Guitar recommendation please

[Ivorythumper]

9 year old (small for his age) beginner.
Looking for a good quality instrument $100 - $250 range, something that will give good sound and hold tune, and age well, and enjoyable to play. What’s brands, models, sizes?

I like the idea of a smaller guitar also just for household use, not putting out too much volume.

What should I be looking at? Are used guitars (FB Marketplace) typically trashed or too problematic for the nonexpert?

[mark]

@Ivorythumper said in Guitar recommendation please:

Looking for a good quality instrument $100 - $250 range,

Go to a guitar shop and let him pick one out in that price range.

I would, of course, try to raise the budget more toward the $300-$400 range and get a entry level Taylor, Eastman, or a Breedlove.

[Jolly]

Okay, I'm treating this like piano shopping...First, I'm going to bust your budget.

I'd look at this :

https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/baby-mahogany-bt2

Great value, but I think it's a little bigger...

https://www.takamine.com/GD20-NS

Lastly, built out if God knows what, but it's durable, fairly small and sounds like a Martin (doesn't have as much bottom end, though).

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LXK2--martin-lxk2-little-martin-natural

Now...

Within budget, but may be a little big... The FG800

https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/guitars_basses/ac_guitars/fg_fgx/index.html

[Ivorythumper]

@mark said in Guitar recommendation please:

@Ivorythumper said in Guitar recommendation please:

Looking for a good quality instrument $100 - $250 range,

Go to a guitar shop and let him pick one out in that price range.

I would, of course, try to raise the budget more toward the $300-$400 range and get a entry level Taylor, Eastman, or a Breedlove.

I could go higher for a better quality instrument -- thanks for the recommendations.

[Improviso]

https://www.adamwarrock.com/best-acoustic-guitar-under-400/

[Doctor Phibes]

@mark said in Guitar recommendation please:

Go to a guitar shop and let him pick one out in that price range.

This. We went through this with my son, and went to a decent guitar shop and had them advise us. Admittedly, he never stuck with it, but I think if you and he can actually see one in the flesh, you get a much better feel for what you're paying for, and he gets to try it out.