Acoustic for teenage beginner

ewal · November 2022

Sure this question has been asked a few times! A work colleague has asked me to recommend an acoustic guitar for their daughter, who fancies ditching violin and giving guitar a go. It's the usual brief - she is big enough for a full size guitar, not sure exactly what type, so assuming an all-rounder. They don't want to buy too cheap, but obviously don't want to spend too much, not knowing how long this interest will last.

I suggested they go visit a few shops, but it would be good if they had a benchmark to compare shop reccommendations against. Are there any acoustics which are generally consider best bang for buck for a beginner? I'm thinking something like often recommended Yamaha Pacifica, Squier's etc as the best placed to start with electrics.

Thanks

bertie · November 2022

need budget - not too much could be £15 £1500 £150................................

I'll take a punt Vintage V300 (under £200, and under £100 used)

full size, with slightly smaller more comfortable body and not a horrid dreadnaught

theatreanchor · November 2022

https://www.pmtonline.co.uk/pre-owned-taylor-gs-mini-acoustic-guitar-mahogany-sapele?gclid=Cj0KCQiAm5ycBhCXARIsAPldzoXOX4mFSIYiGG84PEkX07v6wGmYCvzBcA-eSWXVHCoQFaqtif3acIQaAkM_EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

ewal · November 2022

Say £150, £200 tops

Kilgore · November 2022

The benchmark would probably be the Yamaha FG800. A smidgen over £200.

Many would consider it the "Pacifica" of the acoustic world.

There are of course a number of good value acoustics at this price point. Try before you buy.

munckee · November 2022

I took my daughter to PMT in Portsmouth a couple of years ago and she played every acoustic up to £500 and the Washburn Harvester was the standout and we bought that. They are c£200 solid top, part of Guild I think.

DavidR · November 2022

Yamaha. FG or more probably FS. If FG, 830 terrific value and very easy to love. And agree with @bertie Vintage V300. I have V300MH. Wish someone had bought me such a starter guitar.

Lestratcaster · November 2022

A few of my learners have the Yamaha FG800 and they play well when setup nicely.

Mellish · November 2022

We don't know if her interest is steel-string or nylon unless I've missed it.

DavidR · November 2022

Mellish said:

We don't know if her interest is steel-string or nylon unless I've missed it.

If classical, many teachers suggest Yamaha C40 as 'initial try-out' guitar.

ewal · November 2022

Mellish said:

We don't know if her interest is steel-string or nylon unless I've missed it.

I did sort of ask about that and answer wasn't entirely conclusive. I was erring towards steel-strung though. My suggestion was to speak to teacher if school lessons were envisaged.

ETA: they thought it more likely that they would get private lessons.

BillDL · November 2022

Like the others that have already suggested it, the Yamaha FG-800 is a well made and nice sounding guitar that is just above the budget. The "concert" sized FS-800 is usually more expensive though.

ewal · November 2022

Lots of useful suggestions - thanks. I will pass them on.

TheMadMick · November 2022

Don't know if they do it for guitars but flutes, clarinets and saxes many shops do hire before you buy. They then knock off the hire already paid from the price. Might be worth a look and a punt to minimise expenditure at this difficult time?

thermionic · November 2022

Tanglewood are great in this price bracket as well. Two teenage guitarists I know have one as their first acoustic and I’ve been impressed by both. They have a range of sizes and “looks” as well, try and find a well-stocked shop.

Smellyfingers · December 2022

Sorry to be a downer but if I had £200 to spend on acoustic, I would assume that most of the new models would be cheap and nasty.

I would definitely buy used. Perhaps consider a widely sold, no frills, good acoustic that sells for £300-£400 like an Alvarez artist, and see if any shop is offering it second hand for £200?

guitarjack66 · December 2022

200 quid will get you a decent new 3/4 or travel guitar but go to 300 and you can get some excellent mid sized and mid range guitars,even new.

idiotwindow · December 2022

A used Taylor Academy would be a fine starter guitar but you'd probably need to stretch to £350 or so for one of those.

In truth most (or all) of the very low cost steel string acoustics sound pretty bad but that shouldn't matter for a beginner – they won't really care or know any better. As long as the guitar is well set-up and comfortable to play, it will serve it's purpose.

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Acoustic for teenage beginner

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