(see below for pianos)

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

• 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'

• 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
  

• 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!

  

• 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

• 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.

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!

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