Are you looking for the perfect acoustic guitar for your 12-year-old, but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone!
Here, we’ll provide all the details you need to make an informed choice and give your budding musician the proper equipment.
Finding the best acoustic guitar for a 12-year-old can be an overwhelming process. For starters, it’s important to know the size and features of an ideal guitar for someone just starting out on their path to becoming a guitar player. This guide will provide you with valuable information about the size, quality, and features of various types of guitars so that you can identify which is best suited for your 12-year-old aspiring guitarist.
We will begin by discussing different sizes of both acoustic and electric guitars, as well as why certain ones may prove more suitable than others. We will also look at quality considerations related to acoustic versus electric guitars. Finally, we will explore multiple features of each type of instrument that you can look for in order to find the perfect fit for your young musician’s needs.
By the end of this guide, you should have a good understanding of what it takes to choose an instrument that is both comfortable and suitable for your preteen guitarist’s skill level, as well as their individual interests in music. Armed with this knowledge and equipped with key pieces of information related to size, quality and features; finding the right guitar should be less daunting when shopping around or browsing through online stores!
Features to consider
When choosing an acoustic guitar for a 12-year-old, it is important to consider the size and geometry of the instrument. In general, a guitar should be relatively easy to hold, with a neck that works with the dimensions of their hands. The action (string height relative to the fretboard) should also be comfortable for them – too high and it could hamper their technique development, but too low and it could result in buzzing strings. Consider getting your child’s teacher or an experienced musical friend involved in helping choose the right guitar for them.
In particular, pay attention to these features:
- Neck shape: This refers to the shape of the neck as you look down across its length. The most common shapes are C shaped or U shaped. A C shaped profile has more mass around its perimeter than a U shape – this makes it easier to maintain a strong grip while holding down strings during chording (playing chords). An experienced musician can often tell which type is best suited for certain playing styles and hand size right away.
- Fingerboard width: Different manufacturers make guitars that have different fingerboard widths – ranging from about 1 5/8” up to 2 3/4” at its widest point near the body – so consider asking your child’s teacher or musical mentor if they have any preferences before purchasing a guitar with wider fingerboard widths. Most modern acoustic guitars also feature special comfort technologies like scalloped bracing and other innovative designs like slimmer headstocks and custom bracing patterns that increase comfort level for smaller hands.
- Pickup system: Many modern acoustic guitars feature built-in pickup systems which allow users’ amplified sound whether plugged into an amp or playing through speakers. If you plan on using live sound on stage or recording in any capacity at all, then this could make all of your tasks much easier! However, pickups can add weight and complexity to a setup that beginners may not need right away so keep this feature in mind while selecting an instrument if this is applicable in your case.
Body style and shape
The body style and shape of an acoustic guitar are incredibly important. A properly fitting guitar makes it much easier to play, especially for a beginner guitarist. It’s also important for the structure of the guitar to be suitable for a child’s size and strength before you even consider whether or not they want one type of acoustic over another.
When shopping for an acoustic guitar, it is important to consider the size and shape. In terms of size, a 12-year-old should look at parlor style guitars and ¾ scale models instead of full-size ones. Look for models that are designed specifically with smaller bodies in mind, such as Martin’s LX1 Little Martin or Taylor Baby BT2 series Acoustic Guitars. Parlour style guitars offer the same powerful sound but small enough size to fit comfortably in small hands while still slick enough length to make strumming a little bit easier than with standard sized guitards.
In terms of shape, some people prefer Dreadnought shapes because they feature larger fretboards which makes fretting chords easier for younger children. Other Musicians may also prefer Jumbo or concert shaped acoustics because these have large soundboards which can create louder sounds when amplified or played through an amp stack overdrive or distortion channel – both of these are great options when it comes to purchasing an Acoustic Guitar For a 12 year old child!
