One day your child comes home from school and says, “Wow, my friend Slash just got a really cool Gibson Les Paul Guitar and a new amp. When can you get me a guitar so we can have a BAND?” Well…let me be the first one to tell you that depending on the model, guitars range in price anywhere from $50.00 (Garage Sale model) to $10,000.00 (Collector’s Edition endorsed by an overpaid, famous musician). At this point it might behoove the parent to inform the child that they would be willing to get the child the $50.00 Garage Sale Version (or maybe $100.00 Wal-Mart Version) just to see if the child is going to be serous enough to practice.
Most kids hate to practice anything. So wait and see if your child is really serious about playing (and practicing) the guitar, before you plunk down hundreds of dollars on that brand new Fender. One word of caution on buying used guitars; make sure that the action – the height of the strings off of the fret board – is not too high. If the action is too high it is a lot harder to press down on the strings and can cause pain in the finger tips. As a result, the child may become discouraged and quit. Many people prefer to buy new equipment, but even the cost of brand new guitars can very greatly. Some companies and models have been around for a long time, and are in greater demand. It is possible to find a good new guitar for around $300.00.
That includes both an acoustic guitar (basically a non-electric) and an electric guitar. However, this does NOT usually include a case for the guitar to protect it. This expense is worth it to protect your investment. I recommend a Hard Shell Case as opposed to a soft “Gig Bag”, which offers no protection from bumps and scratches, or the weather elements. Also, there are small amplifiers (“Amps”) that can use head phones so the parents don’t have to be “Blown Away” whenever a child practices on their “Axe” (old person’s term for guitar). Good luck, and remember you don’t have to go broke on this deal.
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