Suggestions for 3/4 Scale Accoustic for my son

[Bix]

Everyone

My seven year old son told me, on his own with no interference from me honest, he'd like an acoustic guitar for his birthday. Without spending more then $150, new or used, what's a good instrument for him to start out on. I'm leaning toward a baby taylor if I can get one for that price or close to it, but I'd like other suggestions.

Thanks in advance.
Mike

 

[John Phillips]

The Little Martin is quite cool, and probably a bit more physically durable. Don't be put off by the 'high pressure laminate' construction, they actually sound pretty good. The only problem is that the soundhole rosette is a sticker and wears off really quickly, so a used one might look a bit tatty.

There's a little Yamaha FG Jr. too, which is a bit cheaper (in all ways) but still quite nice for the money, and should be under your budget even new.

 

[Bix]

The yamaha sounds interesting. Thanks for the tip.

Mike

 

[563]

Olympia OP2

That was actually the guitar that steered me toward the OD3 dread I bought. Nice little unit and runs about $100 new.

 

[bbobb24]

I've been thinking about something like this for my kids also. Do these guitars accually stay in tune? I've seen some "kid" guitars that just don't tune up at all.

 

[Den]

If you can find a Baby Taylor at your price, that would be hard to beat.

 

[Comfort Player]

There's a little Yamaha FG Jr.

+ 1 for the Jr. I got one for my six year old. Stays in tune very well and even has a truss rod in case you need o make small adjustments.

The neck profile is a little large though.

 

[wodka]

Larrivee Parlor - by far the best of the lot.

 

[Den]

Originally posted by wodka
Larrivee Parlor - by far the best of the lot.

Is there a Larivee Parlor available in the $150 range?

 

[AbstractLunatic]

Art & Lutherie (Godin entry level line)

http://www.artandlutherieguitars.com/amis.htm

 

[563]

+1 on the Art and Lutherie (as well as my Oly recommendation). A&L makes damn fine inexpensive stuff.

 

[Zuma]

I picked up an A&L Ami for my young son. I think this is about as good as they get in the under $200 price range.

 

[Bix]

Follow-up

My son has the guitar now, Yamaha FG Jr. It fits him well. He loves it and he wants to play and spend time with Dad practicing. Priceless.

As for the Yamaha, I think I need to have a pro set-up done. It seems the intonation is off, and it doesn't hold tune well. I did all my standard set-up items and it still doesn't perform as well as I'd like. But then I remember, it's for my son and he is working on holding the instrument, holding the pick and practicing strumming and alternate picking, and I think, you know it's ok. After all, I spent $120. It's probably not gonna play or sound like my Taylor!

Thanks again for everyone's tips. For my son, it's perfect.

Mike