Here are a few of my recommendations for a 3/4 size guitar. This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list, but more of a general idea of what a quality instrument looks like in different forms. These are my picks, but any 3/4 size guitar will do the job.
Acoustic: Average Budget
If you have a modest budget to spend on a starter guitar or if you want to gauge your student's interest before spending a lot of money on a quality guitar, these are for you. These are quality instruments and would make great beginner guitars for any young player.
SX Acoustic/Electric Traveler: $129
I have not played this guitar, but (as you will see below) I have played and been very impressed with SX brand guitars. They are super cheap but, from my experience, they blow guitars in similar price ranges out of the water. This guitar looks like it was made to compete with the Baby Taylor and Little Martin pictured below. It comes with a deluxe padded gigbag and a synthetic bone saddle for better tone (most budget instruments have plastic saddles).
This guitar has a bonus: It is an acoustic/electric. This doesn't mean that it is also an electric guitar like the ones pictured below. What it does mean is that you can plug this guitar into a sound system or amp. Acoustic/Electric guitars are what you see when people play at churches, concerts, etc. Your student probably won't use this feature initially, but it's definitely good to have around in the future. From reading reviews, a lot of semi-professional musicians are using this guitar as a travel guitar so you know the quality is good enough for your young beginner.
Yamaha FG JR1: $129
This is a great entry level guitar for young beginners. I have had quite a few students with this guitar and my sister had one when we were kids. Actually, I still play on this guitar when I go home for the holidays. Comes with a light gigbag.
Squier MA1: $109
Squier is Fender's off-brand. Originally they had a name as being cheap instruments but have really come to be respected budget-level instruments in the last few years. I have a few students with this guitar and they all seem to enjoy it.
Acoustic: Large Budget
If you have a larger budget, are looking for a higher quality guitar, are looking for a guitar that will last many years, or are looking for a guitar that will retain a high resale value then these are for you. These are great little guitars, and many professional and experienced players will use them as travel guitars because of their quality playability and sound as well as their small size and portability. Taylor and Martin are two of the biggest names in Acoustic guitars, so you can expect high quality instruments.
Baby Taylor: $299
I love this guitar. I have a student with this guitar and I can't help but play it for a few seconds each time he comes in. The playability and sound are pretty incredible considering the size and cost. It comes with a deluxe gig bag.
This is the mahogany version, but if you click on the link there are also Solid Spruce (lighter wood) and Taylor Swift Signature series versions of this guitar for the same price.
Little Martin: $299
I have not had a chance to play this guitar, but I expect the same great quality as the Baby Taylor. While Taylor Guitars are known for their bright sound, Martins are known for their natural sound and can be known more for lower sounds than their Taylor counterparts.
Electric Guitars
In my mind, the 3/4 size electric guitar market is dominated by the Squier Mini Stratocaster. After a proper setup, I have been really impressed by these guitars. If your student doesn't like the looks of the Mini Strat or you simply want to try something different I recommend SX brand guitars by Rondo Music. I have owned and played a few SX electric guitars and basses and have been very surprised at the quality of instrument for the low price. As I have more students play SX brand guitars, they may easily become my #1 entry level recommendation.
Squier Mini: $99
I've had more than 10 students with this guitar. It plays well, stays in tune, and is a great fit until they grow out of it around age 12. This guitar also comes in black. You will want to add this gigbag, for $29 and you'll be set!
SX Furrian MN Short Scale: $99
This is a telecaster copy. While I haven't played this particular model, I have played a few SX guitars and I don't think you will be disappointed. This guitar also comes in white or black. You will probably want to grab a padded gig bag like this.
SX Callisto Short Scale: $129
This is a Les Paul copy. Once again, I haven't played this particular model but have been impressed with SX instruments as a whole. For $129 you can't got wrong.
Pick up a gigbag and you'll be set!
Amplifier
If you buy an electric guitar, you will also probably want to purchase an amp. You can buy a package deal that includes everything, but for roughly the same price you can get a better quality guitar (one of the above) and a MUCH higher quality amp that won't need to be replaced for a long time. I may add more amps later, but for now the Line 6 Spider is my number one choice.
Line 6 Spider IV: $99
I know what you're thinking...$99 for an amp?! I just spent that much on the guitar! I guarantee that you will not be disappointed with this amp. Compare this amp to the amps that come in the guitar packs for almost the same price and you will see why. This is a digital amp. It digitally models (read: has the ability to sound like) multiple different amps. There are a few different amp choices, multiple effect choices, 4 memory channels, headphone out (for silent practice!), and mp3/cd player in (for practicing with recorded music), a built in tuner, and more!
Have no idea what I'm talking about? No problem. Have your student bring in their amp for a lesson and I'll show how to use all of the features. Buy this amp and your student will be set until they are ready to start playing gigs.
The original Line 6 Spider was my first real amp and they have only gotten better as the new versions have taken the stage.
Have no idea what I'm talking about? No problem. Have your student bring in their amp for a lesson and I'll show how to use all of the features. Buy this amp and your student will be set until they are ready to start playing gigs.
The original Line 6 Spider was my first real amp and they have only gotten better as the new versions have taken the stage.