Electric guitar for 8 year old boy...not a toy but

[TnTWalter]

also not super $$.

I'm toying with this package

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/...kk-Pakk-Electric-Guitar-Value-Pack?sku=H68030

but it's $180. Yikes. I've heard good things about epiphone.

And then this guitar is recommended for $99. and I was just going to get a $30 amp they have at musiciansfriend to go with, plus I'll need to buy strap and pics.
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Dean-Playmate-Evo-J-34-Size-Electric-Guitar?sku=620089
the amp
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Rogue-G10-10W-1x3.5-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=430834

This is a great price but fear it's a junk one. $99 for the kit though.
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Rogue-Rocketeer-Electric-Guitar-Pack?sku=430930

I would appreciate any help! Thanks so much.

Trish

 

[JennsBabySky]

My daughter started lessons about a year ago and loves it. I know almost nothing, but I do know that you want to get a tuner too -- nothing worse than learning on an out of tune guitar (or listening to someone learn on an out of tune guitar). You probably won't need the strap for awhile, it takes time to learn to play standing up, so I'd only get it if cheap enough.

Is this just to play around with or to take lessons on? If the later, I'd get the best one in your budget, you don't want him to outgrow too soon. Before long, the cost of lessons will exceed the guitar. Do you have a guitar center near you, they'll probably have a Black Friday sale and they've been very helpful when I've been there (and price matched prices that I found online).

Good luck,
Jennifer

 

[3boymthr]

For that price you're probably not getting very good quality - for any of the stuff you're buying. I come from a family professional musicians (I'm not but it goes back 5 generations) - if you want your son to take this seriously then you want to go with good quality. As PP noted you'll probably also want a tuner but those are only about $20. There's nothing worse than learning to play with junk.

 

[mdrob214]

I think that's a pretty good price. Especially for an 8 year old. You might want to just check to make sure it's not too big for him.

We got DS (then 11) a similar starter set that was a Fender, with amp, cord, case and instrucional dvd for about $175. It's a beginner guitar from a reputable company. I would think that if he stays with guitar for a while, then you can upgrade the instrument/amp at that time.

ETA--http://www.amazon.com/Fender-Starcaster-Electric-Guitar-Accessories/dp/B00193WLZO
this is basically what my DS has. His instructor says it's a fine instrument for beginners. He's been taking lessons for almost 2 years now and if he sticks with it, he'll likely get a new one for his bday (in June)

 

[TnTWalter]

OOPS SORRY Mdrob214 meant 3BOYMTHR
How about recommending something for <$200? Thanks.

 

[TnTWalter]

I think that's a pretty good price. Especially for an 8 year old. You might want to just check to make sure it's not too big for him.

We got DS (then 11) a similar starter set that was a Fender, with amp, cord, case and instrucional dvd for about $175. It's a beginner guitar from a reputable company. I would think that if he stays with guitar for a while, then you can upgrade the instrument/amp at that time.

Amazon has a starter fender set for about $189.

I had also heard good reviews of Epiphone too though.

I appreciat the help.

 

[TnTWalter]

My daughter started lessons about a year ago and loves it. I know almost nothing, but I do know that you want to get a tuner too -- nothing worse than learning on an out of tune guitar (or listening to someone learn on an out of tune guitar). You probably won't need the strap for awhile, it takes time to learn to play standing up, so I'd only get it if cheap enough.

Is this just to play around with or to take lessons on? If the later, I'd get the best one in your budget, you don't want him to outgrow too soon. Before long, the cost of lessons will exceed the guitar. Do you have a guitar center near you, they'll probably have a Black Friday sale and they've been very helpful when I've been there (and price matched prices that I found online).

Good luck,
Jennifer

look into a tuner. thanks.

 

[mdrob214]

Amazon has a starter fender set for about $189.

I had also heard good reviews of Epiphone too though.

I appreciat the help.

I edited the above post

http://www.amazon.com/Fender-Starcaster-Electric-Guitar-Accessories/dp/B00193WLZO

And it does come with a tuner and strap.

 

[TnTWalter]

I edited the above post

http://www.amazon.com/Fender-Starcaster-Electric-Guitar-Accessories/dp/B00193WLZO

And it does come with a tuner and strap.

thanks! so you like that deal better than the one I posted right? my only fear is that it will be too big as the other two are 1/2 and 3/4. opinion? I appreciate the help!!

 

[mdrob214]

thanks! so you like that deal better than the one I posted right? my only fear is that it will be too big as the other two are 1/2 and 3/4. opinion? I appreciate the help!!

I'm not sure. Can you call a guitar instructor and ask their opinion? I'd ask DS's teacher, but he has no lesson this week. I don't dislike your deal--they're comparable. I can only attest to the fact that the Fender starter kit was a good deal for us. The guitar is of good quality, especially considering the price.

 

[TnTWalter]

Thanks. I feel confident either one will do so I'll let DH decide. Then it will be his fault. Appreciate all the help!

 

[IDoDis]

I would hesitate about getting a 1/2 sized guitar which this one is. You'll end up spending more in the long run if he takes off with it and wants to upgrade in a year or so. The amp also looks like junk, so you'll also be on the hook for a better amp.

My DS started playing the electric guitar when he was 9 years old. We bought him this one which is only slightly smaller than a full-size guitar. Not even noticeable, but easier for him to play it:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/ESP-LTD-Viper50-Electric-Guitar?sku=542083

It has a much better sound than the starter packages that the music store had. The employees there told me that the others were not great quality. I remember when I took acoustic guitar when I was in high school, I had a really nice guitar that my mom bought used from a friend who used to be in a mariachi group. My friend had a guitar that looked better than mine, but it sounded much worse. Her strings always buzzed and never had a clear sound. In the long run, it's better to spend a few extra bucks and get something more decent vs taking the less expensive way and ending up with a frustrated player who ends up quitting or being bummed out because his guitar doesn't sound as good as he'd like.

Kids outgrow those little guitars real fast and before you know it, you'll again be spending money for something bigger.

We also bought a little nicer amp than the basic model in the store. I think we paid $15 more for one that had more switches and the sound was just better. It was well worth the extra $15.00. He'll need an amp cord to plug into the guitar (around $10.00), a gig bag ($12 - $15), some pics ($3.00), a tuner ($15 for a decent one), and a guitar stand ($12.00).