Some musicians look down on guitars priced under €170, as if there were no need for them to exist. Quite the opposite, and as you might well expect, it's essential that someone takes the trouble to make affordable, inexpensive instruments that also offer the best possible quality. As far as guitars go, I know of €100 instruments that are only good as decoration. They're no good for learning, since they actually make it harder. Fortunately, there are others like these, surprisingly well made for how little they cost. Learning to play
Among the advice future buyers have received, I hear things like: "well, of course, the electric guitar is harder to start on"; or bright ideas someone has thrown out as a recommendation, such as: "if you want to play lead from the start, you're better off with an electric." There are also claims that would leave even the savviest person baffled, like: "Classical guitar requires music theory, it's complicated." People say so many things...

A series of astonishing statements that generally have more to do with commercial interests, depending on the moment and the case, than with teaching or instructional practice. Another possibility is that they stem from the audacity of the resident know-it-all.

The truth is that (with nuances, and considering the multitude of techniques and styles in each case) all guitars are played the same way. It's true that each style has its own "school," but there's a long road to travel before you reach a level where you can go deeper. At a basic level we'll learn exactly the same things on a classical as on an acoustic, an electric or any other guitar. What we'll do is exercise our fingers a bit and get familiar with the fingerboard, chords and scales. So the essential thing isn't the type of guitar, but that it's well enough made that we can start studying without stumbling blocks.

Guitars. What makes them different, in essence, is their feel and their characteristic sound. As for the sound, every beginner likes to hear something similar to their favorite records when they play, so that as they practice they get closer to their goal every day. Choosing an instrument that sounds more or less like the style that excites us most is usually motivating.

As for feel and playability, this is frankly the most important aspect. We should avoid unstable instruments with strings set too high off the fingerboard and too stiff. This type of guitar, even if cheap, hinders a good learning pace. And worse still, it discourages even the keenest student.

Broadly speaking, what should this first guitar be like?
1. Affordable. At the beginning we're not yet sure which path we'll take. As we learn, we'll refine our needs. So it's a good idea to start with something that isn't too expensive, getting acquainted with the instrument and getting our first musical impressions with it. If you stick with it, you'll change guitars quite a few times, each time getting more discerning and knowing more precisely (and on your own) which instrument you need.

2. Stable. As far as possible, it needs to have a minimum of stability. It shouldn't constantly go out of adjustment, and it should be reasonably easy to tune.

3. Comfortable/playable. An important part of learning is the gratification students feel when they enjoy hearing what they've learned. Feeling that they're making progress. That things are working out. The guitar should have a reasonably comfortable feel and not be an added barrier. As I mentioned above: strings that aren't too stiff, a reasonable height above the fingerboard, etc.

Encore guitars on the test bench
I especially like the frankness with which their sponsor, Trevor Wilkinson, presents them: "I can only give you one recommendation... don't buy your first electric guitar before trying an Encore." After trying them myself, I understand why he says it with satisfaction.

I like it because he tells us what they are and what they're designed for. Truly usable guitars, with good value for money and genuinely appealing for those choosing their first musical instruments.

One of his remarks the day we interviewed him at ISP also caught my attention. Asked "when will there be high-end guitars?", his answer was emphatic: "The real challenge is knowing how to make the most of materials and combine resources to build good guitars for less than €200." I agree with that observation. It's always hard to make good guitars, of course. But if we can't budge on price and have to make do with a reduced manufacturing budget, things get complicated. His result with Encore is therefore all the more commendable. Affordable, reliable guitars with an amazing feel.

The tests
We received two guitars from the brand, specifically the E99 model (Les Paul® type) and the E6 model (Strat® type). At first I had no idea of their price or target market. I didn't know this brand. That's how I most like to approach a test: plug into the amp and see what "the beast" can do, with no preconceptions. It's like a "blind tasting." I noticed a very acceptable finish and an especially comfortable feel. The smoothness of the fingerboard is their most prized feature. They also have a sound fairly true to their concept (Les Paul® - Strat®).

They were missing a touch of punch for me to think of them as high-end instruments, but the guitars had something going for them. Based on their feel, I thought: maybe they're around €400? I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that one of them cost just over €115. Frankly, a magnificent job for such an affordable price.

Style and sounds
The E99 is a replica of a Gibson Les Paul®. Somewhat heavier than the E6, it has dual-coil pickups (2 x Guitar Tech humbuckers) and gives off a generally darker sound. A dark tone, ready to rock.

The Strat®-style Encore, for its part, is a tribute to the legendary Fender Stratocaster®. Lighter than the E99 and with three biting single coils. It has a much sharper, brighter sound. Personally, when it comes to emulating an original sound, I think it's more successful than the first one. In any case, both are appealing guitars at these prices. Even if you already have a Les Paul®-type guitar and feel like adding Strat® sounds to your songs, it could be a purchase to round out your first collection.

Conclusions
Wilkinson is being candid in describing Encores as an excellent choice for a first guitar. Smooth, comfortable to play and with a very believable sound. I notice that this segment of instruments (for first-time players) has been improving lately. The offering is more competitive, and for just a few euros, better and better products are available every day. Encore is without a doubt an alternative well worth considering. If your budget is between 100 and 200, be sure to try one before you buy. Let your hands and ears choose among all the candidates.