I want to buy my son his first guitar. He'll be playing it in band so I want to get something that will keep its tune. I don't want to go to the store without a good idea on what will work well for him. Any advice would be appreciated.
They have reviews of lots of different guitars that are available. I agree with Julia that buying a good instrument to start with is a good idea. But you do not always have to spend a lot on an electric guitar for it to be good. Some of the lower priced guitars do rate well. See what he likes at the music store, then check the reviews for that model and start looking online or through the want ads for a good deal. There are lots of guitars out there that people have bought thinking they would learn to use them and have barely taken out of the case.
Each guitar has it's own character and good points. If you know anyone around you that plays guitar and who you consider a good musician, see if they wlll help you find something good for him. A guitar player can tell you very quickly whether or not it is a good one.
The better the instrument you buy for your son, the easier it's going to be to play, and the better the quality of sound. Just those two elements are going to be great incentives for him to progressat a faster rate, and to experience the joy of a fine instrument. I just hate to see a parent go out and purchase the cheapest instrument they can possibly find, then wonder why the child loses interest so rapidly. They say, "Well, when he learns, I'll get him something better". Wrong approach. It's almost like tying up one of his legs when he's six months old, and saying, "When he learns how to walk really well, I'll untie his other leg".
Take your son to a good music store, and let him "feel" the difference in neck sizes and height of strings from the frets etc. Listen to the resonance of the instrument, and your ear will tell you which sounds really good. Talk to the experts while you're there, but let your son try the instruments.
Wishing you the best. Julia (a really old musician)
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