|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580 |
The title pretty much says it all…..I’m looking for my 10 year old grandson’s first guitar!! I’d love to hear inputs regarding this so that he hopefully gets turned on to playing the acoustic guitar!!!
Thanks for your insights,
Cecil
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,047
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,047 |
I would go with anything classical / nylon strings. Yamaha is your bread & butter and have affordable models. My wife's Yamaha survived through high school, college, camping...me.. and still sounds great. I personally like Cordoba guitars. I think, he would need 3/4 scale. P.S. Speaking of Cordoba. They have a line of small (!) guitars. Pobably some guitar players here will hiss at me.. but I highly recommend that to start with... It was a spontaneous buy for me and one of the best guitars I have owned. Check out the demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCEYqOfsMrs Forgot to mention, I believe most of these small Cordobas, have electronics (my does), so you can hook them up to amp to play or record.
Last edited by Rustyspoon#; 01/20/22 10:37 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580 |
Rustyspoon,
I greatly appreciate your insights on this topic…..seems like excellent suggestions!!!
Cecil
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285 |
The title pretty much says it all…..I’m looking for my 10 year old grandson’s first guitar!! I’d love to hear inputs regarding this so that he hopefully gets turned on to playing the acoustic guitar!!!
Thanks for your insights,
Cecil I have a question. Is your grandson big enough to handle a full size acoustic guitar? Or will he need a 3/4 size guitar? Note stay away from 1/2 size guitars; I haven't seen one yet that was worth buying. This is from experience as I have seen a number of young/small in size students with them.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580 |
Yes, MarioD I plan to stay away from 1/2 size guitars!! I was considering the 3/4 size which will likely be about right based on his physical size.
I appreciate your comments on this topic…..thank you so much!!!
Cecil
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285 |
If you are going classical guitar I would suggest Rondo Music: https://www.rondomusic.com/Classical_Nylon_String_Acoustics.htmlI have a number of guitars from them, including a classical, and they are all very good instruments. If going classical I also suggest getting folk guitar strings if/when a string breaks: https://www.juststrings.com/daddarioacousticguitarfolk.htmlThey are like classical strings except they have a ball end, thus it is much easier to change strings. Also do not purchase an expensive guitar. Experience has shown me that many young people want to play but do not want to practice and consequently give up. Start with something like Rondo Music and if he is really into playing then get ready to purchase him a better guitar in about a year. One last thought purchase a guitar tuner when you purchase a guitar. Guitars must be kept in tune otherwise the neck may warp and most inexpensive guitars do not have a way to correct that. I have an inexpensive classical guitar from Rondo Music that is about 4 years old and still in perfect playing condition because I kept it in tune. Note of course that humidity and dry air can also cause problems. Good luck
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580 |
Thanks for these additional suggestions, MarioD. They are very much appreciated!!!
Cecil
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
I have a Mitchell 3/4 scale dreadnaught that I bought used for $10. It’s my travel guitar. I paid more for the case than the guitar. It’s pretty fun to play and sounds bigger than it should.
Mitchell is the store brand of Guitar Center.
Prior to the Mitchell I had the entry level Yamaha 3/4 scale. The Mitchell is significantly better quality.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725 |
What kind of music does he like?
If the kid digs rock and country, don't go with nylon classical. Choose a guitar that he will appreciate.
I always recommend a fairly decent guitar for a few reasons.
1. A good quality guitar will sound good. Sounding good is key to wanting to play it.
2. A good quality guitar will be easier to play. Smaller/thinner neck and low action makes it easier to fret.
3. A good quality guitar will cost more but it tends to hold it's value better. There's a ton of guitars on the market that the person lost interest and the guitar has to be resold. With that in mind.... the second hand market is a good place to shop for a good quality used guitar that will be what he needs at this point.
Good luck
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
#1 concern for me would be whether his first 10 years demonstrate that he is not going to take lessons for 6 weeks and never touch it again. If he is the kind of kid who follows through, that should help set your budget accordingly. Myself, I had the attention span of cabbage when I was young. (And still now, to some extent... Just in typing those first 3 lines my mind has been on 17 other subjects.) I'd probably stay away from the Taylor products until you know he will follow through.
And if you DO buy him a Taylor and he doesn't stay with it, you could send it up here. I'll pay the shipping to Ohio!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734 |
So, I started with a Harmony, $39 dollar guitar back in 1975 timeframe. It was hard to play but I stuck with it. I just thought this was how guitars were supposed to feel! Now of course I know better. It was what my parents could afford. I stuck with it.
