I agree with Tony and Jon.

If you respect his judgement, and give a gift certificate, or the model he wants, he will appreciate you and love the guitar. If YOU choose the one YOU think is best, he will resent you, and not appreciate the merits of the guitar, because it's not the one HE wanted. If You can't afford the one he wants, or really don't think it's worth the price, give him a gift certificate for what you can afford, and let him earn the rest.

Being an adolescent (and being a parent) are difficult enough-don't make this happy occaision into a struggle of wills. Be glad your son is taking such an interest in music. Someday he may come to you and ask your advice on a guitar, but not for a gew years yet.

May your family have a Merry, Peaceful Christmas,

Mary McCaffrey