The CMG Guitars Ashlee Georgia Honey Electric Guitar: A Complete Guide
Introduction
If you are looking for a high-quality American-made electric guitar that won’t break the bank, the CMG Guitars Ashlee Georgia Honey Electric Guitar might be exactly what you need. This guitar combines classic design, premium materials and outstanding craftsmanship—all at a price that makes it accessible to working musicians.
CMG Guitars, based in Statesboro, Georgia, builds instruments that rival much more expensive brands. The CMG Guitars Ashlee Georgia Honey Electric Guitar features a mahogany body, a curly maple top, and a single cutaway design that is both comfortable and versatile. Whether you play blues, rock, country, or jazz, this guitar delivers rich, warm tones that will inspire you to play better.
Featured Snippet Definition
The CMG Guitars Ashlee Georgia Honey Electric Guitar is an American-made solid-body electric guitar crafted by Chris Mitchell Guitars in Statesboro, Georgia. It features a mahogany body and neck, a curly maple top, a rosewood fretboard, and a single cutaway design. With its P-90 or humbucker pickups, nitrocellulose finish, and thoughtful features like the E-bend cut and belly cut, this guitar offers exceptional value for players seeking vintage-inspired tone and modern playability.
Quick Comparison: CMG Ashlee vs. Competitors
| Feature | CMG Ashlee Georgia Honey | Gibson Les Paul Studio | PRS SE Custom 24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $1,000–$1,400 | $1,500–$1,800 | $800–$1,000 |
| Country of Origin | USA (Georgia) | USA | Indonesia/Korea |
| Body Wood | Mahogany | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Top Wood | Curly Maple | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Pickups | Frog Dog P-90s/Humbuckers | Gibson Humbuckers | PRS Humbuckers |
| Finish | Nitrocellulose | Nitrocellulose | Polyurethane |
| Scale Length | 24.75″ | 24.75″ | 25″ |
| Weight | 8–10 lbs | 8–10 lbs | 7–8 lbs |
| Unique Features | E-bend cut, belly cut, masked binding | Classic LP design | Versatile coil-splitting |
What Makes the CMG Guitars Ashlee Georgia Honey Electric Guitar Special?
The Story Behind CMG Guitars
CMG stands for Chris Mitchell Guitars. Chris Mitchell is a luthier and musician based in Statesboro, Georgia. He started building guitars with a simple mission: to create world-class instruments in the USA at a fraction of the cost you would expect.
Mitchell uses state-of-the-art CNC machines and computer-aided design to produce precise, consistent instruments. But he doesn’t stop there. Each guitar is finished by hand, set up by skilled technicians, and inspected carefully before it leaves the factory.
What makes CMG special is the combination of modern manufacturing and old-school craftsmanship. The guitars are built in the USA, using high-quality woods and premium hardware. Yet they cost much less than comparable American-made guitars from bigger brands.
Why “Georgia Honey”?
The “Georgia Honey” finish is a stunning nitrocellulose lacquer color that resembles warm golden honey. It’s named after the state where CMG guitars are made—Georgia, home of the Allman Brothers and a rich musical heritage.
The nitro finish is not just about looks. Nitrocellulose lacquer is thinner than polyurethane finishes, allowing the wood to breathe and resonate better. This contributes to a more open, organic tone. Over time, nitro finishes also age beautifully, developing a vintage patina that many players love.
Specifications and Build Quality
Body and Neck Construction
The CMG Guitars Ashlee Georgia Honey Electric Guitar is built with a mahogany body and neck. Mahogany is a classic guitar wood known for its warm, rich tone with strong midrange presence.
The top is made of curly maple, which adds brightness and clarity to the sound. The maple top also gives the guitar its gorgeous appearance, with the wood grain catching the light beautifully.
The neck is a two-piece construction with a set neck joint (mortise and tenon). This type of joint is stronger and provides better sustain than bolt-on necks.
Fretboard and Hardware
The fretboard is made of rosewood, which provides a smooth, warm feel under the fingers. The fretboard radius is 12 inches, offering a comfortable curve that works well for both chords and lead playing.
Other hardware includes:
- Grover Tuners (18:1 ratio) – These provide precise, stable tuning
- Graph Tech Nut – This synthetic bone nut reduces friction and improves tuning stability
- ResoMax Bridge – This roller bridge allows for smooth intonation adjustments
- Stew Mac #141 Medium/High Frets – These provide a comfortable playing feel
Finish and Aesthetics
The nitrocellulose lacquer finish is applied in multiple thin coats. The top is glossy, while the back of the neck and body have a satin finish. This combination gives you the beautiful looks of a glossy guitar with the comfortable, fast feel of a satin neck.
