Junior Guitar 3/4 Recommendation

[dhackle]

Can anyone suggest a junior guitar for a 12 year boy. My son wants to learn to play and I am at a total loss not being a player. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[phil rumley]

There is only one, in my opinion. Little Martin, with the factory pickup if you don't want to go to the hassle of installing a K &K Pure Western mini.

[happy-man]

For a young beginner I usually recommend a classical (nylon string) guitar. The nylon strings are easier on the fingers, and the strings are spaced wider so that your fingers don't run into each other. A 12 year old might be fine with a full size classical. I'd suggest going to a music store and trying both sizes. Yamaha makes fine classical guitars for a reasonable price. That's what I started with. I later moved on to a steel string, but I still have my Yamaha nylon string from over 20 years ago.

 

Scott O

[tralam]

I just bought a squire electric 3/4...had a speaker right in it with distortion and all...sound great and fun for the kiddies too

[GondoGuitar]

Your son should be large enough for a full size electric or concert or parlour size acoustic. While nylon strings are a little easier on the fingers, the neck of a classical can be intimidating and not every 12 year old gets excited about classicals. Martin makes a great "silk and steel" string that could be used to restring an acoustic to make it easier on the fingers until he gets some toughening up on them (calouses)sp? Get hime something that looks good and is a real instrument and it will be a great present!!

[mole2]

I agree with the full size guitar for a 12 y/o. I would recommend an entry level Alvarez...something like the Alvarez RF8 or Alvarez RD8 which are inexpensive, fairly well made, set up nicely, have a good sound and come with a case.

 

 

[T.B.]

Can anyone suggest a junior guitar for a 12 year boy. My son wants to learn to play and I am at a total loss not being a player. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Steel String Acoustic guitar.

 

Yamaha JR1 FG-Series 3/4-Size Acoustic Guitar ~ $119.00

 

Taylor BBT Big Baby Acoustic Guitar (with Gig Bag) ~ $449.00

 

Classical Nylon String guitar.

 

Cordoba Cadet 3/4 Classical Guitar ~ $249.00

 

 

I love Yamaha guitars, but I think Taylor has the edge in the quality of sound. As far as nylon string guitar goes, Cordoba Cadet is the only 3/4 classical guitar size I would buy. Many on this board have praised Art & Lutherie Arim Models, but I don't have any experience with this model.

 

http://www.artandlutherieguitars.com/ami.htm

 

Trina

 

P.S. Let me expand on Gondo thoughts: I agree with maybe going with Silk & Steel strings to get his fingers acclimated. It's true the guitar you or he picks should match his musical taste. If your son is into blues, grunge, post grunge etc, etc; than a nylon string may not be the guitar for him. A lot of the big boys and girls on this board own and play Big Baby Taylor's. He can play and grow with this guitar, but don't be surprised if he hits up the "old man" for an upgrade - a full size Taylor or a Martin in a few years.

 

Allow me to clarify my statement 3/4 Yamaha vs 3/4 Taylor ...... Taylor's has the edge. (IMHO) I'm a fan of Yamaha acoustic guitars and they make very fine full sizes guitars. Yamaha FG700S thumbs up.

[Samilyn]

At 12 years old, he's soon going to shoot up faster than Jack's beanstalk and will outgrow a 3/4 git in the blink of an eye. I'd definitely go with a full size git.

 

As stated above, do take his musical taste into consideration. If he or his peers think the git is "wimpy" or "un-cool", he won't stick with it.

 

As to steel vs. nylon strings, I think that's a moot point. His fingers are going to get sore, as do every beginner's, no matter what. Just give him a Tylenol, rub an ice cube on his fingertips and keep a tube of Orajel handy. And remember, at his age, he's liable to want to tough it out. As with kids who participate in sports, pain carries a certain degree of "cool" and "braggin' rights."

