Lets look at our guitars thread
Discussion
Can I pick your brains?
I have a 10 year old granddaughter who is taking guitar lessons at school. To see how she got on with it, my son bought her a little Chinese made acoustic cigar box of an instrument, and watching her plonk her way through the crochets on this made me think this isn’t going to last too long.
Anyway, two days ago one of her classmates trod on it and snapped the neck clean in two. Bitter tears were shed.
As my son also managed to break his cricket bat the weekend before, I volunteered to buy a replacement guitar for her. Today, he told me he has phoned her teacher for advice on what to get.
Now, recently I let her have a go on the Epiphone Les Paul/Orange Tiny Terror that sits unused in my study, and she was entranced. It’s a left hander, so there is little she can do with it, but she was having a great time making noise and experimenting with a wah-wah pedal.
Now, her teacher told my son that she hasn’t stopped going on about this to him, and suggested getting her an electric guitar. He said at this age it is all about generating enthusiasm and the will to learn. He suggested a Squier Stratocaster, and I have been looking at what is available in this range.
It strikes me that the Mini version may be a good idea. It is supposed to be a 3/4 sized guitar, but when you look at the length it is more like 90%, the difference being mainly in the neck, which is two frets shorter. Her teacher did mention something about her being able to reach, but wasn’t too fussed about a full size model. But what sticks out for me is that the Mini has a thinner lightweight body and this may be a boon for a youngster.
Do you guitar buffs have an opinion on this, or any other starter electrics for a little girl?
Oh, and a strong solid case is on the list!
I have a 10 year old granddaughter who is taking guitar lessons at school. To see how she got on with it, my son bought her a little Chinese made acoustic cigar box of an instrument, and watching her plonk her way through the crochets on this made me think this isn’t going to last too long.
Anyway, two days ago one of her classmates trod on it and snapped the neck clean in two. Bitter tears were shed.
As my son also managed to break his cricket bat the weekend before, I volunteered to buy a replacement guitar for her. Today, he told me he has phoned her teacher for advice on what to get.
Now, recently I let her have a go on the Epiphone Les Paul/Orange Tiny Terror that sits unused in my study, and she was entranced. It’s a left hander, so there is little she can do with it, but she was having a great time making noise and experimenting with a wah-wah pedal.
Now, her teacher told my son that she hasn’t stopped going on about this to him, and suggested getting her an electric guitar. He said at this age it is all about generating enthusiasm and the will to learn. He suggested a Squier Stratocaster, and I have been looking at what is available in this range.
It strikes me that the Mini version may be a good idea. It is supposed to be a 3/4 sized guitar, but when you look at the length it is more like 90%, the difference being mainly in the neck, which is two frets shorter. Her teacher did mention something about her being able to reach, but wasn’t too fussed about a full size model. But what sticks out for me is that the Mini has a thinner lightweight body and this may be a boon for a youngster.
Do you guitar buffs have an opinion on this, or any other starter electrics for a little girl?
Oh, and a strong solid case is on the list!
Squier Strats/Teles at full size are surprisingly decent guitars if they are set up well. I've been restoring a cheap 60s guitar for a friend and that shows how far we've come along for starter guitars as I've done all I can to make it playable, but it is still terrible (believe me I saw it as a challenge to make it play well!).
I'm sure the Squier mini version would be good too. I would say to avoid a fixed neck guitar such as the Epiphone Les Paul as they can be more prone to neck breakage than the Fender/Squier type.
I just bought a cheap Harley Benton guitar from Thomann (a few posts back) and I'm amazed at how good it is for £58 (B stock) though it's an odd shape mainly intended to travel with. They do other guitars for very decent prices too. I've only played on one of their basses apart from my travel guitar, but that played well.
Hopefully this link will work. If not Search for Thomann, then Harley Benton electric guitars. Filter for cheapest and you should find some mini guitars at the cheapest end.
https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_electric_g...
Hope that helps.
I'm sure the Squier mini version would be good too. I would say to avoid a fixed neck guitar such as the Epiphone Les Paul as they can be more prone to neck breakage than the Fender/Squier type.
I just bought a cheap Harley Benton guitar from Thomann (a few posts back) and I'm amazed at how good it is for £58 (B stock) though it's an odd shape mainly intended to travel with. They do other guitars for very decent prices too. I've only played on one of their basses apart from my travel guitar, but that played well.
Hopefully this link will work. If not Search for Thomann, then Harley Benton electric guitars. Filter for cheapest and you should find some mini guitars at the cheapest end.
https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_electric_g...
Hope that helps.
I finally caved to my 12yo daughter's relentless demands to take guitar lessons at school last September.
