If he can handle a 3/4 Acoustic he can handle a Fullsize electric because electrics are smaller than acoustic.
electric guitar recommendations for child
- Thread starter VQLT
- Start date
True, to a point, but most "standard" scale electrics have a longer scale than a 3/4 scale acoustic. The electric guitar has a crazy range of scales:
"* 20.75" (527 mm):
o Squier Bullet Mini
o Rickenbacker 320 and 325, notably John Lennon's most famous guitar
* 22.5" (572 mm), known as 3/4 scale in Fender sales literature:
o Fender Musicmaster
o Fender Duosonic
o Fender Mustang
o Some Musicmaster II and Duosonic II
* 22.72" (577 mm):
o Fender Stratocaster Junior
* 24" (610 mm), confusingly called full scale in Fender sales literature:
o Fender Jaguar
o Most and current Fender Mustang
o Most Musicmaster II and Duosonic II
o Fender Bronco
* 24.75" (629 mm):
o Gibson Les Paul
o Gibson SG
o Original Gibson ES-150
o Fender Cyclone
o Rickenbacker most electric guitars (including 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 620, 650, 660)
* 25" (635 mm)
o Most Paul Reed Smith guitars
* 25.5" (648 mm), closest to the classical guitar scale:
o Fender Esquire
o Fender Telecaster
o Fender Stratocaster
o Fender Jazzmaster
o Squier Stratocaster
o Most and current Gibson ES-150" - wiki
I started playing when I was 11, my first was a Sears Silvertone, a real finger bleeder. I got my first decent guitar in 1976, a Fender Stratocaster, which I played for years and regrettably sold on a whim. I've owned many other electrics, including Danelectro, Gibson, other Fenders, PRS and Kramer. I've owned five different Paul Reed Smith guitars over the years and they just feel buttery to my hands, a pure joy to play. They now have an import model, the SE, which costs a fraction of a US made PRS, and have garnered some positive reviews.
Pricier than typical starter models, but it is a real guitar, and fairly inexpensive, as far as guitars go, around $500 new. I'm sure they could be found much cheaper on the used market.
http://www.prsguitars.com/sestandard/index.html
Good luck with your search.
stuartk
Super Member
It's a real shame that Estaban is able to push his junk. That home shopping network has no scruples at all. (Not that they're any different than any number of TV and radio stations or networks that accept advertising from shady sources.)
But wait! There's more! Order now and Estaban will paint your house too! Each guitar comes with 4 steak knives and a can of air freshener!
willhowl
Well-Known Member
Guitar For Jr.
Howdy, VQLT. I've been reading the many posts on your sons next guitar, and wish to comment. I've been playing (and playing with) guitars most of my life, and have some observations to pass on. I would have to second the idea of sticking with a known brand-name product.
Okay,my main recommendation would be one of the Fender range of guitars. Either Fender branded, or their "offshore" line, Squier. You will simply have a better shot at getting a quality product this way. Guitars are very unique instruments- being made of wood, each one is different. At least with a top name line (ie. Fender) you have better quality control working for you. Yes, it is still possible to get a "lemon", but much less likely.Also important are (a) resale value and (b) peer approval factor. If your son gets even a Washburn,say, sooner or later somebody's gonna say " Man- you shoulda got a Fender". This can be a real attitude-breaker. Not dissing Washburn,I just like Fender/Squier products better. Those Washburn (or similar) products also don't hold resale or trade-in value well. Or at all, in some cases.
Now, which one? The Squire mini Strats are very cool. The shorter scale means less distance between frets=easier for smaller hands to reach different chord positions. Also the mini- Strats have a built-in life span. After progressing to a full size guitar,the Mini makes a handy travel guitar. I want one for myself! I currently have two Full-size Strats( 1Fender,1Squier) and still want a Mini! A Mini and a headphone amp are Ideal road-trip companions.
Also important is a decent quality amp. When I was young I had a sweet Gibson SG and a crappy Radio Shack tube amp. The RS amp didn't let me hear the full potential of that guitar,and I know my progress suffered. Again, just a small Fender or Squier SS amp will serve nicely.Electric guitar is a system- Guitar+Amp are a team!
Hope this helps,and good luck with your search. Later......willhowl:thmbsp:
Howdy, VQLT. I've been reading the many posts on your sons next guitar, and wish to comment. I've been playing (and playing with) guitars most of my life, and have some observations to pass on. I would have to second the idea of sticking with a known brand-name product.
Okay,my main recommendation would be one of the Fender range of guitars. Either Fender branded, or their "offshore" line, Squier. You will simply have a better shot at getting a quality product this way. Guitars are very unique instruments- being made of wood, each one is different. At least with a top name line (ie. Fender) you have better quality control working for you. Yes, it is still possible to get a "lemon", but much less likely.Also important are (a) resale value and (b) peer approval factor. If your son gets even a Washburn,say, sooner or later somebody's gonna say " Man- you shoulda got a Fender". This can be a real attitude-breaker. Not dissing Washburn,I just like Fender/Squier products better. Those Washburn (or similar) products also don't hold resale or trade-in value well. Or at all, in some cases.
