Opions - First Guitar

nroberts62 · Post by **nroberts62** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 5:51 am

I Everyone, Well I am new here but here is my question. I have a 14 year old daughter that that is playing guitar in her kids worship band at church. She is borrowing a Les Paul and a Strat which gives her more of the sound of the day. I am looking to buy her first guitar and OBVIOUSLY thinking of a Ric blue 620! I think she would be SO Different, but that is the dad in me. I play bass (Currently a Hamer Blitz '84) but I have a 4003 in the works.

Your Thoughts, because I would still like her to get a GREAT now sound, but also I think she would toast with that Tom Petty "I need to know" sound.

Your Opinions Needed. Am I barking up the wrong tree and if not would would be a good guitar and amp. Remember She is 14 not a big person so will need to be petite and light. Thanks!

dale_fortune · Post by **dale_fortune** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:07 am

Welcome to the Forum Norm...Check out the 325 series. It is a 3/4 size guitar, light and has a smaller short scale neck which makes it easy for small hands to make chords. John Lennon played this type of guitar because of poor his eyesight. Because of the smaller body, he wore it high on his chest and could see the neck much better. the 600 series guitars are very nice. A little heavy compared to a semi hollow type of guitar since they are solid American Maple wood. Consider a used instrument such as the 450. It's lite, a slim neck and has all the electronic features of the DeLuxe models. It is a good instrument for a beginner or pro. The 330/360 series are great guitars, but for a small person they have a larger body and may be uncomfortable for a 14 year old.

nroberts62 · Post by **nroberts62** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:10 am

Dale,

Your thoughts on Sound? Amp?

nroberts62 · Post by **nroberts62** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:14 am

Only saw a 330 on the website. Maybe the 325 are no more.

nroberts62 · Post by **nroberts62** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:16 am

Ooops Ok I saw these are these the same?

Model 325C64
Model 325C58MG
Model 325C58JG

tennis_nick · Post by **tennis_nick** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:24 am

3 different models. the C58's are the same only finished in Jetglo (black) or mapleglo (natural finish)

differences between the C58's and C64 are almost neglectible for a younger kid except for the vibrato and fifth knob. I doubt your daughters cares about woods and construction enough to care too too much, just know that the C58 is alder and thicker, the C64 is Maple, and a tad heavier.

Personally I'd stick with the 330 for a 14 year old. not breaking the bank, classic look, and although bigger than a 325, still a very small body. Thin too, which I think makes alot of difference in playing comfort.

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:26 am

I wouldn't call the 330 a "very small body", Nick!

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:36 am

I do not think a C58 is a good first guitar, personally, though I love mine to bits. At 14, unless she's really small, the standard Rick scale should be OK. I think a solid body like a 620 is just about right. Used ones are pretty reasonable still, too.

sowhat · Post by **sowhat** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:43 am

As it turned out, a 650 is fine for a 9 year old, but i wouldn't call it light.

tennis_nick · Post by **tennis_nick** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 7:02 am

I wouldn't call the 330 a "very small body", Nick!

__________________

I dunno, first time I saw one I thought "damn! George Harrison must've been REAL small!"

for a 14 year old, a 330 would be fine

nroberts62 · Post by **nroberts62** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 7:10 am

She is 5'4" and thin and growing still. Can she get a good comperable sound out of a 620 or 325 is there much difference? Looking for that Tom Petty sound only way to explain it is "I Need to Know" song.

Norm

tennis_nick · Post by **tennis_nick** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 10:26 am

She'll do fine with a full sized guitar I'm sure. SOund diff between the 620 and 325 would be pretty huge. Not quite sure if the 620 neck is the same as the 330 neck, if so, I say go for it. if not, find a model with a "regular" Rick neck. tend to be easier for smaller hands (which I am told is what most girls have)

nroberts62 · Post by **nroberts62** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 10:32 am

What would be a better sound? Sorry for not knowing.

dale_fortune · Post by **dale_fortune** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 11:51 am

The 450 which is almost the same guitar as a 620 except the 450 has a thinner body and doesn't weigh as much are solid Maple and have a natural bright tone because of the dense hard wood, while the C58 is Alder and has a softer tone. If it were me I'd get the 620 or 660 or if you can find a vintage 450 in your price range go for one. It will hold it's vintage value and be a good versatile guitar. The VOX Pathfinder 15R is a great small amp with plenty of tone and volume. Less than a $100.00 on the internet music stores. I have 2 that I use with my Rickenbacker Guitars and it duplicates the bright Petty or Beatles tone as well as having a Master Volume to get the overdrive sound.

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 12:54 pm

Norm, the 330 is classic Ric, in looks, sound, feel...everything. Having said that, I share Johns opinion that it can hardly be descibed as small.

5'4" & still growing?....she'll grow into it!