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Joined:
March 2004
Posts: 201
Location: Vernon, CT | Hey OFC Fans,
I've been playing Ovations, Fenders, etc. for 40 years but have no idea what a good and decent reasonably priced starter guitar for my 8 yr. old son would be. When I was 8 I started with a Sears Silvertone classical (f-hole) 6 string normal sized piece of sh*t myself before getting something decent three years later. (smile) But I did learn the basics with it. The ones I have looked at are either way to damn expensive for a kid to start with or a total piece of crap! He wants Dad (me) to teach him how to read music and play. I do this also part-time at a local music store but the kids are older. Any suggestions for guitars? Play On!
John L.
Custom Legend 1779-USA (almost here)
Legend LX
Balladeer LX
Std. Balladeer
Celebrity C026
Tornado (1970)
Takamine 12 String
Martin D16GT
Fender P-Bass (1975)
Fender Strat (1974) |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | If size is an issue the 3/4 Trekker or the 1/2 size AA12 is entirely adjustable for action and easy to play. Don't expect full sound but get a handle on the basics.
The Applause or Celebrity line is good for starters because they can tolerate a lot of the lessons we learn early on. Cool colors too!
A full size Balladeer Special off of Ebay would be my next choice. |
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Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | John
Musician's friend has some very inexpensive 1/2 and 3/4 size guitars, these may not sound as good as some of your top stuff you have listed, BUT, for an 8 year old, they are guitars that he can kick scratch and beat up on as he is learning respect and at the same time not have to strech an 8 year old's fingers beyond any reasonable ability. That way he can play some chords, feel like he is playing and, if he likes it, get started on working toward a better guitar.
My theory here is that to a youngster, being able to accomplish something may outweigh the sound of an expensive guitar that he can't play at all. Imagine if you were faced with a guitar with frets 2 inches apart and a neck 2 and 3/4 in in width, you would give up guitar playing for piano, after one session with a chord book.
Bailey |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Having played Scot's Trekker this weekend (I'd never seen one in person before), I can attest that they are VERY playable and sound quite good for their size . . .
Quite impressed. |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 71
Location: Charlotte NC | Hopefully I won't get flamed for mentioning a non Ovation. I have no experience with the Trekker, however one of my friends has a Little Martin which in my opinion is the little engine that could. For a "mini-guitar" it sounds simply amazing. Even better than a Baby Taylor I once tried. |
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Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 1225
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | You may also want to consider a Fender Squire Strat or Tele and a little practice amp. They are easier to play and have a slim neck profile. As an added bonus, he can turn the amp low or use headphones while practicing scales and the like. Might be a good choice for both of you. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | Tacoma makes a Papoose- Tuned like a guitar capoed at the 5th fret. |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | One of the smaller seagulls would be good too. |
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May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | Maybe not a guitar, start with a ukulele. Cheaper and less complicated and see how he likes it. Then move on up, to one of those little squires with a practice amp or a 3/4 size classical. And if that works, well he should be about 10 by that time and will be able to pick out what he likes. |
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Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 2503
Location: Fayetteville, NC | My First Hunch is the same as Cliffs. A Trekker would serve his purpose for several years. If he keeps it up, let him upgrade in about 3 or 4 years. Next Choice, Seagull. Great guitars for teh Money. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 873
Location: puerto vallarta, mexico | thanks to bill my grandson plays a 3/4 applause. my son has full sized one too. they are good no worry guitars, and can be set up to play like their much more expensive brothers. there is almost nothing more frustrating for a starting student/musician than a guitar with terminal high action.
a new student just bought her first guitar. i told her to take someone who knew guitars with her when she went shopping, but she didnt. her no truss rod neck has a bow in it and i suspect that will continue. it's a good looking guitar, but the store saw a mullet and threw the net.
some of the kids have guitars with 3/8 action at the 12th fret!! how can i expect them to learn on something made from firewood? |
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Joined:
March 2004
Posts: 201
Location: Vernon, CT | Hey OFC Fans,
Thanks for your input...it has helped alot. I've asked Al P. to price out a Trekker and a 3/4 Applause for an Xmas present for my 8 yr. old son Justin. So, it is down to these two. Will keep you updated on learning progress! ;)
John L.
Custom Legend 1779-USA (almost here)
Legend LX
Balladeer LX
Std. Balladeer
Celebrity C026
Tornado (1970)
Takamine 12 String
Martin D16GT
Fender P-Bass (1975)
Fender Strat |
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Guitar For An 8 Year Old Kid!