? for the Guitar Players

[AggyCat]

I'm looking to buy my son an electric guitar starter pack for Christmas and was wondering if you had any suggestions or recommendations of what to consider or what to stay away from. He is 8 (will be 9 in March) and I am willing to get him lessons. I hope to build on his enthusiasm he is getting out of Guitar Hero- even though Guitar Hero and real guitar playing is not the same. I want something not too expensive but also sounds good and is of reasonable quality. The House of Guitars was pushing an Ibanez Jump Start Pack over the Flender Squire Package (he said the Ibanez was a better guitar). Guitar Center has various starter packages from Epiphone/Les Paul in the similar price range, around $300. Any thoughts?

[word-doctor]

I would agree with Ibanez over the Fender package, but think about the next scenario if considering the Epiphone.

You might think about whether you want to get humbucker or single coils in the pickups. My preference is the former, because--and this is an oversimplification as well as a stereotype--they have a fuller sound that excuses mistakes and works better for rhythm applications (i.e. beginners). If your son starts out simply "playing songs," rather than soloing, I'd avoid the single coils.

[Gary]

I also agree on the Ibanez over the Squire.

[krissy]

I think either choice would be perfectly fine for a starter electric guitar. One thing to keep in mind though - I know electric guitars are cool, but typically its harder for kids to learn to play an acoustic after they start on an electric. Its much easier the other way around.

Sounds like its gonna be a good Christmas! Good luck!

[SurfRunner]

I bought the Ibanez Jump Start guitar 2 1/2 years ago. I have learned to play some and have written - composed some songs. I still don't know enough about guitars to tell but everyone I know who has played for a number of years tell me that I have a good guitar.

[Gary]

Originally Posted by krissy

I think either choice would be perfectly fine for a starter electric guitar. One thing to keep in mind though - I know electric guitars are cool, but typically its harder for kids to learn to play an acoustic after they start on an electric. Its much easier the other way around.

Sounds like its gonna be a good Christmas! Good luck!

I was thinking the same thing. The problem is, how long can a 9 year old stay interested in playing an acoustic if he wants to be a guitar hero? In most cases it is alot better to start with an acoustic and then move to an electric later. 99% of the time I would highly suggest starting out with an acoustic. This is one of those rare 1%ers.

[mastercylinder]

like krissy said, almost any guitar teacher will start biginners on an acoustic guitar. since your son is pretty young, i'd get him something inexpensive. if you see in 6 months that he has the passion and the desire to put in the work that it takes to become accomplished, then i'd get him something nice ... like a 1939 d-28 martin.

[capt_joe]

Not to hijack this thread. I thought I'll pass along this info. There is a RV Park in woodville Tx where musicians get together and play. Friday nights is an open jam where they circle up and play along with each other. I do not play but really enjoy listening to others playing. It's a great family atmosphere and they cater to beginners....

www.triplecreekrv.com

[rex cars]

I am biased to Fender myself, but buy the brand that 'feels' best to you. consider scale length also. i just measured my strat and gibson acoustic and they are about 25 3/4" and 25 1/2" respectively. You may wish to consider a shorter scale length for your son. I saw some 22 3/4" and 20 3/4" online at musicians friend.

to further add to the confusion...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scale_length

[Bonito]

Acoustic first, then if he's truely interested, get the electric. ( Lessons !!! )
Did the same thing for my daughter. Now I play the acoustic and the electric is in my daughters room, collecting dust.