Need beginner guitar help

[Road Runner]

I set up a jam room for my kids (7 & 5) & want to get a beginner guitar combo setup. I've seen some Luna 3/4 size, single pickup jobbies with case/strap/pics/extra string and 10Watt amp for about $165. Is this good?

Any suggestions?

[Tim Converse]

Some of those ultra cheap guitars are very hard to play. The kids might lose interest quick if this is the case. You might take an experienced guitarist along to check it out. With a mail order deal, make sure you can return it.

[Turtle13]

Really cheap guitars like that will never do if someone is serious about learning. They don't stay in tune at all.

[log_lew]

go to a local store and look for something used....bunch of people give up after a month

[Road Runner]

all good points, thnx!

[JasonFUSJ]

If you're looking for something in the lower end, cheap, but playable spectrum, check out a Squire Affinity Series. Alder body, maple neck. Try pawn shops for a used/2nd hand one.

Check out musicians friend if you're looking for a new one. The starter packs with the affinity series start around 200, but can go up more with different options.

And once you get to about 300 or so, I'd say go ahead and look for a second hand MIM strat.

With that being said, my first guitar was from wal mart. 100 bucks, didn't play worth a crap. A decent instrument makes playing much more enjoyable for both beginners and advanced players alike.

[cjlandry]

I bought an Epiphone LP Junior for my son, from Musician's Friend. I know they don't get great reviews, but this one stays in tune just fine and still has a decent sound.

It's not a 3/4 scale, but my 9-year old son plays on it just fine.

This one had no need for adjustment when it arrived, no fret buzz, or anything of the sort. I put some Super Slinkys on it and it's a fun little guitar for the price.

I got an Orange "Micro" Crush off of eBay, and a 9-volt battery lasts quite a while with clean sounds, or a little less with the gain cranked up.

Slightly over $200 got him something that he enjoys, and I even love to pick it up and play a few chords on it when I'm in his room.

If there's a Guitar Center in your town, check it out there. You'll get the same price you can get online, and you can get it set up there as well.

Mail ordering guitars can be a shot in the dark.

[florgy]

Guitar center is supposed to be having a big sale this weekend. I won't be going because I tend to weep when confronted with the magnitude of beautiful axes they have that I can't afford to buy.
What ever you decide to get, make sure to have it properly set-up with some light-gauge strings and it will make for an enjoyable learning experience. The first song to teach any noobie is the opening riff from Smoke On The Water. Nuh-Nuh-Nuhh Nuh-Nuh Nuh-Nuh Nuh-Nuh-Nuhh Nuh Nuhhh.;)
Regards.

[cjlandry]

Guitar center is supposed to be having a big sale this weekend. I won't be going because I tend to weep when confronted with the magnitude of beautiful axes they have that I can't afford to buy.
What ever you decide to get, make sure to have it properly set-up with some light-gauge strings and it will make for an enjoyable learning experience. The first song to teach any noobie is the opening riff from Smoke On The Water. Nuh-Nuh-Nuhh Nuh-Nuh Nuh-Nuh Nuh-Nuh-Nuhh Nuh Nuhhh.;)
Regards.

Smoke on the Water!

The first song EVERYONE learned to play after 1973!

:supergrin:

[Kedyn]

Don't forget to also teach them the always-obnoxious Stairway to Heaven, and after that, make sure they learn how to play Enter Sandman.

*grinds teeth*...


:supergrin:

[Woofie]

And of course Blitzkrieg Bop and the first nine notes of Tears in Heaven

[shoot_em_up]

you can get starter kits at places such as Guitar Center...

i know that Fender/Squier makes one, Epiphone does, and if I'm not mistaken... Ibanez does one.

this kits will have a guitar, mini amp, straps, picks, and usually instructional materials.

if you'd like advice on good instruction... Doug Marks's "Metal Method" series will get your kids ripping on good classic rock in just a couple of short weeks, while also teaching the fundamentals.

or I'll personallycome over and teach them... but I charge 18 billionty dollars an hour. :wow:

[costanza187]

Don't forget to learn that main riff from Iron Man too!

[rhikdavis]

And of course Blitzkrieg Bop and the first nine notes of Tears in Heaven

And the intro to Bon Jovi's Wanted Dead or Alive....

[Road Runner]

Thanks All - I'll check out Guitar Center.



