buying my son a guitar

[dkgershe]

Hi, I am a mom who knows next to nothing about guitars except what I learn on the internet. I am looking at two guitars for my son (13 years old) and need help understanding which is the better choice because they seem so similar to me!

 

epiphone Les Paul standard Plain top

epiphone Les Paul standard Plus top

 

or is it worth the money for Slash LP standard plus top - and what are you really getting for the $$ aside from Slash's name on the guitar?

 

 

please don't hold back on information- i need as much info as I can get!!! thanx everyone

[Not-Too-Late]

Hi, I am a mom who knows next to nothing about guitars except what I learn on the internet. I am looking at two guitars for my son (13 years old) and need help understanding which is the better choice because they seem so similar to me!

 

epiphone Les Paul standard Plain top

epiphone Les Paul standard Plus top

 

or is it worth the money for Slash LP standard plus top - and what are you really getting for the $$ aside from Slash's name on the guitar?

 

 

please don't hold back on information- i need as much info as I can get!!! thanx everyone

 

Welcome mom. I hope your son appreciates what a wonderful mother he has . . . I'm sure he does. You are looking at two outstanding guitars. They are exactly the same except the Plus Top has a much nicer finish. I own two of the plain tops. One, of which, I purchased for my wife who is learning to play. They are awesome guitars. Not too expensive for a beginner, and one that will see him through his, hopefully, many years of playing. For me, I would stay away from signature guitars, because you will pay a premium for them. My recommendation, for what it's worth . . . the plain top

 

If he hasn't already got a GOOD teacher lined up, I would deffinately suggest lining one up for him. All the best with your choice and your son's playing future.

[brad1]

Hi, I am a mom who knows next to nothing about guitars except what I learn on the internet. I am looking at two guitars for my son (13 years old) and need help understanding which is the better choice because they seem so similar to me!

 

epiphone Les Paul standard Plain top

epiphone Les Paul standard Plus top

 

or is it worth the money for Slash LP standard plus top - and what are you really getting for the $$ aside from Slash's name on the guitar?

 

 

please don't hold back on information- i need as much info as I can get!!! thanx everyone

The two Les Pauls you listed are virtually the same guitar. The Plus top just has a nicer looking top on it. So the difference is cosmetic. The plus top also has binding on the fretboard.

 

The Slash model would definitely be an upgrade. It has better parts, and in most cases, would produce a better sound (but not necessarily always). However, for a 13 year-old who is just starting out I wouldn't recommend the Slash model.

IMO, the plain top would be just fine. It's a well made guitar that any 13 year-old should be proud to own.

[LSAR]

Hi, I am a mom who knows next to nothing about guitars except what I learn on the internet. I am looking at two guitars for my son (13 years old) and need help understanding which is the better choice because they seem so similar to me!

 

epiphone Les Paul standard Plain top

epiphone Les Paul standard Plus top

 

or is it worth the money for Slash LP standard plus top - and what are you really getting for the $ aside from Slash's name on the guitar?

 

 

please don't hold back on information- i need as much info as I can get!!! thanx everyone

 

The only difference (to my knowledge) between the standard plain top and plus top is a flame maple veneer on the plus top, they should have the same pickups, electronics and other parts... The different models also have different colours. If I were in the market for an LP Standard, I would go with the plain top, I don't see justification in an extra $100 for a thin layer of flamey maple over the exact same guitar.

On the Slash model, the only difference I can tell is different pickups, which cost around $160 seperately and a long neck tennon, which just means that part of the neck extends further into the body bellow the pickup, I don't know the purpose this serves, I don't think it is a feature you'll find on most guitars, which to me says that it is not necessary, and I honestly cant imagine it being as great as some people act like it is...

 

Long Neck Tennon:

I would only go for the Slash model in your position, if he's REALLY in to Slash, but in my opinion, they're not worth the kind of money people usually would charge for them used.

By the way, are you looking new, or used? To my knowledge the Slash model is no longer available.

The better guitar for the money is the standard plain top.

 

EDIT: Wow, I must type slow...

[RUSHian]

Find out what guitar players he likes. He may like a guitar like his guitar hero plays. Maybe an SG Guitar Angus Young from AC/DC, Slash plays a Les Paul, and so on. Some of the Gibson Melody makers are cool also, But maybe take him to a store and try a bunch out! My son has about 8 guitars now, and he plays amazing! Best of luck!!

