Who knows about acoustic guitars?

[Piglet's Pal]

I know someone here on the DIS can point me in the right direction!

My DS13 would like an acoustic guitar for Christmas and I have some questions...What brand? What kind of wood? Nylon or steel strings? Is there anything else we should consider?
We would like to stay in the $200-$250 price range. We also would like this to be a guitar that he has for awhile.

I would appreciate your ideas.
PP

 

[Christine]

The best person to ask would be whoever he takes lessons from.

My DD took guitar last year. We were recommended to buy a Yamaha. We spent about $230 for the guitar with case. I believe that nylon strings are more comfortable. If you practice a lot, the steel strings can make your fingers bleed or, at a minimum, be extremely sore.

 

[mick67]

You can get a lot of pretty good guitars for $200 to $250. I have an Epiphone that I bought for $150 to use on camping trips, and I love it. If there's a Guitar Center near you, I recommend starting there. Sam Ash is OK too. Sam Ash also has a pretty good website...they even have a Fender acoustic there for $170 right now.

If you go with a steel string, you want a guitar that has "good action" meaning the strings are close to the fretboard...this way you don't have to press down as hard, it's easier to play, and there's more sound and less squeak. Nylon strings are easier on the fingers, but don't lend themselves well to a lot of rock music.

Whatever you do, don't get an Esteban or Carlo Robelli...shame what they did to those trees.

 

[Christine]

We got ours at Guitar Center. Good place to go.

Now, I *think* I have seen a similar acoustic guitar at Costco occasionally. It looks to be the same Yamaha that we have, but I think they are selling it in the $150 range.

 

[SpecialK]

Dh has been playing for over 30 years and taught for half that time. Here's what he said: Yamaha (he's had his for over 20 years and is still happy with it)
In the $200-250 price range, you are looking at laminated wood.
Steel strings - classical guitars use nylon strings and the fret board would be
too big for a young hand
Guitar Center and Sam Ash will give you a decent price but you'll be buying a guitar that everyone and his brother has played so chances are they'll be nicked/dinged up. You are also not given anything but a guitar - no case, strings, etc. He suggest pricing guitars at those stores and then checking out a small music shop or two. He also said to check out Elderly Music online.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I have to agree with the Guitar Center suggestion. We got DD her electric guitar there and were very happy with the service. The staff there was very knowledgeable. DD's guitar teacher said that it is easy for kids to start on an electric because it is not as rough on their fingers as an acoustic.

For Christmas this year she may be getting a Baby Taylor acoustic as a gift from a musician friend of ours who has an endorsement deal with that company. No clue what the retail is but they are VERY nice guitars!

 

[Feralpeg]

I love nylon strings, but I only play classical guitar. A teen would probably prefer steel strings.

 

[Piglet's Pal]

Thanks so much for all of your suggestions!

We really can't decide on nylon or steel strings...everyone we have talked has their own good reasons for liking one or the other, we just need to decide which will be best for DS.

I have checked out some web sites that have package deals...guitar, case, & some extras for pretty good prices...I just didn't know what qualities we should be looking for and now I have a good idea. We definitely want a new guitar, not a used one.

I think DH & I will check out some local stores this weekend while DS is away on a camping trip with the scouts.

Thanks for the help!
PP

 

[Mickey76]

I see others have commented on the guitars, but I'd like to add something about strings. I first learned to play guitar about 7 years ago. I used steel strings to learn and my fingers were sore for about a week. However, I eventually built some nice callouses (gross, I know) that made my playing more effective in the sense that I could press down on a string for a longer period of time and not worry about pain. Nylon strings have a nice sound if you're playing classical, but if you want a rock sound, go with the steel strings.

 

[caitycaity]

I used steel strings to learn and my fingers were sore for about a week. However, I eventually built some nice callouses (gross, I know) that made my playing more effective in the sense that I could press down on a string for a longer period of time and not worry about pain. Nylon strings have a nice sound if you're playing classical, but if you want a rock sound, go with the steel strings.

i completely agree with this.

 

[cardaway]

Nylon strings always hurt my fingers more than steel.

And I'm partial to Gibson. Haven't played a bad one yet.

 

[TinkerBelle2992]

I have a Fender. I got it at a local music store. We bought a package. It came with the guitar, a gig bag (which is a material case), extra strings, electric tuner, string winder, three picks, and a dvd. I think that's it. It was around $300 I think. You can get them for electric, too, it just comes with an amp, and I think a book instead of the dvd.

 

[powellrj]

If you have a local music store, you might want to check there. Thats where we got DSs first guitar. They have a deal that they will always buy back your guitar you bought from them for what you paid for it if you upgrade. They have also been great about fixing anything that needs done to it.