Which guitar should I buy?

[Robin]

I want to get a nice 3/4 size guitar for my son. He's 9. I want a good one, but not crazy expensive. Any suggestions?

[Coffee]

How tall is your son. The size of the guitar is more determined by the size of the child. I know what you're going through. I have a 7 year old daughter who could carry a tune almost from the day she was born and here's my solution, I bought her a mandolin and tuned it to the same as the top four intervals on the guitar. Much easier to handle. However, if your son is like mine, a guitar is what he wants.

Mechanically, it can be difficult when starting out with a full size guitar and a 3/4 fits much better, but, I learned on a full size and started when I was eight and was playing in public by 10.

It was challenging, but there are a couple of advantages.
1. He'll grow into the instrument (probably sooner than you think) and you won't have to buy a different one in 2 years.
2. You'll have a lot more to choose from
3. Price to quality ratio will be better because of number 2 above

As far as brands, I'd say take someone with you who knows the instrument and have them check the straightness of the neck, the intonation up the frets, general workmanship etc. If you intend to have him take lessons, talk to a guitar teacher (preferably not one tied to a music store who may be getting a commission) and let him decide.

I guess you could say I'm not sold on 3/4 guitars. One other thing. His friends may try and tell him it's not a real guitar and he may become disenchanted.

Happy to field further questions.