About James Koontz Expertise Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, Amplifiers, Most anything Music related... Also most anything related to security, Fire and access control, as well as CCTV system.
Experience 20 years as a sound engineer, part time luthier, and general all around technical dude for many local bands. One of which was fairly large in the 80's and 90's with multiple recordings, and was the opening act for David Allen Coe, as well as got a nashville recording opportunity. The band disbanded before making it mainstream.
Organizations Loyal Order of the Moose, Boy Scouts,BMI
Publications Highlights for Children, Mystery Magazine,several online Publications, multiple cd's from various artists.
Education/Credentials I have 20 years experience, some electrical college experience. Studied Law, philosophy, and theology.
Awards and Honors well, too many to listm and none worth much more than a paperweight to hold down the ones that are on paper.
Expert: James Koontz Date: 10/30/2007 Subject: Sons first guitar
Question I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of guitar would be best to have our son start on. He is going to be 12 next week and wants to start taking lessons. We don't want to put alot of money into it because he tends to switch from one thing to the next quickly, but we don't want to discourage something other than the video games he is usually only interested in. I was also wondering if it is better for him to start on an electric or acoustic. Thank you very much for you help.
Becky
Answer
Wow, great question. I would say for a 12 year old, an electric is definitely the main guitar he will need for learning. For one thing, it will help with being easier to fret, it's more hip and cool, and that is something that is going to matter to him. I don't know your budget, but I can say if there is a Guitar Center or Sam Ash anywhere near you, you can usually pick up a Fender Strat (Made in Mexico) for around $150-$200.. Add in a small practice amp, one of my favorites is the Fender G-dec, because it has effects, and even backup band all built in. So, he would be able to noodle around ,and rock out real easy.. Keep in mind, he will need to have an acoustic as well, but first get him the electric, get him some lessons.. then get him the acoustic for Christmas if he seems to be really interested in guitar still...At 12, you'll know pretty early on if he's going to stick with it or not. Now,Here is the tally:
Fender Strat $200
Fender Gdec junior $179
---------------------------
$379(plus tax)
There are other models of the G-dec, but the junior is fine for now. As for the Acoustic, I can recommend only one for a new player, and I'll tell you, I love mine, it is wonderful, I own a stable of them, and have shipped one to a friend in Poland, and bought one for my dad.. And that is the Rogue, from Musicians Friend. The price is incredible, and they are extremely playable. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Rogue-Grand-Concert-Cutaway-AcousticElect...
I wish they would have had this size body when I bought all mine.. But all they had were Dreadnoughts, and they are huge.. I figure for a 12 year old, this concert size is perfect. Full scale just like a Dread, but the body is smaller, so it's easier to hold, and easier to play. Plus it looks cool.
