Kid wants a guitar for XMas

[JohnR]

Good beginner route to go for a kid - 11 - will take lessons - suggestions?

I'm seeing this as a good starting point for kids:

http://www.amazon.com/Squier-Fender-...ductPromotions

[blondterror]

all my guitar playing friends say start with an acoustic then go electric

The taylor travel guitar is a fav among guitar people

Taylor Guitars ? Model BT1

[chefchris401]

John get an electric!

When I started playing bass at age 11 I got a 3/4 neck size.

Get something comfortable and half way decent.

You're going to have to take him with you to see what fits.

He's at that age where he you might be better off getting him a full size, really depends on his height/arm length.

Plus that will save you money when he grows out of the 3/4 in 6 months.

You can get killer package deals this time of year. Get a small amp that has a head phone jack so he can play and not disturb any one.

Get a crate amp and entry level name brand guitar that way it's worth something if he sticks with it and wants to upgrade or if he doesn't you can recoup some money.

A lot of the good shops will sell you a package, guitar, amp, strap, case, some books and lessons.

Good luck and rock out!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[JohnR]

OK, teasing a little more info out, he wants an accoustic (and I'll keep an eye out for an Electric )

This has good reviews for a 3/4 size : Ibanez IJV30 Quickstart 3/4 Acoustic Guitar Pack and more Value Package Acoustic Guitars at GuitarCenter.com.

Full size might be a bit much and $120 now is still $80 next year if he goes bigger... Hmmmm

Perhaps I'll drag him to Guitar center - though that would spoil any surprise...

[JohnnySaxatilis]

Originally Posted by JohnR

Perhaps I'll drag him to Guitar center - though that would spoil any surprise...

Don't worry about the suprise spoiling. coming from a recently former kid; you know what would be a bigger suprise? dad being all excited to give you a suprise and the suprise not being what you wanted.... lol take him to the store!

[Stewie]

^^^^^ Listen to this guy. He knows stuff.

[The Dad Fisherman]

Try Craigslist...I got my daughter one 2 years ago, you can usually save a few bucks.

just because they say they want to learn doesn't mean they are going to stick with it. I wouldn't want to invest in something that may end up being a dust collector in 2 months....if he sticks with it and shows a passion for it then you can invest in getting him a nicer one later for X-Mas or his B'Day

[mosholu]

I think you should take him to the store to select his. As a not very good player I can testify an important part of your interest in the guitar is your connection with the instrument and I think that it would be enhanced by having him select it.
I do have a baby taylor and it is a great guitar but I think that is a purchase you may want to wait on until like Dad says you are pretty sure the child will stay with it.

[Raven]

how long are the fingers?

[JohnR]

Thanks for the info - I'm not dropping $400 on a baby taylor that may or may not get used (though it may get used by me ). I do appreciate the quality and reputation but if he wants something like that he must earn it like his XBOX and DS and other game stuff - earn with good grades. $120 is risky enough on whether he'll use it or not.


Thanks

[Bill L]

I you have XBOX, I have heard good things about learning to play with Guitar Smith (I think that was the name)

[Swimmer]

Love the ad on tv when the kid starts playing on his air guitar in the apartment building, whereever, and the father goes in and turns off the juice. Ya know the one I mean, the asian family. The kid is a pretty good actor. I can see it now. He will be jamin with Point Jude Joe in a few years. Just think of the excuse you'll have for going for a beer. But honey Liam is playing there tonight.

[Saltheart]

I think I have an acoustic somewhere and you can have it free if you want. Let me know and I'll go looking for it if you want it.

Lessons are worth the money and also if you are paying for lessons you can insist he practices. Some instruction and lots of time practicing is what does the trick.

Personally I think the piano is the instrument to start on for a kid but its not cool like a guitar.

[RIJIMMY]

John - I think you know but I've played and taught for over 25 yrs. The very best deal you can get IMHO is this Hohner. I bought it for my daughter and I play it all the time. for the price it cant be beat. I did a lot of research and it always get great reviews. strongly reccomend it!

Hohner HW03 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar: Shop Guitars & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

[bart]

Liam and Ethan (Joe's son) should start a band.