Guitar center is supposed to be having a big sale this weekend. I won't be going because I tend to weep when confronted with the magnitude of beautiful axes they have that I can't afford to buy.
What ever you decide to get, make sure to have it properly set-up with some light-gauge strings and it will make for an enjoyable learning experience. The first song to teach any noobie is the opening riff from Smoke On The Water. Nuh-Nuh-Nuhh Nuh-Nuh Nuh-Nuh Nuh-Nuh-Nuhh Nuh Nuhhh.;)
Regards.

Do I just ask for light guage strings instead of standard?
Thnx

[cjlandry]

Thanks All - I'll check out Guitar Center.





Do I just ask for light guage strings instead of standard?
Thnx

It seems that every guitar I've bought lately has come with "Light" strings on it, and I've changed all but one over to "ultra lights". Just bear in mind that a change in string gauge will also be a change in string tension, and the neck and/or bridge will need to be adjusted accordingly to prevent the dreaded fret buzz.

I find that I prefer the regular light gauge strings ("10's") on my Schecter, while I prefer ultra light "Super Slinky" strings ("9's") on my SG, Traveler, and my son's LP Junior. The Schecter just sounds so good and plays so well with the D'Addario lights that I see no reason to change 'em.

[Beware Owner]

I learned to play guitar at Guitar Center. You must get a good guitar, at least a modest quality one. You don't want the strings sitting high on the fretboard. I prefer the cutaways.

[Weiser 878]

I'd like to chime in on the not buying the cheapest POS there is. I've been playing for 18 years now, and every once in a while I'll pick up a cheap guitar and I can barely play it and keep it in tune.
No matter what you get, try not to get one with a tremelo (whammy bar). These are much harder to set up and keep in tune (unless you start spending mucha moolah).
Also, definatly buy used. You can buy a $250 new guitar, or a $400 new guitar used for $250. Think of it like cars. For $10,000 I can buy a brand new Kia Rio, or for the same money I can buy a 2003 Accord, a far superior vehicle in quality, durability, driveability, safety, and value. The main difference is, most 2nd hand guitars have been rarely played, so they're almost new, or they were owned by people who played a lot and upgraded which means that the instrument's bugs have probably been worked out (ie good setup, filed nut, lubed tuners etc).

Also, something that hasn't been mentioned, but really needs to be addressed it what kind of music your kids want to play. Not what you want them to play or their instructor wants them to learn, but what they actually want to play. This has a huge impact on what kind of guitar they need. The design of guitars is different for a reason. Not just the looks, but the construction method, kind of wood, and especially the pickups. This also applies to the amplifier. It really depends on the genre:
David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)- Fender Strats with Fender Twin Amps
Jimi Hendrix - Strats with Marshall amps
Slash - Gibson Les Paul with Marshall amps
Stevie Ray Vaghun -Strats with Fender Bassman amps
Kirk Hammett (Metallica) - ESP guitars with Mesa Boogie amps
And you couldn't take any of the above and change their choices around and them still sound the same. It actually really matters. With a bolt-on neck single coil pickup guitar like a Strat, no matter what amplifier they have, AC/DC will sound like crap. Likewise, a Heavy, Humbucker equipped guitar just can't pull off Little Wing properly.

Just food for thought

[Tim Converse]

Just to affirm what's already been said; musical instruments are not cheap. The ones that are cheap are not really musical instruments; they are toys.
I do recommend a 3/4 size for the kids though. It will be much easier to play. Trying to learn chords on a full size will be a tough nut to crack.
I did a Google Image search for 3/4 size guitars and the brands that came up are new to me. I have an old 1959 Fender 3/4 Musicmaster that is all that a beginner guitar should be.

[DrMaxit]

http://logiciel.froggytest.com/modules/xoopsgallery/cache/albums/albun22/PS2_GuitarHero2.jpg

[florgy]

Thanks All - I'll check out Guitar Center.

Do I just ask for light guage strings instead of standard?
Thnx

Just ask for a set of extra light strings. You can put them on yourself since most new guitars I have fingered at the shops seem to have their actions setup for 9's and 10's. I use di'addario nickle-wound 11's on my strat. Check out fender.com it is a great source for info about setting up a guitar.
Regards.

[southernshooter]

I got a cheapo fender starcaster.( Made in China) about a year ago. No complaints, seems to stay in tune. $135.00 at Target. I see them around also at Sam's club. Came with gig bag, strap extra strings, tuner etc.