 

My vote goes to the Yamaha FG700. It's a great git for under $300 bucks. They're very sturdy and sound nice. Playability is usually quite good after a professional setup. (Setup is a "must have" regardless of what brand you buy)

[Broadus]

To the suggestions given, particularly the Alvarez RF8 and the Yamaha FG700S, I would add the Art & Lutherie Folk. In fact, here is a good offering on eBay--A&L Folk, laminate so it's easy care and will take more abuse, for $199.99, with free shipping. That'll be hard to beat.

 

Bill

[OldGuitarPlayer]

It's cool your son wants to learn to play acoustic guitar. I find they usually gravitate towards electric when they start out. Of course when we where young we didn't have electricity so we didn't have a choice

 

All kidding aside I would have to agree with the other folks about getting him a regular "full size" guitar. He will grow into it...don't worry.

 

I also strongly agree with the suggestions regarding anything in the Yamaha line. They are very well made, inexpensive and durable guitars that if taken care of properly will last a lifetime.

 

Good luck and Happy Holidays!

[Gary Palmer]

The good thing about the Alvarez RF8 (Folk sized) are that they sound good, come nicely set up (A medium to low action), a hard case is included in the price and the solid spruce top will improve with age. They're very much like the other guitars mentioned in build quality, finish and sound, but the big plus in favour of the RF8 is it's hard case. My 10yr old daughter quickly grew out of her 3/4 sized classical and her follow up guitar was an RF8 and she loves it.

 

You honestly can't go wrong with any of the suggested brands or models.

[Broadus]

The Alvarez RF8 is a good deal with its included case, but I think it has a laminated spruce top, not a solid one. The specs say "select spruce top." Evidently, it sound pretty good with a lam top. I would recommend it as a starter guitar.

 

Bill

[Gary Palmer]

Hi Broadus,

 

My daughter's RF8 has a solid spruce top. The terms "select" and "solid" are both used to describe non-laminated timbers.

[Broadus]

Hi Gary,

 

I was under the impression that if a top were solid, then the manufacturer's specs would say "solid" because that puts it on a higher plane than laminate. Alvarez, for instance, does specify the RF20SM the top as "solid mahogany" and the RF20SC specifies "solid Sitka spruce." I have been wrong before. Regardless, you've said so much good about the RF8 that I wouldn't mind having one.

 

Bill

 

Edit: BTW, I had considered "select" as a nice marketing word for laminate. Again, I could be wrong.

[drnihili]

Hi Gary, I was under the impression that if a top were solid, then the manufacturer's specs would say "solid" because that puts it on a higher plane than laminate. Alvarez, for instance, does specify the RF20SM the top as "solid mahogany" and the RF20SC specifies "solid Sitka spruce." I have been wrong before. Regardless, you've said so much good about the RF8 that I wouldn't mind having one. Bill Edit: BTW, I had considered "select" as a nice marketing word for laminate. Again, I could be wrong.

 

The RF8 is laminate, and you are correct that "select" is generally (though not universally) used to indicate laminate. Some resellers drop the "select" and just say spruce, some say "select" and some are clear that it's laminate.

 

Regardless, the main issue is how it sounds. Not all solid top guitars are better than all laminate guitars. There is wide variation in quality of solid woods, laminates, and guitar construction. Particularly at the entry level, these other differences probably overpower the bare difference between laminate and solid.

[Broadus]

I agree about sound. That's why, regardless of the RF8's top, I've heard enough good about it to recommend it.

 

Bill

[Gary Palmer]

The RF8 is laminate, and you are correct that "select" is generally (though not universally) used to indicate laminate. Some resellers drop the "select" and just say spruce, some say "select" and some are clear that it's laminate. Regardless, the main issue is how it sounds. Not all solid top guitars are better than all laminate guitars. There is wide variation in quality of solid woods, laminates, and guitar construction. Particularly at the entry level, these other differences probably overpower the bare difference between laminate and solid.

