Good starter guitar for a 10-year old

[lcs101]

My sister is planning on getting my nephew a guitar for his tenth birthday. It will be his first, and I was looking for some recommendations. I think she is looking to spend $200 or less. She is still not sure whether she will do electric or acoustic (although I think she is leaning toward acoustic), so advice on either one would be great.

Thanks!

 

[19181911]

Check around for an old "Steel Reenforced Neck" Fender/Stella/Harmony acoustic. Some are real gems, plus they will hold their value.

The Yamaha FG JR is a cool 3/4 sized dreadnaught, I have one and it plays and sounds pretty good.

 

[Sweetfinger]

Ask the kid whether they want acoustic or electric. Whatever they want is the type that will make them play it, or at least try. For a kid that wants electric and gets a nylon string classical it's like getting socks for Christmas.
I wouldn't worry about brand. Just find something that is set up well.

 

[L_Totti]

Ask the kid whether they want acoustic or electric. Whatever they want is the type that will make them play it, or at least try. For a kid that wants electric and gets a nylon string classical it's like getting socks for Christmas.
I wouldn't worry about brand. Just find something that is set up well.

This. And if you can/know how set it up before she gives it to him.

And I really think an electric is a better way to start. Lighter strings , more confortable neck , etc. And if he wants an electric it's a much shorter way to be able to play what he wants right now. In a month he'll be able to play power chords and probably most songs he now wants to play.

Then after one or two months give him one of your old dist. pedals you don't use and see his face after he hits the first power chord with a distortion that sounds exactly like all classics ever recoded. It's a pricelles moment

 

[GWDavis28]

Check out the Sterling Series. They just came out with a Sub line that's pretty reasonable.

http://www.sterlingbymusicman.com/

Glenn |B)

 

[lcs101]

Thanks for the advice so far. I sent my sister the link so she could keep track of this thread.

 

[zzzezums]

My 11 year old daughter likes her Duosonic (so do I!).

 

[vbf]

Look at the Gretsch Electromatic Pro Jet. Very respectable solid body!!!

 

[tapeworm]

yamaha fg700s...can be bought new for $199, used for $125-150....great beginner acoustic.

 

[Jahn]

I love the idea of this one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1950s-Custo...k-/200704706078?pt=Guitar&hash=item2ebaeec61e

Once the kid gets good enough on this thing, pop the neck off, sell the body (actually may get a good price for it) and keep the neck he's used to, put it on some cool strat loaded body.

 

[foureyes]

www.rondomusic.com

I have had good luck with Douglas, SX and Agile guitars from Rondo music. I bought my 11 year old son a Douglas acoustic/electric that I have to say for the money was awesome. I also scored him an Epiphone G-400 with a case from a pawn shop in brand new condition for $200.00.
For my Daughter who is 10 I picked up a SX short scale bass from Rondo music as well.

 

[XmasTree]

check out one of those Squier Jagstang or Jagmaster things.

the Jazzmaster-type body style is one of THE MOST Comfortable bodies!
especially for practicing/strumming/etc. you feel very connected to it
i think that's the most important thing for a beginner....getting comfortable makes you more confident

 

[Dawg76]

I've heard good things about Yamaha's Pacifica series. Depending on hand size and strength, I'm wondering if electric would be easier to play than acoustic. I bought my daughter an Ovation Celebrity (acoustic) and she had a MUCH easier time playing a Mexican Strat.

 

[joeburke]

I agree with the electric vs. acoustic thing. Ask him....if he wants an electric, get him that. Also, try to find out what music he listens too and go for something that looks like what his favorite bands play? If he's into SRV, then a strat copy....Page, something that looks like a les paul.

 

[Lemon Crush]

Get something YOU want.

If the kid gives it up (as kids do), you get something awesome.

If the kid sticks with it, he's got an awesome axe.

 

[unfunnyclown]

I still play my first guitar all the time. It's an Oscar Schmidt acoustic dreadnought. I think acoustics are better to start with because they build better callouses and make it easier to hear mistakes. Also, you don't need to buy an amp. http://www.oscarschmidt.com/

 

[sugardo]

Hello there,Fender makes a child size guitar modeled after their classic Stratocaster.http://cgi.ebay.com/FENDER-SQUIER-M...-/160540652397?pt=Guitar&hash=item2560f7f36dI would not recommend an electric amp for someone that young. A battery powered amp would be safer. http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-DANELECTRO-...t=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item563c954286Later,

 

[snakestretcher]

Hello there,Fender makes a child size guitar modeled after their classic Stratocaster.http://cgi.ebay.com/FENDER-SQUIER-MINI-STRAT-W-GIGBAG-MINT-/160540652397?pt=Guitar&hash=item2560f7f36dI would not recommend an electric amp for someone that young. A battery powered amp would be safer. http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-DANELECTRO-HONEYTONE-N-10-GUITAR-MINI-AMP-BURGANDY-/370383602310?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item563c954286Later,

Yep, I'd go with this. I'll also echo the recommendation for the Yamaha FG Jr as a good starter acoustic for small people with small hands.

 

[chrisrocksusa]

R8 or something

 

[kenneth]

Definitely find out what music he is into, and what guitars these bands use. Based on this, I think the forum can throw out much better suggestions.

I don't think many 10 year olds are into SRV, but I could be wrong. I don't know what music 10 year olds are into, but I do think they are usually not into the stuff their parents tend to be into. Maybe that was just me.

Would be interested to know what you get, and how he likes it.