What is the body shape of the Eko NXT A100CE?

It features an auditorium body shape. This design is known for being more comfortable and compact than a dreadnought while still maintaining a powerful acoustic response.

What tonewoods are used in the construction of this guitar?

The guitar is built with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. This combination is standard in the industry for providing a balance of brightness and warm mid-tones.

Does this guitar have a cutaway?

Yes, it features a cutaway design. This allows the player to easily access the higher frets on the fingerboard, which is useful for lead playing and complex chords.

Is the Eko NXT A100CE suitable for live performances?

Yes, it is an electro-acoustic guitar equipped with an onboard preamp. This allows you to plug it into an amplifier or PA system for stage use.

What does the 'See Through Blue' finish look like?

It is a deep blue finish that remains transparent enough to show the underlying wood grain. It provides a modern and unique aesthetic compared to traditional wood-coloured guitars.

Does the guitar include a built-in tuner?

Yes, the onboard electronics typically include a digital tuner. This allows for quick and accurate tuning without the need for external clip-on devices.

Who is the primary target audience for this model?

It is designed for beginners and intermediate players. Its focus is on providing a comfortable feel and reliable sound for those developing their skills.

How does the sound of an auditorium shape compare to a dreadnought?

Auditorium shapes generally offer a more balanced and focused sound with clearer trebles. They may have slightly less bass response than a larger dreadnought but are often more comfortable to play.

What is the typical price for the Eko NXT A100CE?

The typical price for this model is approximately £229. This places it in the affordable category for entry-level to mid-range electro-acoustic guitars.

Can this guitar be used for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the auditorium body shape and spruce top respond well to the nuances of fingerstyle playing. The cutaway also helps when playing melodies higher up the neck.

How does the Eko NXT A100CE compare to the Fender Newporter Player?

Both feature modern colours and comfortable body shapes. However, the Eko is generally positioned at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option for students.

Is this guitar smaller than a standard acoustic?

It is a full-scale guitar, but the auditorium body is more contoured and less bulky than a traditional 'Standard' dreadnought. It is larger than 3/4 size travel guitars like the Yamaha APXT2.

Gear article

Eko NXT A100CE Electro Acoustic See Through Blue

The Eko NXT A100CE is an auditorium-style electro-acoustic guitar designed by the Italian manufacturer Eko Guitars to serve both beginners and intermediate players. It features a classic tonewood combination of a spruce top with mahogany back and sides, finished in a distinctive See Through Blue gloss.

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Overview and Design

The Eko NXT A100CE is part of the NXT series, which focuses on providing entry-level and advancing guitarists with instruments that balance aesthetic appeal with functional playability. The guitar is built in the auditorium body shape, which is slightly smaller and more contoured than a traditional dreadnought. This design choice provides a comfortable experience for seated playing and facilitates easier access for smaller-framed players.

A notable visual feature of this specific model is the See Through Blue finish. This wrap allows the grain of the wood to remain visible while providing a deep, ocean-like hue that distinguishes it from traditional natural or sunburst finishes found in this price category.

Construction and Tonewoods

The guitar utilizes an industry-standard material pairing to achieve a balanced acoustic voice. The top is constructed from spruce, a wood favoured for its broad dynamic range and crisp articulation. This is paired with mahogany back and sides, which add warmth and mid-range emphasis to the overall sound profile.

As an 'A100CE' model, it includes a soft cutaway in the upper bout. This allows players to reach the higher frets more easily, making it a versatile choice for lead lines and fingerstyle playing in addition to standard rhythm strumming.

Electronics and Hardware

For live performance and recording, the NXT A100CE is equipped with an onboard preamp system. This allows the guitar to be plugged directly into an acoustic amplifier, PA system, or audio interface. The electronics typically include a built-in digital tuner and controls for volume and tone shaping, ensuring the player can manage their sound directly from the instrument without needing external pedals.

Suitability and Market Position

Priced typically around £229, the Eko NXT A100CE occupies the affordable enthusiast segment of the market. It is specifically aimed at:

Beginners: Those who require a reliable first instrument that is easier to hold than a full-sized jumbo or dreadnought.
Intermediate Players: Musicians looking for a secondary 'workhorse' guitar for practice or stage use that offers a unique visual flair.
Performers: The inclusion of a cutaway and electronics makes it a viable option for open mic nights and small gigs.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other electro-acoustics, the NXT A100CE sits as a full-sized alternative to travel-centric models like the Yamaha APXT2 or the Martin LX1E. While those models offer portability, the Eko's auditorium body provides a more powerful acoustic projection.

In terms of aesthetics, it competes with instruments like the Fender Newporter Player in Tidepool, though the Eko generally targets a more accessible price point. For players seeking a larger, more traditional 'jumbo' sound, alternatives like the Guild F-2512E or Gretsch G5022CWFE offer more volume but at the cost of the compact comfort found in the NXT A100CE.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body shape of the Eko NXT A100CE?: It features an auditorium body shape. This design is known for being more comfortable and compact than a dreadnought while still maintaining a powerful acoustic response.
What tonewoods are used in the construction of this guitar?: The guitar is built with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. This combination is standard in the industry for providing a balance of brightness and warm mid-tones.
Does this guitar have a cutaway?: Yes, it features a cutaway design. This allows the player to easily access the higher frets on the fingerboard, which is useful for lead playing and complex chords.
Is the Eko NXT A100CE suitable for live performances?: Yes, it is an electro-acoustic guitar equipped with an onboard preamp. This allows you to plug it into an amplifier or PA system for stage use.
What does the 'See Through Blue' finish look like?: It is a deep blue finish that remains transparent enough to show the underlying wood grain. It provides a modern and unique aesthetic compared to traditional wood-coloured guitars.
Does the guitar include a built-in tuner?: Yes, the onboard electronics typically include a digital tuner. This allows for quick and accurate tuning without the need for external clip-on devices.
Who is the primary target audience for this model?: It is designed for beginners and intermediate players. Its focus is on providing a comfortable feel and reliable sound for those developing their skills.
How does the sound of an auditorium shape compare to a dreadnought?: Auditorium shapes generally offer a more balanced and focused sound with clearer trebles. They may have slightly less bass response than a larger dreadnought but are often more comfortable to play.
What is the typical price for the Eko NXT A100CE?: The typical price for this model is approximately £229. This places it in the affordable category for entry-level to mid-range electro-acoustic guitars.
Can this guitar be used for fingerstyle playing?: Yes, the auditorium body shape and spruce top respond well to the nuances of fingerstyle playing. The cutaway also helps when playing melodies higher up the neck.
How does the Eko NXT A100CE compare to the Fender Newporter Player?: Both feature modern colours and comfortable body shapes. However, the Eko is generally positioned at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option for students.
Is this guitar smaller than a standard acoustic?: It is a full-scale guitar, but the auditorium body is more contoured and less bulky than a traditional 'Standard' dreadnought. It is larger than 3/4 size travel guitars like the Yamaha APXT2.