Mitchell MX400 Review – Affordable Touch Of Exotic

Body And Neck:
Hardware:
Sound:
Value:

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When you’re on the hunt for a quality electro-acoustic guitar, perhaps Mitchell isn’t the first name that springs to mind, especially when you see how brands like Martin, Taylor, Epiphone and Yamaha dominate the acoustic market. However, with Mitchell’s MX400 – part of their special Exotic Series – there is some serious style and tone on offer, all for a very reasonable price.

Body And Neck

It’s worth noting that the MX400 comes in three body wood variations, all equally spectacular. You have the option of quilted ash burl (light and wavy), bubinga (dark swirls), or ovangkol (striking straight grain). All are capable of turning a few heads wherever you perform! These woods make up the whole body, which is a familiar Grand Auditorium shape (25.5” scale length) with a deep single cutaway and shifted, scalloped X-bracing on the top. The black multi-ply ABS binding adds definition to the body’s curves, while a high gloss finish adds that extra touch of class. Attached at the 14th fret with a dovetail joint, the neck makes use of classic mahogany, and is fitted with an Indian rosewood fretboard, 20 frets, and simple pearloid dot inlays. While Mitchell guitars are mass produced in China, the MX400 receives a stateside set-up to ensure they are worthy of your cash and playable from the box.

Hardware

This electro-acoustic is fitted with a Mitchell CE304T preamp, which features an on-board tuner and 3-band EQ (bass, middle, and treble) in the form of sliders, along with a master volume rotary control. The rest of the guitar’s hardware feels pretty good for a sub-$400 guitar, with a set of good-quality die-cast tuners, which have a high gear ratio and a nice black rubberized coating for grip and comfort. Elsewhere the MX400 features a rosewood bridge, a compensated saddle, and black bridge pins.

Sound

The big body and scalloped bracing gives the MX400 a huge voice with lots of projection and resonance. There’s also plenty of tone to be found, and you don’t need to look hard to find it. However, the exact tone will depend on the body wood you opt for – ash burl’s bright and rich sound; the warm and even tones of bubinga; or ovangkol, which is sweet and very well balanced. Plugged in, the CE304T preamp gives the guitar an equally powerful voice with ample controls to shape your sound.

Conclusion

We’ve established that the Mitchell MX400 is one good-looking instrument, with striking exotic woods, a sleek glossy finish, and refined black binding with matching hardware. Despite the lack of brand prestige, it’s safe to say that the electronics, bracing, tone and build quality on the MX400 all stand up to what’s on offer from other brands in a similar price range, and certainly offers very good value for money.

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