Next instrument for young pianist?

[ThankYouJack]

I'm looking to get a gift for an 11 year old who is has shown a lot of progress and aptitude on the piano, reading music and playing songs by ear. He already has a digital piano, microphone, amp, and acoustic guitar. He's interested in the guitar but it sounds muted when he plays -- not sure if an electric guitar would be easier to pick up and train the fingers. Or possible a ukulele? Or something else?

Along with the type of instrument if you also have suggestions for a specific make and model that would be great. Thanks in advance.

[PaddyMac]

Would he like a subscription to TomPlay? I have an iPad that sits on top of my digital piano, feeding into the speakers. TomPlay offer new music for lots of instruments (not just piano) every week with options from Very Easy to Advanced, many of them with an orchestra playing with you. Some even have singers singing the pop songs. He would need access to an iPad or a laptop that could sit on the piano.

[sport]

If he has a band or orchestra at school, I would encourage him to choose a band or orchestra instrument. For someone with an interest or talent in music, a school group is something they would enjoy and benefit from. The participants in those groups become friends and spend time in rehearsals and other activities. There is a lot of camaraderie. This helps to keep them out of trouble since the music kids tend to be good bunch of people as opposed to the troublemaking element. At the same time, they learn about types of music they might otherwise not be exposed to, so it is educational as well as enjoyable. I benefited from my experience in the school band and orchestra and my children did the same.

[Doctor Rhythm]

After taking piano lessons for six years, I got an electric guitar and never looked back. But that was because it's what I wanted, not because my parents said, "Sweet child, it's time for you to tame this howling, steel-string, humbucking animal and learn to Rawk!"

Just to be clear:
-- Learning another instrument isn't necessarily the inevitable/recommended/logical next step. It's not wrong to do so either.
-- What's your goal here? What's your child's goal?
-- You should ask the child what they want to do.
-- What did you say? Speak up, I can't hear you.

[Jack FFR1846]

I'm a long time guitarist and amateur luthier. The quality of the guitar makes night and day differences. If his acoustic is a cheap, junk guitar, it might not sound good even with an expert playing it. He doesn't need a $1000 guitar, but something better would help. A brand name is a good starting point for non-guitarists. Takamine, Yamaha, Gibson, Taylor, Martin, Seagull, Breedlove are a good starting point. Unless he's interested specifically in a nylon string guitar, it's going to be steel strings. If he is interested in an electric, I'd say the same thing but there are probably a hundred good quality brands out there. With an electric, he can use anything from an effects pedal and headphones to a small amp. I've had good luck with some of the Korean electrics like Dillion or the lower priced PRS. Used will certainly be less expensive and even Guitar Center will have a used section at each of their stores. If he's taking guitar lessons, ask his teacher for a recommendation.

[Beensabu]

playing songs by ear

Get the kid a Hohner Marine Band harmonica in the key of C. He'll have fun with that.

[stuper1]

You need to talk to the kid and find out what he wants. Learning an instrument can be a great joy if you want to do it, and a great burden if you don't want to. Ask him if there is another instrument he wants to learn. But you both should be aware that he may not find the best fit for him on the first try. It may take some trial and error.

If you can afford to get him some lessons with a good teacher along with the instrument, that would be great too.

[Fallible]

I'm looking to get a gift for an 11 year old who is has shown a lot of progress and aptitude on the piano, reading music and playing songs by ear. He already has a digital piano, microphone, amp, and acoustic guitar. He's interested in the guitar but it sounds muted when he plays -- not sure if an electric guitar would be easier to pick up and train the fingers. Or possible a ukulele? Or something else?

Along with the type of instrument if you also have suggestions for a specific make and model that would be great. Thanks in advance.

Find a way to introduce him to a variety of different instruments and let him decide. There are few things more personal than expressing oneself musically. If he has a music teacher, they may suggest an instrument.

[quantAndHold]

It sounds like he might need a better guitar.

Does he have a teacher? Lessons would probably be the best thing for an 11 year old.

[Sandtrap]

I'm looking to get a gift for an 11 year old who is has shown a lot of progress and aptitude on the piano, reading music and playing songs by ear. He already has a digital piano, microphone, amp, and acoustic guitar. He's interested in the guitar but it sounds muted when he plays -- not sure if an electric guitar would be easier to pick up and train the fingers. Or possible a ukulele? Or something else?

Along with the type of instrument if you also have suggestions for a specific make and model that would be great. Thanks in advance.

