How do I determine what's "quality" if I don't know? I'm certain I can't use $$ as the sole indicator. Are there smaller than fullsize guitars that aren't toys? I'm happy to get him a genuine instrument, student class, instead of the stringed equivalent of Schroder's piano. (Although Schroder could make magic with that little box...
)
All questions apply equally to the other parts of the setup, amp, accessories. I guess some things differ only comsetically, like straps and stickers and picks and posters, eh? And what should go with it? I mean in terms of instructional swag? Ernesto/Emilio/Juan "Gitar" Valdez or whatever the infomercial guitar pusher is on the tube... you know. A book? A video? A dvd? How about music? I guess he'll want to play like he likes to listen to. That's cool.
He has a few uncles (one died a while back) who are very talented guitarists. I'll seek their input as well.
Thanks again from Santa's helpers *wink*.