Wood type and quality
One of the main features that affects the sound, playability, and cost of an acoustic guitar is the type of wood it is made from. Different woods have unique characteristics that produce specific sound qualities. When looking for a guitar for a 12-year-old, be sure to consider the type and quality of wood used in its construction.
The following are some common wood types and their associated qualities:
Mahogany – This type of wood is known for its warm, mellow tone with excellent sustain. It can lend more mids to the overall character of the guitar’s tone and is one of the most popular types used in acoustic guitars.
Spruce – Spruce provides a brightness to a guitar’s tone which can be quite useful when playing live as it cuts through other instruments easily. It also adds clarity to low notes but can tend towards harshness at higher notes if not balanced appropriately by other components such as pick-ups or electronics.
Maple – Maple produces a bright but deep sound which gives great resonance and clarity to lead playing. Its striking grain pattern makes it an attractive choice regardless of sound considerations. Maple is used most often on higher-end guitars designed specifically for advanced players or working musicians who need reliable instruments on stage or in studio settings.
Fretboard material and width
The neck of an acoustic guitar is the part of the instrument that includes the fretboard. The fretboard is where you place your fingertips to generate different notes. The material used to construct the fretboard will affect both the sound and feel of the guitar. A wider width also affects both sound and feel. Generally, wider necks provide better tone and easier playability, while narrower necks improve speed and movement between different notes.
Fretboards made from rosewood are very popular on acoustic guitars and they provide a warm, mellow sound. Maple fretboards suggest a brighter tone with more emphasis on clarity in each note. Other materials commonly used for fretboards include ebony and Pau Ferro; each has its own distinctive tonal properties.
In terms of width, a wider neck (1-7/8 inches or higher) is usually better for beginners due to its larger size which allows for greater accuracy when playing chords or notes. Narrower necks with 1-3/4 inches widths give better accuracy for faster styles such as shredding or soloing; however, some manufacturers may offer intermediate sizes such as 1-11/16 inches which fits comfortably between the two types mentioned above.
Brand considerations
When selecting an acoustic guitar for a 12-year-old, it is important to pay attention to the brand, quality, and value provided by the product. Many guitars on the market today are mass produced, meaning that they feature thinner bodies and necks that can make them quite difficult to maneuver. Additionally, materials used in mass manufacturing may be of lower quality and not provide a good tone when being played.
Taking time to research more widely known brands, such as Taylor or Fender, may be beneficial in providing a higher quality product as some of these brands have been producing guitars for many years and have high standards for craftsmanship. In this case, researching online reviews of products or asking experts about particular models can help guide your decision making process. Additionally, visiting a music shop near you can provide you with an opportunity to actively try out the instrument before making your purchase.
Reputation and reliability of different guitar brands
When researching different guitar brands and trying to pick a good quality instrument for your child, you need to consider the company’s reputation as well as the reliability of their products. A good indicator of a reliable brand is how long they have been in business. Companies with longer histories tend to make more reliable instruments, so it’s worth doing a bit of research on the companies you’re considering.
Aside from the length of time in business, ask around for consumer reviews on each brand and look for customer feedback on websites or forums such as Yahoo Answers or Reddit. You might also take into account how long ago any complaints were recorded, since older feedback may not represent the company’s current standards. Additionally, if there are any long standing third party repair centers in your area that specialize in various guitar brands, it could be worthwhile to call ahead and ask about their experience with certain manufacturers.
When looking for an acoustic guitar for a twelve-year-old child, it’s important to get one from a reputable source that can provide an up-to-date warranty card and guarantee packages containing help with maintenance over time.
Popular brands among young guitar players
For young guitar players, choosing the right instrument can affect their level of comfort as well as their progress as a musician. Popular brands among 12-year-olds and younger include Yamaha, Fender, Squier, Taylor and Junior guitars. These guitars are designed specifically for children and are more appropriate for smaller bodies. They are often lighter in weight for improved handling and ergonomics.
