Good beginner guitar?

[PunkyBoo]

Punkin has expressed interest in learning to play guitar. We want to get him a guitar that is a real one, not a kids toy, and we will give him the guitar and lessons for Christmas. DH and I have never played so I have no clue what to get or look for. DH looked online yesterday and saw a Fender that comes with a bag but no tuner but was right at the limit of what we want to spend (~$120). What else do we need- do we need a tuner? Extra strings? We want it to be decent quality but not such a huge investment in case he decides he doesnt like it and we save it a few years for Boo. We plan to get that Chord Buddy system from Shark Tank so DH and I can also try it out at home before the lessons start.

[nfceagles]

I just settled on this same gift for my 8yo DS and was looking for the same thing. Not a huge investment, but not a toy. We ended up going with a Fender Mini from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Squier-Fender-Electric-Guitar-Torino/dp/B0002F75KG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386695914&sr=8-1&keywords=fender+strat+mini

Some of the colors are $99. I also added
A tuner ($8) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VWJ2K8/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i06?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This amp ($20) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B6DHB2/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
a cheap strap and a cheap cable (just in case the guitar doesn't come with one, I couldn't tell for sure)

The Chord Buddy System does not work with the smaller scale guitars though, so this may not work for you. These minis are I think 3/4 scale and in addition to being a good size for kids, are considered good for adults with small hands and as a travel guitar. My 6' DH has small hands and by his measurements he should play a 3/4 scale guitar. So I'm not worried about my 8yo outgrowing it anytime soon.

I'm no expert and this may be all wrong, but I've been trying to figure out the same things for the last couple weeks.

[PunkyBoo]

I just settled on this same gift for my 8yo DS and was looking for the same thing. Not a huge investment, but not a toy. We ended up going with a Fender Mini from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Squier-Fender-Electric-Guitar-Torino/dp/B0002F75KG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386695914&sr=8-1&keywords=fender+strat+mini

Some of the colors are $99. I also added
A tuner ($8) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VWJ2K8/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i06?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This amp ($20) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B6DHB2/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
a cheap strap and a cheap cable (just in case the guitar doesn't come with one, I couldn't tell for sure)

The Chord Buddy System does not work with the smaller scale guitars though, so this may not work for you. These minis are I think 3/4 scale and in addition to being a good size for kids, are considered good for adults with small hands and as a travel guitar. My 6' DH has small hands and by his measurements he should play a 3/4 scale guitar. So I'm not worried about my 8yo outgrowing it anytime soon.

I'm no expert and this may be all wrong, but I've been trying to figure out the same things for the last couple weeks.

Thanks for the response :). I should have specified we plan to get an acoustic guitar. Also Punkin has big hands.

[musicalgrl]

Someone posted in the Bargains page that Amazon is having some really crazy deals on Crescent guitars. This one is $25, originally $150.
http://www.amazon.com/38-Inch-Beginner-Acoustic-Guitar-Starter/dp/B002X49732/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386697509&sr=8-1&keywords=crescent+guitar

And there are some that are even less. I never seen one in person so you'll have to look at the reviews and see what you think. But since you're trying to gauge his interest and see if it's something he'll stick with, it might be a reasonable place to start.

[lele]

Go look at Guitar center to get an idea of size that works. We bought my kids first one there. It was about $99. Look for nylon strings because steel will be too hard for beginner. Good luck!

[MommyAllison]

DH taught guitar lessons for kids, and he recommended the Baby Taylor for his students. We have one for Dd1 and it is a nice size. The guitar teacher you pick should be able to give you recommendations too - DH met some parents at the guitar store to help them pick one. Acoustic guitars are each unique, and really should be played before buying, so having an expert along is helpful. :) Craigslist often has good deals as well, but again, if possible take a guitar player with you to play before buying.

[Binkandabee]

I'm in the market for a guitar for DD and I've narrowed it down to a Baby Taylor or a Little Martin. Hoping to score on on craigslist before Christmas!

[kristac]

Late to the party- DS is getting this one for his bday Sunday- just picked it up at guitar center http://smile.amazon.com/Squier-Fender-BulletStrat-Brown-Sunburst/dp/B001L8NFZW/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Also wanted to say that next Saturday Guitar Center is having a free introductory group lesson http://musicmentor.guitarcenter.com/group-guitar-lesson-4/

[Nooknookmom]

DD1 got an Ibanez when she was 10 (now 18). It was an lower-end model that we got at Guitar Center. We have friends to do custom guitars for musicians and they did a cool little logo on it along with her name.

We signed up for local lessons etc....