Kona K2 Review – Thin Body, Tiny Price!

While we showcase some awesome higher-end models on our chart of the best electro-acoustics around, the Kona K2 is proof that you don’t have to spend more than one hundred dollars to land yourself with a decent instrument capable of plugging in and performing. We like the sound of it so far… let’s check out what else is on offer.

Body & Neck

Electronics aside, the first thing you notice about the Kona K2 is how thin it is. Just 3” deep! It takes a bit of getting use to, but the thin body is very lightweight and great for both smaller players and travel. From the front, it looks like your traditional dreadnought guitar, with a deep cutaway for good access to the higher frets. The all-laminate body is made from the tried-and-tested combination of spruce on the top, with mahogany on the back and sides. This is protected with 4-ply binding and a high-gloss finish. For a cheap guitar, it shows off sound design and a good feel. The neck is also mahogany with a 25.75” scale length, and sports a rosewood fretboard with 20 frets in total. It’s made in China and, while there are relatively few problems with fit and finish, it’s definitely a guitar that would benefit from a string change and a good setup on arrival to improve playability and eliminate fret buzz.

Hardware

Onto electrics, and the Kona K2 comes with an EQ-505 preamp and piezo pickup. This system is controlled via a small panel on the side of the guitar, with 3-band EQ and volume controls. Yes, it’s basic and doesn’t compare to more expensive electronics, but for the price it’s a pretty good little system. Elsewhere the K2 features a set of gold-plated sealed die-cast tuners, a rosewood bridge, and comes complete with two self-adhesive pick guards (both different styles) and a free polishing cloth.

Sound

Due to the incredibly slim body and the treble side cutaway, the acoustic sound of the K2 is quite thin and weak in projection. Not terrible, but plugging in is sensible if you want to do anything more than practice. And through the EQ-505 system it’s pretty good for a budget guitar. You get a little piezo quack, but there’s a clean and balanced tone to be found after playing around with the 3-band EQ.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for high-end sound, you probably won’t be too impressed with the Kona, but that’s not what this guitar promises. Instead, it promises a slick style, a solid feel, a means to amplify your sound, and all-round great value – and it certainly delivers. For more info about the Kona K2, click here. For more electro-acoustic guitars you might like, click here.