Yamaha is a reliable brand with good sound quality at an affordable price point. Their FS800 Small-Body acoustic guitar is versatile with great playability and sound projection. The FSX800 Folk Small-Body acoustic guitar offers similar features but has a solid spruce top which helps to improve sound quality while being relatively lightweight at 3 lbs or 1.3 kgs!
Fender’s Oscar Schmidt OE30GY is another great choice. It features a basswood body combined with maple neck bridge which is known to add excellent tonal qualities to sweeten the overall tone of the instrument while being comfortable even for smaller hands!
Squier comes close in terms of affordability offering some great beginner packs complete with all you need to start playing such as picks, strap, tuner etc…The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Pack includes one of their classic electric guitars along with an amp cord etcetera making it pretty much a steal!
Taylor’s Baby Taylor acoustics come complete with three/four strings making them easier to learn on for younger player’s hands making it an excellent choice for kids just starting off on their strumming journey!
Finally, Junior guitars from Fender complete this shortlist of popular brands among 12 year olds. These guitars have mini Stratocasters or TLX Teles and they come in fun colors that any kid would adore! With some basic setup they can produce quite decent sounds so even if your child isn’t quite ready yet – Fender Junior guitars offer plenty possibilities down the road when they do become ready!
Budget consideration
Choosing the best acoustic guitar for your 12-year-old can be a challenge. You want to get the best product for your money, but you also have to consider how much you’re willing to spend on a guitar.
Keep in mind that when shopping on a budget, you may not be able to get the same features or quality as with more expensive models. For example, an inexpensive model may not have an adjustable neck or saddle, so you may need to replace them if the instrument’s action becomes too low over time. Additionally, lower-priced instruments often feature woods of lesser quality that require more maintenance and don’t sound as good as higher-priced instruments made with better woods.
So while you should be aware of budget constraints, don’t ignore these important features in favor of saving a few dollars; it could end up costing you more in the long run! Fortunately, today’s market has acoustic guitars available at nearly every price point from various reputable brands such as Yamaha and Fender; just be sure to read reviews and shop around before making final decisions on purchasing any instrument.
Features available at different price points
Acoustic guitars come in many shapes and sizes, offering a wide range of features and capabilities. You’ll need to consider the size, sound, and cost of a guitar before making your purchase. Knowing the features available at different price points can help you find the perfect guitar for a 12-year-old.
At the entry level, there are acoustic guitars costing under $200 that provide basic sound options with good construction. These guitars usually have solid wood tops (the piece of wood that forms part of the guitar’s soundboard), as well as laminated bodies (which are layers of wood stuck together). Entry-level guitars often come with sealed mechanized tuners, like those found on electric guitars, which allow for easy adjustments to your notes when playing.
More expensive acoustic guitars often offer more features such as extensive fretboards for enhanced playability and better sounding tonewoods for increased resonance. If you’re looking for something more professional than an entry-level instrument, try looking at mid-range or advanced acoustic guitar models between $400–$600. These models typically feature higher quality woods like spruce or cedar tops; better action; fishman or other amplification systems; and hardware upgrades such as diamond tuners for easy tuning and accuracy.
For those looking to purchase an advanced acoustic guitar with all the bells-and-whistles possible without breaking the bank, you may want to consider premium models ranging from $700–$2,000+. Premium acoustic guitars offer top grade construction materials—like hand carved mahogany body shapes—as well as advanced electronics like Fishman Matrix preamps with built in effects processors and graphic equalizers (EQ). High end preamps also come with feedback suppression speed controls which help to control ringing in higher volumes while on stage or in recording environments. Such control contributes greatly to accurate representation of your sound with no distortion or lost nuances that cheaper models may have trouble capturing correctly on their own devices.
Factors to consider when setting a budget
When setting a budget for an acoustic guitar for a 12-year-old, it is important to consider both the short-term and long-term costs. First, you need to determine how much money you are willing to invest in the instrument at the outset. This should account for the initial cost of acquiring a guitar, any necessary accessories like strings or straps, and any maintenance costs associated with keeping the instrument in good playing condition.