[florgy]

I got a cheapo fender starcaster.( Made in China) about a year ago. No complaints, seems to stay in tune. $135.00 at Target. I see them around also at Sam's club. Came with gig bag, strap extra strings, tuner etc.

I have heard good things about the starcaster. I like the ones with the 70's style heads on them. I think I might pick up one myself. These might end up being a sleeper in the Fender line, kind of like the Squire '51. If I remember right, people weren't to keen on the Japanese Fenders when they first hit our shores either.:faint:
Regards

[Tim Converse]

Ebay can be hit and miss on used guitars. I mentioned in an earlier guitar thread that I was working on a Fender Lead I of my nephew's that he bought off Ebay. There was a lot wrong with it. Many hours later it is starting to take shape. The lead series was the last low end Fender made in America. The Lead I only had a bridge humbucker. Now this one has two EMG humbucker/single in one pickup. With the switchable on board pre-amp, there will be 16 combinations of pickups. The output jack was originally on the pickguard. I ran out of room to mount the extra pot, so I routed the body out for a Stratocaster jack plate. I didn't have a chrome one, but for now will use one made of brass.
I would never touch a router to a collectable Fender, but these Lead series are not worth a whole lot. They play and sound great; just never caught on.

[Road Runner]

I'd like to chime in on the not buying the cheapest POS there is. I've been playing for 18 years now, and every once in a while I'll pick up a cheap guitar and I can barely play it and keep it in tune.
No matter what you get, try not to get one with a tremelo (whammy bar). These are much harder to set up and keep in tune (unless you start spending mucha moolah).
Also, definatly buy used. You can buy a $250 new guitar, or a $400 new guitar used for $250. Think of it like cars. For $10,000 I can buy a brand new Kia Rio, or for the same money I can buy a 2003 Accord, a far superior vehicle in quality, durability, driveability, safety, and value. The main difference is, most 2nd hand guitars have been rarely played, so they're almost new, or they were owned by people who played a lot and upgraded which means that the instrument's bugs have probably been worked out (ie good setup, filed nut, lubed tuners etc).

Also, something that hasn't been mentioned, but really needs to be addressed it what kind of music your kids want to play. Not what you want them to play or their instructor wants them to learn, but what they actually want to play. This has a huge impact on what kind of guitar they need. The design of guitars is different for a reason. Not just the looks, but the construction method, kind of wood, and especially the pickups. This also applies to the amplifier. It really depends on the genre:
David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)- Fender Strats with Fender Twin Amps
Jimi Hendrix - Strats with Marshall amps
Slash - Gibson Les Paul with Marshall amps
Stevie Ray Vaghun -Strats with Fender Bassman amps
Kirk Hammett (Metallica) - ESP guitars with Mesa Boogie amps
And you couldn't take any of the above and change their choices around and them still sound the same. It actually really matters. With a bolt-on neck single coil pickup guitar like a Strat, no matter what amplifier they have, AC/DC will sound like crap. Likewise, a Heavy, Humbucker equipped guitar just can't pull off Little Wing properly.

Just food for thought

Good post! Thanks for the tip on the tremolo. In that vein, I'm looking at a string-thru-body setup - I've read they're easier to string. Also, my 5 yr old is a total rocker raygun type so I've been looking at some 3/4 size Dean flying V setups. They look lighter and easier to wield. And they look *****in...!

For the amp I'm looking at a little Fender Frontman10. Yay or nay on these?

[Road Runner]

After these posts and doing some reading, I'm not going the guitar/amp combo 'box' setup. I'll spend $200 on a guitar and I want to stick to around $60 for the amp.

[leitung]

And the intro to Bon Jovi's Wanted Dead or Alive....

+1 I wanna get my first axe when I get some cash!

[cjlandry]

After these posts and doing some reading, I'm not going the guitar/amp combo 'box' setup. I'll spend $200 on a guitar and I want to stick to around $60 for the amp.

If you're willing to go up a few bucks on the amp, the Line 6 Spider III 15-watt combo amp is pretty cool for a C-note.

It gives you a lot of different sounds, from almost clean to absolutely insane.

I've all but given mine to my 9 year old son, as I've picked up a little 15 watt Orange Crush amp that has a good clean sound, and decent distortion. I prefer the cleaner sounds, most of the time, and I can adjust the sound with my guitar switches and knobs enough to suit me.

You might be able to find a used Spider III in your price range.

