Guitar Question - Non Valk (Purchase) Christmas

[carolinarider09]

My grandson, 22, has my old Sears and Roebuck guitar (circa 1960's).   I never really learned to play it, tried but (one of my excuses is ) I am left handed and the guitar was built for right handed use.  .

Now he would like to learn to play the guitar.  But he does not want to have the old one "refurbished" so he would like a similar one for Christmas.

I have no idea what a similar guitar would be like.  Did a search and found this one by Yamaha.

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha/F335-Acoustic-Guitar-Black-1274115033905.gc?cntry=us&source=4WWRWXMP&msclkid=22c337afeb4a11e1875c54d986539cc3&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=**LP%20-%20Shop%20-%20Guitars%20-%20Acoustic%20Guitars%20-%206%20String%20Acoustic%20Guitars&utm_term=4578641365632402&utm_content=1274115033905%20%7C%20Yamaha%20F335%20Acoustic%20Guitar%20Black%20%7C%20%24169.99%20USD

So, if you have any suggestions I would love to hear them. 

[scooperhsd]

I would love to get a Yamaha electric bass, an amp, and a regular String bass. The one I would use the most (the string bass) will probably run $3000- $5500.....

[Jess from VA]

Mr Hubcap (of SC) (Mike) is the man to answer your guitar questions Bill. 

(Avoid vintage Gibson's) 

[carolinarider09]

A friend of my wife gave her this website.   

https://www.musiciansfriend.com

Said it was worth a look but to talk to someone on the phone and discuss the need. 

[hubcapsc]

(Avoid vintage Gibson's)

That's my favorite kind!



A $200.00 Yamaha would be a serviceable guitar, quality made from laminated parts.

There's a class of $500 - $700 "real wood" handmade-by-real-luthiers guitars flowing out of Asia.
An Eastman E1D would be a guitar someone might play for years.

https://www.eastmanguitars.com/e1d

-Mike

[carolinarider09]

Thanks Mike,   

I will give the Yamaha a look and send the information to my daughter.

I suspect the $700 one is out of her budget but will pass it along as well.

[msb]

(Avoid vintage Gibson's)

That's my favorite kind!



A $200.00 Yamaha would be a serviceable guitar, quality made from laminated parts.

There's a class of $500 - $700 "real wood" handmade-by-real-luthiers guitars flowing out of Asia.
An Eastman E1D would be a guitar someone might play for years.

https://www.eastmanguitars.com/e1d

-Mike

Agree with Hubcapsc/Mike on the "next step up" from laminated wood guitars...something with a solid wood top that is actually hand made will not only sound better new, but will continue to maintain, and even improve its sound as it ages. These guitars will also usually have a step up in other components as well, such as tuners, nut, fretboard materials & finish, etc which will not only add to the quality of the sound, but just as importantly, the playability...both of which will greatly increase the chance of new players sticking with it.  I'm not an overly accomplished player by any means and I don't have expensive Gibsons & such like Mr Hubcapsc, but I've been happy with my 2 primary guitars that would currently be in the range he suggests new...or even a bit less, that I've had for 25 and 35 years respectively. There's a lot of options in this range. You can get some great deals on used ones on Marketplace, etc on this level of guitar as a lot of players who own these initially progress to a playing level where they want to upgrade to higher level options like Taylor, Martin, Gibson, etc. In addition to options from Asia, there's also Canadian manufacturers like S&P/Godin (which mine are) and there's also very good quality/value options in this range from Europe from manufacturers like Harley Benton who ship all over the world.  I would think you should be able to find something in the $400 - $500 range new...or get a very good value option used on Marketplace ("old" guitars are cool ) Good luck!

[carolinarider09]

I've been playing guitar since 1968 and folks ask me what to buy.  A co-worker and I went to Guitar Center to find him the best guitar under $500.  This one played better than some costing twice as much.  It is the "house brand" of Musician's Friend and Guitar Center.

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/mitchell-t333e-bst-solid-mahogany-auditorium-acoustic-electric-guitar/l25511000001000

An acoustic 6 string is the most versitile and you don't need to be in a band to use it.  If you can get a friend who is a player to join you on a shopping trip, it sure could help you.  If you want to spend more, get back with me.


 

Thanks.  That coincides with my wife's friend how plays or has played bluegrass for many years. 

[carolinarider09]

Don't toss out that old Sears guitar.  Some people collect the "catalog guitars" as a hobby.  Even if it doesn't play well, somebody likely wants it.  You will see them on eBay.

My grandson is keeping it and does not want to "change" it so it's why he wants a new one (or that is the story).

[carolinarider09]

Ok... just to close this out, my daughter purchased a Fender CD-60S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Walnut Fingerboard, Natural, Left-Hand.  I think she purchased in from a Guitar Store located near where she lives in VA. 

It was the least expensive one they had for a left handed user. 

Thanks for all the comments. 

[hubcapsc]

The specifications of that guitar make it seem like a good choice.

-Mike

[carolinarider09]

The specifications of that guitar make it seem like a good choice.

