Good entry level acoustic guitar?

[Future Man]

My 13 year old son has expressed an interest in learning the guitar (hope he sticks with it longer than I did) and I was hoping for a recommendation for a good make and model under $200 if possible. Also if this price range is not realistic, is used a bad idea? Thanks for any replies!

[Dunnyman]

Used is never a bad idea to gauge someone's interest in music. You can find a solid, well built used acoustic from 50.00-200.00 quite easily. Check out your local musician's trading post (the store will be named something similar, they always are) and see what's out there. A good thing to keep in mind though is how grown he is at 13, if he's still got lots of growing to do, and not the longest fingers, a full size may discourage him (it did me), and a 3/4 scale might be a better bet.
Used places thrive, and they're usually staffed with people who know their stuff whereas Guitar Center seems to be staffed with people who were deemed too stupid to work at Best Buy. And you never know, shopping for an axe might just get you in the mood to give it another shot....

[Dan Mancini]

Go used if you can. You'll get a much better deal. Make sure you take along someone who can assess the quality of the instrument (its condition, action, etc.) if you go that route, though.

[Stubblecat]

If your budget is $200, then even after taxes you'll be able to find a high-quality acoustic at any reputable music shop. Yamaha makes a bunch of nice acoustics in both full-sized and student-sized. And they're not crap, either.

As with anything, the more you pay the better quality you'll get. Stick with reputable names and you won't be disappointed. Don't buy out of a catalogue or a department store. Buy from a real musical instrument store and you're good.

[Dave Ryan]

Epiphone (now owned by Gibson) makes some very good low-end acoustics. I have a dreadnought that cost me maybe $150 (I forget, actually -- it was a while ago), and my pro musician friend always mentions what a good guitar it is for a bottom-of-the-market entry.

Also, if you find ANY used Martin guitar for sale in your price range -- buy it. Buy it immediately.