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BS: Kid's Guitars

12 Nov 00 - 12:37 PM (#339225)
Subject: Kid's Guitars
From: BlueJay

I was wondering if there were any threads relating to good beginning guitars for kids, and what's a good age to start. There seem to be quite a few threads on "Baby" guitars, and as far as age, I found one and didn't look any farther. Guess what, I started that thread! In May of this year. How's that for short-term memory loss? I'll try a link blicky

Anyway, my daughter has been fairly persistent in wanting her own guitar, most recently showing me a J.C. Penney catalog, saying, "Look, here's a guitar for $19.95"!

I had to chuckle, because I'd just gotten her a Baby Taylor, as a Christmas gift for her. Boy, does it put all the generic 70 dollar generics to shame as far as playability and sound. We're going to throw a Pick-Up the World pick-up in it so, she can play along with the big folks.

I know from the threads a lot of folks like the Baby Larivee, and I haven't tried them. I'm sure they're great. Somewhere I saw a photo of Jed Marum with his B.L. But I'll bet the B.T. is about the same quality. Despite the Spartan nature of the Taylor, (e.g. no bindings, plywood back and sides, etc), it looks, sounds and plays great, and seems like a great first guitar. Plus I got a great deal on it.
Any thoughts? Going to bed now, so I probably won't read them till tomorrow. Thanks, BlueJay


12 Nov 00 - 07:57 PM (#339402)
Subject: RE: BS: Kid's Guitars
From: Lyrical Lady

My daughter (13) found a small bodied Gibson in a second hand shop ... she calls it 'ol' Willie' .... and it's her best friend. We did look at the 'Seagull' which is a very pretty guitar, resonable and sounded very nice but not near as nice as the Gibson. Good LucK......LL


12 Nov 00 - 09:37 PM (#339448)
Subject: RE: BS: Kid's Guitars
From: bigchuck

I got my 9 year old grangdaughter a baby Taylor last year. It's been great for her so far.


13 Nov 00 - 02:04 AM (#339553)
Subject: RE: BS: Kid's Guitars
From: Ebbie

Earlier this year I had injured my right arm and couldn't play my big dreadnaught. One friend brought me a Martin Backpacker to try- and frankly it didn't take the place of a guitar. Then another friend brought me a Baby Taylor- and I was charmed. A complete instrument, with a good sound and easy playing. I'm glad to be back with my own bass-y Martin but if need be I'd buy a BT in a heartbeat.

Ebbie


13 Nov 00 - 01:43 PM (#339827)
Subject: RE: BS: Kid's Guitars
From: John Hardly

I frankly favor the Larry for sound, construction, and asthetic reasons but I have a good friend who is regularly using a Tacoma Papoose. Important thing is that any of the three (Larry, Taylor, Tacoma, and to some extent even the Martin) are actually quality built guitars.

I do kinda like the small body Gibson idea. You have value that might stay with the instrument, a family instrument (not a child's guitar), and a good instrument. Incidentally, I learned on a small Gibson when I was a child and, though I am an oversized goober now, I was a small kid.

John


13 Nov 00 - 04:25 PM (#339954)
Subject: RE: BS: Kid's Guitars
From: BlueJay

Thanks, all. I must confess this was a real impulse purchase: I fell in love with the Taylor and didn't do any shopping around.

John Hardly- quite perceptive. It really is more than just a "kid's guitar". That's partly why I bought it. I may be wrong, but I figure, as "Dad", I should have some inherent squatter's rights. Or you could just chalk another one up to G.A.S. Thanks, BlueJay


13 Nov 00 - 04:52 PM (#339969)
Subject: RE: BS: Kid's Guitars
From: John Hardly

BlueJay,

You got good impulses--enjoy...I mean...I hope your kid enjoys the BT!

Incidentally, thanks for some useful info on the PUTW pick-up. I think I'll be going that route.

John