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Music NKY
Buyers Guide - Guitars
and Pianos
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(Click here for pianos)

Trouble-maker!
Too young for lessons!
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Guitars for kids
- Buy from a music store - not a discount warehouse.
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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
less risk when you buy local. This is true for all accessories, too.
I
highly recommend Buddy Rogers and Willis Music.
- For small kids, select a small guitar.
- Get a strap. It will help the beginner hold the
instrument and also prevent dropping it. If a child can't HOLD it comfortably, then she can't PLAY 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 age 12 and older
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1/2 size electric model
Tip: Let your local dealer pro 'set it up' - it makes the guitar easier to play. |
Acoustic or electric?
- I'm asked this a lot.
- A beginner can learn on either acoustic or electric
- Electrics require a small amplifier - additional investment
- Acoustics are quieter
- 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, be easy to play and easy to tune. (NOTE: Guitars need to be tuned all the time).
- A classical style guitar is harder for beginners to play due to its wide neck
- There is less string tension (easier to play) on a smaller scale guitar
- Better Beginner Acoustics for small students: (Avoid WalMart toys)
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Electric guitars require an amplifier. There is no need to
buy a big one - until tour dates scheduled! Weight is a consideration. |
- Better Beginner Electrics for small students
Recommended amplifiers
for electric guitars
- More important than the brand is that you buy from a local dealer
who provides service. I recommend Buddy Rogers and Willis Music
- 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 to avoid damage to the child's ears!

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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 is easy to tune
- it is well-crafted and finished
- Acceptable economical substitutes:
Epiphone for Gibson
Squier for Fender
Dean
Ibanez
ESP
Tip: Let a pro "set up" your
new guitar; it makes a huge difference in playability.
At left: Squier Deluxe Strat
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Tuner |
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
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Casio
Privia
See also:
Kawaii
Roland
Yamaha
Kurzweil
Kurzweil
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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 suitable practice instruments.
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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