 

 

This may be an English versus American language phenomenon, but I'll beg to differ in terms of definition and construction. Select is - by definition - a term generally used to describe carefully chosen and matched timber / wood (Select koa, mahogany, spruce and Engelman spruce anyone?). Manufacturers and retailers generally use "select" and "solid" interchangeably, whilst using "laminate" or omitting any description (Prior to timber type) where laminates or ply's have been used. In the case of the RF8 "select spruce" simply refers to the general quality of bookmatching, grain and clarity found in it's plain spruce (Not sitka) soundboard. Yes, it's a budget guitar and the back and sides are laminates, but close (Hands on) inspection of the RF8's top and soundhole rim clearly indicates the use of solid and matched (Centrally jointed) timber. The way the light catches the grain of the bookmatched halves also tends to be a bit of a giveaway inasmuch as the use of matched solid timber is concerned.

 

Regardless, they certainly provide a good basis for both learners and experienced players on a budget with sound / tone and playability being the most important aspects.

 

My daughter's RF8 initially began it's playing career (Almost five months ago) sounding pretty tight. I had little to do in terms of set-up and certainly no neck re-shaping / re-finishing (Although it's fingerboard was a initially a little dry), but it's soundboard quickly began to relax and spring to life. The feedback she's presently gaining from her guitar is leading her toward thinking of moving away from using phb 10's and onto 11's. Although there's been quite an amount of finger strength in her already dominant left hand (Lefty playing righty by choice) I think she's getting ahead of herself and trying to move on a little too soon.

[musictime365]

 

Can anyone suggest a junior guitar for a 12 year boy. My son wants to learn to play and I am at a total loss not being a player. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

 

The Dean Playmate JT 3/4 is a good acoustic guitar for a beginner. It features traditional construction with a set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and chrome hardware. 18 frets. Includes gig bag.You can have a look at it:

http://www.dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=71335

[guitarist21]

 

Select is - by definition - a term generally used to describe carefully chosen and matched timber / wood (Select koa, mahogany, spruce and Engelman spruce anyone?).

 

 

I see where you're coming from and maybe it is a UK thing, but in my experience anything called "select" is a fancy way of saying laminate. Guitar makers seem use that very mindset to make you think that you're getting a nice piece of wood. It's almost like saying "select" is better than saying laminate.

 

Ellen

[missedmyexit]

 

I see where you're coming from and maybe it is a UK thing, but in my experience anything called "select" is a fancy way of saying laminate. Guitar makers seem use that very mindset to make you think that you're getting a nice piece of wood. It's almost like saying "select" is better than saying laminate. Ellen

 

 

 

+1 I have "Select Spruce" on my Epiphone and it's definiatly laminate. Doesn't mean it's a bad git though. THere are many great laminate guitars out there. My vote for your son is either a washburn or yamaha dread. Full size. Unless he is particularly short or small he shouldn't have a issue on a full size and it will save you the expense of upgrading to a full size in a c ouple years.

[Harmonycat]

...is a marketing term...AKA embelished Bovine Fertilizer....it is laminate.

 

You must excuse the proprietry regarding the butchery of the Queens English as it is used in the vernacular of the day as out and out....Bullsh*&!!

 

Regardless....I have and have played laminate top guitars that sound better than many solid top guitars.

 

However, laminate does have a tendency to be less flexible or plyable based on the clear fact that it is glue laden in two areas.

 

Thus the smaller the surface area of the top the stiffer it will be by comparison.

 

Regarding the Original Posted Inquiry:

 

You may not want a full size Dread, or 000, or 00, or Folk Guitar, as has been suggested.

 

A close to full scale guitar of 24.5" can be found in Parlor guitars that have a body that is much less cumbersome than a full scale (25.5" approximately) Dread or Folk. I would look at an S&P Parlor or an A&L Ami in the "quality but inexpensive category". Mini Jumbos are also less cumbersome.

 

The Taylor Big Baby is also a consideration if body size is a factor. Sonically it is nice harmonically, although feeble in it's bass response. There are a bunch of similar priced Dreads that are better for the money. It is a too big to be Travel guitar and too small to beat a similar priced Dread. I have an SP6 Cedar that will bury one in every respect.

