Guitar recommendation for Son? 9YR

[JeremyD]

My Son is interested in learning to play the guitar - I want to encourage it - What's the best starting point?

Decent used? Jr sized? keep it ~$100 or under.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

electric or acoustic?

[JeremyD]

I'm thinking acoustic would be better to learn on? I don't know - I'm at the other end of the musical spectrum

[john walker's workshop]

easier to play a decent electric. acoustics tear up your fingers. of course, he'll get calluses anyway, but it won't hurt as much in the process. get a US tele or strat, depending on hand size. lots of them on craigslist. you don't want to discourage him with a piece of crap beginner unit. i got a POS stella acoustic when i was a kid and it held me back for a few years.

[ckissick]

Like John said, electrics are easier to play for kids, mainly because the neck is narrower, the action is lower, and the strings are lighter.

If you want to consider acoustic, though, make sure it's a nylon string guitar. I learned on one , but while I was in college, not a kid. The neck tends to be wide, but a kid's size might work.

[Rick Lee]

Like JW, I also started out on a Stella. Couldn't stand it. While acoustic is better for practice and developing rudiments, if your kid isn't enjoying himself, he won't stick with it.

[JeremyD]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

easier to play a decent electric. acoustics tear up your fingers. of course, he'll get calluses anyway, but it won't hurt as much in the process. get a US tele or strat, depending on hand size. lots of them on craigslist. you don't want to discourage him with a piece of crap beginner unit. i got a POS stella acoustic when i was a kid and it held me back for a few years.

Thanks John - that's why I'm asking

[Nathans_Dad]

I was in Guitar Center a couple weeks ago and they had a Strat clone that was sized down for kids. It was called a Squier Mini Strat. I believe it goes for $99 new. Of course you can always also look for a full sized Squier strat, those go for $200 I believe new but they can be had used for well under $100.

I would look on Craigslist or Ebay and snaq a Squier Strat and a cheap amp off of someone who bought it to learn and then quit...they are a dime a dozen.

[rouxroux]

Go to YouTube and search for "Quinn Sullivan"...plays a short-scale Strat (Will probably also inspire you son when he sees this young man play)!

[stomachmonkey]

I prefer Ibanez necks, flatter on the back.

You can look for a used Hagstrom, thinnest necks around. Good for small hands.

[JeremyD]

The Hagstroms are a little pricey

[JeremyD]

These any good?

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-GREEN-ELECTRIC-GUITAR-10W-AMP-GIG-BAG-STRAP_W0QQitemZ320309044282

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by JeremyD

The Hagstroms are a little pricey

I have a II that I traded for a Peavey case and a III that I picked up from a buddies neighbor for $25.

That was 20 years ago.

Just checked and Fleabay has them going for $900 Cool.

[Rick Lee]

Buy a beater Mexican Strat. If he outgrows it or gets tired of it, you'll get your money back out of it and you won't have much into it if he sticks with it. You can probably find one for $250. I have one I'd let go for $400 delivered. But it's hot-rodded with EMG's and a beginner wouldn't appreciate that.

[ramonesfreak]

if your willing to spend more, get a Baby Taylor

If it turns out that he doesnt like to play, you can get most of your money back on ebay

i have played them and they are wonderful

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Taylor-Baby-Taylor-Mahogany-Top-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=514967&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=26042721

[JMPRO]

Take a look at this site. A big selection starting at $89.00 and up. I have bought a couple of these and they are great guitars for a starter kit. There are even some professionals using these guitars.
http://www.rondomusic.com/

JMPRO

[MOMO3.2]

Jeremey:

There are a lot of cheap guitars out there that might actually inhibit your son's ability to learn and enjoy playing guitar. Some may have tuning isuues. Others have a poorly cut nut or super poor setup.

If it is at all possible, have a friend or someone you work with that is an experienced guitar player pick something out for you. Each guitar will be unique. Some will be keepers and others junk.

I would probably look into a good used nylon string acoustic. But, if he has to have electric, Made in Mexico Fenders can be nice. The problem with an electric is he will need an amplifier and you can run into a situation where a crappy amp can be frustrating for a kid too.

With a descent used guitar, you can always recoup your money if it does not work out.

In conclusion, almost any reasonably priced guitar (even some expensive guitars) can be junk. It takes someone with experience and knowledge to give it a PPI.

Good luck.

Mike

[nostatic]

I disagree about getting an electric. Get a 3/4 size nylon string acoustic. Have him learn the basics. Then he can progress to steel string acoustic and/or electric.

I bought one for my son that was under $100 and is a decent guitar. Just make sure it is set up well and the action isn't a mile high.

[ramonesfreak]

did you say how old your son is?

[Jim Richards]

This is what I'd recommend if he's comfortable with the size of the guitar:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Affinity-Series-Telecaster-Special?sku=515115&CJAID=10381297&CJPID=1571798