It is also important to consider any ongoing tuition fees or other expenses associated with learning an instrument. Investing in an music lessons can be sufficiently rewarding in terms of building technique, developing performance skills and deepening understanding of music theory – all of which will benefit your child’s musical journey over time.
Finally, it is worth considering what upgrades you may wish to make to the instrument at some point down the line. All of these considerations should be factored into establishing an appropriate budget before purchasing a guitar for a 12 year old .
Conclusion
In conclusion, determining the best acoustic guitar for a 12-year-old is about finding the right balance between size, features, and cost. Consider what type of music your child wants to play and make sure there is a guitar that fits with their needs. A guitar that’s too big or too heavy, or missing features important to your child’s style of playing can lead to frustration and lack of enjoyment in the instrument.
Pay attention to what makes an acoustic guitar comfortable for your child — make sure it fits their hands and their posture when playing. Look for guitars made especially for young players if necessary — many manufacturers make miniature guitars specifically designed as starter guitars for children. Once you’ve found a guitar that fits most of these criteria, then consider purchasing some accessories like several sets of extra strings, picks, capos and straps to get them ready to rock!
Above all else, be sure you listen carefully as your 12-year-old selects a desired sound — when they hear themselves on the right guitar it can open up a world of possibilities!
FAQs
What size acoustic guitar is best for a 12 year old?
For a 12 year old, the best size acoustic guitar would be a 3/4 size guitar. This size will be more comfortable and easier for a child to play and handle compared to a full-size guitar.
How to choose guitar for 12 year old?
When choosing a guitar for a 12 year old, it is important to consider the child’s size, skill level, and musical preferences. A 3/4 size guitar is usually the best option for children of this age, as it is more comfortable and easier to handle. It’s also important to choose a guitar that is well-made and has a good sound quality.
How to choose an acoustic guitar for kids?
To choose an acoustic guitar for kids, consider the child’s age, size, and skill level. A 3/4 size guitar is generally the best choice for younger children, while older kids may be able to handle a full-size guitar. It’s also important to choose a guitar that is easy to play and has a good sound quality.
How do I choose the right size acoustic guitar?
To choose the right size acoustic guitar, consider your age, height, and arm length. A 3/4 size guitar is usually a good choice for children and smaller adults, while a full-size guitar is better for larger adults. It’s also a good idea to try out different sizes of guitars to see which one feels the most comfortable and is easiest to play.
How long should a guitar be for a 12 year old?
A guitar that is 36-38 inches in length, such as a 3/4 size guitar, is usually the best length for a 12 year old. However, it’s important to consider the child’s height and arm length as well when choosing the right size guitar.
Can a 12 year old play a full size guitar?
While some 12 year olds may be able to handle a full-size guitar, it’s generally more comfortable and easier to play a 3/4 size guitar. A full-size guitar may be too large and difficult to handle for some children of this age.
What age is a 3/4 acoustic guitar for?
A 3/4 size acoustic guitar is generally designed for children between the ages of 8 and 11, but it can also be a good option for smaller adults who find a full-size guitar uncomfortable to play.
What’s the difference between a 3/4 guitar and a full?
The main difference between a 3/4 guitar and a full-size guitar is their size. A 3/4 guitar is smaller and easier to handle, making it a better choice for younger players or those with smaller hands. A full-size guitar is larger and has a fuller sound, making it better suited for more advanced players or those who prefer a louder sound.
What is the most common acoustic guitar size?
The most common acoustic guitar size is the full-size guitar, also known as a dreadnought. This type of guitar is typically around 40-42 inches in length and is favored by many professional guitarists.
How long is a 3/4 acoustic guitar?
A 3/4 size acoustic guitar is usually around 36-38 inches in length.
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