If he doesn't have his heart set on one type, encourage him to get an acoustic-electric. It can do the amplified sound, but doesn't need the amp. If he's tending toward the electric, ask him who he wants to sound like (if it's Limp Bizkit, fob him off with an accordion), and get whatever that guy plays (least expensive play-alike, of course, not the full-blown "Guitar God" model, which is just a way to bring the price and profit up). That is to say, if he wants to play like XXX* who plays a Les Paul, he can't sound like that unless he gets something like a Les Paul. If he wants the Stratocaster sound, that Squier Strat-Pack mentioned above is just what he wants. If he's not sure, maybe an acoustic-electric is okay.

Electric guitars tend to be easier to play (unless the action is really, really bad), and acoustics aren't tied to an amp. Those are the good points of each kind. Harder action but freedom, easier action, but tied to electricity (and parental comments, "Not so LOUD! Turn it down!).

Acoustic-electrics are in vogue nowadays, and you can get a pretty playable guitar that can "do" acoustically OR electrically.

Of course, whatever his teacher, when you find one, recommends is another consideration. But whatever you get, make sure he's more or less happy with it (14-year-olds are often times unhappy with any choice, so keep that in mind).

And be sure to play many models when choosing. Even if you then try to get the same thing from eBay, or a yard sale. Get the most from dealing with a music store -- get some assistance in making sure the neck fits the hands, etc.


Bob