Before she started we decided to make a daddy/daughter day of buying her a guitar. I called guitarguitar in Newcastle on the friday to let them know that we were coming up and would they mind spending a bit of time with her to help her choose a guitar.
We got the train up on Saturday, walked in the shop, asked for the guy I spoke with who came over and announced to my daughter that 'You must be Alex?' and proceeded to chat through/demo a series of guitars to her.
She ended up with the (full size) black Squire Strat starter kit with amp. Worked out really well as a day she'll remember. As above, enthusiasm is key at that age.
The post script to this was that I have never had any interest in guitars in my life. However he demo'd a 2nd hand Gibson Les Paul to her and when I saw it, I thought it was one of the most beautiful objects I'd ever seen.
2 weeks later I bought a November Burst Slash Epi and started learning at the same time as her
Before she started we decided to make a daddy/daughter day of buying her a guitar. I called guitarguitar in Newcastle on the friday to let them know that we were coming up and would they mind spending a bit of time with her to help her choose a guitar.
We got the train up on Saturday, walked in the shop, asked for the guy I spoke with who came over and announced to my daughter that 'You must be Alex?' and proceeded to chat through/demo a series of guitars to her.
She ended up with the (full size) black Squire Strat starter kit with amp. Worked out really well as a day she'll remember. As above, enthusiasm is key at that age.
The post script to this was that I have never had any interest in guitars in my life. However he demo'd a 2nd hand Gibson Les Paul to her and when I saw it, I thought it was one of the most beautiful objects I'd ever seen.
2 weeks later I bought a November Burst Slash Epi and started learning at the same time as her
That's a great story Ben and I like the last bit about you learning along with her. I tried to get my son interested when he was younger, but he lost interest quickly. Hoping my Grandkids might pick up on it though, the older one is already enjoying attempting to strum any of my guitars in her path and has had a crack on my drum kit too. Fingers crossed.
Agree with the 'used something' though often you'll find they are barely any cheaper than the Squiers or Harley Bentons. I usually keep my eyes open for bargains I could clean up and sell on, but rarely worth my while. I'm better off fixing other people's guitars and getting paid in bottles of Gin.
Agree with the 'used something' though often you'll find they are barely any cheaper than the Squiers or Harley Bentons. I usually keep my eyes open for bargains I could clean up and sell on, but rarely worth my while. I'm better off fixing other people's guitars and getting paid in bottles of Gin.
It amazes me how many posters on here talk about selling their guitars. I’ve made a few tentative attempts at selling my guitar with little success. I was told maybe 20/30 years ago now that it was apparently worth around £1200. No idea how accurate that is. I’m an absolutely crap player so feel it ought to go to someone that would appreciate and use it.
It’s an Ovation electric acoustic Glen Campbell dating from around 1978/79 in sunburst. It’s had a small crack since I got it which hasn’t moved for 40 years but could possibly do with a cosmetic repair.
Some photos:
Maybe someone could give me some advice on value and how/where to sell it please?
It’s an Ovation electric acoustic Glen Campbell dating from around 1978/79 in sunburst. It’s had a small crack since I got it which hasn’t moved for 40 years but could possibly do with a cosmetic repair.
Some photos:
Maybe someone could give me some advice on value and how/where to sell it please?
Edited by elanfan on Saturday 10th June 23:23
Edited by elanfan on Saturday 10th June 23:33
Edited by elanfan on Saturday 10th June 23:54
Edited by elanfan on Saturday 10th June 23:58
A recent purchase, 2010 Epi LP Standard, I believe the colour is called Chicago Blue.
This had a repaired neck break but was not done very well, I could feel it moving! My luthier re-did it with two splints so it's now as good as new.
I now have it back to re-finish (he is kind to me).
This had a repaired neck break but was not done very well, I could feel it moving! My luthier re-did it with two splints so it's now as good as new.
I now have it back to re-finish (he is kind to me).
I had a little accident with one of my guitars a couple of months ago.
I've had them mounted on the wall for years, but I finally heard a crash upstairs last week and found my Adrian Smith Jackson on the floor after the metal in the wall mount had fatigued and cracked! This was a Hercules mount, the type with the plastic grip that closes when you put the guitar on.
Well, I removed all the mounts because I was pretty shocked at how thin the metal was, and to be honest I'd rather not risk any of my guitars if that can happen! (the Explorer is on a String Swing mount, which is a lot more solid than the Hercules ones....)
I ordered this beautiful stand from etsy, it arrived last week and I'm so pleased with it:
I've actually gained so much room by moving them from the wall. I made a little stand for the amp so the pedalboard can slide underneath too - and by some luck it matches the rack wood pretty well!
I've had them mounted on the wall for years, but I finally heard a crash upstairs last week and found my Adrian Smith Jackson on the floor after the metal in the wall mount had fatigued and cracked! This was a Hercules mount, the type with the plastic grip that closes when you put the guitar on.
Well, I removed all the mounts because I was pretty shocked at how thin the metal was, and to be honest I'd rather not risk any of my guitars if that can happen! (the Explorer is on a String Swing mount, which is a lot more solid than the Hercules ones....)
I ordered this beautiful stand from etsy, it arrived last week and I'm so pleased with it:
I've actually gained so much room by moving them from the wall. I made a little stand for the amp so the pedalboard can slide underneath too - and by some luck it matches the rack wood pretty well!
Edited by framerateuk on Monday 19th June 13:59
In response to the poster about guitars for a 10 year old.
My son got his first guitar, a Squier mini strat that was bought for him a few Xmas ago by Grandparents, along with a little blackstar I’d core modelling amp.
They are both brilliant, and highly recommended. You will need to put some thicker gauge strings on it straight away as the ones out of the box are a bit floppy and won’t hold tune very well. In terms of quality it is a really nice piece of kit for a kid or adult in fact.
One thing to worry about is its addictive buying guitar/instruments for kids! Of course the kit list has burgeoned somewhat since then, he is now 7 and plays at length daily, along with drums and piano.
He has a cheap 3/4 acoustic for school which is OK. I added a short scale base from Thomann (also brilliant), and seem to have lost control on the amplifier front by scouring eBay for bargains. He has a little 5w Marshall Origin, an Avt100 combo, an origin 4x12 cab, modelling pedal, ampeg bass amp and various other bits and bobs amassed.
It’s very fulfilling if they take to it, but be warned you are only a few auctions away from having a spare room that looks like a music studio! If they don’t, it’s not a hugely expensive mistake to make!
Full sized but small electric guitars to look at are the squier mustang, which will probably be his first full sized guitar when his hands get big enough to get around the neck!
Epiphone have also just released a mini “power players” SG / Les Paul which do look very cool, but they are a little on the pricey side!
Cheers
My son got his first guitar, a Squier mini strat that was bought for him a few Xmas ago by Grandparents, along with a little blackstar I’d core modelling amp.
They are both brilliant, and highly recommended. You will need to put some thicker gauge strings on it straight away as the ones out of the box are a bit floppy and won’t hold tune very well. In terms of quality it is a really nice piece of kit for a kid or adult in fact.
One thing to worry about is its addictive buying guitar/instruments for kids! Of course the kit list has burgeoned somewhat since then, he is now 7 and plays at length daily, along with drums and piano.
He has a cheap 3/4 acoustic for school which is OK. I added a short scale base from Thomann (also brilliant), and seem to have lost control on the amplifier front by scouring eBay for bargains. He has a little 5w Marshall Origin, an Avt100 combo, an origin 4x12 cab, modelling pedal, ampeg bass amp and various other bits and bobs amassed.
It’s very fulfilling if they take to it, but be warned you are only a few auctions away from having a spare room that looks like a music studio! If they don’t, it’s not a hugely expensive mistake to make!
Full sized but small electric guitars to look at are the squier mustang, which will probably be his first full sized guitar when his hands get big enough to get around the neck!
Epiphone have also just released a mini “power players” SG / Les Paul which do look very cool, but they are a little on the pricey side!
Cheers
Stealthracer said:
In the end I decided to just clearcoat over it. It'll be a nice little talking point.
If it works it works.I'm not a fan of relics - but if a guitar has acquired a few wounds, I'm happy for them to stay! I feel like a few dings are the sign of a well played instrument.
I appreciate that's more than a ding, but you get my point!
elanfan said:
It amazes me how many posters on here talk about selling their guitars. I’ve made a few tentative attempts at selling my guitar with little success. I was told maybe 20/30 years ago now that it was apparently worth around £1200. No idea how accurate that is. I’m an absolutely crap player so feel it ought to go to someone that would appreciate and use it.
It’s an Ovation electric acoustic Glen Campbell dating from around 1978/79 in sunburst. It’s had a small crack since I got it which hasn’t moved for 40 years but could possibly do with a cosmetic repair.
Some photos:
Maybe someone could give me some advice on value and how/where to sell it please?
One of the guitars in my collection is a 70s ovation balladeer... I really can't get along with it despite having it repaired properly and set up by a pro...even trying to trade it in against the purchase of a new Martin or Taylor nobody was interested and so the offers were pathetic.... Same response from everyone... Nobody buys them, we won't be able to move it on....now, admittedly I'm a left hooker but even so ...It’s an Ovation electric acoustic Glen Campbell dating from around 1978/79 in sunburst. It’s had a small crack since I got it which hasn’t moved for 40 years but could possibly do with a cosmetic repair.