[olaka]

One of my biggest regrets about buying Epiphone Les Pauls was buying them new, when used guitars are just as good (or even better -- I've yet to have a bad experience).

 

If you're concerned about eBay, Guitar Center's website is stocked with used Les Pauls, all kinds of them at pretty low prices.

 

 

I have 2 used Les Pauls and 2 new ones. And they're virtually the same in terms of condition.

 

I think Guitar Center even offers a warranty. Plus, you can return them (I think) if you're not satisfied.

 

Here are all their Les Pauls:

http://used.guitarcenter.com/usedgear/index.cfm?page=1&srch&category=37&q=epiphone%20les%20paul&distance=100&sort=0&dir=desc

 

 

The great thing about used is you can also find guitars with color schemes that aren't made anymore.

 

I bought a used Epi Les Paul that looks like this:

 

 

[james_edward]

Way to go Moms, buying an instrument for your son is a great gesture, one which you'll find out over the years is very rewarding on many levels.

 

Used is a great option, but as a newbie you'd have to by from a place like GC that accepts returns. If you did buy from them used, take it to your music teacher or someone who knows guitars right away so that if something is wrong you can take it back.

[rdsmith3]

I suggest buying a new one from a place like Guitar Center. If you don't know anything about guitars, it is easy to get scammed on ebay or craigslist.

 

What kind of music does your son like.

 

Also, don't forget the amp, too.

 

Finally, get used to a noisier house.

[Not-Too-Late]

Also, don't forget the amp, too.

 

Finally, get used to a noisier house.

 

Make sure you get an amp with a headphone jack, for those moments when you want quiet ("Silence is Golden"). It will work wonders on your nerves, and help keep family spats to a minimum. Trust me on that one.

[musicmaker99]

Guitars under $500 Here's a list of 21guitars under 300 english pounds (that's as in British monetary funds not gross weight...ugg!) or, about $485 in U.S. dollars. The site considers these to be the best electric guitars for the $.

 

It's a good list, one I think most would agree with give or take a position or two (btw, the #1 guit is an EPI DOT)

 

[Barcham]

As your son is only 13, you might consider an Epi Les Paul Ultra. This model provides a great sound like all Les Paul models, but it is chambered which makes it considerably lighter in weight and it might be easier for a young player to handle. The belly cut would also make it more comfortable for him to play sitting down. This model is now discontinued but you might be able to find one at a local shop or Guitar Center. Here's a link giving more information on it.

 

http://epiphone.com/news.asp?NewsID=375

[damian]

Hi Mom !!!!!!!!! Sorry I'm late !!!!!!!!

 

A very important factor to consider Mom, is, NEVER pay retail price....Once you and / or your son have chosen a type of guitar, brand, and perhaps model,

 

I recommend buying from a legitimate internet retailer such as Musician's Friend, Sweetwater, or the like.....Keep in mind that they all will price match,

 

and they often have "special sales", coupons, etc etc....NEVER pay retail.....Epiphone is an EXCELLENT beginner brand, as well as an EXCELLENT

 

brand that REAL PROFESSIONALS play as well......And remember Mom, ask us all the questions you want....We'll be here.....And, it's a safe enviornment

 

for your son to join as well...........Having said that, " I'll be late for supper, Mom !!!!! "

[amx05462]

the all round best advice here is rushians.

 

alot of kids want to be muscians and loose interest quickly. examplee my brother and me. we started tthe same time same guit etc. took lessons one af ter the other.

 

he quit after 6 months. i quit lessons and taught myself the rest.

 

take him to the store to look for what he likes( with in reason)

 

if you get him a guitar he really does not like ... he will loose intrest. alot of cases music is something there friends got him interested in. my grandson for example... his friends gave him the bug. so i went and bought him a epi... sg. turns out the trus rod ajustment was stripped. . he couldnt hardly play it

 

btw. with an electric guitar youll be on the hook for an amp as well.

 

anyhow i ended up giving him an ibanez electric that i built from parts now he can play it . as to lessons check with his school. you might be able to get him into classes there . my grandson does that and btw hes got a a in that class. can read music and play more than just guitar now.

