Seeking your advice...

[taylordb]

OK, I know that there are probably some threads on this already, but I'm at work and they monitor internet usage time so I have to be quick.

My son (15 years old) has taken an interest in learning the guitar, but he wants to play an electric. I am strictly an acoustic kind of guy and really know nothing of electrics...what is good or bad quality. He has been going online and looking at "starter kits"...I think one by Fender...that has guitar, amp, some minor extra stuff...for under $300.

My question to y'all is that hopefully you can point me in the right direction on what guitar(s) or package to look at for around that price.

He actually shows talent potential so I want to act fast before he loses interest.

Thanks so much.

[Macht]

I wouldn't go fender (read signature).

The basic starter kits, Yamaha and Peavy. It will last for a while till he wants les Paul

[filmdude100cms]

ibanez makes some pretty decent electris for their price. dont know much about electrics though, only one i have was one i bought a few years ago as my first guitar for 90 bucks used, not bad, not great.

[whatshername]

I'd go with the Fender starter kit. Hands down. I, myself, have a Fender Stratocaster and it was my first guitar before I got my acoustic. It's a quality guitar and perfect for a beginner. This is my honest advice.

[Thomas]

I've always been very weary of those starter kits you pay $300 for a guitar AND an amp which means you're really sacrificing on quality.

for that price you can get a basic Fender Strat that is great for learning on and once he becomes better is perfect for upgrading.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid ... id/510000/


then you have to ask yourself if you want to spend that much on an amp.

but at that price, nothing beats a fender.

[DT]

i would say buy used.. there are usually some decent looking starter ibanez's, fenders, epiphones for like 150-200 at the shops by me, well below the price of a new one

[filmdude100cms]

i would say buy used.. there are usually some decent looking starter ibanez's, fenders, epiphones for like 150-200 at the shops by me, well below the price of a new one

[whatshername]

I've always been very weary of those starter kits you pay $300 for a guitar AND an amp which means you're really sacrificing on quality.

for that price you can get a basic Fender Strat that is great for learning on and once he becomes better is perfect for upgrading.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid ... id/510000/


then you have to ask yourself if you want to spend that much on an amp.

but at that price, nothing beats a fender.

i agree with this. starter kits are...eh. did i say a fender starter kit before? i didn't even know they had one. but my point was to get a fender strat/tele for your kid and like a fifteen watt amp or something. i have the fender frontman w/ reverb. that's what i started out with. but then i fell in love with another man...his name was acoustic.

[thejoe]

that starter kit probably has a squier
so i wouldnt waste your money on it if he has a lot of interest in learning because squiers are good only for firewood

get a fender standard strat ($350) and then just go to a pawn shop and get a little amp or look on ebay for a 50 dollar cheap one

fenders are really nice, but their sub company (squier) is just plain silly

[NJPearce22]

that starter kit probably has a squier
so i wouldnt waste your money on it if he has a lot of interest in learning because squiers are good only for firewood

get a fender standard strat ($350) and then just go to a pawn shop and get a little amp or look on ebay for a 50 dollar cheap one

fenders are really nice, but their sub company (squier) is just plain silly

I was just about to rant about squires! All I'll say is "Don't go there!"

[Ranting Thespian]

DO NOT GET A STARTER KIT!!!!!!!!

They are cheap, and made to say, ooo . . . good deal .. . looks great!

They are meant to decieve you, so you will buy something, then learn you have to get a better guitar and amp, and then spend even more money.

I would look at a used Fender Strat or Tele. If not that, Epiphone Les Paul Standard. Epi Les Pauls aren't that great, but not bad for a beginer, and will keep him happy while the quality lasts. In time, you will want to trade up since it isn't great quality, but for a beginer, it's good.

So, NO starter kits, NO squires (they are fire wood), get a used Fender Strat or Tele. If not that, get him an Epi Les Paul.

[NJPearce22]

I would look at a used Fender Strat or Tele.

get a used Fender Strat or Tele.

Fender (Mexi) Standard Strats are going for $349 or so at MusiciansFriend. For that price I'd get new!

[whatshername]

that starter kit probably has a squier
so i wouldnt waste your money on it if he has a lot of interest in learning because squiers are good only for firewood

get a fender standard strat ($350) and then just go to a pawn shop and get a little amp or look on ebay for a 50 dollar cheap one

fenders are really nice, but their sub company (squier) is just plain silly

yeah, do NOT go squier. don't do it. go mexi fender.

[thejoe]

the mexicans are amazingly good for the price

[taylordb]

Thanks everyone for your help!!!! You guys are great. I think I'm gonna go for the Strat.

As far as amps go, I'll let him pick out what ever he can afford with his own money. He wants to use my Ultrasound but I told him to "pound sand" (I guess thats a Virgina Beach term, but you get the idea).

Again, thank you guys for your help. This place is great.