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I can't stand the junk out there for young kids (6-10 years old). Yes, there is the Baby Taylor... but for some reason, I am not a big fan. I would like to build something for my child, not sure where to start. Thoughts? Plans available?

Mike

The Martin Size 5 was the guitar of choice for Marty Robbins, so it isn't just a kids guitar. Hopefully I will be finished my grandson's Size 5 in a month or so.

Bob

Todd, do you just move the bridge back 2" to achieve that scale length?

Nice looking guitar! I want something that can be played in standard tuning so I can work with my son.

I realize there are limitations, but for it to be able to intonate well with much of The Crow River Waltz would be a very good indicator.

Mike

By far the easiest guitar for my kids to sit and play around with is a Gibson L-OO style instrument. It has a wee upper bout and has an easy 24.9" scale fitted with light strings.

Now the very best part!!

I made mine with an inexpensive mahogany back and sides and a colorful adi top that tapped like a gong but was super cheap due to the red coloring and small size. Total cost was around $150 bucks to make and the little thing sounded great. I think the $35 Grover tuners were the most expensive part.

Also, take into account that your children will grow (very fast!!) and the L-00's are instruments that can be played by kids and adults. Unless the kids ride it around the house like an imaginary pony (it happens) the guitar will also age and open up beautifuly.

Take a peek around the archives and you will see lots of them.

Ray

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Guitar Building = Continuous Improvement Process

Good question... I was hoping to build something inexpensively (relatively)

I think though, I will go to the local guitar store and look for something instead of building... I have enough on the stove for now.

Mike

Here's Marty's size 5 in action

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Bill Hodge


One does not simply, own enough guitars!

+1.

My oldest son (9 years) started a half year ago. I bought him a 3/4 scale classical guitar too for about EUR 90,--. Pretty decent sound for the money.

Steel strings for those young/sensitive hands? I don't know.


Best regards,


Edzard

As soon as my son was born, I got him a very expensive uke. Splinters.

My grand daughter turns 6 today and I picked up a not bad 3/4 size Chinese guitar for her, I plan to build her a smaller full size guitar if her interest continues. I think a size 1 or 0 martin style with a shorter scale will be what I will build her but not until she is a few years older.

Fred

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Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

I also agree that small players with small arms and small hands need smaller guitars with shorter scales.

I think many of the "Parlor" guitars make fine smaller person guitars.. The Old, small L-0, Martin Size 1 and 11 do pretty well for many kids -- especially with a 24" - 25" scale length.... but the Size 5 with it's 22" scale is almost perfect for kids.

I have also seen that a well built small guitar certainly isn't a limitation to a kid. When built properly, they are at least as loud as a "Big Body." Easy playing top notch setups make a big difference when it comes to smaller hands without the hand strength of an adult... and this is usually the pitfall of the cheap-o chinese beaters... They usually have terrible fretwork and setup that are borderline unplayable.... Unfortunately, it seems like having to play an ill-setup pig is some sort of "Rite of Passage" that only makes kids hate playing.

Thanks