Now, which one? The Squire mini Strats are very cool. The shorter scale means less distance between frets=easier for smaller hands to reach different chord positions. Also the mini- Strats have a built-in life span. After progressing to a full size guitar,the Mini makes a handy travel guitar. I want one for myself! I currently have two Full-size Strats( 1Fender,1Squier) and still want a Mini! A Mini and a headphone amp are Ideal road-trip companions.
Also important is a decent quality amp. When I was young I had a sweet Gibson SG and a crappy Radio Shack tube amp. The RS amp didn't let me hear the full potential of that guitar,and I know my progress suffered. Again, just a small Fender or Squier SS amp will serve nicely.Electric guitar is a system- Guitar+Amp are a team!
Hope this helps,and good luck with your search. Later......willhowl:thmbsp:
I hope he uses better paint than they did on the fret boards of the shi**y guitars he hawks!
I definitely would NOT go to a 3/4 scale size guitar. Go with a full-size Squier.
A pickup in an acoustic is not the same as an electric guitar. There is also a ton of variance from electric guitar to electric guitar. Even though your son is just a beginner, the wrong instrument could reduce his interest in playing. Considering your son has put in a solid year of playing already, it sounds like he is seriously interested. My recommendation would be to get a solid entry-level instrument that he will not have a need to replace for many years and that will not fail him, either.
As far as that goes, I have had a number of friends that got "Strat Packs" or similar that all had major problems within 3 years. In fact, my own first guitar was one and I had a hell of a time keeping it playable until I was able to get another guitar.
So my recommendation would be to avoid getting a stopgap throwaway instrument and instead get a reasonably priced real instrument. Godin probably makes the least expensive Made In North America instruments (they actually play really nicely too, although I prefer a thicker neck profile), but anything made in Korea or Mexico (or Japan if you can get it) should be fine.
If possible, something with humbucker and single-coil pickups on it, because the kid should have the chance to learn the difference, develop a preference, and have access to both. I spent long periods of time as a teen with only single coils on my guitar and then after it died with only humbuckers and both situations sucked.
Get him a real 15-25 watt amplifier, too, so that he doesn't have to buy a whole new one when he starts jamming with friends. I used to have a Fender Frontman that sounded pretty good, or Traynor does nice amps.
The most important thing when picking out equipment is, if possible, to get a guitar player that isn't hung up on particular brands to help out by making sure that the instrument is playable, is made right and actually sounds good. Weak tone will murder your child's interest in playing.
Realistically, I would expect to spend 500 bucks on all the gear. If you can find nice used stuff you might put it together for 300.
If you don't spend the money now... you'll have to later.
And my final rule: anything actually is better then nothing, if you can't swing the better stuff. But the better stuff would be cheaper in the long run.
As far as that goes, I have had a number of friends that got "Strat Packs" or similar that all had major problems within 3 years. In fact, my own first guitar was one and I had a hell of a time keeping it playable until I was able to get another guitar.
So my recommendation would be to avoid getting a stopgap throwaway instrument and instead get a reasonably priced real instrument. Godin probably makes the least expensive Made In North America instruments (they actually play really nicely too, although I prefer a thicker neck profile), but anything made in Korea or Mexico (or Japan if you can get it) should be fine.
If possible, something with humbucker and single-coil pickups on it, because the kid should have the chance to learn the difference, develop a preference, and have access to both. I spent long periods of time as a teen with only single coils on my guitar and then after it died with only humbuckers and both situations sucked.
Get him a real 15-25 watt amplifier, too, so that he doesn't have to buy a whole new one when he starts jamming with friends. I used to have a Fender Frontman that sounded pretty good, or Traynor does nice amps.
The most important thing when picking out equipment is, if possible, to get a guitar player that isn't hung up on particular brands to help out by making sure that the instrument is playable, is made right and actually sounds good. Weak tone will murder your child's interest in playing.
Realistically, I would expect to spend 500 bucks on all the gear. If you can find nice used stuff you might put it together for 300.
If you don't spend the money now... you'll have to later.
And my final rule: anything actually is better then nothing, if you can't swing the better stuff. But the better stuff would be cheaper in the long run.
fotno
Lunatic Member
I didn't suggest this earlier in this thread, but re-reading the posts put me to thinking.
It might be worth talking to some local guitarists (not necessarily pros, but serious players nonetheless) about advising you and your son on local pawn shops to haunt. If you know what you're looking for, and where to look for it, you can pick up a seriously great guitar for pennies on the dollar.
To demonstrate what I mean, here's some examples of my pawnshop finds. Any of these would make a great tool for learning, and would likely carry him great deal farther than that.
Fender Champ - Tweed - $100
Fender Prodigy - Late 80's USA - Kahler locking trem - $300
Gibson Spirit - Late 80's Mahogany body, maple set-neck - Kahler locking trem - $325
Fender Strat - Early 90's Mexican built model - $200 - Nice playing little guitar for the money!
And the guitar find of my life?
