Guitar student would like a 3/4 guitar. Budget $200. Need from box store. Help.

PorkPieGuy · #1 05-09-2010, 05:36 PM

I have a guitar student who is in 6th grade. He's sort of a little guy, so his parents are looking at a 3/4 size guitar, acoustic. Since we live in the middle of nowhere, we'll probably go through a big box store. I'm going to suggest steel string since he's more interested in strumming than fingerpicking. What would you suggest for a $200 budget? Also, I found a baby taylor for a little over half of the budget. Would you suggest that? Any help?

Thanks!

skatalite · #2 05-09-2010, 05:47 PM

Does middle of nowhere mean online/phone orders are out? Because I recommend the Yamaha JR1. Kraft Music has a great bundle for the JR1, and for $xxx delivered, it leaves money for other things:

http://www.kraftmusic.com/catalog/gu...p?product=6051

JohnZ · #3 05-09-2010, 05:51 PM

A Yamaha. They used to be called 'FG Junior' but now I believe it's 'JR1'. The school district that I teach guitar for has some and they've held up very well under what I'd consider extreme abuse. Most online music outlets should have them.

Personally, I like the Coronados I have as private stock which are Chinese built copies of baby Taylors but I haven't seen them available beyond one small distributor.

Tycho · #4 05-09-2010, 07:18 PM

Also, Look at the Art & Lutherie Ami if you can find one. I'm not sure if it's within that budget, but it should be pretty close.

cke · #5 05-09-2010, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tycho

Also, Look at the Art & Lutherie Ami if you can find one. I'm not sure if it's within that budget, but it should be pretty close.

The Ami is a real guitar that he can grow with. It is about 50% more new with gigbag. Used is more possible. The Yamaha is a great idea too. I personally do not like the Taylor Baby, I would prefer they look at the Martin LXM for the same money, but he could get the Ami at that price.

Ted @ LA Guitar Sales · #6 05-09-2010, 08:02 PM

My first choice would be the Baby Taylor but these are actually pretty good. BTW, sent you the AGF price on the Baby just in case.

Weird Snake Joe · #7 05-09-2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cke

The Ami is a real guitar that he can grow with. It is about 50% more new with gigbag. Used is more possible. The Yamaha is a great idea too. I personally do not like the Taylor Baby, I would prefer they look at the Martin LXM for the same money, but he could get the Ami at that price.

Agreed with all of this.

Badfrog · #8 05-10-2010, 08:18 AM

What about strings? I have an 8yr daughter that would like to play but even the light elixir strings on my Fender (which I had setup) can be a bit of a bear for her to fret.

Would extra light or ultra light be a good idea for this problem?

skatalite · #9 05-10-2010, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badfrog

What about strings? I have an 8yr daughter that would like to play but even the light elixir strings on my Fender (which I had setup) can be a bit of a bear for her to fret.

Would extra light or ultra light be a good idea for this problem?

You can try extra light, or even nylon strings.

cke · #10 05-10-2010, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skatalite

You can try extra light, or even nylon strings.

And coach her that everybody's fingers hurt when they start.

Fatstrat · #11 05-10-2010, 10:16 AM

I'd agree on the Yamaha. The 3/4 Fender Squire isn't IMO much behind it.
These inexpensive 3/4 student guitars are made to match the circumstances. A guitar for children who generally have short attention spans and might not follow thru on learning guitar. Parents generally don't want to invest a mint in a guitar that might end up a closet queen. But want something of decent enough quality that it doesn't impede learning. Both the Yamaha and the Fender Squire fit this bill. W/a slight nod in better quality going to the Yamaha. Neither are really "high quality". But they are certainly better than the 1st Act guitars sold at Wal Mart.
Note that if you buy from Guitar Center, or Musicians Friend, for $20. you can also get a 2 year full replacement warranty that covers the guitar in the event of ANYTHING happening to it. Even if the kid breaks it, they'll replace it.

revive · #12 05-10-2010, 10:54 AM

GC has 3/4 size Mitchell guitars for half of your budget. Much better than Yamaha JR1 and I'd say nearly as good as Baby Taylor.

Cheetotoe · #13 05-10-2010, 10:59 AM

I have played the Taylor, Martin, Yamaha, and A&l AMI while looking for a travel guitar.

I bought the little Martin. To my ears it was the best. The Yamaha came in second given the price. The Taylor was a HUGE let down for me and the A&L was a pawn shop find with 40 year old strings and the bridge coming unglued from the top which made it play and sound like crap...so I don't have a real fair view on the A&L.

On a side note, the Yamaha was the nicest playing "out of the box" (i.e. not yet set up) out of all that I demo'ed.

PorkPieGuy · #14 05-10-2010, 11:39 AM

Thanks everyone,

My student's mother ordered the Yamaha package and a decent clip-on tuner. I told her that the guitar would probably need a set-up at some point (depending on the guitar). I'm very happy to see my student decide to go with an acoustic guitar rather than another electric. I hate him having to drag that little amp to every lesson.

I'll let everyone know how it goes.

skatalite · #15 05-10-2010, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PorkPieGuy

Thanks everyone,

My student's mother ordered the Yamaha package and a decent clip-on tuner. I told her that the guitar would probably need a set-up at some point (depending on the guitar). I'm very happy to see my student decide to go with an acoustic guitar rather than another electric. I hate him having to drag that little amp to every lesson.

I'll let everyone know how it goes.

Excellent! I bet he's an excited kid right about now.