 

 

If you really want a 3/4 Guitar, (scale 22.7")...forget the Taylor Baby...consider the Little Martin...buy either of the Alvarez MSD1, Tanglewood Travel, or Washburn Timbercraft B52SW. Every review that I have read claims they are better than the competition. I will know in a couple of days.

 

Stay away from the Dean Playmate......consider the Ibanez Daytripper, or Yamaha FG-1. The Dean is junk and if the other two are not any better than a Taylor Baby, then at least they will cost a hell of a lot less!

 

The Alvarez/Tanglewood/Washburn are Solid Top, Solid Mahogany B&S and are all made meticulously. They are all basically the same guitar made in the same factory and are brand labelled guitars. Don't let the Headstock or Bridge configuartion fool you.

I am awaiting my Washburn B52SW delivery this week....to go with me to Jamaica in February.

 

When I get it, I will post a review.

[mole2]

... The Alvarez/Tanglewood/Washburn are Solid Top, Solid Mahogany B&S and are all made meticulously. They are all basically the same guitar made in the same factory and are brand labelled guitars. Don't let the Headstock or Bridge configuartion fool you. I am awaiting my Washburn D52SW delivery this week....to go with me to Jamaica in February. When I get it, I will post a review.

 

Well, as a heads up, you'll love it. I know I do my Alvarez MSD1. It will lack in bass, but that's expected because of it's size. They're well made, play great and have a great sound. Much better than the competition. By the way, an SKB 300 case fits it like a glove.

 

 

 

 

[Gary Palmer]

So the use of select tonewoods in stringed instruments involves laminated timber? I don't think so.

 

"Select" - when used in terms of tonewoods and instrument timbers - is universally associated with the careful choice of suitable (Solid) tonewoods to meet specific tonal and aesthetic criteria and characteristics. Once a maker/luthier moves away from using solids and onto laminates they generally tend to describe a timber by avoiding using the terms "solid" or "select" and simply state the timber involved by name only, eg. spruce, mahogany, cherry, or laminated spruce, laminated mahogany or laminated cherry. Nine times out of ten you're perfectly able to determine an instrument's makeup when reading such descriptions, but budget is certainly no indicator of a guitar's structural materials and whether or not it'll be tonally responsive or sound like a plucked brick. Tonewoods tend to be carefully graded / selected to fit within an approximate range of nine quality levels (Basic (Low altitude) - but useable - to higher quality (High altitude)). Hence the use of the phrase "select" when describing tonewoods.

 

Without any need for any form of BS, my daughter's RF8 is a solid topped guitar. There's no indication of top lamination and the grain structure passes cleanly and clearly from upper to lower surfaces of the soundboard when closely inspected via the sound hole. The grain also matches when viewed using inspection mirrors. No layering whatsoever and very cleanly crafted.

 

I would have replaced the soundboard if it had proven to be laminated, because this guitar was bought with the intention for it to "improve" as my daughter's playing improves.

 

Having owned, played and crafted guitars (Using both solid and laminates) for over 25yrs there's a tendancy for someone know what to look for when checking out a guitar's make-up and overall characteristics. Especially from the craft aspect. Why buy and not make a guitar for my daughter? I honestly can't make guitars within the prices these RF8's, etc., are going for, but I will craft one for her once she genuinely knows what she wants for herself.

[guitarist21]

 

So the use of select tonewoods in stringed instruments involves laminated timber? I don't think so.

 

 

This is an interesting dialogue, particulary as it pertains to this guitar. I'm very certain that the word "select" when it comes to guitar woods is a fancy marketing word for "laminate." But when it comes to this guitar...

 

 

Elderly calls it "spruce top," so it doesn't specifically say it isn't solid (doesn't say it is either) http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/RF8.htm

 

Zzounds calls it "select spruce" http://www.zzounds.com/item--ALVRF8

 

And Blue Note calls it "spruce laminate top!" http://www.bluenoteguitars.net/store/pc-537-14-alvarez-rf8.aspx

 

 

So I don't know what to tell you about this specific instrument. But in general, I'm almost 100% sure that the use of the word "select" is purely a marketing word.

