So my daughter had been nagging me all year for a guitar. My research so far indicates the Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11 is an affordable beginner guitar.
I know absolutely nothing on the subject so would like some advice on an inexpensive guitar amp for her. Also, I like to stay in good terms with my neighbours so it doesn't need to be loud.
One more, just that one more
Positive grid spark, it’s got effects built into the amp which means you won’t have to worry about buying pedals for a beginner (that will come later but the amp will cover you very well)
How old is your daughter? The dinky is not a full size guitar. Does she like that super strat design?
Does she just want a clean guitar sound or is she interested in different effects? In which case a modelling amp may be best. A secondhand spark amp may be suitable. Every amp has a headphone socket so she doesn't have to annoy you or the neighbours.
What's your combined guitar/amp budget?
I recommend anything Yamaha for beginners. Heaps of awesome, good value beginner gear on FBM.
Also, great website you have in your profile.
Do not click the website….
@Jimothy Wongingtons will love it.
Should I be running a sandboxed vm with vpn for this….
The dinky is not a full size guitar
Jackson JS Dinky has scale length of 25.5" so I think it's a full size guitar. Unless your idea of "full size guitar" is an acoustic dreadnought :)
I actually had a Jackson Dinky back in the mid-90's (that got stolen in '99). 24 frets, HH and Floyd Rose — definitely not a beginner guitar. Just keeping that thing in tune is a full time job.
I've never owned a Jackson guitar but always thought that the dinky range has smaller and lighter bodies.
I have a Floyd Rose setup on a Yamaha 821DX. Never play it because I don't have 6 weeks spare to setup and tune the darn thing.
FBM to start, then she will either stop in 6 months or you can then buy a decent set up.
Did this a year ago. $200 starter set then we just bought a Fender Mustang LT50 and a better guitar might follow. The LT50 is a massively impressive amp. Has heaps of features that removes the need for pedals etc….
Another modelling amp option is Yamaha THR5; or any of the THR series but they're hard to find pre-owned
Have other brands caught up to where Line 6 is at? I've been thinking about buying a Line 6 Spider for years now (like, a lot of years, I should just do it) but it seems it's a much more competitive market these days.
I had a spider 5 20 for a few years, it was ok but nothing special.
The newer ones have bluetooth and can be battery powered. I have a Yamaha THR10II and like how easily I can move it around to wherever I'm playing.
Another vote for marketplace. People think they want to play guitar, buy a starter package then it doesn't get used so you might as well take advantage of this.
The Yamaha and Squire stuff is fairly bullet proof and you can regularly get a guitar/amp combo for a little over $200. One of my first amps came with a stack of effects which, whilst nice, was a bit overwhelming and difficult to just get simple clean/distorted sound which is all you need to start with so I personally think a simple amp is all you need to start with then get specific pedals or a multi effect board down the line.
beginner-intermediate guitars:
If headphones amp adaptor exists for practicing on, you may consider that. For your own sanity. Open backed ones would mean you wouldn't hear it from another room, but could still talk to her without her taking them off.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLklq8SVmJw
Those kind of adaptors exist (I have a couple) but I really wouldn't recommend them for a beginner. Just go for an amp with a headphone jack. That way they get a bit of experience with using an amp and can also be told to plug it in when it gets too much.
Sure about that? From a quick google, those adaptors are output only and won't take the input from the iRig.
Likely why it's so cheap these days.
My research so far indicates the Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11 is an affordable beginner guitar.
Does she already have one in mind? Maybe set a budget and let her try a bunch out? Look at Ephiphone and Squier branded guitars too for beginner level ones.
As for the amp, you only really need a lower wattage one for a practice amp (something like a 40W or 50W). Boss Katana or Positive Grid Spark ones would be my choice.
My golly, 40-50w is considered lower wattage? For a complete beginner in their bedroom this is a bit of overkill. I know the type of amp impacts required wattage however regardless, 1-10W would be fine I feel for this…
I'm thinking this too
Fair. My first one was a little 15W Roland Cube.
I was probably more thinking a little future proofing in case they eventually want to play with other people. I have a 40W Fender Rumble which isn't that big for practice.
OP's neighbours want to thank you for that comment.
Yeah, thanks for the tips. Searching FBM as I type.
If you're happy to post links of what your considering then I'm sure there's a few around here that will offer you some additional advice/suggestions/questions to ask seller.
My tips on musical instruments having experienced piano, flute, acoustic guitar, electric guitar.
Try to get the starter instrument as cheaply as possible (pre-owned) so you'll recover your money whether the player gives up or advances. The spend on the intermediate instrument will be much higher, so you can elect to go pre-owned again or go all-in on a new one. For guitars you'll need to get advice from others about string selection; don't waste money on a cheap capo, I did. For electric guitar you'll need a modelling amp - go with whatever works with your budget.
Sound advice
I bought a Boss Katana 50 MkII when I first started learning in 2019, it’s a good amp.
What does she want to play? Or what does she like to listen to?
That will suggest what type of guitar and amp combo works best for the stuff that will keep her interested
Look at artistguitars.com.au for an electric guitar beginner pack. If she doesn't stick with it, you didn't waste much money. If she does, the gear is good enough to be useful for many years. My son still plays the first guitar from that pack 9 years later, although his favourite is the '59 Telecaster clone. Awesome guitar considering the price, easily competes with branded gear 5 times the price.
What number do you want the amp to go to?