The “masked binding” is another visual highlight. Instead of traditional plastic binding, the top is masked off during finishing, creating a natural wood line that shows off the maple top’s beauty.
Design Features That Set It Apart
Masked Binding
Most electric guitars use plastic binding to separate the top from the sides. The CMG Ashlee does things differently. It uses “masked binding” – the top is masked off during the finishing process, creating a clean, natural line where the maple meets the mahogany.
This technique has two benefits. First, it looks stunning – you can see the natural beauty of the wood. Second, it avoids the issues that can come with plastic binding, like shrinking or yellowing over time.
E-Bend Cut
The lower horn of the Ashlee is cut deeper than most single-cut guitars. CMG calls this the “E-bend cut”.
What does this mean for you? It gives you better access to the higher frets. You can bend a whole step on the high E string all the way up to the last fret – something that’s difficult on many Les Paul-style guitars.
Belly Cut
If you’ve ever played a Les Paul for a few hours, you know it can dig into your ribs. The Ashlee solves this with a belly cut – a contoured carve on the back of the guitar.
This makes the guitar much more comfortable to play, especially during long gigs or practice sessions. As CMG puts it, “She hugs you just right!”
Simplified Controls
Most Les Paul-style guitars have four knobs – two volume and two tone. The CMG Ashlee keeps things simple with just one volume and one tone control.
Some players might miss the extra controls. But many appreciate the simplicity. You never have to worry about accidentally flipping a switch and losing your volume on stage.
The wiring includes a treble bleed circuit, which preserves your high frequencies when you roll back the volume.
Pickups and Sound Quality
Frog Dog Pickups
The standard pickups on the CMG Ashlee are Frog Dog humbuckers or P-90s, depending on the configuration. Frog Dog is CMG’s in-house pickup brand.
These pickups are designed specifically for CMG guitars. They deliver a warm, PAF-style tone with plenty of clarity and punch. According to one reviewer, “The pickups are pretty flat and have range for me to go clean and pretty all the way to heavy and dirty”.
Optional Upgrades
If you want different pickups, CMG offers upgrades from DiMarzio and Seymour Duncan. This is a great option if you have a specific tone in mind.
Some players have also swapped out the stock pickups after purchase. One user installed DiMarzio 36th Anniversary pickups and was very happy with the results.
Tone and Versatility
So how does the CMG Guitars Ashlee Georgia Honey Electric Guitar actually sound?
Reviewers consistently praise its warm, rich, full tone. One described it as “one of the best Les Paul derivatives you could purchase”.
The sustain is particularly impressive. Thanks to the heavy body and tight construction, notes ring out long and full. This makes the guitar excellent for solos and lead lines.
The versatility is also notable. Whether you’re playing clean country licks, gritty blues, or high-gain rock, the Ashlee delivers.
Playability and Comfort
Neck Profile and Feel
The neck on the CMG Ashlee is described as a medium C shape. It’s not too thin and not too thick – “just right” according to one player.
The satin finish on the back of the neck makes it fast and comfortable. Your hand won’t get stuck or feel sticky, even during long playing sessions.
Upper Fret Access
Thanks to the E-bend cut, accessing the higher frets is easier than on many single-cut guitars. This is a big advantage for lead players who like to play up the neck.
Weight and Balance
The Ashlee weighs between 8 and 10 pounds. This is similar to a Les Paul – solid and substantial, but not overly heavy for most players.
The guitar balances well on a strap. Some players note that the belly cut can make the guitar slide off your lap when sitting down, but a strap solves this problem.
Who Is This Guitar For?
The CMG Guitars Ashlee Georgia Honey Electric Guitar is ideal for:
- Blues players – The warm, rich tone is perfect for blues licks
- Rock guitarists – The sustain and punch work great for classic and hard rock
- Country pickers – The clarity and twang handle country tones well
- Jazz musicians – The warm, full sound works for jazz chord work
- Working musicians – The price point makes it accessible for gigging players
- Collectors – The American craftsmanship and unique finish make it collectible
- Beginners with a budget – If you can afford it, it’s a guitar you won’t outgrow
If you’re looking for a high-quality American-made guitar without the Gibson price tag, the Ashlee is a fantastic option.
