Guitar Buying Help Needed!

[amyers12345]

I'm in the market for a new guitar for my DS11. He can play a full sized or a junior. He's already had a Dean acoustic, which we had horrible problems with it keeping tune. He also has a Harmony electric that was given to him, but we recently figured out that it's a vintage worth a small fortune. It's also very difficult to string due to the way it's made.

 

His guitar teacher says to stick with the name brands, but I'm not 100% sure what they are. I don't like Fenders at all, which leaves Washburn, Ibanez, Yamaha, and after that I'm clueless.

 

We went to a different music store this weekend and their prices were crazy! They all raved over the Takamine brand, which my son fell in love with. The problem is that the one he wants is $349 at the store and only $159 on Amazon.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Jasmine-Takamine-ES31C-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar/dp/B000653JNO/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1288026030&sr=1-4

 

I also found a Les Paul Junior for $119.

 

I'd like him to have another acoustic for everyday use and keep his harmony for fun, but he wants a new electric or acoustic-electric.

 

Does anyone have any input on these brands or guitars? I'd like to go ahead and get one quickly in case there are any problems with it.

 

Thanks!

[Elmck]

I don't know much but I do know that if the acoustic guitar is made with solid wood then the guitar sound improves with age and playing. I like the brand Seagull. Every guitar we have bought from them has been good quality. We have not bought a new one for a few years now so I am not sure of the price.

[Karmarose]

Ditto about the age of the guitar. I am quite sure that you can find 70's acoustic guitars for the less then 150 range. I am surprised that your guitar instructor is not able to track down a great guitar. I would possibly consider your price range and then consider paying a finders fee to the instructor. That's what we have done everytime we get a new one. You should be able to find a Yamaha G-55a for around 100 on craigslist, ebay or somewhere. That was my sons first.

[peppysfireball]

Go to Musiciansfriend.com. I bought my son's on there for 1/3 of retail. When he joined band in high school the musisc store sold blaessing trumpets for 850 and I bought his from musicians friend for 350. They have great red hot buys too. They send me a sale catalog monthly and their prices are wonderful. I bought the BC Ritch Warlock with a case for 199 two days before xmas and it was there christmas eve. They are wonderful.

[dealluvr]

i found my son 2 of them for reasonable price on craigslist