[Nebe]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

John - I think you know but I've played and taught for over 25 yrs. The very best deal you can get IMHO is this Hohner. I bought it for my daughter and I play it all the time. for the price it cant be beat. I did a lot of research and it always get great reviews. strongly reccomend it!

Hohner HW03 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar: Shop Guitars & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

X2... I twang on one of these from time to time. If it gets trashed, it's not the end of the world.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by Saltheart

I think I have an acoustic somewhere and you can have it free if you want. Let me know and I'll go looking for it if you want it.

Lessons are worth the money and also if you are paying for lessons you can insist he practices. Some instruction and lots of time practicing is what does the trick.

Personally I think the piano is the instrument to start on for a kid but its not cool like a guitar.

Might take you up on that

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

John - I think you know but I've played and taught for over 25 yrs. The very best deal you can get IMHO is this Hohner. I bought it for my daughter and I play it all the time. for the price it cant be beat. I did a lot of research and it always get great reviews. strongly reccomend it!

Hohner HW03 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar: Shop Guitars & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

How about a Classical? Sized in between the 3/4 and the Dreadnaught? Size wise That seemed good because he is almost 5' now

[Saltheart]

Originally Posted by JohnR

Might take you up on that



How about a Classical? Sized in between the 3/4 and the Dreadnaught? Size wise That seemed good because he is almost 5' now

I'll try to find it!

5 feet tall! Wow.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by Saltheart

I'll try to find it!

5 feet tall! Wow.

Cool

Yes - he is growing. Almost as tall as his mom, just turned 11.

[RIJIMMY]

ClassicaL guitars have nylon strings and are specialized. I doubt thats what he has in mind. You want a steel string acoustic.
I play this guitar and its size is not a problem. The fretboard is smaller and its easier for a kids hands. This one would work for a few years. If you want full size, yamaha makes good inexpensive guitars.
Send me any you're interested in and I'll give you my 2 cents.

[Saltheart]

PM sentOK I found it! It has no strings but a cheap set is like $9 at guitar world. This guitar came with classical nylon strings (which produce a nice tone IMO but when the first one broke I got a new set of metal strings that worked fine.

I'll PM you so we can meet and get the guitar to you.




PM sent

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by Saltheart

PM sentOK I found it! It has no strings but a cheap set is like $9 at guitar world. This guitar came with classical nylon strings (which produce a nice tone IMO but when the first one broke I got a new set of metal strings that worked fine.

I'll PM you so we can meet and get the guitar to you.




PM sent

you should not spend more the $5 for a pack of strings. I wouldnt restring a classical with steel, the pegs are different.

[Saltheart]

For this guitar I think the tones are better with the nylon strings.

[vineyardblues]

guitar will be cheap my friend , Now lets talk about classes $$$

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by vineyardblues

guitar will be cheap my friend , Now lets talk about classes $$$

I think some beginner lessons are helpful to get acclimated to the instrument but today there is SO much info and lessons on youtube you could spend an enternity learning new things. Back when I was a kid (circa 1985) and learning, my friends and it would huddle over guitar magazines and work out songs for hours. It really comes down to your own motivation.
Guitarists get all the babes and that was motivation enough for me.

[Scuttlebutt]

I started out with an acoustic and played that for a year or so. One thing good about this approach is that the acoustic really gets your fingers in shape. So when you switch over to the electric everything seems easier and more comfortable. However the cool factor is missing with the acoustic. You don't get cool things like reverb, distortion and chorus. My choice would be go for the electric. the Fender Squire series is a great choice. I can hear Hells Bells already..Hahaha

[jredfly]

My left-handed 13 old daughter wanted an acoustic guitar so that can be good or bad in the used market (limited choices but less buyers). I just picked up a cutaway that looked like new locally on craiglist for $50.00 (usually retails for $150). From the research I saw it said the solid top models (which this is not) were better but this one looked nice and I think she will like it. Not a bad starter or kick-around one if she wants to take it places. I never played the guitar and haven't a clue but I must say I was really taken back at how beautiful the wood and craftsmanship were in the ones I saw. The reviews on the Washburn D10s looked pretty good for value/quality, maybe if she sticks with it that will be next years gift.