Gibson SG Custom - 1967 - Mahogany body & neck - Ebony fret board - Large trapezoidal position markers - Plays like honey - Sounds like hell fire when you crank it - $300
Price one of these bad boys new!
It might be worth talking to some local guitarists (not necessarily pros, but serious players nonetheless) about advising you and your son on local pawn shops to haunt. If you know what you're looking for, and where to look for it, you can pick up a seriously great guitar for pennies on the dollar.
To demonstrate what I mean, here's some examples of my pawnshop finds. Any of these would make a great tool for learning, and would likely carry him great deal farther than that.
Fender Champ - Tweed - $100
Fender Prodigy - Late 80's USA - Kahler locking trem - $300
Gibson Spirit - Late 80's Mahogany body, maple set-neck - Kahler locking trem - $325
Fender Strat - Early 90's Mexican built model - $200 - Nice playing little guitar for the money!
And the guitar find of my life?
Gibson SG Custom - 1967 - Mahogany body & neck - Ebony fret board - Large trapezoidal position markers - Plays like honey - Sounds like hell fire when you crank it - $300
Price one of these bad boys new!
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VQLT
Active Member
thanks for all your post. my homework has taken me down the path of Fender Squire strat pack. Or possibly a fender squire on it's own and I will assemble the other items separately. Also it appears a full size guitar is recommended for a 10 year old. If it doesn't fit perfect right now, he will grow into it soon. He was able to sit down at a local guitar center and play around with the full size fender strat. seems to fit just fine. I am now constantly searching craigslist looking for the right deal. I have to Xmas so I'm sure something will pop up. of course, my son only wants a red guitar so it limits my choices somewhat. have only seen one red squire strat on craigslist. unfortunately, the person never responded to my calls or e-mails. I hate when that happens
It ain't red. It's a kit.
Lots of options, with nice parts.
http://www.carvin.com/products/single.php?ItemNumber=GK1&CID=KBN
Finish with this in either cherry or red mahogany:
http://www.rustoleum.com/product.asp?frm_product_id=112&SBL=1
Lots of options, with nice parts.
http://www.carvin.com/products/single.php?ItemNumber=GK1&CID=KBN
Finish with this in either cherry or red mahogany:
http://www.rustoleum.com/product.asp?frm_product_id=112&SBL=1
trhee
ㅇtㅈyㅅr
I received my first guitar at age 9 (a full sized Yamaha acoustic). By age 14, my parents bought me my first electric (Kramer Pacer).
If you and your child are serious about your child's playing, do NOT buy something cheap quality-wise. The guitar will not stay in tune nor will it play right due to poor action, poor fretwork, etc... Hence, there's a better chance that your child may get discouraged and probably quit playing.
For under $200, I can't think of anything nice than a Yamaha Pacifica.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/prod...acifica-HSS-Deluxe-Electric-Guitar?sku=519177
It's a great starter guitar and something he can grow into for the next few years. For an amp, you can either get one of those micro amps (Fender, Marshall, Vox... all under $50) or go with a small practice amp such as a Vox Pathfinder ($120)
If you and your child are serious about your child's playing, do NOT buy something cheap quality-wise. The guitar will not stay in tune nor will it play right due to poor action, poor fretwork, etc... Hence, there's a better chance that your child may get discouraged and probably quit playing.
For under $200, I can't think of anything nice than a Yamaha Pacifica.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/prod...acifica-HSS-Deluxe-Electric-Guitar?sku=519177
It's a great starter guitar and something he can grow into for the next few years. For an amp, you can either get one of those micro amps (Fender, Marshall, Vox... all under $50) or go with a small practice amp such as a Vox Pathfinder ($120)
VQLT
Active Member
I finally purchased a used fender squier strat for my son. Armed with a can of de-oxit, is there any thing I should spray or clean on the guitar or should I avoid this step. I don't want to try and take the guitar apart but I was thinking about spraying the input jack and pick ups with the dexoit. I will only be able to spray from the outside. any other areas of this guitar I should pay attention to?
:nono:
The input jack is fine, but not on the pickups. Before you put fresh strings on, remove the pickguard and deoxit the tone and volume controls, along with the five-way switch. When replacing the pickguard, be careful not to overtighten the screws. You could crack the guard.
Here is a site on proper action set-up:
http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/tutorial1.htm
Good luck!
My pleasure. A good carnauba wax should be fine. I use Martin guitar polish on all of my axes.
Ken
Unless it's really collected a lot of crud, a soft cloth and a bit of elbow grease is usually enough
Lucky kid, a Strat/strat style guitar should give him a lot of room to develop.
If you haven't picked up an amplifier yet, the Fender Champion 600 is a pretty good inexpensive amp. I think they're well under $150 and all tube. Very simple, but the best sound you'll find anywhere near that price, IMO. Some people prefer the Epiphone Valve Jrs, it depends on if you want to play blues/rock or prefer a heavier overdrive sound (in fact, IMO, the Valve Jrs don't overdrive so much as outright distort).
Either one has a big following on the net, so a few years down the road you could turn them into Father/Son electronics projects and upgrade them into professional quality amplifiers piece by piece.
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