Am I over-paying for Yamaha??

[nafmeadmin]

I need to get 30 guitars for my 1st through 6th Grade students. I settled on 3/4 size instead of ½ size, and steel string over nylon, although I’m a bit unsure if that is wise. Mostly, I settled on the Yamaha JR1. Thing is that I need to get the Wenger Guitar Carts, which will set me back $1500. I saw the Hohner HAF250P for less than half of what the Yamaha costs. I don’t want to pick up junk, but the Hohner might make it possible to get the guitars before September. Does anyone have any advise? Thanks!!

[nafmeadmin]

With young children I would recommend nylon and not steel string. I teach about 5 young students privately in the age group you teach. The steel strings have too much tension for young fingers to press down to get the appropriate sound needed. With the nylon they will be more successful as it is easier to get the sound out and is gentler on the fingers. A 3/4 size may be big for 1st-3rd graders. If you are able maybe you can do 15 1/2 size and 15 3/4 size so you have some variety given the wide age groups you will teach. Yamaha makes good CGS Student Classical Guitar in 3/4 and 1/2 sizes. Since you are purchasing many at once you should be able to get a good bid for about $100 or less per guitar.

I have seen the Wenger Guitar Racks in use at other schools and are worth it to get them to store your guitars. Hope this helps. Please post if you have any other qestions.

[nafmeadmin]

Students should be able to get guitars quickly and with a minium of hassle. Instruments may be left out in the music room if rules about the use of the instruments are clear and the room can be secured.
Pegboard takes the least space and is practical for a small room, however young students may need help taking the instruments on and off the board. Special hooks may be purchased at a store that sells guitars. Utility hooks may be adapted if guitar hooks are unavailable.
A guitar stand is a home-made version of a commercial cello stand. It is made by 2 X 4’s, 1 X 4’s, and scraps. Most of the construction is done with screws and glue. A stand like this will cost about $25.00 to make and should last for many years.
Basic construction begins with a rectangular box made of 2 X 4’s. The 1 X 4 on the top is V-notched to provide resting places for the necks of the guitars. Bodies of the guitars should touch the bottom front of the frame for stability. If the stand is not on a carpeted floor a carpeted bottom should be added.
Send me your email and I will send you pictures.

[Author]

Posts