Ace Music Gear Guide • Ace Music

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

Select to expand the option you want:

Instruments

TIP: Department Stores = not a great idea
(i.e. Aldi, Kmart, Target, Big W, JB HiFi)
Department stores rarely offer their apparent value, we’ve found that poor quality is not worth the saving, often the price is the same for a far superior instrument.

Which instrument do I get?

We have been recommending and using the Artist Store for their quality, unmatched value for money, ease of ordering and excellent service for many years. They have been kind enough to recognise this by supporting our school in return. While they only have one showroom (in St Peters), this allows them to use their warehouse to give you better value for money.

Open this link now for later: Artist Store (opens in new tab)

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

Acoustic Guitar – Classical/Nylon String

Just about every young beginner starts here because the strings are gentle on fingertips making them perfect for young children.

Good for young beginners, classical, flamenco & Spanish music.
Sounds mellow and soft – not as loud as acoustic
Built more solid than premium guitars 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.

Acoustic Guitar – Steel String

Small Beginner Acoustic (Steel String) Guitar

A steel-string Acoustic guitar is harder on your fingers but is fine if you are either:
1. Continuing on from a nylon string guitar at a young age or
2. Commencing guitar at an older age.
More developed fine motor skills make it less of a challenge.

Steel strings can be hard on young fingers
Sounds bright and loud, great for chord playing
Light but can be bulky
Most of our students end up buying one eventually
Good for 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 +	Full Size See LSP

SHOP BEGINNER ACOUSTIC GUITARS (free delivery)

Intermediate Steel String Acoustic Guitars
(Solid Top and Solid Wood Guitars)

Artist OMS10EQ Solid Wood OM Size Acoustic Guitar

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 folk, pop, country, slow rock music. Just keep in mind that a fine instrument has a fine build, therefore, is not quite as forgiving to knocks or bumps (so not usually recommended for youngsters).

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 CTS100BK

Under $250 (good for short-term)
– 61 full-size keys (spring action)

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

Under $600 (good for long-term)
– 88 full-size hammer action keys
– Varied degree hammers are like a full-size piano
– High-quality piano sounds

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