
When browsing online for a budget-friendly acoustic guitar, you might stumble upon “Best Choice Products” (BCP). Bundled with accessories and boasting a low price tag, they seem like a tempting starter kit. However, as content creators at guitarplayers.net and experts in musical instruments, we strongly advise against choosing BCP guitars. Their widespread appeal is built on aggressive marketing and low prices, not on quality or musical value. The wide range of unrelated products BCP offers signals a lack of specialization and care in their musical instruments.
Browse better alternatives at reputable retailers
Consider this less of a traditional “Best Choice Products Guitar review” and more of a cautionary note. Even for beginners or children, these guitars represent extreme cost-cutting, resulting in an instrument that can hinder learning and enjoyment. We recommend avoiding this brand entirely. Does the generic name “Best Choice Products” itself not raise a red flag?
“You know they’re going to be terrible if the brand name is Yummy.” – Kyle
This quote echoes a point about generic branding and quality. When a brand like “Best Choice Products” applies its name to everything from patio furniture to guitars, it suggests a lack of focus on specialized product quality. They seem to prioritize mass appeal and low prices over craftsmanship.
Looking at their website during spring (April 2023, when the original article was published), the focus is clearly on seasonal general merchandise, not musical instruments.
If you look at this company’s menu on their home page, you’ll notice a broad range of products dominated by seasonal items rather than a specialization in guitars or musical instruments.
The spring homepage highlights outdoor and home goods, typical for a general product retailer. While not inherently negative, it emphasizes that Best Choice Products is not a dedicated guitar manufacturer. They are a general goods company slapping their label on various mass-produced items, including guitars. The guitar in question, often listed without a specific model name, exemplifies this lack of focused guitar craftsmanship.
This generic acoustic guitar listing, typical of Best Choice Products, lacks a distinct model name and is indicative of their approach to instrument sales: broad appeal over specialized quality.
Table of Contents (click to jump)
Price as a Key Indicator of Quality
Misleading Product Information
Unsuitable for Intermediate Players (and Most Beginners)
Marginal for Very Young Children
Our Verdict
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Price as a Key Indicator of Quality
The adage “you get what you pay for” rings especially true with musical instruments. While the idea of a budget guitar being “just as good” as a high-end model is appealing, it’s often misleading. Price points objectively reflect build quality, materials, and craftsmanship. Generally:
- Budget brands like Squier are a step below Fender in quality.
- Epiphone guitars are typically not on par with Gibson in terms of materials and construction.
While brands like Epiphone and Squier offer excellent value within their price range, “Best Choice Products” guitars fall far below even these entry-level standards. Price is a significant indicator, and the low cost of BCP guitars signals significant compromises in quality.
“I’m very opposed to the idea that there are cheaper guitars that are ‘just as good’ as the more expensive guitars.”
Consider the price. At the time of this writing, a popular “Best Choice Products” acoustic guitar kit on Amazon retails around $49. This includes accessories. Compare this to reputable beginner guitars like the Yamaha FG800 or a Squier Stratocaster. The table below provides a price comparison, which updates in real-time but illustrates the significant price difference.
Prices updated March 2nd, 2025.