 

Also, very cool that you plan to make your daughter a guitar someday! I'm sure that if she continues with her playing it will be something she'll love for years to come.

 

Ellen

[Harmonycat]

 

So the use of select tonewoods in stringed instruments involves laminated timber? I don't think so. "Select" - when used in terms of tonewoods and instrument timbers - is universally associated with the careful choice of suitable (Solid) tonewoods to meet specific tonal and aesthetic criteria and characteristics. Once a maker/luthier moves away from using solids and onto laminates they generally tend to describe a timber by avoiding using the terms "solid" or "select" and simply state the timber involved by name only, eg. spruce, mahogany, cherry, or laminated spruce, laminated mahogany or laminated cherry. Nine times out of ten you're perfectly able to determine an instrument's makeup when reading such descriptions, but budget is certainly no indicator of a guitar's structural materials and whether or not it'll be tonally responsive or sound like a plucked brick. Tonewoods tend to be carefully graded / selected to fit within an approximate range of nine quality levels (Basic (Low altitude) - but useable - to higher quality (High altitude)). Hence the use of the phrase "select" when describing tonewoods. Without any need for any form of BS, my daughter's RF8 is a solid topped guitar. There's no indication of top lamination and the grain structure passes cleanly and clearly from upper to lower surfaces of the soundboard when closely inspected via the sound hole. The grain also matches when viewed using inspection mirrors. No layering whatsoever and very cleanly crafted. I would have replaced the soundboard if it had proven to be laminated, because this guitar was bought with the intention for it to "improve" as my daughter's playing improves. Having owned, played and crafted guitars (Using both solid and laminates) for over 25yrs there's a tendancy for someone know what to look for when checking out a guitar's make-up and overall characteristics. Especially from the craft aspect. Why buy and not make a guitar for my daughter? I honestly can't make guitars within the prices these RF8's, etc., are going for, but I will craft one for her once she genuinely knows what she wants for herself.

 

 

I certainly agree that better guitars are made of selected higher grade woods...hand picked and matched.

 

But the words "Select Spruce Top" as an advertising term, referring to a top wood over here is Laminate. Sometimes the term "Spruce Top" is used. If you are a buyer here, you learn to look for the word "Solid" in their literature. If it does not say "Solid" it is not solid since it is a selling feature that would never be overlooked.

 

My Alvarez-Yairi Dy-94 is advertised as "Solid Spruce". They are the top of the line Alvarez,(albeit brand labelled), guitars. Why do you think they did not use the term "Select Spruce" since those tonewoods are hand selected and tuned individually. Why...because that term here in North America means something else...thanks to unscrupulous advertisng wisely contrived so as not to be restricted by governing bodies and ambiguous enough to confuse and mislead.

 

It is a marketing term that is commonly used and very misleading to the uninitiated, since it is easy to misinterpret. It is designed as a term to be misinterpreted.

 

Caveat Emptor....Let the buyer Beware

 

Any solid wood top sold by any manufacturer in North America uses the term "Solid Spruce Top" in advertising. That does not mean that they cannot say "Selected Solid Spruce".

 

While I disagree with the with the practice of using the term "Select Spruce" to hide the fact that the top is laminate, it occurs none the less.

 

You may not think so, but those are the facts. If you are adament in your in your view, perhaps you should contact all the manufacturers and the governing bodies of advetisement in the USA and take it up with them.

 

 

"Select Spruce" falls into the my favorite advertising caveat.

 

"And that's the truth,the whole truth, and nothing but the truth....................give or take a lie or two.":poke:

 

Advertisers prey upon the unsuspecting and follow one of my other favorite quips regarding it.

 

"Ignorance is bliss.....but sometimes useful.":poke:

 

In plain old English.....it is as close to a lie as Damn is to swearing!

 

That is life over here.....the words "Truth in Advertising" here are a Lie.