It is currently Tue Mar 17, 2020 4:02 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 32 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2, 3  Next
Go to page 1, 2, 3  Next
Author Message
Post subject: Your thoughts on guitar starter packs
Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 7:21 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician

Joined: Sun Jan 27, 2013 3:44 pm
Posts: 366
I have friends at church who have a young boy(I am guessing he's 8 or 9 years old)who is interested in learning to play guitar. I have suggested they look into those starter outfits.
Only problem is this,...I don't know if he is interested in acoustic or electric,...I will have to ask him or his parents. But let's suppose,...for example,...he wants to go electric after trying out both types of instruments. Let's say he likes the Squier Strat(or even a MIM Strat),...any of them,...especially if he finds the Tele a bit heavy to handle. Though I have not tried the starter packs myself,for budget constraints(I'm sure his parents might have them,...maybe,...unless they are more wealthy than I think they are)I was thinking a Squier Affinity Strat starter pack with a Frontman 15G amp,...or the G-DEC amp. Being a guitar player myself(taking lessons,anyway),I am trying to help steer them in the right direction WITHOUT breaking their budget,but I don't want to see him end up with some el cheapo from Wally World(Wal-Mart),either! I have not yet looked at the acoustic starter packs,...how do they fair in comparison to an electric starter pack? Another question you might want to ask is this? Is this just going to be a passing fad where he tries it a while and then gives up,...or is he going to be willing to learn and stick with it? They don't want to get him a real cheap instrument,...but also,there is no need to invest in an expensive model,either,in case he doesn't stick with it for some reason. :)

_________________
If it aint' broke,...don't fix it! I like to keep my amps and guitars factory original,...no mods necessary,...don't want them,...don't need them!

My gear as of now;
Standard Strat
Hot Rod Deluxe III amp
Champion 20 amp
'59 Bassman LTD Reissue


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on guitar starter packs
Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 8:30 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician

Joined: Sun Jan 27, 2013 3:44 pm
Posts: 366
I just emailed the young man's mom and suggested she look at guitars on www.sweetwater.com since that is who I bought my gear from,...nothing against Musician's Friend,of course,...but I liked Sweetwater better. That aside,I suggested she type in "Squier Stratocaster" and "Squier Telecaster" in the search box so she could see the differences in their appearance,and also informed her that since Squier is a Fender
product,she will know it is a decent quality instrument. I also suggested to her that she take her boy up there to Sweetwater,...(about a 45 minute drive for her ,...half hour for me),...and let him try different instruments to see if he would want acoustic or electric. If he's 8 or 9 years old,and he chooses electric,I would choose the Strat as it is lighter than
a Tele,...but that's just me. Maybe he would like the Tele,...who knows? I suggested to the boy's mom that she NOT,...repeat,...NOT buy those cheapo deals from Wal-Mart,Target,or Meijer,...as they will not last at all. I can only hope I am steering them in the right direction on a first guitar for their son.

_________________
If it aint' broke,...don't fix it! I like to keep my amps and guitars factory original,...no mods necessary,...don't want them,...don't need them!

My gear as of now;
Standard Strat
Hot Rod Deluxe III amp
Champion 20 amp
'59 Bassman LTD Reissue


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on guitar starter packs
Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 9:02 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician

Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:29 am
Posts: 937
I would say acoustic first. It's harder to play, but when you can electric is easier. Also means you don't need an amp, which means more cash goes on the guitar.

My first was a Fender acoustic dg4 pack, and for 11 years it's been my only 6 string acoustic, much better guitar than you would think. After 11 years of abuse some of the wood has come loose under the soundboard, so I had to get a new guitar.

Still kept the dg4 though.........


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on guitar starter packs
Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 9:11 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:50 pm
Posts: 7998
Location: ʎɹʇunoɔ ǝsoɹ pןıʍ
+1 on acoustic first.
Have them look at Seagull guitars.
Great bang for buck ratio.

