Product: Austin AU720 Era Junior
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted
07/24/2007
at
01:15pm
by
Dan S.
Features
:
8
3/4 size Strat copy with...
- solid hardwood body
- maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
- medium frets
- three single coil pickups with 5-way selector
- hardtail bridge
- die-cast tuners
- chrome hardware
- 1 volume and 1 tone control
Finish options: black AU720BK, pink AU720PK, transparent blue AU720TB, transparent red AU720TR.
(Review is of AU720PK)
Sound
:
9
I compared this guitar to a Fender/Squier Mini Strat, Hello Kitty Strat, a MIM Standard Strat, and a used 90's American Standard Strat. The intent was to get a decent beginner electric guitar for my 5 year old daughter, who loves to play with my full size electric.
The Squier Mini Strat & Hello Kitty Strat were very disappointing. Quite frankly their tone, feel, and sustain characteristics are poor.
Recently, this used Austin AU720PK happened to surfaced at a local music store. I wasn't expecting much, but figured it was worth a shot. I plugged it into a Fender Hotrod Deluxe (the same amp I used with the other guitars), and I was completely blown away by the authentic Strat sounds coming out of this guitar! It also feels very comfortable and has a good amount of sustain. I don't know what wood the body is made out of, but it is very lively & resonant.
For sanity's sake I grabbed a couple of MIM Standard Strats & a used American Standard Strat off the wall for comparison. I prefer the tone of the Austin to that of the MIM Strats. The Austin has a more vintage sound: bright but also woody, whereas the MIM Strats are a bit too shrill for me, especially on the bridge pickup. The Austin is closer to the sound of the American Standard.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
The action was set too low, resulting in buzz on the low E string. I was able to fix that in a matter of seconds via the fully adjustable bridge saddles. It is very easy to play & feels great. The finish appears to be durable.
Reliability/Durability
:
8
It seems like a very solid instrument.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Overall Rating
:
8
I've been playing guitar for about 17 years. I play a variety of music including rock, jazz, blues, pop, and metal. I've played in chamber groups and small bands, with a variety of different gear over the years. My goto guitars are a Japanese '57 reissue Strat, and an Ibanez with DiMarzio humbuckers. I am totally blown away by the quality & tone of the Austin. This is an instrument that my daughter can keep for the rest of her life if she desires.
