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Extra-curricular activities

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Original poster

Best place to buy a guitar for 6yo boy?

18 replies

becstarsky · 01/07/2012 08:02

DS has been asking for guitar lessons for ages. I spoke the music teacher at his school and she's referred him for lessons at the school - she says he's definitely ready and thought he'd do well with it. But they don't have instruments for hire so I need to buy him a guitar. What do I need to know? I played piano and violin as a kid - am out of my depth with guitars! We can afford to buy one for him, but can't afford to buy the wrong one and have to buy another iyswim! Thanks in advance!

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savoycabbage · 01/07/2012 08:07

We went to a proper music shop so we could get dd measured for the right size. We got a half size when she was seven. We did look on eBay but they weren't much cheaper at all. And you need a bag for school and a lot of the eBay ones didn't have one.

Original poster
becstarsky · 01/07/2012 08:27

Thanks savoycabbage! We're in London, so a bit spoilt for choice! Is it worth taking him to the big guitar shops in Denmark St? I don't want to spend a fortune, but I get the impression there are some shoddy ones about, and I'd rather buy one that will be enjoyable for him to learn on.

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APMF · 01/07/2012 21:52

DC's first guitar was a £50 job from a local music shop. By the time she outgrew that guitar she was Grade 3 so we bought her a £100 job. She is going for her Grade 5 soon so we spent £500 from a more high end shop.

My point is this. Your DS will outgrow the size of the guitar before he outgrows its capabilities so I wouldn't spend much money on his first guitar.

APMF · 01/07/2012 21:53

DC's first guitar was a £50 job from a local music shop. By the time she outgrew that guitar she was Grade 3 so we bought her a £100 job. She is going for her Grade 5 soon so we spent £500 from a more high end shop.

My point is this. Your DS will outgrow the size of the guitar before he outgrows its capabilities so I wouldn't spend much money on his first guitar.

jubilucket · 01/07/2012 21:58

All the guitars have come from eBay. We got the guitar teacher to buy them and we paid him back, also fed him beer etc. dd1's electric one was a particular bargain, price new £500, we got it in immaculate condition for £110. If you're not on beer terms with your teacher, you could offer him a tenner to track the right one down?

PurplePidjin · 01/07/2012 22:05

Take him into a shop that does second hand ones and take your time. A good shop will let him strum for a bit to see how comfortable he is.

Don't forget to budget for spare strings, plectrum(s), music stand and case :)

flussymummy · 02/07/2012 08:35

There's a big difference between a real guitar and a guitar-shaped object, and while I agree with APMF that he'll outgrow it pretty quickly I suggest that you shop around and buy the best guitar that you can afford. Lots of musical children give up because they can't make a good sound on the terrible instrument they've been given. A decent set of strings will make a big difference too.

Bunbaker · 02/07/2012 08:39

DD's guitar is from a music shop and cost £28 about four years ago. You can get guitars from places like Asda and Argos, but the guitar teacher is somewhat disparaging about them.

PurplePidjin · 02/07/2012 08:46

The difference is that Argos, Asda, etc sell toys. A music shop will sell a piece of specialist equipment. You will get a second hand guitar for £50 that will be far superior in the way it sounds and plays to an Argos plywood one. And if it sounds like shit, he'll give up faster!

UptoapointLordCopper · 02/07/2012 10:15

Agree with Purple - do not by toys. We have a proper glockenspiel and it is definitely a musical instrument as oppose to toy glockenspiels and xylophones which people buy for your children to drive you and them up the wall.

Original poster
becstarsky · 02/07/2012 12:15

This is really useful - thanks! I don't know DSs music teacher yet - he starts in September. But I can phone and ask for his advice I'm sure.

I saw this one on amazon - here

But then there was a guy at the car boot where we sometimes sell our stuff who sells second hand instruments, and he played guitar himself. He gave DS a mini-lesson last time we were there as he was at the stall next door and that was what started DS being interested in learning. I'll see if we can find him again... It's a small stall and I don't know if he's there every week, but he was such a nice man. From what you guys have said it sounds like he'd be a better bet than amazon/ebay considering that I don't play guitar myself.

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PurplePidjin · 02/07/2012 12:48

If you don't play, make sure you buy an electronic tuner and learn to use it!! Absolute must-have, he'll never keep his interest if it sounds crap, which is guaranteed on an untuned instrument :o

Honestyisbest · 03/07/2012 21:14

My son plays classical guitar. We were recommended the Spanish Guitar centre in London. you def need to try before you buy. We have sent other people in their direction.

Original poster
becstarsky · 04/07/2012 19:17

I just called the service that will provide DS music lessons. They can help me buy a guitar on interest free payments and won't need to pay vat! Result! DS so excited. Am thinking I might try to teach myself on his guitar - always did want to learn but my parents insisted on piano instead.

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PurplePidjin · 04/07/2012 19:20

Do it! Loads of free tutorials on youtube and ultimate-guitar.com :)

Original poster
becstarsky · 06/07/2012 16:09

Really? Thanks PurplePidgin will check those out! It's amazing how much stuff is free on the internet that used to be out of reach... (old codger that I am!). DS is going to be wrestling me for the guitar to do his practice Smile

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PurplePidjin · 06/07/2012 18:58

Actually, adult ones are cheaper because they're a more common size...

Original poster
becstarsky · 06/07/2012 22:05

TWO guitars! Shock This is snowballing Grin

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