-Mike

Thanks.  Hope so as well. 

[carolinarider09]

And, just in case you are interested, this is the case I will be purchasing later today as our gift to my grandson.   

I will call them before ordering, just to make sure it will work.


https://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/fender-dreadnought-dreadnought-12-flat-top-guitar-case/j12843000001000?rNtt=Guitar%20case%20for%20Fender%20CD-60S%20Dreadnought%20Acoustic%20Guitar,%20W&index=4

[Ramie]

I learned to play when I was a teen on an old beat up classical guitar I bought for $10.  If someone really wants to learn anything will work.  Sound and ease of play are what costs money. 

[bassman]

I have no idea if this is a good course or not but might be worth a look.....

https://rickbeato.com/pages/the-beato-beginner-guitar-course?goal=0_0bc6dd0721-4dc798a757-404140816&mc_cid=4dc798a757&mc_eid=a8224bdb44

[carolinarider09]

I have no idea if this is a good course or not but might be worth a look.....

https://rickbeato.com/pages/the-beato-beginner-guitar-course?goal=0_0bc6dd0721-4dc798a757-404140816&mc_cid=4dc798a757&mc_eid=a8224bdb44

Thanks I will pass it on to my daughter. 

[hubcapsc]

I have no clue if this is a good course or not but might be worth a look....
https://rickbeato.com/pages/the-beato-beginner-guitar-course?goal=0_0bc6dd0721-4dc798a757-404140816&mc_cid=4dc798a757&mc_eid=a8224bdb44

I like to watch Rick Beato videos. He could talk music with Mozart, he's the real deal.

The above video starts with him reminiscing about the 1000's of one-on-one
in-person guitar lessons he'd given back when he was younger. He just
recently put this course together, inspired by teaching his 9 yo daughter
the guitar...

-Mike

[Wizzard]

I still have my Alvarez that I bought in 78. Still love it.

[carolinarider09]

I still have my Alvarz that I bought in 78. Still love it.

 

[Jess from VA]

I got a very nice Kay banjo about 40 years ago. 

I like bluegrass and tried to learn to finger pick (no chords), and man that was hard on the fingers.

I was working guarding a giant warehouse 12hr night shifts (7 days), and I thought I could use all that time to teach myself.  I stuck with it for the few months I was on that job, and got better, but never really any good.

Now all the tuning pegs have let go so it needs repaired and restrung. 

[scooperhsd]

Good instruments make playing more fun, because they sound and play better with less effort. That said - it is NOT all instrument - talent and skill play alot of it too  - I should know - the String Bass I play for my community orchestra is a 1963 Public school instrument - after it got fixed up with a decent bridge and strings, I can make it sound like a much more expensive instrument. Best of luck for your grandson, and if he is really serious about this - get him into some private lessons ( yes, you can get them for guitar as well as piano and usual band / orchestra instruments).

[carolinarider09]

scopperhsd:

I will pass along your suggestions to my daughter.  Thanks.

[msb]

I got a very nice Kay banjo about 40 years ago. 

I like bluegrass and tried to learn to finger pick (no chords), and man that was hard on the fingers.
 
I was working guarding a giant warehouse 12hr night shifts (7 days), and I thought I could use all that time to teach myself.  I stuck with it for the few months I was on that job, and got better, but never really any good.

Now all the tuning pegs have let go so it needs repaired and restrung. 

I've always been into Bluegrass & Roots music, and always liked the banjo as well. Figuring I was too busy with other passions to learn to play a new instrument, I got this 6 string banjo (Banjitar, Guit-jo, etc) a few years ago. Tuned and played like a guitar with sound of a banjo. Just use the same finger-picking styles I play for a lot of songs on guitar. Not a "real" banjo, but close enough for this amateure
 

I agree with scopperhsd...starting off with at least some proper lessons with a good (or in the case of a kid...a good and cool one) teacher, will go a long way to spurring beginners on to keep at it. Worked for my daughters back in the day, and hope it will with my granddaughters when they're ready too.

[carolinarider09]

Grandson got his Birthday presents today and was very pleased.  I was also.  I have not seen the guitar or the case.  Both were well done. 

Thanks for all the input and help.  And I sent him the link for lessons.   Don't know what he will do.  He is a bit "independent" at times. 

[h13man]

My friend is a very accomplished player really liked his Ibanez acoustic for home picking guitar. His players were a Les Paul and a Stratocaster other than that, that as far as my knowledge can extend. "Those were the days my friend we thought they never end..." and I can't sing or dance still. 

[carolinarider09]

It has/had been awhile since I heard that song.  Many years. 

I was a big fan of folk back in the day, and while this is not folk music as such it seems to fit the time frame - early 70's and the genera.   

In high school I remember a group of students from my class doing a song from the  (mid 60's), Kingston Trio, if I remember correctly.   

So, yes I have heard the song and her before.   Memories are precious and full of fun things. 

Thanks.

And for anyone interested:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlYPGjXy_LA

And if you read the comments, I do relate to them in my feelings.