Buyers Guide - Guitars and Pianos

          

(see below for pianos)


WARNING!!
This guy is a trouble-maker!
Too young for lessons

Guitars for small kids?
  • For small kids, select a small guitar.
  • Get a strap or just a string. It will help the beginner hold the instrument and also prevent dropping it.
     
  • Don't skimp on quality. That beginner guitar is a future travel guitar IF you buy one with good tone that stays in tune.
     
  • 1/2 size models for ages 6-9
  • 3/4 size models for ages 9-11 (I played a 3/4 size Gibson 135 into my teens - wish I still had it..)
  • full size guitars for 12 and older


1/2 size electric model
Let your local dealer pro 'set it up'

Acoustic or electric?
  • I'm asked this a lot.
    • If a kid can't HOLD it - he can't PLAY it.
    • Comfort is important; a strap prevents dropping the guitar
    • Electrics require a small amplifier; Acoustics are quieter, Mom.
    • You can't play heavy metal on an acoustic guitar; so if that's what your teenager wants to do, then help him do it.
  • IMPORTANT: the guitar must have a nice, rich tone; and it must stay in tune
  • Best Beginner Acoustics:
    Avoid WalMart toys
    Baby Taylor
    Baby Martin
    Other small models by Dean, Yamaha, Fender
  • Best Beginner Electrics
    Mini Strat
    Other similar models

 


Electric guitars require an amplifier. There is no need to buy a big one - unless there are tour dates scheduled!

 

Recommended amplifiers
  • More important than the brand is that you buy from a local dealer who provides service.
  • Peavey, Yamaha, Fender, Line6, Vox, Marshall - all good brands
  • Many models have built-in effects and a headphone feature.
    • CAUTION: supervise the use of headphones!

Guitars for Adults
  • Yes, price is a legitimate indicator of quality
    • "Made in China" might be an indicator of lower quality; be careful
  • Build quality indicators
    • the guitar resonates with good tone
    • it is easy to play
    • it stays in tune
    • it is well-crafted
  • Acceptable substitutes:
    Epiphone for Gibson
    Squier for Fender

Tip: Let a pro "set up" your new guitar; it makes a huge difference in playability.

 

 

At left: Squier Deluxe Strat

 

 

Gifts - Guitar Accessories/Essentials
  • carrying case or bag
  • a comfortable strap
  • a digital tuner
  • spare strings and some picks
  • a Care Kit - polish and a soft cloth
  • a capo
  • BEST GIFT - 5 lessons with Prof. Adams

Internet 'Bargains' -- There is very little, if any, advantage to buying on the Internet.

Local dealers have prices on new instruments already marked to match Internet 'bargains' - and there is NO risk when you buy local. This is true for all accessories, too. I highly recommend Buddy Rogers and Willis Music.

beginner piano lessons NKY
Casio Privia


See also:

Kawaii
Roland
Yamaha
Kurzweil


Kurzweil

Recommended Pianos

Buy a digital piano. Digital pianos are easy to move - need no tuning - and they sound great.

Real Piano Feel is very important - get 88 weighted keys, not plastic organ keys.

A 'real' piano costs as much as a new car: Digital pianos cost about as much as a new set of tires.

Pianos have a different feel than a 'keyboard.' You want a piano - not a keyboard. The term "keyboard" encompasses toy whiz-bang noise-makers. Avoid discount store toys if you want to take lessons; they are not good enough for practice.

Some of the Casio Previa series digital piano come close to a real piano feel. I have found that on many digital pianos the keys are stiff or have a rubbery bounce that makes them hard to play. This is an important factor, especially for a beginner. [Fact: maestro Vladimir Horowitz had the keys on his personal Steinway adjusted to make it extremely easy to play.]

Shhhh! Your budding artist can practice while wearing headphones and all that you will hear is the gentle clicking of the keys. CAUTION: supervise the use of headphones!

Top

Back