Some photos:
Maybe someone could give me some advice on value and how/where to sell it please?
Edited by elanfan on Saturday 10th June 23:23
Edited by elanfan on Saturday 10th June 23:33
Edited by elanfan on Saturday 10th June 23:54
Edited by elanfan on Saturday 10th June 23:58
Whilst Mrs cv01jw was wool shopping yesterday, I wandered into a local music shop not looking for anything specific and ended up coming out with one of these:
I have had an electro acoustic for a while now and had been thinking about getting an electric at some point. Saw this one, had a play with it in one of their booths and fell in love with it.
I have had an electro acoustic for a while now and had been thinking about getting an electric at some point. Saw this one, had a play with it in one of their booths and fell in love with it.
I’d been after another Charvel Surfcaster for a while but the prices of the early 90’s guitars are more than I was prepared to pay. Eastwood make a fairly accurate homage to many an obscure guitar including the Surfcaster. This arrived a few weeks ago & I’m pretty chuffed. Sounds absolutely fab through my trusty Laney Cub, I reckon the neck is better than the original too. Build quality isn’t as good though, the bridge for instance isn’t as refined & looks cheap, there’s no “out of phase” switch (no biggy) or roller nut at the neck. That said I’m more than happy with it & can’t stop playing the thing !
Edited by andySC on Wednesday 5th July 09:20
CB07 said:
In response to the poster about guitars for a 10 year old.
My son got his first guitar, a Squier mini strat that was bought for him a few Xmas ago by Grandparents, along with a little blackstar I’d core modelling amp.
They are both brilliant, and highly recommended. You will need to put some thicker gauge strings on it straight away as the ones out of the box are a bit floppy and won’t hold tune very well. In terms of quality it is a really nice piece of kit for a kid or adult in fact.
One thing to worry about is its addictive buying guitar/instruments for kids! Of course the kit list has burgeoned somewhat since then, he is now 7 and plays at length daily, along with drums and piano.
He has a cheap 3/4 acoustic for school which is OK. I added a short scale base from Thomann (also brilliant), and seem to have lost control on the amplifier front by scouring eBay for bargains. He has a little 5w Marshall Origin, an Avt100 combo, an origin 4x12 cab, modelling pedal, ampeg bass amp and various other bits and bobs amassed.
It’s very fulfilling if they take to it, but be warned you are only a few auctions away from having a spare room that looks like a music studio! If they don’t, it’s not a hugely expensive mistake to make!
Full sized but small electric guitars to look at are the squier mustang, which will probably be his first full sized guitar when his hands get big enough to get around the neck!
Epiphone have also just released a mini “power players” SG / Les Paul which do look very cool, but they are a little on the pricey side!
Cheers
Well, she has an electric guitar now.My son got his first guitar, a Squier mini strat that was bought for him a few Xmas ago by Grandparents, along with a little blackstar I’d core modelling amp.
They are both brilliant, and highly recommended. You will need to put some thicker gauge strings on it straight away as the ones out of the box are a bit floppy and won’t hold tune very well. In terms of quality it is a really nice piece of kit for a kid or adult in fact.
One thing to worry about is its addictive buying guitar/instruments for kids! Of course the kit list has burgeoned somewhat since then, he is now 7 and plays at length daily, along with drums and piano.
He has a cheap 3/4 acoustic for school which is OK. I added a short scale base from Thomann (also brilliant), and seem to have lost control on the amplifier front by scouring eBay for bargains. He has a little 5w Marshall Origin, an Avt100 combo, an origin 4x12 cab, modelling pedal, ampeg bass amp and various other bits and bobs amassed.
It’s very fulfilling if they take to it, but be warned you are only a few auctions away from having a spare room that looks like a music studio! If they don’t, it’s not a hugely expensive mistake to make!
Full sized but small electric guitars to look at are the squier mustang, which will probably be his first full sized guitar when his hands get big enough to get around the neck!
Epiphone have also just released a mini “power players” SG / Les Paul which do look very cool, but they are a little on the pricey side!
Cheers
After watching dozens of guitar review videos (and getting more confused as I went on) I found a guitar shop fairly locally that you can still go to without an appointment and a reasonable stock. The first thing we did was sit her down with a full size Stratocaster variant and it was immediately apparent she was big enough and didn't need a three quarters instrument. So that made life easier.
She walked along a wall of guitars and immediately picked the one that was in her favourite colour. I wasn't going to argue. So she now has a Jet Strat look-a-like.
When the salesman asked if we needed an amp I told him no, as we had an Orange Tiny Terror at home that has never been used. He nearly fell through the floor.
She's a very happy little girl.
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