What should I get????

grneyez · #1 June 18th, 2006

My husband and I are going to be "learning" the guitar together, However im alittle stuck on what kind of guitar to get. I am really small about 5'2, 105lbs every guitar that I have ever picked up is way to BIG and hurts my arm to reach around. I have been doing some research on "parlor size" acoustic guitars but all the ones that I have found are pretty expensive. I really dont want to be the joke to my husband and all his friends because im playing alittle kid guitar. All I know is that I want something that doesnt kill my arm and is not over $200 (just in case things dont work out) but doesnt suck. So if anyone knows or has heard anything good about a certain guitar that will fit alittle lady please let me know I would appreciate anything.

Thanks,
Renee

Fretsource · #2 June 18th, 2006

How about a reasonably priced classical (nylon string) guitar? Yamaha classicals, for example, aren't too expensive. Also unlike with most steel string guitars, you can get inexpensive classicals that play well AND sound good too.

737blues · #3 June 18th, 2006

Presumably you're talking about acoustic guitars in which case there are several 'slimline' models around, many of which have surprising sound for their size. Getting your arm over the guitar can be a problem, especially for women, but consider also the size of your hand. That may limit you to a smaller scale guitar and if it does, so what? I wouldn't worry about that. No one will laugh if you learn to play it well. I would think people would be more likely to laugh if you are trying to play something which is obviously hopelessly too big for you. Try to find a helpful sales person and try as many guitars as you can.

guttertrashsingalong · #4 June 18th, 2006

i seen some smaller seagulls but not in your price range i think fret is right about the yamahas think it would be a great beginner guitar.there are lots of inexpensive acoustic guitars but im kinda in same boat as you im looking for one for my 5 year old to play.but im thinking about just ripping his arms out of sockets so he can reach.(kidding) id do like blues asked and ask a sales person try a few different shops out and get different opinons.and try each one out.

Ultimate Garage Band · #5 June 19th, 2006

Art & Lutherie Ami, either a steel string or a nylon. I play a black, solid cedar top Ami steel string and I'm 6'-2". It's not a kid's guitar, it's a parlor model. It's like comparing a Mazda Miata and a GMC Suburban. The Miata isn't a toy/a child's car; each is a vehicle that serves a different purpose.

guttertrashsingalong · #6 June 19th, 2006

looks for the most part to be in a decent cash range to..so ugb you think it would be a good guitar to teach a 5 year old on or should i just go out and get him a elec,might be easier to teach him on a elec..didnt have the same prob with other kids i waited till they was older about 8 to 10 years of age then i got them fender squires to learn on i know its a cheap guitar but i didnt wanna go out and spend any serious cash on something hey might not take up seriously.but thy did and now my 5 year old wants to seriously sit and learn.whenever we have a jam session hereor just whipping out a axe hes right there up everyones butt watching.i dont want to get him some cheap wal mart one so do ya feel art luterie amis will fit his lil arms?

USGold · #7 June 19th, 2006

have you considered going electric--light ,thin , available in 3/4 size, and easier to fret as a bonus.they also have "child sized 1/2 and 3/4 size accoustics at most good shops.

grneyez · #8 June 19th, 2006

thanks for all your input guys...now when i go to get the guitar I might know what im kinda talking about or what im kinda lookin for ..heheh! Thanks!

guttertrashsingalong · #9 June 19th, 2006

i just found my son a axe called the vee wee http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GigEFVPRE/ now we both have flying Vs

Ultimate Garage Band · #10 June 19th, 2006

well, I think the #1 issue w/learning guitar is comfort. I'm not sure how comfortable a V is going to be. Could be ok. I'd let him try on one of yours first. The percentage of 5 year olds that have enough finger strength to even fret a 3/4 nylon is very low. Most 6 year olds can't do it, some 7 year olds can't even do it.

guttertrashsingalong · #11 June 19th, 2006

he does good with holding down the chords he just has the reach problem.i figure when i sit with my v its almost kida tucked in legs so kinda forces me into i guess what you would call a classical position soim thinking he could do it as long as he could reach ...but thanks for the advise and didnt mean to run into someone elses forum ..thx again

allthumbs · #12 June 19th, 2006

A V has to be one of the most uncomfortable guitars to play sitting down ever.

Ultimate Garage Band · #13 June 19th, 2006

when you put the V where the wings straddle your right thigh it's not bad. It is very much like a classical guitar, however it could put the nut sort of far away and make that reach tough. In that case tilt the headstock up towards your head.

My round gut makes playing a round back Ovation simply impossible sitting down. It's on my knees, face up, in seconds.

guttertrashsingalong · #14 June 19th, 2006

almost just like this plus will give him full view of fingerboard..this was way my instructor made me sit when i did my lessons..yea but the neck is short onthat wee vee plus i think he would get a kick out of it more cause he flipped out when i brought mine home..for 119 its worth a try plus its a epi so i think its a good starter for him.