Any guitar players here?
 

My 11 year old daughter wants a guitar for Christmas. We have been shopping and looking around. We are going to go either Acoutistic or Acoustic electric.

Anyone have advice on brand etc?

She plays the piano and violin, so we don't want a toy but a real instrument. I am looking to spend in the $200 range.

She is petite and a true full-size is a bit large. Some styles are smaller then others and the acoustic electrics tend to be a bit smaller as well.

I am impressed with Ibanez, Alverez, and Fender to name a few, but a friend just told be about Esteban. He has an entire training series set....anyone have experience with them?

The reviews are mixed....everythig from crap to great. Thing is, some of these people might be used to a $1000 guitar....I don't know.

Please chime in if you can help.

Anyone work at a music store?

Ibanez is a good one. i have 2 a electric and acoustac electric. I also own a fender electric. Let me know if you want more details and i will post some about them. I have be very very happy with all 3 but especially my 2 ibanez guitars. I love them!

We've got a Takamine G335 12 string acoustic and love it. My dad owns a music studio, and that's probably his favorite guitar. You could also get away with an Acoustic Guitar from Walmart or Target too (I know it doesn't scream quality)...my parents bought my sister a $140 guitar from Target for Christmas two years ago for her first guitar and it's lasted this long and is still in good shape. For a first guitar I most definitely would stay away from top of the line expensive stuff. I learned how to play on a cheap guitar and I think it's a good way to teach a noob to respect the instrument.

The nicer teh guitar you get her the easier it will be for her to play, look for a used baby taylor maybe?