It's a good thing when the instrument matches what music that he likes to listen to.
Traditional Hawaiian Music.....then ukulele. See?

But for just plain overall versatility across a wide range of types of music, and also comfort for smaller hands or any hands,
An American Made Fender Stratocaster and a good Fender Amp, and a pedalboard.

Fender Stratocaster:

And, private lessons from an excellent teacher, of course.

j

[eddot98]

I'm looking to get a gift for an 11 year old who is has shown a lot of progress and aptitude on the piano, reading music and playing songs by ear. He already has a digital piano, microphone, amp, and acoustic guitar. He's interested in the guitar but it sounds muted when he plays -- not sure if an electric guitar would be easier to pick up and train the fingers. Or possible a ukulele? Or something else?

Along with the type of instrument if you also have suggestions for a specific make and model that would be great. Thanks in advance.

It's a good thing when the instrument matches what music that he likes to listen to.
Traditional Hawaiian Music.....then ukulele. See?

But for just plain overall versatility across a wide range of types of music, and also comfort for smaller hands or any hands,
An American Made Fender Stratocaster and a good Fender Amp, and a pedalboard.

Fender Stratocaster:

And, private lessons from an excellent teacher, of course.

j

I respectfully disagree. Buying an 11 year old a $1600 guitar, a $100 to $200 practice amplifier, and maybe another hundred dollars on a pedalboard really only makes sense for a multi millionaire. Maybe start with a Fender Squire Telecaster or Stratocaster bundle, which can be had for under $300.

[finite_difference]

I'm looking to get a gift for an 11 year old who is has shown a lot of progress and aptitude on the piano, reading music and playing songs by ear. He already has a digital piano, microphone, amp, and acoustic guitar. He's interested in the guitar but it sounds muted when he plays -- not sure if an electric guitar would be easier to pick up and train the fingers. Or possible a ukulele? Or something else?

Along with the type of instrument if you also have suggestions for a specific make and model that would be great. Thanks in advance.

It's a good thing when the instrument matches what music that he likes to listen to.
Traditional Hawaiian Music.....then ukulele. See?

But for just plain overall versatility across a wide range of types of music, and also comfort for smaller hands or any hands,
An American Made Fender Stratocaster and a good Fender Amp, and a pedalboard.

Fender Stratocaster:

And, private lessons from an excellent teacher, of course.

j

I respectfully disagree. Buying an 11 year old a $1600 guitar, a $100 to $200 practice amplifier, and maybe another hundred dollars on a pedalboard really only makes sense for a multi millionaire. Maybe start with a Fender Squire Telecaster or Stratocaster bundle, which can be had for under $300.

You’re saying you need to be a multimillionaire to afford spending $1700 on a musical instrument?

[finite_difference]

It sounds like he might need a better guitar.

Does he have a teacher? Lessons would probably be the best thing for an 11 year old.

+1. A great teacher, if you can find one, makes learning an instrument worth it a thousand times over.

I would almost argue to pick the teacher over the instrument.

[ThankYouJack]

Thanks all for the recommendations. Responding to some feedback:

He was initially self taught but is now taking professional piano lessons.

I hadn't heard of TomPlay. He really enjoys Simply Piano...will recommend TomPlay to see if he likes it.

School doesn't have band yet, but may in middle school.

A harmonic could be fun and inexpensive.

The goal is to have fun as the child loves music and learning to play.

I can get some more feedback from him (I know some guitar interest is there because he's been picking it up) but I was trying to think of a fun surprise gift. Maybe we'll swing in a music store to try some guitars and talk to the sales rep.

[Halicar]

For an 11 year old, I think the default choice for an electric guitar is the Squier Mustang. It's affordable (around $200), slightly smaller than other guitars (it was specifically designed for students), reputable (Squier is Fender's budget brand), and popular (Kurt Cobain played a Mustang).

[ThankYouJack]

For an 11 year old, I think the default choice for an electric guitar is the Squier Mustang. It's affordable (around $200), slightly smaller than other guitars (it was specifically designed for students), reputable (Squier is Fender's budget brand), and popular (Kurt Cobain played a Mustang).

Thank you, seems like a great option to get started on and currently on sale on Guitar Center.

[quantAndHold]

Check with the parents before you get a kid an amplified musical instrument. They may have an opinion on the matter.

[tetractys]

I’ve been watching this thread because I’m very interested in music and the idea of a gifted kid getting a great start; but haven’t weighed in because individuals are SO varied! The suggestions above are very good however!