_________________
Image
Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on guitar starter packs
Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 10:30 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2012 7:37 am
Posts: 4099
Location: New York
to me, it's all about motivation. Ask him what kind of music he likes. If it's a lot of acoustic guitar based music, maybe an acoustic would be appropriate. I think most kids that age would be more interested in electric.

Second is comfort. I could see a 12 or 13 year old kid shredding his fingers on an acoustic, but an 8 or 9 year old? That's pushing it IMO. My vote is for an electric starter pack, unless he happens to be a huge CSNY/Simon & Garfunkel fan.

_________________
Please subscribe to my Image Channel!
https://www.youtube.com/user/b7567


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on guitar starter packs
Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 1:49 pm
Offline
Roadie
Roadie

Joined: Mon Feb 22, 2010 4:16 pm
Posts: 288
[url]rondomusic.com[/url]

has some great guitars for really low prices. I was really impressed by their $400 les pauls - on par with a $8-900 epiphone. I can only assume their budget price strats are equal in the bang-for-your-buck department. Look up reviews on them though. A lot of their cheap strats are SX brand, and I was looking into their basses recently and heard nothing but good things. Encourage them to look over that, or do it with them as to give them a bit more knowledge about what makes a good guitar and help them pick the right one for the kid. They even have 3/4 and other small-size models.

_________________
[08 MIM Standard Arctic White] > [Danelectro Fish n Chips EQ > Radial Texas Bones OD > Tonerider British Distortion > Electroharmonix Russian Big Muff Pi > Vox V847 Wah] > FM65R


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on guitar starter packs
Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 4:34 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician

Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2012 2:14 pm
Posts: 2561
At that age, buy the kid something used !

If his attention span exceeds the popular 5 min., make a 'new' guitar a reward for passing a benchmark... one year, learning all the chords, learning first new song, etc.

It will be motivating, recycle a used instrument and be a confidence builder !

If he doesn't stick with it, you'll have the xtra jing in your pocket to move him on to the next thing !

cheers!

_________________
Image

'11 FSR Am. Vtg. Ltd. Ed. CAR '57 Stratocaster (SN# LE02639)
'14 American Deluxe Ash Stratocaster
'12 Telebration Empress Telecaster
'99 Deluxe Nashville Telecaster
'12 FSR Telecaster HH
'10 Heritage H-535
'99 Martin DC-1E
'13 Lanikai Tenor Ukulele


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on guitar starter packs
Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 10:15 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician

Joined: Sat Jul 21, 2007 1:08 pm
Posts: 1307
I saw an affinity tele starter pack with a frontman that would be excellent for anyone. Guitar Center I believe. :D


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on guitar starter packs
Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 10:43 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jul 29, 2009 10:03 am
Posts: 9449
Location: NL Canada
I have to say that the acoustic first is the best option.First off the parents won't be out so much money if young Johnny looses interest when he learns that it takes more work and dedication than he's willing to put into it.I have first hand experiences told me by my friend who has been the sole dealer I have bought from for almost 40 years,that are real horror stories about parents who bought not only electric guitars and amps for their kids to learn on but spent exorbitant amounts on the best electric guitar in stock and a very expensive amp also.In one case a parent bought his over indulged kid a Joe Satriani or Steve Vai model guitar because the 14 year old kid took a tantrum in the store that would outdo anything that a spoiled 3 year old could do.About 2 or 3 months later the father rather sheepishly returned to the store and asked if he could return the guitar for cash. When he opened the case the guitar had been effectively rendered useless.The kid had obviously lost patience when he found that he couldn't immediately play like Vai etc. and would toss the guitar about or beat it off something,plus it had been covered profusely with stickers.Consequently they could only give him a pittance for it,after warning him several times during the purchase process that this kind of thing could happen,but they couldn't face ruining young Johnny's Christmas..Get the acoustic.It also strengthens the hands and fingers so if the kid progresses to electric his playing will take off.

