How much should I spend on an acoustic guitar for my 15 year old?

Question

This is her first guitar.

Answer 1

I would stay away from Wal-Mart etc (if she sticks with it you'll be buying something else pretty quick). The low end Takamine are good, there is a company out there called Indiana that makes FABULOUS guitars for around $90. Pawn shops can be good but take someone with you who knows guitars if you go that route.

Think about having the action lowered on the guitar. The reason most beginners give up is because the strings hurt their fingers. Lowering the action (along with using light strings) makes it easier to get a good tone while not pushing the strings down as hard.

Answer 2

Yeah, any more than $150 would be kind of overdoing it unless you've got plenty to spare or unless she seems really dedicated.

Check out pawn shops or eBay for a good deal on a used guitar. Remember to haggle if it's a pawn shop, they always list a price that's about $50-100 more than they'll really take for the item.

Wal-Mart & Target also have cheap acoustic guitars. In those cases, you get what you pay for, but they're good enough for someone who's just trying to learn a few chords and see if they like it.

Answer 3

There's a good one from Musician's Friend (www.musiciansfriend.com) for about $60. It is a Rogue. I have it (as I just started playing as well) and it sounds pretty good. I wouldn't spend too much unless you are sure she will continue playing it. Used guitars are also a good option, although you want to know that you can trust the seller. Have fun!

Answer 4

You can get a nice jasmine takamine for about $150 with a carrying case

http://www.worldmusicsupply.com/specials/acoustic-guitar-packages.asp

Answer 5

Look for used ones. They're cheaper, and most of them are probably not in bad condition.

Don't use eBay unless you find the perfect one.

Answer 6

five dollars