 

you should have the guitar setup and checked by someone who knows what there doing. epiphones are good guitars i own 5 but ican tell you that they can be plagued with problems. example . my 56 gold top les paul. the tone controls didnt work. so i ended up completely rewiring ti. so if you have a friend that plays guitar take that person with you when buying the guitar to give it a test. 4 of 5 of my epiphones needed work . but there all great guitars now. ( i do my own guitar work btw)

 

but back to where i started. he should pick the guitar he wants.

 

also if your going to go to guitar center... defenitly bring someone along who knows something . why? because they will sell you any piece of junk. i went there one time and this guy in a wheel chair was looking at a gibson lespaul. bug bucks... anyhow i was 10 feet away and i could see the neck was warped and twisted. ( junk)

 

but this guy could barely play... fortunately his sister was with him ... i called her over and pointed out the defects. the salesman needless to say was pissed.... too bad. he ws gonna sell him this piece of junk.. i asked him did thy have a guitar tech... answer no. could he sent them to one no. so i pulled down a casino put it in his hands and said try this one . it was perfect.

 

 

again . you dont know what to look for neither does your son.. so try to take someone with you who does.

 

nothing worse than trying to learn on a messed up guitar.

 

as to amps which he will need. dont go too big. just a practice amp in the beginning.

[Robert47]

I no this is late as well. I totally agree with people advising to go into a music shop and have your son try out the various guitars. There is quite a difference in the feel of the neck and the feel of the guitar in general. I also agree , do not buy retail if you can. Once your son has tried a variety the try to purchase a good used guitar. You can save a ton on cash and buy a better guitar. I personally have the Epiphone Les Paul Custom. They are virtually the top of the line. Two things impressed me. The feel of the neck and the sound. You can pick up excellent used Epiphone Les Paul Customs as cheap as a new Epiphone Les Paul standard which is a step down from the standard.

[bonzoboy]

Hi DKGershe: Personally I wouldn't buy a beginner a really expensive guitar for the simple reason that if he tires of it you'll have to sell it and take a big hit on depreciation.Please bear with me as I recount a tale that happened to a music store owner friend of mine.

 

An obviously well to do couple came into his store with their obviously over-indulged son of about 14 yrs old.My friend was showing them some of the really nice Epiphone and Squier starter sets he had but their dear offspring had other ideas.The boy had spied a Steve Vai Ibanez Jem which at the time was one of the most expensive guitars in the store.The owner and the boys parents went on to suggest the starter packs but junior would have no part of it and proceeded to throw a tantrum that would do any 4 year old proud.Of course rather than have little fella hate them and be emotionally scarred for life they bought him the Jem and a pricey ampto go with it.

 

About 4 months later a rather sheepish father returned with the guitar and amp in somewhat less than pristine condition.It seemed that the boy loved stickers and had plastered the guitar and amp with hard to remove stickers of every type.On top of that when he found out that he couldn't play like Steve Vai he would throw "the Stupid guitar" to the floor,against the wall or whatever he pleased.When the father asked if he could get credit for the guitar and amp he was told that the guitar was ruined because in one or several of his fits he had done irrepairable damage to the neck and had damage pickups and the vibrato system.The amp faired a bit better but he still only got a fraction of its original worth.

 

That's the kind of thing that can happen if kids loose interest.I know this is an extreme example and I am hoping your son shows a lot more restraint but you still need to go with a starter set.That way he will feel rewarded if he sticks with it and maybe next year you present him with a Slash Les Paul.Lots of Luck.

[jfine]

You're a very supportive parent to buy him a nice guitar like those! The only real difference is that the Plus has a prettier top--they should sound pretty much the same. Either one will be a good choice, but you might get a hair more for the Plus when it comes time to trade it in--which, with decent guitars like either of those, shouldn't come very soon! You should take his preferences into consideration, but I wouldn't advise going with the wildest-looking guitar in the shop. You can play pretty much anything on a Les Paul, from classic rock to jazz to heavy metal to punk, and they won't look at you funny, whereas if you show up on a jazz gig with a Flying V, you might get laughed out of the place. Whatever you get, he should like it enough so that every time he looks at it, he wants to pick it up and practice.