Looking to buy a guitar for my teenager for Christmas, any suggestions? And is

Dec 13, 2024
3:13:48pm

Buffalo All-American

it okay to buy in advance so they have it for Christmas morning, or is it such a personal decision that they need to go to the guitar store to pick it out? He'll be a beginner but pretty sure he'll stick with it so I'd like something decent.

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Buffalo

Previous username: megapixle
Bio page: Buffalo
Joined: Oct 16, 2009
Last login: Dec 13, 2024
Total posts: 40,141 (4,757 FO)

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Messages

Author

Time

Looking to buy a guitar for my teenager for Christmas, any suggestions? And is

Buffalo

3:13pm

Guitar Center has good deals right now. If he's a beginner something like a

reagan21

3:17pm

You would not recommend nylon strings? I'm seeing some people recommend

Buffalo

3:22pm

Nylon can be a little easier to learn on, but as soon as he learns, he'll want a steel string guitar

Greg Kite's 'stache

3:24pm

can you switch out the strings or does nylon always stay nylon?

Buffalo

3:25pm

no you can switch, but why add a step.

reagan21

3:27pm

I would not recommend putting steel strings on a classical/nylon string guitar.

CopperLix

3:28pm

And get the strings sharpened so that his fingers bleed more easily. That will

spoxjox

3:26pm

Nylon is not as harsh on your fingers, but you want to build up calluses

reagan21

3:26pm

I would. For that, see this post

Icecat

3:35pm

Nylon is certainly better to start, but most skip that step

NGB

3:38pm

It only took a few days for my kid’s fingers to stop hurting with steal strings

Shawarma

3:43pm

We bought our daughter one after taking her to a music store to try out several. We didn't buy it then but

Soupie

3:18pm

If you're in Salt Lake, try Acoustic Music at 857 E 400 S. Both new and used at all levels

Greg Kite's 'stache

3:23pm

Acoustic Music is a good store. I approve.

CopperLix

3:26pm

I also endorse Acoustic Music.

scottfunkel

3:39pm

Heading there now, thanks

Buffalo

3:46pm

Don't go too cheap. If the action makes it hard to play, he might give up on it.

CopperLix

3:24pm

If acoustic, Yahama is a good starter guitar. Make sure the action is nice and

sakar12

3:31pm

How much do you want to spend? Sweetwater has the Taylor 114ce for $700. You could possibly get it for less on Reverb

Icecat

3:33pm

My kids guitar teacher convinced us not to go the cheap Yamaha guitar route.

Shawarma

3:34pm

Taylor is a real nice way to start. If people are spending all the money on

calvindyer

4:05pm

What’s your budget?

Nittany Cougar

3:35pm

He's a CB'er not named TNT. Budget: Unlimited

reagan21

3:38pm

Could I get something decent for 300-500?

Buffalo

3:38pm

yes

reagan21

3:39pm

Taylor mini’s are $499 on Amazon. Lovely guitars!

Shawarma

3:49pm

Would that be a good choice for a full-sized teenager?

Buffalo

3:49pm

I wouldn't get a teenager looking for a long-term guitar a mini.

dazcoug

3:54pm

Probably not.

Shawarma

3:59pm

Used Epiphone Masterbilt or used Tacoma is probably the best value you can get

dazcoug

3:50pm

Electric? Classical? Acoustic? Playability is the thing to start. Here is

calvindyer

4:03pm

Years ago I bought mine at Great Salt Lake Guitar Co. I think it's still around.

SoCalCoug

4:41pm

Sweetwater has the best customer service I've ever seen. Call them and tell them your story.

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