I wrote all that to say this, probably need to make sure he wants to play. Based on your post I can't tell if this is something he has asked for or you are getting him a guitar in hopes that he wants to learn. There are plenty of stories of kids getting a guitar, taking a lesson or 2, not practicing, not learning and never touching it again and then there are kids that get it, learn it, fall asleep every night playing it and all stops in between. If you get a better quality guitar it will be "easier" to play, physically speaking and will have some resale value if he just doesn't want to do it.
No harm there. I also believe anyone can learn to play, it is really about practice and muscle memory to a certain extent. Can everyone be Tommy Emmanuel? Probably not, unless you want to put the time and effort into it!
Last edited by etcjoe; 01/23/22 02:38 AM.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,582
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,582 |
you tube has a slew of vids showing cheap acoustics being tested...down as low as 50 buks. just google "you tube cheap 6 string acoustic guitar". eg... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMOy6sF2EOYfor sound clip start listening at 2m52secs after explaination. a word of caution. too many youngsters often give up cos they have difficulty getting their fingers around the neck. one solution is (particularly for ones that want to rock out) is to get a smaller scale electric plus say a cheap amp with distortion built in or say a cheap pedal with rock tones plugged into the amp. but a word of caution...gotta make sure everything is electricaly safe in case accidents were to occur. as they sometimes can. plusses and negs to each approach. the plus with the electric approach is they can fret more easily than a big ole acoustic. best om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 01/23/22 03:01 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590 |
If he can handle light steel strings and you have the budget, ($150 US) I would suggest the Taylor 'Swift' Acoustic Electric. It's a small travel guitar and sounds great amplified or as is. Worth a look. If it doesn't work out you have a great guitar. I have one and like it a lot. I bought it for the sound with out realising it had Taylor Swift written on it! 
Last edited by lambada; 01/24/22 02:49 AM.
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487
BIAB 2021 (Build 818)
Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor
Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi)
VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725 |
Also another thing.... I just remembered this.
Often, kids get discouraged from playing the acoustic guitar because the action is high or the strings are too rigid.
Be sure the strings are low down to the frets and you have good action to start with.
Second part of the equation is the strings. People tend to string acoustic guitars with heavier gauge strings because they sound better. But for a beginner,sounding good isn't generally on the radar quite yet. It's simply about being able to press the strings to the frets to get a clean note or chord. So... there's no harm in replacing the strings that are on the guitar with say a lighter gauge set that bend easier and are easier to fret properly. Ernie Ball Super Slinky .009's are ideal and I ran them on one of my acoustic guitars for a very long time.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
Playing off Herb's comments, my first guitars in junior high school (early 80's) were electrics for that reason. Most of the other kids I hung with at the time were the same. Much easier to learn when you're not having to hold those thick strings down..... 
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725 |
Playing off Herb's comments, my first guitars in junior high school (early 80's) were electrics for that reason. Most of the other kids I hung with at the time were the same. Much easier to learn when you're not having to hold those thick strings down..... Indeed.... and for many years, all I knew where Black Diamond guitar strings.... those thing were like the steel cables that hold up bridges. The concept of bending one far enough to alter the pitch of the string noticeably was totally foreign. Then, a school chum I was jamming with in his mom's basement, mentioned that he had found a new kind of string at the music store that promised to change everything. It was a brand called Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings..... The bright pink ones starting at .009 and going to .042. My life changed that day.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580 |
Once again, thanks to you all for your awesome inputs on this topic!!! It is greatly appreciated……the BIAB community on this forum are an awesome caring group!!!
Cecil
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734 |
Playing off Herb's comments, my first guitars in junior high school (early 80's) were electrics for that reason. Most of the other kids I hung with at the time were the same. Much easier to learn when you're not having to hold those thick strings down..... Indeed.... and for many years, all I knew where Black Diamond guitar strings.... those thing were like the steel cables that hold up bridges. The concept of bending one far enough to alter the pitch of the string noticeably was totally foreign. Then, a school chum I was jamming with in his mom's basement, mentioned that he had found a new kind of string at the music store that promised to change everything. It was a brand called Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings..... The bright pink ones starting at .009 and going to .042. My life changed that day. Imagine Chet Atkins stringing his guitar with wires from his screen door, as he talked about years ago! Talk about rough on the fingers!
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,403
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,403 |
The title pretty much says it all…..I’m looking for my 10 year old grandson’s first guitar!! I’d love to hear inputs regarding this so that he hopefully gets turned on to playing the acoustic guitar!!!
Thanks for your insights,
Cecil Buy your grandson a 10 year old cheap player... his 1st guitar will always be the same age as him, and if he's grateful, and interested, he will keep it forever.
Bandcamp Win-11; BiaB-2026 Audiophile (latest version)
Cakewalk Sonar; Melodyne-5; Scaler 3; NI Komplete:
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,736
Posts795,453
Members39,941
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean