Do you know what makes Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic-Electric Guitar Player Package a perfect choice for beginning guitar players? Well, the Epiphone PR-4E review is made just for answering that question!
If you are looking for an acoustic-electric guitar with great characteristics and a great deal, you should definitely look into this specific model. As its features will show you, it is a great choice for beginners in particular.
Unveiling Epiphone PR-4E Review
Let’s begin to look into Epiphone PR-4E acoustic-electric guitar review and a great ‘player package’ that comes with everything you would possibly need to start with!
Key Specifications At A Glance
| Body Style | Jumbo Cutaway | Number of Frets | 20 |
| Top | Selected Spruce | Scale Length | 25.5 inches |
| Body & Neck | Mahogany | Nut Width | 1.68 inches |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Electronics | Piezo Pickup |
Materials and Body
The guitar’s body features a mid-depth cut-out attaching a whole new set of characteristics to this acoustic-electric guitar. It is constructed with mahogany and select spruce, making the instrument fairly lightweight and strong.
The neck of the guitar is built of mahogany as well and features a rosewood fingerboard and chrome hardware. The materials of the guitar add a premium feeling and pleasant appearance to the instrument.
Comfort And Playability
The main difference and one of the plenty of advantages of this instrument’s comfort is the cut-out body design. It allows easier access to the last frets of the fingerboard, making it a perfect choice for players using that part of the fretboard the most.
The cut-out lets you avoid overly stretching your hands and fingers and makes accessing the whole surface of the fingerboard easy and comfortable.
The materials of the body allow the guitar to be lightweight yet extremely strong. Your performance on the stage or in training won’t be interrupted by premature and unwelcome fatigue.
Besides the lightweight, the body shape of the guitar greatly contributes to its overall comfort as well. Playing both sitting and standing won’t be even remotely hard for you with this guitar!
The pre-tuned and balanced guitar neck won’t let you bother with readjusting the neck and makes the sound clearer. Besides, the easy-to-adjust tuning keys help to regulate the steel strings of the guitar quickly and effortlessly.
Sound Quality
The premium quality body materials of the guitar are the very base of its great sound. Mahogany attaches warmer and brighter tones to the guitar’s sound while the spruce top makes it more resonant. That makes the sound of the guitar more balanced and calm.
Besides, this type of wood combination won’t get overloaded no matter how active your playing style is, so forget about constantly thinking of balancing your movements to not disturb the experience of your audience. Add to that the maturing of wood, so the sound will become even better!
Don’t like too much bass in the sounding of the guitar? This instrument is an excellent choice for you as its cut-out body softens the sound of the instrument and makes it more balanced.
This guitar comes pre-strung with D’addario light gauge (.012 – .053) string which may not provide the desired sound in some cases. So changing those with better quality acoustic strings will improve the sound.
Electronics
The electronics system of the Epiphone PR-4E acoustic-electric guitar features a passive piezo pickup with volume control which allows you to easily customize your sound and adjust the output level.
The onboard preamp allows you to easily connect your guitar to an amplifier or PA system, providing clear and powerful sound when playing live. Whether beginner or experienced guitarist, the PR-4E offer both flexibility and versatility in your guitar playing
Package Content
The guitar comes with Epiphone’s own Studio Acoustic-15C amp, which is a small 15-watt solid state practice amplifier. It features volume with 3-band EQ i.e., bass, middle and treble controls as well as the chorus effect, which is rich enough for a compact amplifier. It has an additional line input for microphone use. This amplifier is ideal for beginners or those guitar players who temporarily don’t have a full-sized amplifier.
Despite its compactness, the amp does not lack the most necessary sounding features. Practice with this amplifier before picking your main one or just keep it if its sound satisfies you.
Besides the practice amplifier, the guitar comes with a gig bag, strap, cable, tuner, three plectrums/picks, an Allen wrench, and an instructional DVD. So even if you are completely green with acoustic-electric guitars, you will get some idea of it immediately.
Cost And Value
At around $250, the Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic-Electric Guitar Player Pack is a relatively affordable option for beginner guitarists. While it may not offer the same quality or sound as more expensive guitars, it is an affordable and decent option for beginners who are just starting out. You also get almost all the accessories needed for a beginner inside the package, which definitely adds to the value of this guitar.
So, if you are looking for an affordable and decent option for a beginner acoustic-electric guitar, the Epiphone PR-4E Player Pack is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re looking to learn to play acoustic guitar or want an affordable option to complement your existing electric guitar setup, the Epiphone PR-4E is sure to meet your needs.
Related Article: If for any reason this guitar isn’t the instrument you are looking for, check our review of the best acoustic-electric guitars or conduct more research, get a better idea of your needs, and you will find the perfect guitar you are looking for.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Strong, lightweight, and pleasant-to-touch body thanks to its selected premium-quality materials.
- Mahogany and spruce each add their specific sounding features to the guitar’s tonal spectrum.
- Cut-out body for more comfort with last frets and a more balanced bass profile.
- Easy to play due to its comfortable body design and well-balanced neck, good for prolonged practice and performances.
- Comes with all the necessary accessories you need to get started.
Cons:
- Despite its good characteristics, the compact amp cannot completely replace a full-sized amplifier.
- Not as high-quality or sound as more expensive guitars, which may make it less ideal for experienced players.
- The cut-out design of the body might not be comfortable for all players.
- Requires some initial tuning and adjustment to get the most out of it, which may prove challenging for beginners who are new to playing guitar.
Epiphone PR-4E Player Pack Review: Video Demo
Alternatives of Epiphone PR-4E
- A Venetian-cutaway body for easy upper-fret access
- Solid spruce top with scalloped "X"-bracing
- Mahogany back and sides
- Easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges
The Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle Pack is an alternative to the Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic-Electric Guitar. While both guitars are suitable options for beginner guitarists, they offer slightly different features and benefits.
With its larger body size, the Fender CD-60SCE provides a louder and more powerful sound, making it ideal for performing or playing in larger settings. In addition, CD-60SCE is a pure acoustic guitar with no electronics, which may be a more appealing choice for some players.
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider when comparing the Epiphone PR-4E and the Fender CD-60SCE. The Epiphone PR-4E is a more affordable option that makes it ideal for those with a tight budget or beginners who want to start playing at an early age. Also, the preamp system of the PR-4E offers greater flexibility and versatility when playing live or recording.
- Solid Sitka Spruce Top
- Mahogany Back & Sides
- Rosewood Fingerboard & Bridge
- Diecast Tuners
Another option to consider is the Yamaha FGX820C Solid Top Acoustic-Electric Guitar. Like the Epiphone PR-4E, the Yamaha FGX820C is a well-built acoustic guitar designed for beginners.
The Yamaha FGX820C features a solid spruce top and Mahogany back and sides that provide clear and bright sound with excellent resonance. Its built-in preamp also allows for easy amplification, making it a great option for performing or recording.
However, Yamaha FGX820C’s price is almost twice as high as the Epiphone PR-4E without any accessory pack or bundle, which can make it a less attractive option for beginner guitarists with a tight budget.
Also Read: Review of Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Epiphone PR-4E A Good Guitar?
Yes, Epiphone PR 4E is a good guitar, but especially for beginners. It is built with quality materials that make it lightweight and strong while still comfortable to play. In addition, the guitar comes with all the accessories you need to get started within a pocket-friendly price range.
However, the guitar may not be ideal for more experienced or advanced players due to its relatively lower quality and sound compared to other high-end acoustic-electric guitars on the market. So, if you are just starting out learning how to play the guitar, the Epiphone PR 4E is a great choice.
Is Epiphone A Good Acoustic Guitar Brand?
Yes, Epiphone is a good acoustic guitar brand. They are known for crafting high-quality guitars with well-balanced and comfortable designs. Their instruments are built to be both durable and lightweight, making them ideal for beginners who may not have as much experience or dexterity in playing the guitar.
They also offer a wide range of guitars and accessories at various price points, making them a good brand for beginner players on a budget. So if you are looking for an affordable yet high-quality acoustic guitar, Epiphone is definitely a good brand to consider.
Should I Be Worried About The Sound Of The Practice Amplifier?
As long as you are a beginner, the features of the amp should satisfy you. As you develop your skills and maybe start to perform publicly, you will need something better.
Besides, you can try a couple of amplifiers to see if the practice amp is enough for you. If not, get the one that suits your taste and needs the most.
Does The Cut-Out Really Contribute To The Comfort Of The Guitar? And What Are Its Downsides?
The cut-out in the body of the Epiphone PR-4E guitar is designed to help improve the overall comfort and playability of the instrument. If you spend much time on the last frets, you will realize that the cut-out body makes accessing them indeed much more comfortable. If you use the middle and first frets more, the cut-out won’t do much for the comfort of your play.
However, some players may find that this cut-out actually makes the bass softer and affects the overall sound quality of the guitar. This is because acoustic sound waves have to travel further and less naturally around the cut-out area, which can lead to some distortion or muffling of the sound.
So while this cut-out does improve the playability for some players, it may not be ideal for those who prioritize the sound quality of their guitar. It won’t be a disadvantage for you since the amp can add bass to the sound of the guitar if it lacks any.
Conclusion
Buying a guitar is not about taking the first one you see. Choosing a guitar is about your preferences and your requirements. If you are a beginner who is just starting out, the Epiphone PR-4E may be the perfect option for beginners of all ages.
If you are an experienced player looking for a top-of-the-line guitar, or if you prefer the sound of a pure acoustic guitar, there may be other options that best suit your needs. Ultimately, the choice depends on you and your individual preferences.
We wish you find your dream guitar as soon as possible! Good luck!
About the Author
Thomas M., the founder of Guitar Top Review, boasts 15+ years of guitar experience and was a church band member in L.A. Transitioning from piano to acoustic guitar, his first love remains his Taylor GS Mini. Alongside like-minded hobbyist friends, he launched the site, driven by a deep love for music that transcends professional boundaries.