Guitars advice

[ndabunka]

OK, I know this isn't Spa related so it's bound to be relocated in short term but...  I am looking into buying my year old boy a new acoustic-Electric guitar for his 13th birthday in a little over 2 weeks from now.  I know that "he who shall not be named" has his own site which I would likely never trod upon.  However, I think there are a few guys on here who actually know what they are talking about regarding Guitars.  He's been playing an electric for 3 years now and I am seeking a "decent" unit.  I have decided it MUST have a solid Sitka Spruce top which appears to be the leader in the lower as well as some higher priced guitars.  I am also trying to find one that does NOT use NATO (sometimes also called "Eastern Mahogany" but is actually not a Mahogany at all).  Price range is "as close to $300 as possible".  I've found a Takamine EG440SC for around $400 (I think), a NATO-sided Yahama FGX720SCA http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=513387X for $319 and even a Taylor 110ce http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=200293235742&ssPageName=STRK:MEBI:IT&ih=010 which "I think" I can get for around $450" (The Taylor retails for more but also has the low-end wood in the sides & back).  The bottom line is...What would someone knowledgeable think of these options and is there a guitar that would fit in that price range that I am overlooking?  Oh yea, and the final option is a "Scratch and Dent Yamaha APX900 (normal "retail" is $1,129) for $559 http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=512944X which is probably what I would buy for myself if I still played guitar (haven't in over 30 years and forgot 95% of anything I actually learned back then) so I think a $1K value guitar may be a bit "too much" for a 13 year old.  He takes GREAT care of his instruments so I am not worried about the care.  The price really not a big deal but once you go over the $500 mark it seems that there are a LOT more choices (used Taylor 114's, etc).  I'm all ears guys (and gals). Tell me what you know.

[Gomboman]

I would try posting over at http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/index.php

I have a Martin HD28V that is real nice but it cost a little more than $300. Good luck......

[ndabunka]

I would try posting over at http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/index.php

I have a Martin HD28V that is real nice but it cost a little more than $300. Good luck......

Thanks for the link.  GREAT forum for Guitars. Yea, I think the D28 is a good bit more.   I am currently bidding on a Taylor 110ce which should be plenty for him so this forum's details on what is a legit Taylor vs. what is not has raised my interest.

[LStoner]

Look into Jay Turser guitars. They make better quality guitars at lower prices. And a good website to buy off of is InstrumentPro.com. They always have a sale and their shipping is low. We just ordered a Jay Turser electric guitar from there. It will be drop-shipped directly from Jay Turser. Unfortunately, the particular model we ordered is on back-order because of it's popularity, but it will be worth it when it comes.

[ndabunka]

Lstoner - Thanks for the recommendation on the value side of the scale.  I've pretty much reduced my choices to options 3 alternatives.  Any one of these choices ones to about $400 with shipping, taxes but I think they will also last longer and hold their resale (in the event he decides to give up the Acoustic side of the equation.  Enjoy your Turser

[wmccall]

Have you tried Haven't head?   I mean Havenshead?

[drewstar]

Have you tried Haven't head?   I mean Havenshead?

And now for a limited time only they are 50% off!!!!!!!!OMG!!!!

Of course I'm thinking he either doubled his prices, or he is sitting on so much inventory he's gonna loose the sweater off his back.  

Cheap POS.

His gutiars are crap too.

[ndabunka]

You know I must have missed that site Drew.  Bought a Yamaha FGX730SCA for $350. Kids happy.  Dad's happy the kids happy and that he no longer has to stay up late at night looking for the best deal on the best value electric-acoustic out there.  I figure I saved $150 bucks but if you balance that with the value of my time, I am in the hole by about $2,500!  But I did have fun learning about Guitars during the process.  Sure killed a lot of free "after work" hours though.

!!! Drew!  I HATE YOU!!!!  My ears are now burning in PAIN!  Like an idiot, I went to Cravenhead to see what they sold and lo and behold there was a "poorly timed" version of a song I USE to like.  Or at least as identical as one could make it while playing badly at the same time... ARGH! my EARS!!!!!!!! Oh nooooooo......

I also found his price list for his guitars.  It's funny but he "claims" to JonJon that Have Spas is "out of business" yet he has actually not even bothered to remove the Spa items from the price list before he put in the Guitars.  They are all in the EXACT SAME LIST as if they are "somehow" actually related to each other?  WTF is up with THAT? ...oh yes, and could I pleas have some bromine tablets to go with the set of gee TAR strangs I just ordered?  What a 'tard!

[drewstar]

Nda,

He's not out of business. it's just "custom order" now.   Anyhow...

At one time in my life...1980 or so I tried really hard to play the guitar (until I realized I have absolutely no sense of rythm. Honestly. I think it's a genetic flaw). I did though have a Yahama FG  and it was a really nice guitar.  I had a friend in the "business" and he helped me pick it out and score a nice price on it.  I'm hoping your son has better luck than I.