_________________
'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on guitar starter packs
Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 10:58 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2008 7:48 pm
Posts: 1127
Location: Buffalo, NY
I'd say the type of guitar he gets should be based on the type of music that he likes. If he's into rock, for example, he'd probably be more interested in getting an electric guitar first.

The guitar that will keep him most motivated to play is the one his parents should buy.

I do agree with going for a used instrument at first. I see used Squires on Craigslist for under $100 all the time.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on guitar starter packs
Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 11:29 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed Dec 07, 2011 1:59 pm
Posts: 1152
Location: Surf City, USA
Definitely used whether it's an acoustic or electric. You can get one that looks new to the kid and save big bucks doing it.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on guitar starter packs
Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2013 1:01 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jul 29, 2009 10:03 am
Posts: 9449
Location: NL Canada
I got my first guitar for my 10th birthday and it was an el cheapo hand me down acoustic my uncle had owned.The neck was like a fence post,the strings were like the mooring cables on a cruise ship and the action was about 1/2 ".Playing that old relic was murder on my fingers and I literally would shred my finger tips at first but I stuck to it because I was bound and determined to play.When my parents say that I was committed to it they bought me my first "good" guitar-still an acoustic but-a Harmony Archtone.The next Christmas they bought me my first electric and an amp because they knew beyond a doubt that I was not only set on playing but becoming a professional musician eventually. When I stepped up to electric my fingers were abnormally strong for my age from playing the acoustics-especially the old relic-and I left my friends who started learning when I did far behind.Learning on an acoustic first gives the learner the opportunity to build up strong finger and hand muscles and helps develop their digital dexterity and coordination tremendously so when they progress to electric their ability really takes off.

_________________
'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on guitar starter packs
Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2013 5:10 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Fri Jul 13, 2007 1:10 pm
Posts: 13467
Location: Palm Beach County FL
Problem with the current generation is that they've been conditioned to go from 0-60 in four seconds behind the wheel of a Ferrari instead of walking and then proceeding to a bicycle. Some of the used gear hanging on the walls of the usual box stores are not exactly in the low price category. I'd side with those who suggest an acoustic and would be comfortable with the lowest priced starter one could find new. I started out with a Harmony archtop back in the late 50's, ultimately electrified it myself with some DeArmond pickups I bought in a radio store, and two years later, bought myself a '60 Danelectro shorthorn. The '58 Strat came later, used, from a bandmate of mine when he bought himself a new Jaguar, the year they were introduced. In all cases, we were making money with our gear. That's the way ya do it. In fact, my first new guitar wasn't purchased until 1994 when I bought a PRS.

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on guitar starter packs
Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 1:14 am
Offline
Roadie
Roadie

Joined: Sun Jun 20, 2010 3:54 am
Posts: 268
got to agree with lightning. ive seen enough parents returning expensive guitars because the kid lost intrest. and i bought a nice gretsch from a guy that bought it for his kid. the kid didnt like it soit sat in a closit for two years waiting for the kid to change his mind. i got it virtually unplayed with a nice hard case for a real good price..


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on guitar starter packs
Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 2:44 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2008 3:12 pm
Posts: 6355
Location: Albemarle, NC
When I was selling guitars here is where I would go on this.
For a child that young, I'd get a 3/4 sized nylon stringed classical to full scale small bodied classical.

No way electric.
No way steel string acoustic.
No way full sized anything.
No amp required.

A downsized or small bodied classical won't fight against him as much as a cheap acoustic as they easier to play due the nylon strings.

Nothing is as discouraging as discovering you have to "grow into" something or that the guitar you have is unplayable for the finger strength you have. Unless you are super-determined you get super-discouraged.

Get him a small lesson pack from an instructor. After 3 lessons evaluate where he is. Downsized classical guitars I'd look at are the 3/4 size Yamaha CGS103A and the Fender full scale but small bodied CN-140S. Both are quality instruments suitable for youngsters. If he loses interest you can't blame it on a hard to play heavy instrument.


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 32 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2, 3  Next
Go to page 1, 2, 3  Next

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: