NWB - Community Blog

Hi, Jackie.
How old are the boys?...only asking 'cos the shops do some tiny stratocaster copies that don't sound half-bad!... I would suggest something that they really like is a good start! As you know too well, buy cheap and buy twice! If they are serious, (and mum would know!) get the best you can afford! Acoustic or electric?....or bass?...Sorry, thats another chapter!....to be fair, I would talk to the bands you are going to book for good "horses-mouth" advice! If the boys are old enough/interested enough, they'll not be far from your stage, anyway and they will allready be forming choices!...Any visiting band would let the boys have a feel for the equipment!...I'm sure!...One point!....Drums dont have volume controls!...lol

Hi, Jackie...
forgot to mention, a pile of other stuff comes as a requirement with every guitar(except acoustic!) ie. amp, guitar-stand, case, music-stand, music, strings, picks, tuner, leads, effects pedals!....Sorry but you better knowing now!...
Keep smiling!
Pete the Bass

A Squier Stratocaster seems a good bet.
Basically it's the guitar I wish had been there when I was first learning to play.
Practice amps are easy to get with lots of effects built in cheaply too.

I'd agree with the Squier Strat. Quite a few of my pupils have had them and they're a pretty good guitar for the price.

Hi Jackie!
Can I recommend clicking on the "Dolphin Music" ad at the bottom right of this blog. They have loads of guitar & amp package deals for beginners (Squier Strats are very good) ...Plus! This NWB site will benefit from any sales via that link.

Cheers
Andy
P.S See ya this Saturday 14th!


Couldn't resist this one!
www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/.../...ectric-guitar-outfit-containing-speaker-.html

whatever you do DONT go to argos. although the prospect of a guitar, amp, lead and tuner etc may look appealing there usually pretty crap standard amd like crush said buy cheap buy twice.

As pointed out by Ben dont buy from Argos or any other superstore outlets that dont specialise in musical instruments as they dont have a clue about how to set up/tune etc them or know if the item is faulty ,all they specialise in is selling you a 'box'
So look around the music shops in Blackpool and see which ones you like ,get a price then look on internet for a price comparison then go back to store for a haggle... a personal touch is always the best policy when your buying into a new project as a shop set up and tune are normally done for free along with advice on purchase......
You can also ask on here for advice when you have picked out a couple of guitars ..
There are so many budget models on the market (dont get it confused with meerkat now!!) all made in the same chinese factory so a Squier Strat is basically the same as a Westfield/Vintage/Cruiser etc so if price is an issue a then go for the cheaper model rather than a branded name .......£150/200 can get you a guitar that doesnt need replacing after 6 months as in yamaha/Tokai/tanglewood and the Squier + of course.........
Also i suggest buying a 'fender' style guitar with single coil pick ups rather than the 'Gibson' style humbucker pick ups as they sound too brash (now theres a word) when you are learning to strum whereas the single coils give a more pleasent glassy sound ................................. err it was electric guitars you were after wasnt it ?????

The Yamaha Pacifica is a good guitar to start on (it's strat style), it always gets good reviews. I've got a Vox DA5 practice amp, you can get them for about £70 and they've got loads of built in effects, I'd recommend it.

Also, look out for the "Take it Away" scheme, it's funded by the arts council and gets you ten months interest free credit when buying music gear, I notice Dolphin Music are participating in this.

Hope this is more use than my IT advice, LOL!!

"My first guitar.." now there's an idea for a Blog!

It worked for Angus !!

I wouldn't recommend anything too expensive. I was very young at the time when uncle Mcmanus passed down a 1963 fender jazzmaster sunburst to me. I didn't appreciate it especially as I spent more time hitting my older brother over the head with it when he was annoying me. Funnily enough, he's quite a big Who fan now.

LOL @ shell's comment.
My first guitar and the one i currently play and only one i own is a BC Rich Warlock. Oh yeah, the blackest, pointiest mofo on the planet. LOL
It's quite a heavy beast of a guitar, heavier than any other i've picked up.
You mite want to go for a cheap Fender. Those Squier Strats are quite light and easy to play. Altho i wouldn't swap my Warlock for the world. Not a fan of Squier Strats personally. Too light and too 'easy', but would be perfect for your sons.

Yamaha pacificas are great for the money as are the squier stratocasters and both are light too.I agree with mr nwb,unless your boys are small for their age get full size as they will grow into them. Played a gig for my bro`s 50th birthday and my nephew 7yr old played wonderwall on my les paul .He did struggle a bit with the size at first but soon got to grips wiv it and brought the house down (cocky little bugger).|My point being dont be buyin a guitar today and then another in 18 months cos he grown out of it.