I want to buy my son an electric guitar package

Janeyjaz

Been looking for days now and not sure what to get - he is a complete beginner - do I buy Rockburn, Aria, Tanglewood - if anyone knows please help

Llyllyll

What sort of budget do you have as these packs can go from about £100 to £180 and more...?

Assuming you want to buy new, as someone who bought one of these packs many years ago then I would say that, if your budget is around £100, then you can't go wrong but if your budget goes up then you may well get better my buying a guitar and amp separately - perhaps something like this guitar and this amp (total cost circa £210) or this guitar and amp (total cost circa £270).

Another consideration is buying used. There are many good deals around on Ebay (just do your research first).

As he’s a complete beginner one thing I have observed (and it’s probably obvious) is that if it doesn’t work out, then you’re more likely to get a reasonable price for separates rather than a pack.

All the items I’ve linked to are at http://www.reidys.com/ - this is because I’ve bought a couple of things from them and was very impressed with their service, delivery and prices.

PS - I'd also recommend getting a good pair of headphones.

Coopdivi

I would say if he's a complete beginner don't spend too much. That way, if he subsequently decides that he's never going to be the next Stevie Ray Vaughan, you haven't wasted too much money.

£70 including delivery from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rockburn-Style-Electric-Guitar-Pack/dp/B002S0NLD8/ref=sr_1_6?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1291368442&sr=1-6

Cheap, decent headphones £8 including delivery from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-MDR-V150-Headphones-Reversible-Monitoring/dp/B00005QBU9/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1291370252&sr=1-1

dealhunter101_2

I personally wouldn't buy online. See if you can find a Dawsons or Sound Control and they always have good deals. Second hand is also a good way to go and they always have part-exchange guitars.

My first electric guitar was a Peavey which lasted well, was cheap and came in package with an amp.

BritRael

Llyllyll wrote: »

...perhaps something like .... this amp ....
PS - I'd also recommend getting a good pair of headphones.

+1

You can't go wrong with this amp (I've got the 30x). Also, you'll be very pleased that you bought the heaphones!!

Depending on your budget, also get him a tuner.

If you're feeling really flushed, also get him one of these:-
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.php?ProductId=818

It's a digital 4 track (pseudo 32 tracks) porta studio; ideal for learning and recording yourself.

Llyllyll

Can I also suggest that you set aside £30 - £35 for getting whatever guitar you buy set up properly by a guitar tech. This is even more important with cheaper models and can make a massive difference.

Unless, that is, you buy used from somewhere like this.

... and if you want a headphones recommendation I can personally vouch for these (and much cheaper than elsewhere).

Nile

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Moneybot

Best thing is to go to a music shop with your son and try out guitars, that's what I did then get him some lessons. There are a lot of guitars out there but only by trying a few will you find what will work for him.

Janeyjaz

We have decided to visit a few guitar shops and see what they say - want it to be a surprise as he know what he is getting for Christmas - his birthday is 23 rd

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

You could always buy a small practice amp and then he can unwrap this, pus a card saying 'your choice of guitar up to the value of...' and then take him to the shop to choose.

He may even choose a bass instead of a six string. If you go to a small shop, they will be likely to let you swap the amp over if that happens, on the understanding that the guitar is bought from them as well. And they may include professional setup in the cost.

Janeyjaz

Went to visit some music shops and decided on this :Ibanez GAX30Tr in red and a small Squier 10 watt amp, will also get a musician to set it up properly - Thanks for everyone's advice