<p>jazzymom, I can’t remember what brand I ordered but I made sure it was a larger-sized one (the kid is 6’6" with simian arms and huge paws for hands) with great owner comments on the site saying it was a good starter-bass, plus I snagged an amp, both on sale at Musicians Friend. My H is a classical guitarist (and electric guitarist also, but concentrates on classical right now) and his teacher is setting my son up with lessons over Christmas break, also, doubleplay: good to hear that idea worked well for your son. I figure mine, too, will eventually sell this one and get a better one if he’s serious about it.</p>
<p>My H also had a “backpack guitar” many years ago – that might be similar to the travel guitar you’re talking about, jazzy? If so, it was better in theory than in practice: it went out of tune so fast that my H never wanted to play it, and eventually it got broken.</p>
<p>MM: I’m going to check out that website for guitars — he might really like it and if not, I’m pretty sure it can be handed down to the more musical younger brother. I suppose the electric is cooler as an in-dorm diversion. If it takes, he can get an acoustic on his own. And the travel guitar I saw looked like a child’s guitar, but cost more and I’m assuming it had a better sound. It wasn’t one of those long triangular things that would slip into a backpack. Still, S1 is a tallish guy too and might not like the scaled down guitar either.</p>
<p>crate guitar- I’m mistaken on the term- It was a crate amp with an electrical guitar package. Everything came in one box- instrument, amp, tuner, a DVD, a bunch of other gadgets. It was a good start; we purchased it at a music store. Since then, son has traded/sold and bought several guitars, but he still has his original!</p>
<p>Bose headset. It’s great on a plane if he travels. We are getting one for our daughter (no son in our family). GPS is a great idea. I feel like planting a GPS in my kids head sometimes. </p>
<p>We are thinking of just giving our kids x dollar for xmas so they could go shopping after xmas. I have a feeling there’ll be a lot of sales after xmas this year.</p>