[costanza187]

I got a cheapo fender starcaster.( Made in China) about a year ago. No complaints, seems to stay in tune. $135.00 at Target. I see them around also at Sam's club. Came with gig bag, strap extra strings, tuner etc.

I have a Starcaster... I really like it. I am NOWHERE NEAR an expert. The Starcaster keeps me entertained. I spend quality time with it most days :supergrin:


I also have the previously mentioned Line 6 Spider III amp.

[Tim Converse]

I found this little Fender that I wasn't aware of. I don't know anything about it though. Squier® Mini™ Strat
The Squier Mini guitar is the 3/4-size version (22.75" scale length)
of the Squier Bullet® guitar, and makes an ideal travel guitar
for players of all ages or first guitar for kids.
In stock in Black/Rosewood and Red/Rosewood
List price: $165.00
Our Price: $99.00 http://www.pittsburghguitars.com/Resources/FMI/fender/squier/squierministrat_sm.jpg
Here are several reviews of the Mini Strat: http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/product/Fender/Squier+Mini+Strat/10/1

[JJohnson]

Ok, keeping this thread alive, my 7yo wants to start playing badly. He is average sized and is really into ACDC, getting his Led out, and Billy Idol. How about some suggestions for guitar/amp combos for him. Do I start him on acoustic and then move to electric?

Thanks for the advice!

[Tim Converse]

Jeff, acoustic guitars depend on heavier strings in part for their volume. The heavier the strings, the more force is required to play a chord or note. This makes it harder to play for a beginner. Once your chord hand finger muscles and calluses are built up, then an acoustic is easier. A 3/4 electric and a small amp (with reverb) is the way to go in my opinion.

[Beware Owner]

Jeff, acoustic guitars depend on heavier strings in part for their volume. The heavier the strings, the more force is required to play a chord or note. This makes it harder to play for a beginner. Once your chord hand finger muscles and calluses are built up, then an acoustic is easier. A 3/4 electric and a small amp (with reverb) is the way to go in my opinion.

Orrrrr, on that note, a classical. Nylon strings.

[JJohnson]

I started on, and still have a classical w/nylon. I love the sound. I know that he will be bored with that direction, hence my original question.

[longgonedays]

Get a used acoustic from a pawn shop. Let them clang on it for awhile, build up their fingers and learn some chords. Once they go electric, you'll know if they will stick with it. Spend nothing less than what it takes to get a Fender, a Mexican made one.

American made or Japanese made are the best ones, Indonesia & Chinese made not so much. Material wise at least.

At least $200 for a used guitar, but let them earn it first.

[jim123]

I got the Ibanez GRGM21 Mikro Electric guitar and a Roland Micro Cube for my 8yr old nephiew ($129 at musiciansfriend.com). It was small enough for him to play and I can play it almost as well as my old rg560. It gets a little cramped for me past the 17th fret but I could get used to it. I put GHS Boomer .008 strings on it and the kid never complained about sore fingers. The kid can use it and if it was my only guitar, I could get used to it and play well on it. The amp rocks like nothing else especially because it can run all day on 6 AA batteries and cost me $120 out the door at guitar center. If you play it in your back yard and turn it up to 1/3 volume, your neighbors WILL come out to see "who is playing the RADIO so loud".

[Sandbag]

If you can... up your budget and get the kid a real guitar. ($500)

That way if he gives up on it you can sell it and recoup most of your money.
At most you'll be out a couple hundred after you sell the guitar and amp for 350 on Ebay.

If you buy a package deal for $200... you lose $200 as soon as you walk out
of the store.

[Tim Converse]

That Ibanez Mikro looks good except for one thing. It looks like they shortened the scale OK but stayed with the full size width on the fingerboard. This probably means the neck profile is the same as a full scale. If you hold your hand up against your 7 year old son's, you can see the problem. It would be a chore to make a basic chord in the open position. Even a 3/4 size will be a bit big for a 7 year old.

[jim123]

That Ibanez Mikro looks good except for one thing. It looks like they shortened the scale OK but stayed with the full size width on the fingerboard. This probably means the neck profile is the same as a full scale. If you hold your hand up against your 7 year old son's, you can see the problem. It would be a chore to make a basic chord in the open position. Even a 3/4 size will be a bit big for a 7 year old.

It is narrower than a full size and the neck is also paper thin. Maybe 7 is too young to learn? There is a 5 or 6 year old kid on youtube playind the stairway to heaven guitar solo on a full size guitar.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuSihWz7LlQ#