Just two extra things to think about however, percussion and an instrument with perfect tuning.

Percussion is the way of rhythm and tuning outside pitch. Perfect tuning can be done with only two instruments I know of, the human voice if it’s a good one, and the recorder—every other instrument compromises intervals or has a scattered sound wave.

[quantAndHold]

You’re saying you need to be a multimillionaire to afford spending $1700 on a musical instrument?

For an 11 year old who doesn’t even really play the instrument yet, yes. $1700 is a lot.

For a 17 year old who’s been playing consistently for several years and is ready for a better instrument, $1700 is very reasonable.

[Halicar]

For an 11 year old, I think the default choice for an electric guitar is the Squier Mustang. It's affordable (around $200), slightly smaller than other guitars (it was specifically designed for students), reputable (Squier is Fender's budget brand), and popular (Kurt Cobain played a Mustang).

Thank you, seems like a great option to get started on and currently on sale on Guitar Center.

He'll need an amp too. The Fender Frontman 10 watt is a good choice to start with.

[CenTexan]

Perfect tuning can be done with only two instruments I know of, the human voice if it’s a good one, and the recorder—every other instrument compromises intervals or has a scattered sound wave.

Recorder? Really? You must be pretty good with alternate fingerings and pitch bending.

You can also attain perfect pitch on trombone, sackbut, fretless string instruments (violin family), theremin, Auto-Tune, etc . . .

[Cannoli]

Took up the cello three years ago at age 65. The key is to get a good teacher. They will give all the advice you need. Also a good local shop that can help you rent/buy and can maintain the correct size cello.

[cellisto]

Am also a Cellist of 24 years. It takes discipline but is very rewarding and a teacher is an absolute must. I laughed at the $1700 Instrument from above....I guess I'd get rebuked here if some knew the cost of my cello. Strings alone are around $600 these days.

[Halicar]

You’re saying you need to be a multimillionaire to afford spending $1700 on a musical instrument?

For an 11 year old who doesn’t even really play the instrument yet, yes. $1700 is a lot.

For a 17 year old who’s been playing consistently for several years and is ready for a better instrument, $1700 is very reasonable.

I agree, but it's not really about being a multimillionaire. Take a thousand guitar players and blindfold them; give them each a made-in-USA Fender, a made-in-Mexico Fender, and a made-in-Indonesia Squier and ask them which is which. Repeat the experiment a few times and I doubt any of them will consistently get it right.

[tetractys]

Perfect tuning can be done with only two instruments I know of, the human voice if it’s a good one, and the recorder—every other instrument compromises intervals or has a scattered sound wave.

Recorder? Really? You must be pretty good with alternate fingerings and pitch bending.

You can also attain perfect pitch on trombone, sackbut, fretless string instruments (violin family), theremin, Auto-Tune, etc . . .

The recorder keeps perfect intervals across all keys through breath pressure and the pure center of tone. Trombone and sackbut are very close, just a ring away. Violin family no; the sound is lovable because of the wild disarray of the strings. The theremin you would have to castrate it’s wow. A sine wave generator can do it; but at the cost of fresh air.

[CenTexan]

Perfect tuning can be done with only two instruments I know of, the human voice if it’s a good one, and the recorder—every other instrument compromises intervals or has a scattered sound wave.

Recorder? Really? You must be pretty good with alternate fingerings and pitch bending.

You can also attain perfect pitch on trombone, sackbut, fretless string instruments (violin family), theremin, Auto-Tune, etc . . .

The recorder keeps perfect intervals across all keys through breath pressure and the pure center of tone. Trombone and sackbut are very close, just a ring away. Violin family no; the sound is lovable because of the wild disarray of the strings. The theremin you would have to castrate it’s wow. A sine wave generator can do it; but at the cost of fresh air.

Thus you only know of two . . .

[Halicar]

Perfect tuning can be done with only two instruments I know of, the human voice if it’s a good one, and the recorder—every other instrument compromises intervals or has a scattered sound wave.

Recorder? Really? You must be pretty good with alternate fingerings and pitch bending.

You can also attain perfect pitch on trombone, sackbut, fretless string instruments (violin family), theremin, Auto-Tune, etc . . .

The recorder keeps perfect intervals across all keys through breath pressure and the pure center of tone. Trombone and sackbut are very close, just a ring away. Violin family no; the sound is lovable because of the wild disarray of the strings. The theremin you would have to castrate it’s wow. A sine wave generator can do it; but at the cost of fresh air.

