First Guitar for my 14 yr old Boy

[HarryD]

I need some help from those of you who know about guitars.

My 14 yr old wants to take up the guitar. I need to get something for him that is:

1) Not too expensive; and

2) Appropriate for a beginner but allows some growth.

What do I need to look for/ask about at the store?

Thanks for helping me out.

[Rick Lee]

Electric or acoustic? If electric, get a Fender Squire or Mexican Strat. If acoustic, get a Takimine Jasmine. All dirt cheap and great quality.

[Heel n Toe]

Maybe a used Yamaha acoustic?

Are you teaching him, or will he take lessons from a pro?

If there's any way to see how well he sticks with it before buying one, go that route.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

Electric or acoustic? If electric, get a Fender Squire or Mexican Strat. If acoustic, get a Takimine Jasmine. All dirt cheap and great quality.

Thanks. To start, I am thinking Acoustic.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

Maybe a used Yamaha acoustic?

Are you teaching him, or will he take lessons from a pro?

If there's any way to see how well he sticks with it before buying one, go that route.

Thanks.

He will be taking lessons as I have less than zero musical talent.

I would like to go the "loaner" route but I do not think it is inthe cards.

[ckissick]

A classical (nylon string) guitar is easier to start with, because the strings are looser and don't require as much strength, and don't hurt the fingers as much. Have your kid try a steel string and a nylon string.

[ramonesfreak]

i started when i was 13...im 38 now and still play every day. i had a decent starter electric...i didnt want an acoustic. i think my first guitar was a peavey patriot..a real piece of crap for about $150...but after a year i traded up

ask him what he wants...electric or acoustic and figure out how much you want/able to spend

if acoustic, as i usual advise, get a taylor baby

if electric, there are many options....most of the foreign made fenders are just fine

a loaner is a bad idea....you get attached to your guitar and that is part of the excitement of learning...no kid wants to learn on a borrowed guitar any more than they want to borrow someone's skateboard

check your local shop for a learner package deal...guitar/amp/cable/strap type of deal...

[LWJ]

Harry,

I suggest the Craigslist / Garage sale special. Example, I bought a generic electric (that actually stays in tune) for 5 or 10 bucks a year or so ago. I bought an acoustic on CL for 40 that was pretty sharp. I would suggest having a friend that knows something about guitars to buy one for you. There is a bottom to the quality. When they don't stay in tune or the distance from the string to the neck is too big (high action it is called) the guitar will suck.

Have fun. If your boy likes it, it will be the first of DOZENS of guitars. Don't sweat it.
Larry

[HarryD]

Larry

Thanks for the ideas. Been looking on CL but see mostly either electric or expensive $$$ acoustics.

[LWJ]

Check these out. The first one might even be worth keeping. Bring a friend who knows. It is easy to buy a POS.

Yamaha Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic Guitar - $80 (ne)

Larry

[Rick Lee]

Harry, what's your budget?

Modern guitars are a lot of bang for the buck. A $150 guitar 25 yrs. ago was a POS. But that money buys a much better guitar nowadays. I wouldn't buy an $80 retail guitar. It will be hard to play and won't sound great, thereby not inspiring your boy to want to practice. Ask me how I know.

[Nathans_Dad]

I would go electric.

First off, you can get a killer Mexican Fender strat or telecaster for $300 new, even less gently used. Add a decent amp and you have a good setup for much less than $500. The electric will be more versatile and will be easier on the fingers for a beginner. Barre chords are much much easier on an electric vs an acoustic.

[don gilbert]

Go to a pawn shop. You can get a squire strat usually for 100 bucks. The pawn shops here in memphis are full of them.

[john walker's workshop]

the worst thing you can do is get him started with a POS guitar. i got a $10 stella when i was 10 and it didn't give me much hope. gee thanks dad. a mex tele or strat is a great starter unit. way easier on the finger tips than an acoustic.

[Les Paul]

Les Paul Standard. When He gets tired of it you have something cool to hang from your wall.



Seriously Fender Strat. Mexi. Nice guitars.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by don gilbert

Go to a pawn shop. You can get a squire strat usually for 100 bucks. The pawn shops here in memphis are full of them.

What he said!

I'm kicking myself for not picking up a Yamaha 12 string I saw in a pawn shop about a year ago... but my house is already festooned with guitars.

[Nine17]

Squire Strat.

[porsche4life]

Flame suit on!


Anyways when I still played (don't have the time/patience lately) my absolute favorite acoustic was an Epi that my folks bought at Service Merchandise for ~200 right before they went out of bizness...
It just has a nice warm sound and that right feel....

I absolutely despise the Ibanez acoustic/elec of my moms.... It LOOKS great.... Play... Not so much....