Pros and Cons
Pros
| Pro | Details |
|---|---|
| American-made quality | Built in Statesboro, Georgia, USA |
| Excellent value | Comparable to guitars costing much more |
| Beautiful finish | Nitrocellulose Georgia Honey finish looks stunning |
| Great tone | Warm, rich, and versatile sound |
| Comfortable design | Belly cut and E-bend cut improve playability |
| Premium hardware | Grover tuners, Graph Tech nut, ResoMax bridge |
| Customizable | Options for different pickups and finishes |
| Good sustain | Solid construction provides excellent note sustain |
Cons
| Con | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8–10 pounds can be heavy for some players |
| Limited controls | Only one volume and one tone knob |
| Stock pickups | Some players may want to upgrade |
| Availability | Not as widely available as major brands |
| Resale value | May not hold value as well as Gibson or Fender |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying
1. Not Trying Before Buying
Every guitar feels different. If possible, try a CMG Ashlee before you buy. If you can’t find one locally, buy from a dealer with a good return policy.
2. Ignoring Setup
Even great guitars need a proper setup. Factor in the cost of a professional setup when budgeting for your purchase.
3. Overlooking Weight
At 8–10 pounds, the Ashlee is a solid guitar. If you have back issues or prefer lighter guitars, this might not be the best choice.
4. Not Considering Pickup Options
The stock Frog Dog pickups are good, but you might prefer something different. Consider your options before buying.
5. Forgetting About the Gig Bag
The Ashlee comes with a padded gig bag, not a hard case. If you need a hard case for touring, factor that into your budget.
Expert Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your CMG Ashlee
1. Get a Professional Setup
Spend the extra money on a professional setup. A good setup will make your guitar play better than you ever imagined.
2. Experiment with Pickup Height
Adjusting the pickup height can dramatically change your tone. Spend some time finding the sweet spot.
3. Use the Treble Bleed
The treble bleed circuit is there for a reason. Roll back your volume and enjoy how your tone stays clear and bright.
4. Try Different Strings
Experiment with different string gauges to find what works best for your playing style.
5. Play It Loud
This guitar loves to be played through a good amp. Crank it up and let the sustain shine.
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External Resources
- CMG Guitars Official Website – For the latest models, custom options, and dealer information
- Ultimate Guitar – CMG Ashlee Review – User reviews and ratings from the guitar community
- Reverb – CMG Ashlee Listings – Browse new and used CMG Ashlee guitars for sale
Conclusion
The CMG Guitars Ashlee Georgia Honey Electric Guitar is a remarkable instrument that offers exceptional value for players seeking American-made quality without the premium price tag. From its mahogany body and curly maple top to its thoughtful design features like the E-bend cut and belly cut, every aspect of this guitar has been crafted with the player in mind.
Whether you’re a blues enthusiast, a rock shredder, or a country picker, the Ashlee delivers warm, rich tones that will inspire your playing. The nitrocellulose Georgia Honey finish is not just beautiful – it’s functional, allowing the wood to breathe and resonate for better tone. And at a price point that’s accessible to working musicians, it’s a guitar that punches well above its weight class.
If you’re in the market for a new electric guitar, don’t overlook this gem from Statesboro, Georgia. The CMG Guitars Ashlee Georgia Honey Electric Guitar might just be the best-kept secret in American guitar making. Ready to find your perfect CMG Ashlee? Visit a CMG dealer today or check online marketplaces to see what’s available. Your next great guitar is waiting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where is the CMG Guitars Ashlee Georgia Honey Electric Guitar made?
A: It is made in the USA, specifically in Statesboro, Georgia, by Chris Mitchell Guitars. CMG uses a combination of CNC technology and hand craftsmanship to build each guitar.
Q2: What kind of pickups does the CMG Ashlee come with?
A: The standard model comes with Frog Dog humbuckers or P-90s. You can also upgrade to DiMarzio or Seymour Duncan pickups. Some models feature Lollar P-90s.
Q3: How much does the CMG Guitars Ashlee Georgia Honey Electric Guitar cost?
A: Prices typically range from around $1,000 to $1,400, depending on the specifications and options. Used models can be found for less.
Q4: What is the scale length of the CMG Ashlee?
A: The scale length is 24.75 inches (24.562 inches actual), which is the same as a Gibson Les Paul.
Q5: Is the CMG Ashlee a good guitar for beginners?
A: Yes, if you have the budget. It’s a high-quality instrument that will serve you well as you develop your skills. The comfortable neck and versatile tone make it suitable for players of all levels.
Q6: Does the CMG Ashlee come with a case?
A: The guitar comes with a padded Cort gig bag with a neck cradle. A hard case is not included.
Q7: Can I customize my CMG Ashlee?
A: Yes. CMG offers various custom options, including different finishes, pickups, and hardware. You can work with a dealer or contact CMG directly.
Q8: What makes the Georgia Honey finish special?
A: The Georgia Honey finish is a nitrocellulose lacquer color that resembles warm golden honey. Nitro finishes are thinner than polyurethane finishes, allowing better resonance. They also age beautifully over time.