I don't follow you at all. Are you talking about just intonation vs. equal temperament?

[quantAndHold]

Perfect tuning can be done with only two instruments I know of, the human voice if it’s a good one, and the recorder—every other instrument compromises intervals or has a scattered sound wave.

Recorder? Really? You must be pretty good with alternate fingerings and pitch bending.

You can also attain perfect pitch on trombone, sackbut, fretless string instruments (violin family), theremin, Auto-Tune, etc . . .

The recorder keeps perfect intervals across all keys through breath pressure and the pure center of tone. Trombone and sackbut are very close, just a ring away. Violin family no; the sound is lovable because of the wild disarray of the strings. The theremin you would have to castrate it’s wow. A sine wave generator can do it; but at the cost of fresh air.

I don't follow you at all. Are you talking about just intonation vs. equal temperament?

And *why* are we talking about just intonation vs equal temperament on a thread about an 11 year old beginner taking up guitar? That’s a discussion that can be tabled for about a decade, until the kid is in music school.

Also, none of my recorders actually play in tune, just or otherwise.

[tetractys]

Perfect tuning can be done with only two instruments I know of, the human voice if it’s a good one, and the recorder—every other instrument compromises intervals or has a scattered sound wave.

Recorder? Really? You must be pretty good with alternate fingerings and pitch bending.

You can also attain perfect pitch on trombone, sackbut, fretless string instruments (violin family), theremin, Auto-Tune, etc . . .

The recorder keeps perfect intervals across all keys through breath pressure and the pure center of tone. Trombone and sackbut are very close, just a ring away. Violin family no; the sound is lovable because of the wild disarray of the strings. The theremin you would have to castrate it’s wow. A sine wave generator can do it; but at the cost of fresh air.

I don't follow you at all. Are you talking about just intonation vs. equal temperament?

And *why* are we talking about just intonation vs equal temperament on a thread about an 11 year old beginner taking up guitar? That’s a discussion that can be tabled for about a decade, until the kid is in music school.

Also, none of my recorders actually play in tune, just or otherwise.

Singing is the best way to learn to hear music; but not many of us have such a fine voice to advance that way. Recorders have that fine voice with a laser focus. Temperaments aren’t necessary with an instrument that can be tuned so finely on the fly; but on the other hand it can easily blend with tempered tunings. If a recorder isn’t playing in tune it’s either bad or the player is still learning. What one plays is their choice of course, and many great musicians do fine with the approximate tuning that makes orchestras and bands possible; but learning to tune precisely opens great expanses and wonders and makes a better musician.

[quantAndHold]

Recorder? Really? You must be pretty good with alternate fingerings and pitch bending.

You can also attain perfect pitch on trombone, sackbut, fretless string instruments (violin family), theremin, Auto-Tune, etc . . .

The recorder keeps perfect intervals across all keys through breath pressure and the pure center of tone. Trombone and sackbut are very close, just a ring away. Violin family no; the sound is lovable because of the wild disarray of the strings. The theremin you would have to castrate it’s wow. A sine wave generator can do it; but at the cost of fresh air.

I don't follow you at all. Are you talking about just intonation vs. equal temperament?

And *why* are we talking about just intonation vs equal temperament on a thread about an 11 year old beginner taking up guitar? That’s a discussion that can be tabled for about a decade, until the kid is in music school.

Also, none of my recorders actually play in tune, just or otherwise.

Singing is the best way to learn to hear music; but not many of us have such a fine voice to advance that way. Recorders have that fine voice with a laser focus. Temperaments aren’t necessary with an instrument that can be tuned so finely on the fly; but on the other hand it can easily blend with tempered tunings. If a recorder isn’t playing in tune it’s either bad or the player is still learning. What one plays is their choice of course, and many great musicians do fine with the approximate tuning that makes orchestras and bands possible; but learning to tune precisely opens great expanses and wonders and makes a better musician.

The kid is 11. At this point, he’s probably more into Olivia Rodrigo than John Eliot Gardiner.

[Sandtrap]

It sounds like he might need a better guitar.

Does he have a teacher? Lessons would probably be the best thing for an 11 year old.

+1. A great teacher, if you can find one, makes learning an instrument worth it a thousand times over.

I would almost argue to pick the teacher over the instrument.

