Guitar buying advice please

[FaintlyBaffled]

As DS has managed to lose his
He has form for being ditzy and knows that he needs to replace things when the loss is his fault (this rule was implemented after the third set of trainers in a year episode)
So now he needs a guitar by Friday and realistically Amazon will be our best bet
His last one was a 3/4 size and I think that’s still the most suitable (he’s 13) and he’s recently passed his RGT grade 2 so wants something he can actually use (rather than a cheap toy IYSWIM)
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated

Might it be a good idea to ask his guitar teacher for a recommendation of a make and model to go for?

He’s not met his teacher yet as he’s only resumed lessons this half term. Normally as a totally non musical mother I rely heavily on his teachers for advice

I assume we are talking classical guitars? At 13 unless he is really very small for his age I think a full size would make more sense.

A Yamaha student guitar? I have bought guitars on-line from Woodbrass - quick delivery and reasonable prices. I wouldn't be keen on buying guitars from amazon as you don't know that they are stored correctly (i.e. correct temp and humidity).

Ask your neighbour. They may suggest one without strings!!

I think we need to pop to the local music shop TBH, an experience I try and avoid if I can possibly help it
just we live in a stone cottage, one of its few advantages is that I could play the bagpipes and our neighbours would be clueless

Gear4music are excellent and have loads of options. I seem to remember delivery was pretty quick too.

I also don’t know much about guitars, but DS is 9 - very tall wears age 12 clothes, 145 cm - and plays a full size classical guitar.

A previous poster (Mistigri) mentioned Yamaha, and I was coming on here to say that, but saw her post. I have 7 guitars (a mixture of guitars and basses) and I have had my trusty old Yamaha acoustic since about 1976. They tick all the boxes in that they are cheap, known build quality, and sound good.

As the poster also says though, don't buy from Amazon, but from a proper guitar shop/website, as storage is critical with guitars, and if a non specialist import/export company have got hold of a load of guitars they won't be too fussed about how they store them.

I forgot to ask your budget- the cheapest Yamaha's start at about £120, but don't be put off by the cheap price- they are good quality guitars, but, as always, go for the best you can afford, as the £150 ones will obviously be a little better.

If your budget stretches to around the £200 mark, then also have a look at Takamine ( pronounced " Tak-ka-mee-nay), who also do top quality budget guitars.

Takamine are excellent guitars and I also say get a full size one. I’m pretty petite and was playing a full size from the age of 12. Just look for something with a narrower neck if you feel his hands are on the small side etc.

He’s most miffed at the cost- perhaps this will inspire a new found fascination with looking after his own belongings

Our ndn gave my ds a guitar, was quite surprised he didn't think enough noise emitted from our address!!