Why purchase one of these instruments? Quality! Parents understandably are reluctant to plunk down a significant amount of money for a good guitar unless they have some confidence that their child will enjoy the instrument and continue with music study. Unfortunately, unless the child has a decent guitar, it is almost certain that the child will become frustrated because cheap guitars are difficult to play, sound lousy, won't play in tune, and are mechanically deficient.

A decent factory-built child's guitar with good tuning machines, an acceptable setup, and the ability to play more-or-less in tune will typically cost $600 to $800. Anything less and you are wasting your money and the time of both you and your child. My children's guitars cost about twice what a decent factory-built instrument will cost. Perhaps you don't feel you can afford the extra expense, but if you can, you will get a beautiful, hand-crafted musical instrument that your child will enjoy playing and be proud of.

My chidren's guitars are built the same as my full-size concert instruments using the same high-quality materials to produce a beautiful sonority and a nice big voice. Being luthier-built instruments, they also will hold their value so you can recover much of your investment when it comes time to sell and move on to a larger instrument. Don't be surprised, however, if these instruments become permanent and prized possessions of your family that are played now and by generations to come.

Finally, be sure you are getting the right kind of guitar. It is not uncommon for parents to mistakenly purchase a steel-string acoustic guitar when they need a nylon-string classical guitar. My guitars are nylon string classical guitars. Check with the teacher before purchasing an instrument so that you know for sure what type of guitar is needed.