Ace Music Gear Guide • Ace Music Academy

Only getting started or looking to see where to go next, then this handy guide will get you there. Happy playing!

PLEASE NOTE: This page needs an edit. Many links are broken. But most information is basically up to date.

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Instruments

Where to buy from?

For most instruments we recommend the Artist Online Store – a unique Australian seller known for quality, value for money, easy ordering & first-class service.

TIP: Department Stores = not recommended.
Poor quality is not worth the saving. i.e. Aldi, Kmart, Target, Big W, JB HiFi(most instruments)

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Tap to expand the Instrument you’re looking for below:

Nylon String – Classical Acoustic Guitars

Young beginners start here because the strings are more gentle on fingertips making them ideal for young children.

Good for young beginners, classical, flamenco & Spanish music.
Sounds more mellow and soft – not as bright as steel string
Solid build to withstand accidental knocks and bumps a little better

Recommended for:

Age	Height (cm)	Recommended Size
2 – 5	75 – 100	1/4 Size See CL14
5 – 8	100 – 125	1/2 Size See CL12
8 – 12	125 – 165	3/4 Size See CL34
12+	165 +	Full Size See CL44*

* A full-size classical guitar has a wider neck than other guitars. If you have small hands we recommend the CL44S slim neck classical guitar.

SHOP BEGINNER CLASSICAL GUITARS (free delivery)

Intermediate Classical Guitars
(Solid Top and Solid Wood Guitars)

*Artist HG39303 Classical Guitar with Truss Rod – Solid Cedar Top*

A more premium option, this type of quality guitar uses solid woods to create a more clear, dynamic and loud sound. It also feels nicer (often easier) to play it’s also more future proof on your learning journey if you are interested in continuing learning classical, flamenco & Spanish music. Just keep in mind that a fine instrument has a fine build, therefore, is not quite as forgiving to knocks or bumps (so we don’t recommend them for the youngsters).

SHOP CLASSICAL SOLID TOP GUITARS – premium quality classical guitars.
SHOP CLASSICAL SOLID WOOD GUITARS – just about the best classical guitars you can get.

Steel String Acoustic Guitars

Artist JB300NT Acoustic Guitar Solid Top Jumbo-Large with EQ — Artist LSPSCEQ Beginner
Small Body Acoustic Guitar with EQ

FOR BEGINNERS?

Harder on your fingers but fine if you are commencing guitar at an older age. More developed fine motor skills make it less of a challenge.

Steel strings can be hard on fingertips
Sounds bright & loud
Ace Recommended models feature built-in Electrics (EQ)
EQ enables amplification, headphones & recording
Not good for younger students starting out
Some models are bulky
Good for styles including folk, pop, country, slow rock music

Recommended for:

Age	Height(cm)	Rec. Size
5 – 12	100 – 120	3/4 Size See LSP34
12 – 15	120 – 165	Small Body See LSPS
15+	165 +	Small Body See LSPS or Dreadnaught* See LSP

Small-body is often preferred for older students
because it’s more comfortable and portable.

SHOP BEGINNER ACOUSTIC GUITARS (free delivery)

Premium Steel String Acoustic Guitars
(“Solid Top” & “Solid Wood” Guitars)

Artist JMZ200CEQ Solid Wood OM Size Acoustic Guitar

Solid Top gives a marked improvement in sonic quality & playing feel. It’s also more future-proof for your learning journey if you are interested in continuing relevant musical styles. Keep in mind premium instruments are more delicate and required extra care.

Age	Height (cm)	Rec. Size	Premium / Top tier
5 – 12	100 – 120	3/4	Little Artist 3/4
12 – 15	120 – 165	Small Body	OMC200EQ / OMS10EQ
15+	165 +	Full Size	DS120EQ / DRS10EQ

SHOP SOLID TOP ACOUSTIC GUITARS (PREMIUM) – premium quality acoustic guitars.
SHOP SOLID WOOD ACOUSTIC GUITARS (TOP TEIR) – just about the best acoustic guitars you can get.

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Pianos

Artist doesn’t offer much in the way of pianos so we’ve put together the list below. JB HiFi carries a great line of electric pianos 2 examples are below.

Recommended for absolute beginners:

If you’re unsure of your commitment to the instrument, a basic keyboard like this 61 keys can get you going. Keep in mind that if you’re continuing a full-size hammer action will be required down the track.

Casio CTS300BK

(Around $300)
Useful lifespan: 12 months – 2 years
– 61 full-size keys (spring action)
– touch-responsive (variable loud and soft)
– not recommended for dedicated/serious piano learners

Recommended for continuing/committed players:

A hammer action piano is even a good idea for absolute beginners as it will provide a more realistic experience and develop hand and finger muscles sooner. We’ve long recommended the Casio CDP series as a solid option with its realistic weighted keys and excellent value.

Casio CDP135

(Around $600)
Useful lifespan: 3-6 years
– 88 full-size hammer action keys
– Varied-degree hammers are piano-esque
– Good-quality piano sounds for the price

Kawai ES110 Highly Commended

(Around $800)
Useful lifespan: 6-8 years
– 88 full-size hammer action keys
– Impressively realistic piano-like playability
– High-quality piano sounds
– Get the furniture stand for a tidy look or get a simple folding frame stand to save a few bucks.

Ukulele

Recommended for beginners:

Artist UKB1 Ukulele (Soprano)
+ 13 Inch scale
+ solid quality
+ carry bag
+ great for beginners
+ timeless natural wood/white combo
+ nylon binding keeps it from chipping like popular painted standard (Mahalo) ukes