+1

i've always thought of golf or music teachers as lifetime coaches once finding someone that "clicks", "walks the talk", and Excels as well. ie: a pga player and instructor, or a degreed musician who is passionate about music and teaching.
So many take "a" or some lessons in things and thats it, never taking time and dedication to excel greatly at things and experience that over a lifetime.

Yes an outstanding music teacher and musician a must. "Light that fire!!!!"

j
dis laimer: opinions and onions. so many.

[vnatale]

Regarding the price / investment in a musical instrument?

I took the true Boglehead approach in regards to myself.

20 years ago I developed an interest in playing bass guitar. I could have easily afforded the best guitar / amplifier available that would not have affected my financial life in any way.

Instead, I told myself that I had to earn something good by proving to myself that I was serious about this.

I already had a piano amplifier which could be used to play a bass guitar through so I went to Musicians Friends and bought a Rogue bass guitar for $70. Later on I held someone's Gibson bass guitar and even being the complete amateur that I was I could easily tell the quality difference between it and my Rogue instrument.

But the Rogue fit me for where I was at.

By the way, I never proved to myself that I needed to make further investment in any bass playing equipment.

My initial instincts had been correct that I should not be making a grand investment in bass playing equipment until I proved that I was in it for the long run.

[snackdog]

How about an acoustic piano??

[Sandtrap]

Regarding the price / investment in a musical instrument?

I took the true Boglehead approach in regards to myself.

20 years ago I developed an interest in playing bass guitar. I could have easily afforded the best guitar / amplifier available that would not have affected my financial life in any way.

Instead, I told myself that I had to earn something good by proving to myself that I was serious about this.

I already had a piano amplifier which could be used to play a bass guitar through so I went to Musicians Friends and bought a Rogue bass guitar for $70. Later on I held someone's Gibson bass guitar and even being the complete amateur that I was I could easily tell the quality difference between it and my Rogue instrument.

But the Rogue fit me for where I was at.

By the way, I never proved to myself that I needed to make further investment in any bass playing equipment.

My initial instincts had been correct that I should not be making a grand investment in bass playing equipment until I proved that I was in it for the long run.

Well said.
Great points.

I took the same approach myself, with various instruments, as a hobby and a schooled performing musician.
Private lessons (years) as I could afford them for each.

On day, I finally bought and had customized for my use and fit. A Fender bass set up with flat wound strings for jazz tones.
Like this:


DW took this pic at a jam many years ago.
Also have 2 sizes of bass amps.
j

[Sandtrap]

I'm looking to get a gift for an 11 year old who is has shown a lot of progress and aptitude on the piano, reading music and playing songs by ear. He already has a digital piano, microphone, amp, and acoustic guitar. He's interested in the guitar but it sounds muted when he plays -- not sure if an electric guitar would be easier to pick up and train the fingers. Or possible a ukulele? Or something else?

Along with the type of instrument if you also have suggestions for a specific make and model that would be great. Thanks in advance.

to op:

Do you have a Yamaha Digital Grand Piano and a quality amplifier for it?

Something like this and with a portable stand.
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-DGX670B-W ... 485&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5LZNWGM/re ... 2619f016d6

small quality amplifier like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Roland-3-channel ... =1-12&th=1
j

[gtrplayer]

The recorder keeps perfect intervals across all keys through breath pressure and the pure center of tone. Trombone and sackbut are very close, just a ring away. Violin family no; the sound is lovable because of the wild disarray of the strings. The theremin you would have to castrate it’s wow. A sine wave generator can do it; but at the cost of fresh air.

I don't follow you at all. Are you talking about just intonation vs. equal temperament?

And *why* are we talking about just intonation vs equal temperament on a thread about an 11 year old beginner taking up guitar? That’s a discussion that can be tabled for about a decade, until the kid is in music school.

Also, none of my recorders actually play in tune, just or otherwise.

Singing is the best way to learn to hear music; but not many of us have such a fine voice to advance that way. Recorders have that fine voice with a laser focus. Temperaments aren’t necessary with an instrument that can be tuned so finely on the fly; but on the other hand it can easily blend with tempered tunings. If a recorder isn’t playing in tune it’s either bad or the player is still learning. What one plays is their choice of course, and many great musicians do fine with the approximate tuning that makes orchestras and bands possible; but learning to tune precisely opens great expanses and wonders and makes a better musician.

The kid is 11. At this point, he’s probably more into Olivia Rodrigo than John Eliot Gardiner.

I thought most kids were rocking out to Webern these days.