Guitar for a 9year old?

lendaddy · 11-23-2012, 02:07 AM

My son wants to try the guitar. I'm not taking this too seriously but I'm a firm believer in letting my kids try whatever avenues they might have passion for. He's a great kid, works hard at things and follows directions very well so maybe this will be a good fit for him. That being said I know nothing about guitars and need a little guidance as to what I should get him in an electric.

I'm not worried so much about brands or collector quality stuff... more interested in styles and sizes. He's a very tall 9 year old and looks like he's 12 or so if that matters in regards to size.

So given the admittedly limited info I gave, any advice on a starting point? Guitar Center has a Black Friday deal on a Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar Value Pack which is normally $300 with the amp for $99. Seems like a low risk deal to me but what do I know. Any reason this would be a poor setup for him? Maybe too big or something? Thanks guys.

Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar Value Pack | GuitarCenter

Rick V · 11-23-2012, 02:15 AM

I think you posted the perfect set up. I was going to recommend a Squier "Strat"

pete3799 · pete3799's Garage

Sounds like a great deal to me.
I say go for it.

Nostril Cheese · 11-23-2012, 02:59 AM

The Starcasters are pretty much the lowest quality guitar you're going to find out there. You may find issues staying in tune, neck problems and loose electronics. It's Chinese and it shows.

I'd suggest paying a little bit more for something Korean made like ESP's LTD brand or some Epiphones. Squiers used to be really good quality before they were made in China and Indonesia.

They dont make these anymore, but they are a fantastic guitar for the money. They pop up from time to time.
MM1 Review | OLP | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

Whichever guitar you choose, It's important that you have the instrument setup by a luthier, NOT Guitar Center. A good luthier can make a cheap guitar play like an expensive one.

lendaddy · 11-23-2012, 03:17 AM

Good deal, thanks guys! Gonna swing by there shortly.

Rick V · 11-23-2012, 03:23 AM

Pick this up for me if you don't mind, while you are there
Used In Store Used USED MESA\BOOGIE DUAL RECTIFIER 100W HEAD 9.0(152) | GuitarCenter

Drdogface · Drdogface's Garage

Too bad Gibson doesn't still make the ES-140. It's a 3/4 size arch top elec. and has a decent acoustic tone. You can still find them but they are not cheap.

5String43 · 11-23-2012, 06:42 AM

Every Squire I've seen has setup problems that would make it difficult to play, so if you go that route, you may want to be mindful of that. Actually, I'm of the mind that any new guitar benefits from a setup by a knowedgable tech. Bad setup will make a new guitarist give up in a hurry.

I also agree with Nostril Cheese about looking for an LTD or something similar. And I think that Guitar Center is not a good place to buy.

mikester · 11-23-2012, 10:12 AM

With all the CHEAP electrics out there I would be more inclined to get a decent lower priced acoustic.

I did this with my 6 year old, bought a nice 3/4 yamaha for around $100 or so (Guitar Center).

For a 9 year old depending on his size I imagine he could use a full sized guitar.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

The "old school" way to do this would be to start with a cheap acoustic, kid gets frustrated, then quits.

IME many of the hencho-en-china instruments are perfectly serviceable. The reality is that a setup will be needed on pretty much any production instrument you buy, including MIA Fenders.

If the Strat-pack thing doesn't break your budget, it is a reasonably cheap entry to see if there is any interest. Find a teacher and start lessons as bad habits start early. Any teacher worth his/her salt will be able to do basic tweaks to the setup.

mikester · 11-23-2012, 11:54 AM

I myself did start with a Squire back in the day but back in the day was close to 30 years ago now...sooo...

Nostatic is correct of course - if it is hard to play or doesn't sound good he won't stick with it.

My son liked the acoustic we got and seems to enjoy it. I told him if he showed me a good commitment to practice that I would get him something better (Right now he hasn't shown me that but he's 7, not 9). He hasn't not been committed but I haven't seen him make an effort to practice outside of his lessons much.

lendaddy · 11-23-2012, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nostatic

The "old school" way to do this would be to start with a cheap acoustic, kid gets frustrated, then quits.

IME many of the hencho-en-china instruments are perfectly serviceable. The reality is that a setup will be needed on pretty much any production instrument you buy, including MIA Fenders.

If the Strat-pack thing doesn't break your budget, it is a reasonably cheap entry to see if there is any interest. Find a teacher and start lessons as bad habits start early. Any teacher worth his/her salt will be able to do basic tweaks to the setup.

Exactly my seat of the pants thoughts on this. Thanks much.

Black968 · 11-23-2012, 03:12 PM

I would not be too hard on a Squire Strat. I have 6 electrics and the action on my kids Chinese Strat is better than my 2000 dollar Firebird The pickups are a little weak, but for 100 dollars they are a decent buy.

futuresoptions · 11-23-2012, 03:22 PM

My vote would be for this: Ibanez GRGM21M Electric Guitar | GuitarCenter

with one of these: Roland Micro Cube Combo Amp | GuitarCenter

My opinion is that the Squier strat neck will be too thick for his hands even with a proper setup.

If you wanted a full size guitar, I would recommend the Ibanez Gio... (the strat styled one)
The reason being is that these Ibanez's have the wizard II neck on them. It is thinner/narrower for smaller hands and when setup correctly, they are effortless to press the strings down to make good tone. Best thing is they sound decent and they won't break the bank... just my .02...

WolfeMacleod · 11-23-2012, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by futuresoptions

My vote would be for this: Ibanez GRGM21M Electric Guitar | GuitarCenter
.

HEY! I bought one of those Ibanez guitar today for my brother's kids.. along with a Jr. Drum set.
The Ibanez is awesome for a "Micro" guitar.
Might just have to buy another one. For me!

futuresoptions · 11-23-2012, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WolfeMacleod

HEY! I bought one of those Ibanez guitar today for my brother's kids.. along with a Jr. Drum set.
The Ibanez is awesome for a "Micro" guitar.
Might just have to buy another one. For me!

They are awesome little guitars... can't embed this video 'cause it is disabled, but check out this little guy on his...

Black Magic (Reb Beach) Cover by 11-year old Luis Galang - YouTube

WolfeMacleod · 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by futuresoptions

They are awesome little guitars... can't embed this video 'cause it is disabled, but check out this little guy on his...

Black Magic (Reb Beach) Cover by 11-year old Luis Galang - YouTube

I give up.

futuresoptions · 11-23-2012, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WolfeMacleod

I give up.

Yeah, me too!

campbellcj · 11-24-2012, 08:46 AM

My son learned on a Squire Strat junior/mini and Mustang I amp. The guitar has upgraded tuners and extra light strings and worked great for him. He moved to a big boy rig when he was about 10 1/2.

Les Paul · Les Paul's Garage

My son started on a Peavey Raptor at 8, built like a tank and 17 years after being retired is still in tune.
Sign him up with a reputable teacher. At one time my son was taking 3 lessons a week. He loved it. At ten we got him a Mia strat. Then 12 more. He never asked for any but it was so fun to get in to the g.a.s. mode.