Price Comparison: BCP vs. Reputable Beginner Guitars
Best Choice Products 30in Kids Acoustic Guitar Beginner Starter Kit
Best Choice Products 30in Kids Acoustic Guitar Beginner Starter Kit with Electric Tuner, Strap, Case, Strings – Blueburst$49.99
Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit
Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Digital Tuner, 6 Celluloid Picks, Nylon Strings, Capo, Cloth, Strap w/Pick Holder – Matte Black$54.99
Best Choice Products 41in Beginner Acoustic Guitar Full Size Starter Set
Best Choice Products 41in Beginner Acoustic Guitar Full Size All Wood Cutaway Guitar Starter Set Bundle with Case, Strap, Capo, Strings, Picks, Tuner – Black$89.99
Yamaha FG800 Folk Acoustic Guitar Natural
Yamaha Fg800 Folk Acoustic Guitar Natural$229.99
Yamaha FG800 Folk Acoustic Guitar Natural
Yamaha Fg800 Folk Acoustic Guitar Natural$229.99
YAMAHA FG800 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar, Natural (Guitar Only)
YAMAHA FG800 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar,Natural,Guitar Only$229.99
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Hss Limited-Edition Electric Guitar Natural$249.99
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster QMT Electric Guitar (Sweetwater Exclusive)
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster QMT Electric Guitar – Black Burst, Sweetwater Exclusive$339.99
Yamaha FG800 Solid Top Folk Acoustic Guitar – Black
Yamaha FG800 Solid Top Folk Acoustic Guitar – BlackIn Stock
Amazon price updated: March 2, 2025 4:03 am
“Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
BCP offers various acoustic guitar packages, differing in size and included accessories. Remember, the incredibly low price covers not just the guitar but also these extras. If the retail price is this low, imagine the minimal production cost.
Compared to the Yamaha FG800 and Squier Stratocaster, the price difference is stark. These guitars, while still beginner-friendly, are produced by brands specializing in musical instruments and known for a certain level of quality. Yamaha, though diverse, has a dedicated and respected guitar division.
The takeaway is clear: purchase guitars from brands with a reputation for musical instrument quality. Explore our recommendations for reputable acoustic and electric guitar brands.
Misleading Product Information
Adding to the concern, the product descriptions for BCP guitars often contain inaccuracies. Focusing on the Amazon listings, a primary point of purchase, several discrepancies emerge:
- Body Material: Listed simply as “wood,” and in another specification, as “Sapele.” This vague description contrasts with reputable brands that clearly specify wood types and their tonal properties.
- Guitar Attribute: Described as “Jumbo,” while the guitar is actually small, closer to a parlor size. “Jumbo” refers to a large-bodied guitar shape, a significant misrepresentation.
- Guitar Bridge System: Labeled “adjustable,” which is misleading. While technically adjustable, it’s not designed for user adjustments and attempting to do so could cause damage.
- Musical Style: Categorized as “rock.” This is perplexing for a basic acoustic guitar, and reveals a lack of understanding of guitar genres. Its actual musical style is suited for simple beginner chords, not rock music.
- Proficiency Level: Stated as “intermediate.” This is perhaps the most egregious inaccuracy. This guitar is unsuitable for intermediate players and is even questionable for serious beginners.
These are just some highlighted inaccuracies. The overall impression is a lack of attention to detail and potentially deliberate misrepresentation to appeal to a broader, less informed market.
Unsuitable for Intermediate Players (and Most Beginners)
This “Best Choice Products” acoustic guitar might be acceptable only for very casual, non-committal young children. However, even for sincere beginners, it’s advisable to avoid it. For intermediate players, considering this instrument is out of the question. Promotional images may suggest otherwise, but this is misleading.
This promotional image, suggesting intermediate-level suitability, is highly misleading. Experienced guitarists would immediately recognize this guitar’s limitations.
It’s crucial to reiterate: intermediate guitarists should look far beyond “Best Choice Products.”
Marginal for Very Young Children
For children aged five to seven who are merely experimenting with guitar, a very cheap option might seem justifiable. However, this assumes a fleeting interest, not a budding passion.
For children showing genuine interest in learning guitar, starting with such a low-quality instrument is counterproductive.
Investing in a Squier or Yamaha, even at a higher price point, provides a far superior and more encouraging learning experience. It’s a judgment call, but a better instrument can significantly impact a child’s motivation and progress.
Our Verdict
Our aim isn’t simply to criticize “Best Choice Products,” although the criticism is warranted.
The crucial point is that popularity or “best-seller” status doesn’t equate to quality or suitability. Following trends blindly, especially when it comes to instruments, can lead to disappointment.
Cheap products often come with hidden costs, be it in playability, durability, or hindering the learning process.
If you have questions about better guitar options or need personalized recommendations, please leave a comment below. We are here to help you make informed choices.
Thank you for engaging with our content and trusting our expertise.
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