Our take on the Monoprice Retro Classic

The Monoprice Retro Classic is a full-size, right-handed electric guitar with a single-cutaway body in basswood and linden, a maple neck, and a 22-fret maple or rosewood fretboard. It is a low-cost first guitar or a modding platform, styled after classic single-cutaway designs. Against rivals at the same level it offers a familiar shape and standard 6-string layout, but it lacks a built-in tuner and the hardware and pickups are basic. Owners treat it as a starter or project guitar rather than a gigging instrument.

Best forBeginners buying a first electric guitarPlayers who want a cheap modding platformBedroom and practice useGifts for new guitarists

Pros

Full 4/4 size with a familiar single-cutaway shape
22 frets and standard 6-string layout
Basswood and linden body keeps weight down
Maple neck with maple or rosewood fretboard options
Simple platform for pickup and hardware upgrades

Cons

What reviewers say

Owners generally see the Retro Classic as decent value for a first guitar or a project base. Many mention needing a setup and note the stock pickups and hardware are basic, while a few report uneven fretwork.

What people mention

SetupCriticisedOwners say it usually needs a truss rod and action adjustment before it plays well.
PickupsCriticisedReviewers describe the stock pickups as basic and often swap them out.
FretworkMixedSome report sharp fret ends or uneven frets, while others find theirs acceptable.
Value

Questions and answers

Is the Monoprice Retro Classic good for beginners?

Yes, it is a reasonable first electric guitar. Expect to have it set up by a shop or a knowledgeable player before it plays at its best.

Does it have a built-in tuner?

No. You will need a separate clip-on or pedal tuner.

What woods does it use?

The body is basswood and linden, the neck is maple, and the fretboard is maple or rosewood depending on the version.

Is it full size?

Yes, it is a 4/4 full-size guitar with 22 frets and six strings, right-handed.

Can I upgrade the pickups?

Yes. It is a common modding platform, and many owners replace the stock pickups and hardware.

Does it come with a case or gig bag?

No case or gig bag is included, so budget for one separately.

Monoprice Retro Classic

Last price we saw

$129.99at Monoprice, last seen Nov 14

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Price facts

Last seen at $129.99 at Monoprice on Nov 14.

Our take on the Monoprice Retro Classic

Best forBeginners buying a first electric guitarPlayers who want a cheap modding platformBedroom and practice useGifts for new guitarists

Pros

Full 4/4 size with a familiar single-cutaway shape
22 frets and standard 6-string layout
Basswood and linden body keeps weight down
Maple neck with maple or rosewood fretboard options
Simple platform for pickup and hardware upgrades

Cons